We moved to the Finger Lakes area in the late 1970’s and began a life long journey into the world of wine. Purchasing 13 ½ acres on the eastside of Seneca Lake in the early 80’s. Clearing the land of native cedar trees we built our home and started planting our vineyards. Recognizing the grape concentrating potential in the shallow clay-rich soil and the unique niche for a small producer making RED WINE only, Shalestone Vineyards was born.
“Red is All We Do! We are unique in the Finger Lakes, red wine is all we produce. In a wine region mostly known for producing Reislings and other white wine varietals, we have made it our goal to produce fine dry red wines that rival other famous wine regions around the world, but also have and retain their own regional character. Red wine is our passion and it is what we produce. Shalestone Vineyards is the only winemaker making reds exclusively in the Finger Lakes.
Located in the hills below our tasting room, on the Eastern slope of Seneca Lake, we selectively plant on our 6.5 acres a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Lemberger and Pinot Noir. The dynamic micro-climate created by the deep lake, mixed with a shallow, clay-rich soil and the long sun filled summers, create a fantastic environment in which to grow our grapes. We produce approximately 1500 cases annually.
