Our History
Dedicated to excellence in winemaking in the Finger Lakes region since 1977. Journey through the rolling hills and discover our full portfolio of wines. Heron Hill is among the leaders in recognizing Riesling as the region's flagship varietal. Heron Hill has won many awards for its distinctive, elegant wines and continues to be at the forefront of Finger Lakes winemaking.
1968
Peter Johnstone plants Chardonnay and Riesling on current site of Heron Hill
1972
John & Josephine Ingle plant Chardonnay, Riesling, Seyval, Ravat, and Aurora on the west side of Canandaigua Lake
1974-1976
Johnstone and Ingle sell grapes to Gold Seal Winery
1977
Heron Hill Winery opens. Seven wines entered in the New York State Fair and seven wines win Gold medals.
1976-1995
Johnstone remains winemaker and manger at Heron Hill Winery
1991
First vintage of Eclipse Red Blend
1995
Phil Hazlitt hired as winemaker
1996
Dan Keeler hired as winemaker
1999
Heron Hill Winery completes renovation and expansion
1999
John Rose hired as general manager of Heron Hill Winery
2000
Heron Hill Winery hosts first wedding in the outdoor tent
2001
Thomas Lazlo hired as winemaker
2002-2004
Heron Hill Keuka estate vineyard replanted
2003
Heron Hill's first vintage of icewine
2004
First columnSan Francisco International Wine Ingle Vineyard 2002 Best White Wine
2006
Tasting Room on Seneca opens
2007
Jancis Robinson visits Heron Hill Winery and Ingle Vineyard
2008
Ingle Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot planted
2009
Bernard Cannac hired as winemaker
Heron Hill selected by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the “Top 10 Most Spectacular Tasting Rooms in the World”
2010
Tasting room on Canandaigua Lake opens
2011
Heron Hill begins using screwcap closure on select wines
2013
Eric Frarey joins Heron Hill Winery as Director of Sales and is soon named COO
2011
Heron Hill begins using screwcap closure on select wines
2013
Eric Frarey joins Heron Hill Winery as Director of Sales and is soon named COO
2015
Barry Tortolon hired as winemaker
2016
Blaufrankish planted at Ingle Vineyard
2017
Heron Hill Winery celebrated their 40th anniversary
2020
Jordan Harris hired as Winemaker