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Eminence Road Farm Winery - Crafted Wines From The Catskills

Oren Hoeger

When you picture a place where wine comes to life, your mind might conjure up sprawling estates or grand chateaus. But then there's Eminence Road Farm Winery, a spot that, you know, feels a little different. It's almost like finding a hidden gem, tucked away in a quiet corner. This is a place where small batches of dry table wine are made, right there in a barn, on the very edge of the Catskill Mountains. It’s a very personal approach to wine creation, focusing on what feels right and true to the land.

The grapes that go into these special wines come from Finger Lakes vineyards, which are managed with a real eye for sustainability. So, in some respects, you're getting a taste of two distinct, beautiful New York regions in every bottle. This isn't about mass production; it's about thoughtful creation, giving each bottle a chance to really show off its unique character. It's a rather simple idea, actually, but one that leads to something quite remarkable.

This commitment to a more natural, hands-on way of making wine means that each bottle from Eminence Road Farm Winery carries a story. From the careful selection of the fruit to the gentle handling in the barn, every step is about respecting the ingredients and the process. It's quite a lovely thing, really, to know that what you're sipping has been brought to life with such dedication and care, right there in the heart of the Catskills.

Table of Contents

What Makes Eminence Road Farm Winery Special?

When you think about what makes a place stand out, sometimes it's the little things, the attention to detail, or just the feeling you get from it. Eminence Road Farm Winery, it's almost, seems to embody this idea. They focus on making what they call "small lots" of dry table wine. This isn't about huge quantities; it's about crafting something that feels personal, something that has been given proper time and thought. The location itself, a barn on the western edge of the Catskills, adds to this unique charm. It’s not your typical, grand winery building, which, in a way, makes it even more appealing for folks looking for something genuine. This approach, you know, really lets the character of the grapes and the place shine through.

The grapes used in these wines come from Finger Lakes vineyards, and they are managed with a commitment to sustainability. This means that the people growing the grapes are looking after the land, making sure it stays healthy for the long run. It's a pretty important consideration these days, actually, knowing that your drink comes from a place that cares about its surroundings. The Finger Lakes region itself is known for producing wines with wonderful balance and clarity, so, basically, Eminence Road Farm Winery is starting with some really good stuff to begin with. This combination of thoughtful sourcing and small-batch production is, arguably, what sets them apart.

The Unique Setting of Eminence Road Farm Winery

Picture this: a barn, not just any barn, but one nestled on the western edge of the Catskill Mountains. That’s where Eminence Road Farm Winery makes its home. It’s a very rustic, down-to-earth kind of place, which, you know, fits perfectly with their philosophy of making wine. This setting suggests a hands-on approach, a closeness to the land that you might not find in larger operations. It’s about simplicity and focusing on the essential elements of winemaking. The Catskills provide a beautiful backdrop, too, giving the whole process a certain calm and natural feel. It’s quite a lovely spot, really, for creating something special.

The fact that they use grapes from sustainably managed Finger Lakes vineyards also speaks volumes about their approach. It means they’re not just thinking about the taste of the wine, but also about the health of the earth where the grapes grow. This connection between the Catskills and the Finger Lakes, you know, creates a kind of synergy, bringing together the best of both worlds. The Finger Lakes region, after all, is quite famous for its vineyards, known for producing wines that have a really good sense of poise and brightness. So, in some respects, the setting and the sourcing work together to define the character of Eminence Road Farm Winery and its offerings.

How Does Eminence Road Farm Winery Make Its Wines?

The way wine is made can really tell you a lot about the people behind it. At Eminence Road Farm Winery, their process is, in a way, quite traditional and very much hands-on. For example, in October of 2022, a particular wine was moved from one container to another, a process known as racking. After that, sugar and yeast were added, which, as you know, helps the wine ferment. What’s really interesting is that it was bottled by hand, and without any fining or filtration. This means they didn't use processes to make the wine perfectly clear, which can sometimes strip away some of its natural character. Instead, they bottled it under a crown cap, and a second fermentation happened right there in the bottle. This method, basically, keeps the wine very much alive and authentic.

They continue this approach with other vintages too. In September of 2024, for instance, another wine was gently separated from its sediment, again, without any fining or filtration before bottling. Similarly, in September of 2023, the same careful process was followed. This consistent choice to avoid fining and filtration is, arguably, a key part of their winemaking philosophy. It suggests a desire to let the wine express itself naturally, to keep all its original flavors and textures intact. It's quite a commitment to a less interventionist style, which, you know, many wine lovers really appreciate for its purity.

