Pleasant Valley Wine Company has been a staple in the Finger Lakes region for over 40 years, with a rich history that dates back to 1985. The company was founded by a family of winemakers who brought their traditional European techniques to the United States.
Their commitment to innovation and quality has led to the creation of over 20 unique wines, ranging from dry Rieslings to rich Merlots. These wines have earned numerous awards and accolades, solidifying the company's reputation as a leader in the industry.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a premier winery, Pleasant Valley Wine Company has consistently pushed the boundaries of winemaking.
History and Development
Pleasant Valley Wine Company has a rich history dating back to 1860, making it the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes region. Established in 1860, this historic winery holds the prestigious title of U.S. Bonded Winery No. 1.
The winery's legacy is deeply rooted in its pioneering spirit in viticulture. A visit to Pleasant Valley is a walk through the timeline of American winemaking history.
The winery's historic stone buildings, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, share the story of the winery's evolution from its foundation to its present-day glory under the Doyle family's stewardship.
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Innovations During Prohibition
During the Prohibition, Pleasant Valley winery quickly adapted to stay in business. They switched their coopers to making furniture and pews for local churches.
The winery found a creative way to continue producing something related to their original business. They made sacramental wine for those churches, which was the one loophole in the Prohibition's ban on producing alcohol.
A byproduct of winemaking is the creation of tartaric crystals that line the wine barrels. These crystals were then crushed to create cream of tartar.
The winery sold baked goods using the cream of tartar, a clever way to utilize their resources. This innovation not only helped them survive but also provided a new source of income.
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History and Flavor
Pleasant Valley Winery is a true piece of American winemaking history, established in 1860 as the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes region.
The winery holds the prestigious title of U.S. Bonded Winery No. 1, a testament to its pioneering spirit in viticulture.
Located just west of Hammondsport, Pleasant Valley Winery is easily accessible at 8260 Pleasant Valley Rd. and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
Wine Production
Wine production is a labor of love at Pleasant Valley Wine Company. The Wine Quality Laboratory is where all the magic happens, with historic buildings showcasing the craftsmanship that goes into creating their wines.
The Wine Quality Laboratory is a highlight of the tour, where you can peek inside the windows and see the process up close. Wine barrels line the hallway leading away from the lab, each one a testament to the skilled coopers who made them.
These coopers used to have to crawl inside the barrels through very small openings, a hazardous task that required a rope to be tied to themselves in case they passed out from the fumes inside.
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The Wines
Pleasant Valley Wine Company produces a wide range of wines, each with its own unique focus.
Their flagship brand, Great Western, is known for traditional and beloved champagnes, including Brut and Rosé. This is a nod to the winery's rich history, dating back to 1865 when it became the first bonded winery in the United States.
The winery's flagship champagne, Great Western Brut, is a must-try. With its crisp acidity and delicate bubbles, it's a perfect choice for any occasion.
Pleasant Valley's Pleasant Valley brand is renowned for fortified wines like ports and sherries. Their sherry, aged in barrel for 30 years before being bottled at 18%, is particularly phenomenal.
Here's a brief overview of the winery's brands:
Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of wine, Pleasant Valley Wine Company has something for everyone.
Wine Quality Laboratory
The Wine Quality Laboratory is where the magic behind wine-making happens. The lab is located in historic buildings that are truly impressive.
You'll have the chance to peek inside the windows of the lab, giving you a glimpse into the process. The hallway leading away from the lab is lined with wine barrels, which are a crucial part of the wine-making process.
These wine barrels are made by skilled coopers who used to have to crawl inside through very small openings. They'd tie a rope to themselves so someone else could help them get out, a testament to the demanding work they did.
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Expansion and Growth
Pleasant Valley Wine Company has undergone significant changes over the years, with its name and ownership shifting multiple times since its inception.
In 1962, the winery was purchased by Taylor Wine Company, marking the beginning of a new era for the brand.
Coca-Cola acquired Taylor Wine Company in 1977, further expanding Pleasant Valley's reach.
Seagram bought the winery in 1983, and later, the Doyle family acquired the historic Great Western Winery, as well as Widmer, and the rights to several other labels.
Today, Pleasant Valley Wine Company is owned by the Doyle family and encompasses three wineries: Pleasant Valley, Great Western Winery, and Widmer.
The company also retains rights to four other labels: Autumn Frost, Gold Seal, Millennium, and Brickstone Cellars.
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Customer Experience
At Pleasant Valley Wine Company, you can still get a taste of their history even if you can't make a tour. The visitor center is attached to the tasting room and has a mini museum with relics from the winery's long history.
The visitor center is a great place to explore, and I particularly enjoyed the replica of the Champagne Trail.
Tastings are a must at any winery, and Pleasant Valley is no exception. Visit the large U-shaped counter to do your own tasting for $10 and choose from a long list of wine, sparkling wine, sherry, and more from Pleasant Valley's 7 brands.
Don't forget to include the cream sherry in your tasting, it's a must-try!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest winery on Keuka Lake?
The Pleasant Valley Wine Company, also known as the Great Western Winery, is the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes area, dating back to 1860. Located on the shores of Keuka Lake, it holds the distinction of being U.S. Bonded Winery No. 1.
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