No visit to the scenic and renowned wine-growing Finger Lakes area in upstate New York would be complete without a stop at the Ravines Wine Cellars. This quaint boutique winery may be small, but it has certainly made a significant impact on the wine world.
Meet the Owners
Grape-grower and wine-maker Morten Hallgren was raised in the Province region of France, and his background uniquely qualifies him for this profession. Not only does he have advanced degrees in Viticulture and Enology from one of the premier wine-making schools in the world, but he also has years of experience working with celebrated European wine-makers. His wife Lisa Laura is a chef and a self-described “foodie.” Her expertise includes creating recipes and events which pair delicious, seasonal foods with the food-friendly Ravines wines in a variety of settings.
Welcome to Ravines
In 2000, the Hallgrens bought an amazing 17-acre property located near the village of Hammondsport on the widest part of the beautiful Keuka Lake, the most scenic body of water in the Finger Lakes winery region. Ravines is named for the land on which it sits, situated between two deep ravines carved by glaciers that slope sharply into the lake. This particular setting allows the grapevines to flourish due to the combination of the weather, the rich soil and the unique drainage and airflow provided by those ravines. This spectacular setting is perfect for an award-winning winery.
Award-Winning Wines
Just two months after Ravines Wine Cellars opened for business it won an international award for Best Dry Riesling. Since then, the winery’s elegant, hand-crafted wines have won more awards, have received stellar reviews from respected wine publications and have been featured in many fine wine shops and excellent restaurants all across New York. Blending Old World traditions and New World innovations in wine-making is key to this winery’s success. Ravines wines continue to garner accolades, and the demand for these wines is growing all across the country.
Experience Ravines
When you visit the Ravines tasting room, you’ll be transported to the South of France by the charming Provençal décor, including symbolic artifacts from that region in France. A distinctive feature of this winery is its offerings of unique wine experiences, including wine dinners, wine and food pairings and orchestral events. A second Ravines tasting room is located on Seneca Lake, another of the beautiful Finger Lakes. During each wine-tasting experience you’ll get to see the behind-the-scenes process of wine-making, and the experienced, friendly servers will enhance your wine knowledge and appreciation. The Ravinous Kitchen is open seasonally and features locally produced cheeses and chocolates paired with the perfect Ravines wine selections. The winery is open year round, and these items and more are available for purchase in the tasting room gift shops.
The Ravines Wine Cellars is a must-see for visitors to the Finger Lakes region. This boutique winery is charming in every way, and the Hallgrens’ passion and expertise are evident in their delicious and distinctive wines.