Celebrate a Legacy: Hunt Country Vineyards' Final Wine Festival Extravaganza
A Journey Through Generations: The Enduring Heritage of Hunt Country Vineyards
Nestled just outside Branchport, a picturesque New York locale on West Branch Keuka Lake, the Hunt family's agricultural roots run deep, spanning seven generations. Their journey in viticulture began in 1830 with Josiah Prentiss, a trailblazing ancestor who initiated commercial grape cultivation in the area. The family established their first vineyards in 1902, with some original plantings still thriving today. Hunt Country Vineyards persevered through challenging times, including Prohibition, and eventually started producing and selling its own wine in 1981. Over the last decade, the vineyard has embraced sustainable practices, converting to solar power and organic farming, solidifying its reputation as a leading winery in the state.
A Bittersweet Farewell: The 37th Annual Harvest Festival
In March 2025, the proprietors of Hunt Country Vineyards announced a significant change: upon the retirement of Art and Joyce Hunt, the vineyard would cease wine production and close its tasting room, returning to its origins of farming and selling grapes. This transition makes the 37th Annual Harvest Festival on October 4, 2025, an unmissable occasion. The festival will feature an array of attractions, including various wines, gourmet food, and artisanal beverages. Guests can look forward to tastings, informative tours, live musical performances, engaging games, grape picking, and the cherished tradition of grape stomping, an ancient method of crushing grapes by foot to extract their juice.
An Invitation to Experience the Best of Hunt Country Vineyards
For those who have yet to visit Hunt Country Vineyards, the upcoming harvest festival presents an ideal chance to immerse oneself in its unique charm. The closest air travel hubs are Elmira Corning Regional Airport and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, both approximately 60 miles away. For those traveling by car, New York City is less than a five-hour drive. The journey itself offers scenic views through some of the Finger Lakes' most captivating towns, renowned for their charm, wineries, and waterside activities.
Savor the Flavors: Wines, Culinary Delights, and Local Brews
Festival-goers will have the opportunity to sample Hunt Country's diverse selection of wines. Options range from a lively bubbly rosé and a distinctive sparkling cabernet franc to crisp Cayuga white, elegant riesling, aromatic vignoles, robust blaufränkisch, and various dessert wines. Reservations are advised for the curated flight of five wines. In addition to alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic drinks and beers from local craft breweries, Climbing Bines Hop Farm & Brewery and LyonSmith Brewing Company, will be available. These breweries are situated near Penn Yan, another delightful town in the Finger Lakes celebrated for its acclaimed wineries and stunning lake vistas. Alongside light bites available for purchase in the tasting room, the Lake Life Catering Pop-Up Burger Stand will be serving classic and specialty burgers, complete with chips and a pickle.
Engaging Entertainment and Sustainable Insights
The festival's entertainment lineup includes live music performances by Ryan Johnson and HaNna PK. Attendees can also join Suzanne Hunt for a "Sustainability Tour," offering insights into the winery's commitment to organic farming, solar energy, composting, and other eco-friendly initiatives. A special presentation by Braddock Bay Raptor Research will also be part of the program. True to tradition, the Hunt Country Vineyards festival will feature classic lawn games such as bocce ball, croquet, and horseshoes. For a truly immersive experience, guests are encouraged to participate in grape picking and the lively grape stomping, fully embracing the spirit of winery life.