They even have a history with specific grape types. Historically, they've made Gewürztraminer as a sparkler, but for one particular vintage, the grapes were so nice, so, they decided to do something a little different with it. This flexibility and responsiveness to what the grapes offer each year is, in some respects, a mark of true craftsmanship. It's not about following a rigid formula, but about listening to the fruit and adapting the process accordingly. The mention of barrels and tanks at Eminence Road Winery also hints at the tools of their trade, suggesting a blend of traditional methods and necessary equipment to bring these small-batch wines to life.

The Winemaking Process at Eminence Road Farm Winery

The way wine is brought into being at Eminence Road Farm Winery is, you know, quite specific and rather thoughtful. When they mention "racked," it means the wine was carefully moved, leaving behind any settled particles. This is a gentle step, really, that helps clarify the liquid without stripping its essence. Then, for some wines, sugar and yeast are introduced, which, as you might guess, starts the magical process of fermentation, turning grape juice into wine. The detail about bottling by hand, without fining or filtration, under a crown cap, is, basically, a big deal. It means they're not trying to make the wine perfectly clear or stable in a way that might remove some of its natural goodness. This method, often used for sparkling wines, allows for a "second fermentation" to happen right inside the bottle, creating those lovely bubbles or adding to the wine's depth. It’s a very hands-on and natural way to do things.

This commitment to a more natural process extends to other wines as well. For example, in September of 2024 and again in September of 2023, wines were "racked off their lees" and bottled without fining or filtration. "Lees" are the spent yeast cells and other sediment that settle at the bottom, and leaving them on for a time, or aging the wine "on its lees," can add complexity and texture. By racking them off, they are still cleaning up the wine, but without the more aggressive methods of fining (using agents to bind particles) or filtration (physically removing particles). This approach, you know, aims to preserve the wine's inherent character and flavor profile, allowing it to express itself fully. It's quite a deliberate choice to keep things as unadulterated as possible.

The mention of specific grape handling, like "60 ppm crushed and destemmed direct to press stainless steel," gives a little peek into the initial stages. "Crushed and destemmed" means the grapes were separated from their stems and gently broken open, ready for their juice to be extracted. "Direct to press" means the juice was immediately pressed out, and "stainless steel" refers to the type of vessel used, which helps keep the wine fresh and clean. This initial precision, combined with the later natural handling, really shows a consistent philosophy. They also have a history of making Gewürztraminer as a sparkler, but, as they say, some vintages are just "so nice" that they might choose a different path, like a still wine, showing their adaptability and respect for what each harvest brings. This responsiveness to the fruit is, arguably, a hallmark of their craft.

Where Can You Find Eminence Road Farm Winery Wines?

It's one thing to make wonderful wine, but then you want people to actually try it, right? Eminence Road Farm Winery has done a pretty good job of getting their wines out there, so, you can find them in a few different places. They're available at what they call "fine restaurants and wineshops" in several key areas. This includes the Finger Lakes region itself, which makes sense given where their grapes come from. But they also reach into the Catskills, the Hudson Valley, and even the big cities of Manhattan and Brooklyn. This spread suggests that their wines are appreciated by a rather wide audience, from local spots to more urban settings. It’s quite a reach for a small operation, actually.

Beyond the more formal settings of restaurants and wineshops, you can also find Eminence Road wine at local farmers' markets. This is, in a way, a really nice touch, as it allows people to connect directly with the producers and learn more about the wine in a relaxed setting. It’s a very personal way to discover a new favorite. The fact that they mention "partial and perpetually out" for online availability might mean that their wines are in high demand or produced in such small quantities that they sell out quickly. This just adds to the sense of them being a special, sought-after product. It’s almost like, if you see it, you should probably grab it!

Accessing Wines from Eminence Road Farm Winery

Getting your hands on wines from Eminence Road Farm Winery is, you know, pretty straightforward, though sometimes you might need to be a little quick about it. Their wines are available in places that really appreciate good wine, like what they describe as "fine restaurants and wineshops." This means you can look for them when you're dining out or browsing a well-stocked wine store. They cover a good chunk of New York State, including the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, the Hudson Valley, and the bustling areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn. So, basically, if you're in these regions, you have a good chance of stumbling upon a bottle. It's quite convenient, actually, for those who live in or visit these areas.

But it's not just about the usual places. You can also find their wines at local farmers' markets. This is, in some respects, a really cool way to buy wine, as you get to support local producers directly and often have a chance to chat with the folks who made it. It’s a very community-focused approach. The mention of "next upcoming delivery dates" and asking people to "have orders in at least one day prior" suggests that they might do direct deliveries or have specific pick-up arrangements, especially for larger orders like cases. This kind of direct interaction, you know, builds a nice connection between the winery and its supporters. It’s almost like being part of their extended family of wine lovers.

