Our History
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| It's hard to believe that it has been almost a decade since Amy and David Hoffman opened Rooster Hill Vineyards on the east side of Keuka Lake. Rooster Hill has grown into one of the most highly respected wineries in the Finger Lakes region, and its white and red vintages have been recognized across the world. Rooster Hill wines have won more than 200 medals over the years. Wine Spectator and other national wine magazines have rewarded Rooster Hill wines with high ratings. For example, Wine & Spirits magazine gave Rooster Hill's 2007 Dry Riesling a rating of 91 in its December 2008 issue. "An elegant wine," the magazine said, "this leads with a slightly mentholated note, spiced apple and pear. Its flavors are lacy and finely rendered, with fresh apple adorned by mint and a touch of citrus." That same year, the Dry Riesling and Rooster Hill's Semi-Dry Riesling were each chosen as a Top 10 Riesling in the United States at the 2008 Canberra International Riesling Challenge in Australia. Last year, the winery's 2008 Estate Semi-Dry Riesling won a Double Gold Medal at the New York Wine & Food Classic competition which is known as "The Oscars" of New York State wine. And Wine Spectator's, James Molesworth visited the winery, tasted the wines and then wrote: "At Rooster Hill, Amy, Barry and the team aim high."  Amy, a former Marketing Executive for a Fortune 50 high-tech company and David, a Financial Planner and Tax Advisor with a private practice, decided to leave Southern California and move back closer to their hometowns of Akron and Clarence. They had discovered Keuka Lake in the early 90s, and agreed it was place where they would eventually like to spend more of their time other than just annual family vacations.In early 2000, they traded their business suits and briefcases for jeans and work boots and have never looked back.  They planted the Savina Estate Vineyard in 2002 with Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Lemberger. Savina will yield its first fruit for winemaking in 2004. Named after Amy's great grandmother, who immigrated from Italy in the late 1800s, Rooster Hill's Savina vineyard faces west on a gentle slope and enjoys warm sun and cool breezes. In early 2003, they planted the Catherine Estate Vineyard. Named after Amy's great aunt, this vineyard is at a slightly higher elevation and will include Lemberger, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Gewürztraminer. In 2007, the Giuseppe vineyard named after Amy's great uncle, was planted and includes Vidal Blanc which will be earmarked for a Late Harvest style of wine. |