Leidenfrost Vineyards

Interview with Elizabeth Leidenfrost of Leidenfrost Vineyards

About

Leidenfrost Vineyards has intentionally remained a small, family-run winery. A high level of quality and individual attention to every wine is essential which John and Liz see as a beautiful limited edition, with only 3000 cases of wine produced annually. A small family winery also means that you're treated like family when you visit. The winery’s staff are long-time employees who bring a wide range of talents to the winery, including an appreciation for good wines and gratitude for the customers who stop in to taste, buy and take home Leidenfrost Vineyards wines to enjoy.

Location Description

Leidenfrost Vineyards is found in the heart of the Finger Lakes in New York.

Features

  • Premium wine grapes.

Additional Information

  • Meeting / Conference Facilities:
  • Caves:
  • Wedding Facilities:
  • Picnic Facilities:
  • Dog Friendly:
  • Winery Tours:
  • Wine Tasting:
  • Art or Architecture:
  • Organic / Biodynamic:
  • Awards:
  • Wine Club:
  • Lodging / Bed & Breakfast:

Average Bottle Price

$ 14

History

In 1984, the present proprietor, John Leidenfrost Jr., assumed control of the farm. Removing many of the older, less productive vineyards, he planted premium European Vinifera varieties, with the intent of offering a more diverse grape selection and someday creating an estate winery. His love of quality red wines prompted some of the earliest plantings of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc in the Finger Lakes, complementing the already well established Baco Noir variety on the farm. Along side the reds, John planted Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Vignoles and other white grapes, bringing the varieties planted to 27 acres. A lover of organic farming, John maintains the grapes in a sustainable fashion employing minimal use of herbicides and pesticides.

The newly replanted farm yielded sufficient fruit for John to begin his commercial winemaking in 1990. The winery had humble beginnings, producing only 1200 gallons in its first year. By 1992, however, Leidenfrost Vineyards was poised to present its wines to the world. Setting up shop in a small log cabin adjacent to the estate and at the celebrated Ithaca Farmer's Market,

John began selling some of the earliest Merlots, Pinot Noirs and Cabernets in the Finger Lakes. Leidenfrost Vineyards wines were a hit! Perennial customers, in fact, still reminisce about the old days at the rustic log cabin where, on cold winter days, a hot wood stove blazing, peanut shells on the floor, friendly conversation and great red wines could always be found.

As the Finger Lakes experienced a wave of new wineries, John opted to expand the business by building a timber-frame tasting room overlooking a spectacular view of Seneca Lake. Construction began in 1995-designed and built by John himself-and opened in 1996. Throughout the following years, he erected additional structures, including a state-of-the-art tank room and barrel aging cellar.

Awards

With over 22 years of winemaking experience, Leidenfrost Vineyards has won an array of Double-Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for its wines.

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Hours

Mon - Fri: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat - Sun: 10:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Address

5677 RT 414
Hector, New York 14841
United States

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