Glenora Wine Cellars

The oldest winery on Seneca Lake, Glenora Wine Cellars is widely known for its warm hospitality and magnificent lakeside setting. The proximity to Watkins Glen International has seen thousands of race fans come through the doors, welcomed with wine, food, and incredible views.

Established after the passing of the Farm Winery Act of 1976, Glenora Wine Cellars officially opened their doors in May of 1978, producing 5,000 cases of wine and receiving instant acclaim in wine circles when its initial vintage won several medals at the New York State Fair wine competition. Owner Gene Pierce, along with Eastman Beers, Edward Dalrymple, and Howard Kimball, watched their farm winery grow to a commercial producer and win recognition in Wine Spectator magazine as one of the world’s top wineries.

As the years went on, the winery expanded to increase its production facilities and retail sales. 1999 saw the creation and opening of the 30-room Inn at Glenora and Veraisons Restaurant, offering guests from around the globe world-class accommodations and farm-to-table cuisine in the heart of the Finger Lakes.

Glenora Wine Cellars produces a wide-variety of wines, from the Finger Lakes star varietal Riesling, to sweet and accessible fruit wines. Under winemaker Steve DiFrancesco, they are perhaps best known for their award-winning sparkling wines. Glenora’s 2013 Methode Champenoise Brut was recently awarded Best in Show at the American Fine Wine Competition. The official sparkling wine of SVRA, Glenora’s Non-Vintage Brut is light and crisp—perfect for winner’s circle celebrations.

Today, Glenora Wine Cellars is owned by Gene Pierce and Scott Welliver, who struck up a friendship in the early 70s at a race—a sail boat race. Over the years, Pierce and Welliver have welcomed drivers and fans alike, both in the tasting room and to the Glenora Run Road Rallye, a 40-60 mile course starting at Glenora and winding through the Finger Lakes, in conjunction with Vintage Grand Prix weekend.

Glenora Wine Cellars wines are available at Glenora.com.