
Finger Lakes Wine

grapes grown on the hills above the Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes, group of 11 long, narrow lakes, central New York State, lying generally parallel to each other in a northern-southern direction. The principal lakes, which range from 16 to 64 km (10 to 40 mi) in length and from about 2 to 5 km (about 1 to 3 mi) in width, are, from west to east, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, and Skaneateles. Seneca Lake reaches depths of 180 m (600 ft). The lakes are situated in a region of forested rolling hills that is noted for its scenic beauty and vacation resorts such as Watkins Glen. On the sloping shores of the lake are grown fruits and vegetables, notably grapes for wine making.
Conventional Wine and Champagne
making methods

old winery on the Finger Lakes

the winery

aging barrels


bonded warehouse
(where wine product can be held without paying the tax)

hose station, for transferring wine for purification or between storage locations

stainless steel fermentation and storage tanks

99,398 gallons in one tank

wooden tanks for the red wines

barrels often used for the fortified wines

fermentation in the bottle
traditional champagne process

the wine museum


original tasting center

stained glass panel in the tasting area
remembering early quality awards
Photos of Bully Hill Vineyards