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:
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Average Bottle Price
History
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.