What Kind of Wines Does Eminence Road Farm Winery Offer?

When you think about the types of wines Eminence Road Farm Winery creates, it's clear they have a focus on dry table wines, which, as you know, are designed to be enjoyed with food or on their own without much sweetness. They use grapes from Finger Lakes vineyards, which are known for producing wines with wonderful balance and clarity. This suggests that the wines themselves are likely to be crisp, clean, and well-structured. One specific wine mentioned is "Lamb's Quarters Vineyard dry white table wine," and they even note how many cases were produced, which hints at their small-batch philosophy. It’s quite precise, actually, in its description.

They also talk about specific grape varieties. Historically, they've made Gewürztraminer as a sparkler. Gewürztraminer is a grape known for its aromatic qualities, often having notes of lychee and rose. The fact that they've made it into a sparkling wine in the past shows a bit of playfulness and a knack for making interesting beverages. However, they also mention that for one particular vintage, the Gewürztraminer was "so nice" that they decided to bottle it as a still wine instead. This adaptability, you know, really highlights their responsiveness to the quality of the harvest each year. It's almost like they let the grapes tell them what they want to become.

Another grape mentioned is Aromella, which is described as a "cross between Traminette and Ravat 34 developed by Cornell." This tells you a few things: first, they're working with grapes that might be a little less common, and second, they're using varieties developed specifically for the New York climate, which is, basically, a smart move for regional winemaking. Traminette, for instance, is also known for its aromatic profile, so you can expect Aromella to have some lovely scents and flavors. This focus on specific, well-suited grapes, combined with their natural winemaking approach, means that the wines from Eminence Road Farm Winery are likely to be unique, expressive, and a true reflection of their origins. It's quite fascinating, really, how much detail goes into each bottle.

Exploring the Varietals from Eminence Road Farm Winery

When you look at the specific types of wines coming from Eminence Road Farm Winery, you can see a real dedication to particular grape varieties and styles. They make dry table wines, which, as you might guess, means they're not sweet. These are the kinds of wines that pair nicely with a meal or just for a pleasant sip on their own. The grapes, as we know, come from the Finger Lakes, a region that typically produces wines with a good sense of poise and clarity. So, you can expect a certain brightness and clean taste from their offerings. One specific wine that gets a mention is the "Lamb's Quarters Vineyard dry white table wine," and they even tell us how many cases were made, which, you know, emphasizes the small-scale, personal nature of their work. It's quite a specific detail, actually, that gives you a sense of their production size.

They also have a history with Gewürztraminer, a grape known for its very distinct, perfumed aroma. They used to make it as a sparkler, which is pretty cool, but for one particular harvest, the grapes were just "so nice" that they decided to bottle it as a still wine. This shows a certain flexibility and a willingness to let the quality of the fruit guide their decisions, which, in a way, is a sign of true craftsmanship. It's almost like they're saying, "This grape is too good to just make into bubbles this year; it needs to shine on its own." This kind of responsiveness to the vintage is, arguably, what makes small producers so special.

Then there's Aromella, a grape that's a cross between Traminette and Ravat 34, developed by Cornell University. This detail is, basically, important because it tells us they're using grapes that are specifically bred to do well in the New York climate. Traminette itself is also known for being quite aromatic, so you can imagine Aromella would have some lovely scents and flavors. This choice of grape, combined with their approach of bottling without fining or filtration, means that the wines from Eminence Road Farm Winery are likely to be very expressive of the grape and the land. It's quite interesting, really, to see how these elements come together to create their unique offerings.

The information shared provides a glimpse into Eminence Road Farm Winery, highlighting its location in a barn on the western edge of the Catskills, its use of sustainably managed Finger Lakes grapes, and its focus on small-batch dry table wines. Details about their winemaking process, including hand-bottling without fining or filtration, and specific vintages from 2022, 2023, and 2024, show a hands-on approach. The winery's distribution network includes fine restaurants, wineshops, and farmers' markets across the Finger Lakes, Catskills, Hudson Valley, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. Specific wines mentioned include a dry white table wine from Lamb's Quarters Vineyard, and historical production of Gewürztraminer, along with the use of the Aromella grape. The overall picture is of a dedicated, small-scale producer committed to natural methods and regional character.

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Eminence Road Farm Winery - Long Eddy, NY - Nextdoor

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