VINEYARDS
Where Heat, Hillsides, and Heritage Meet
Our vineyards are located in the southern portion of Seneca Lake, affectionately referred to as the “banana belt” region of the Finger Lakes. This area is a micro-climate within a macro-climate, warmer than any other spot in the region, allowing more challenging varieties the opportunity to grow and ripen. We are committed to providing sustainable culture practices that enhance the quality of the fruit and the earth it stems from.

Seneca Lake’s massive depth of over 600 feet retains heat, keeping the surrounding soils warmer in winter and cooler in spring, protecting delicate varieties that would otherwise freeze. In fact, the uniqueness of the soil, climate and growing conditions, or terroir, have earned “Seneca Lake” a position as a unique wine growing appellation region apart from the Finger Lakes.
The Grapes We Grow
Atwater’s vineyards are home to an impressive range of grape varieties—each chosen for how beautifully it expresses our unique site. From classic cool-climate whites to bold reds that thrive in our warm “banana belt” microclimate, every grape we grow is a reflection of the land, the lake, and the care we put into our farming.