Knapp

Located close to Seneca Falls and easily accessible from the New York State Thru-Way, Knapp Winery has been a popular winery from its inception in 1984.  In the year 2000, the winery was sold to current owners Gene Pierce and Scott Welliver.  They recognized a gem when they saw it.  The Knapp’s had planted some of the first vinifera grapes along the shores of Cayuga Lake. Knapp was the first winery in the Finger Lakes Appellation to plant and vinify the grape variety Cabernet Franc. Recognizing the importance of wine with food, Knapp opened the Vineyard Restaurant in 1992, becoming the first winery restaurant on Cayuga Lake. The winery also had all of the production equipment and resources to continue to produce the premium wine it was known for, including an alembic pot for crafting cordials and aperitifs.

As one of the owners of Glenora Wine Cellars (the first winery on Seneca Lake) and one of the pioneers of the Finger Lakes grape growing region, Gene Pierce oversees the Knapp estate which  encompasses sixty-five acres of land of which forty acres are currently cultivated for growing estate Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Lemberger, Sangiovese, Merlot, Baco Noir, Cayuga, Catawba, Seyval, Vignoles and DeChaunac. His involvement in all aspects of the farm and production facilities is legendary for his hard work and passion for producing quality wine and making his customers and employees happy. If you visit Knapp, don’t be surprised to see him in the vineyards harvesting grapes during harvest, directing traffic during large events or keeping a watchful eye on ensuring a good experience for all visitors in the Finger Lakes. Forty years of experience have made owner Gene Pierce a leader in the wine community. His volunteer efforts in many organizations in Finger Lakes wine country have made him a go-to leader in the industry.

Knapp Winery is located in the Cayuga Appellation of Upstate New York, in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Finger Lakes wine country is home to over a hundred wineries and is North America’s premier cool-climate region. Why is this important? Understanding that wine is about a certain place- its soil, its climate and its proximity to water, can help to enhance your appreciation and wine enjoyment. 

The lakes in our region strongly impact the growing seasons.  In the spring, the lakes provide cool air that delay flowering and thus protect the vines from spring frosts.  In the summer, cool air ripples through our  vineyards and contibute to the safekeeping of vibrant flavors in our grapes.  In the fall the warmed lakes from the summer heat protect the vines from early frost.  Cool climate wines have certain characteristics-- vibrant fruit, low alcohol and acidity.  These particular qualities create mouth-watering, delicious wines. 

There are certain varietals that stand out in our region and none better than Riesling.  The Finger Lakes wine region produces world-class Rieslings and Knapp Rieslings have won many awards.  Here at Knapp you will be also be able to sample Gewurztraminers, Lembergers, Chardonnays, Merlots, Sangioveses along side French-American Hybrids such as Seyval, Baco Noirs, and more.  We are sure you will find more than one variety that excites you --vintage after vintage, proving that cool-climate wines are extra-ordinary!