Since 1972, the Mazza family has turned Lake Erie AVA grapes into wine and grown that original vineyard into a regional family of wineries, a brewery, and a distillery. Robert Mazza, Inc. now operates three winery locations, including South Shore Wine Company’s historic 1860s stone cavern, while also offering custom winemaking and distilling for other brands. The company emphasizes locally sourced agricultural products and more sustainable grape varieties.
Robert Mazza, IncFor more than 50 years, the Mazza family has carried on a winemaking tradition in the Lake Erie AVA, growing Robert Mazza, Inc. from one vineyard into a family of wine, spirit, and beer makers. Today, the company’s locally sourced approach is expressed through its regional wineries and its Westfield destination, where wine, distilling, and brewing share one home.MAYVILLE, NY
Martin Family Wineries & DistilleriesBorn from a commercial beekeeping family’s experiments with honey wine, Martin Family Wineries & Distilleries has grown from a Sterling garage venture in 1999 into a Finger Lakes-centered group of wineries and distilleries. The family opened Montezuma Winery in Seneca Falls in 2001, established Hidden Marsh Distillery in 2007 as one of New York’s early craft distilleries, and now carries the Martin tradition through multiple tasting rooms, including newer Swedish Hill and Either Oar locations. Third-generation Martin Zach Martin serves as co-owner and distiller, continuing a family operation that works with local growers and farmers while also offering contract bottling.OLD FORGE, NY
Arrowhead Wine CellarsOn the shores of Lake Erie in North East, Pennsylvania, third-generation grape growers Nick and Kathy Mobilia make wine from fruit grown largely on their family’s 250-acre farm. Established in 1998, Arrowhead Wine Cellars controls the process from growing and pressing through fermenting and bottling, carrying the Mobilia family’s agricultural tradition into a 32-variety winery. The family’s Blackberry Wine won the Pennsylvania Governors Cup in 2017.NORTH EAST, PA
Lakewood VineyardsSince 1988, the Stamp family’s Lakewood Vineyards has been making Finger Lakes wines from its Seneca Lake vineyards near Watkins Glen. The family-owned winery now spans three generations and 100 acres, with certified sustainable vineyard practices and a tasting program that brings visitors into the vineyards and winemaking process. Lakewood is especially known for its award-winning Riesling and Lemberger, including honors from the Berlin International Wine Competition.WATKINS GLEN, NY