Good Grapes, Great Teachers, and Where It All Comes Together

A few weeks ago, we shared that we’d signed an Alternating Proprietorship agreement. It’s a big step that makes it possible for us to start selling our own wines.

Now we can finally share where that will happen: at Ria’s Winery, in the heart of the Finger Lakes.

This milestone feels especially meaningful for Scott. During his time studying winemaking at FLCC, he learned from two incredible professors who’ve both played a big role in shaping his path. One of them, Paul Brock, owns Silver Thread Vineyard with his wife, Shannon, where Scott has now worked three harvests.

The other, Mike Penn, recently opened Ria’s Winery with his wife, Ria D’Aversa, and that’s where our wines will come to life.

It’s a full-circle moment: from the classroom to the crush pad, to now making wine under the guidance of his mentors. It’s also exactly the kind of supportive, collaborative spirit that makes the Finger Lakes wine community so special.

Scott can’t wait to get started on our first releases: a Dry Riesling and a Cabernet Franc Rosé.

We’re so grateful for this opportunity, and we can’t wait to share more soon—including the name we’ll be releasing these wines under once the trademark process wraps up.

You can learn more about Scott’s first batch of wine, made in our basement, in this post.

And, before you leave, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog, and also check out our Facebook group, Finger Lakes Food and Wine Adventure.

Cheers from the lake,
— Niki & Scott