Historic Site
The timeline for Standing Stone Vineyards begins with the 1972 and 1974 plantings of Riesling and Chardonnay by the Gold Seal Company. These old vines are the backbone of our production today.
Vines are constantly changing and adapting, which means that after decades in the ground, their genetic makeup will not only be different from when they were first planted, but it will also vary from modern cultivars of the same varietal and clone. The age of a vineyard is a testament to the vines’ adaptability and their capacity to survive stresses like drought, severe cold, and disease. Old vines are also distinct for their deep root systems, lower yields, and smaller clusters, which are all desirable factors for producing wines with concentration and complexity.
Innovation: The Versatility of Saperavi
The versatility of the Georgian variety, Saperavi, and its range of possibilities are enthralling. We created the Teinturier Series to showcase the variety in all of its fascinating manifestations- from dry rosé and traditional method sparkling, to robust reds with tannin and weight as well as fortified styles. Teinturier refers to grapes that have both pigmented skin and pulp, like Saperavi. We continue to make the bold and enticing red wines that have been emblematic of Standing Stone Saperavi over the years while trying new concepts!
Learn more about our work with Saperavi and our Teinturier Series Wine Club.
Estate-grown Varietals
Riesling
The oldest vines on the Standing Stone site date back to the original plantings by Charles Fournier and Guy Devaux in 1972.
Chardonnay
Fournier and Devaux returned to the site in 1974, planting over eight acres of Chardonnay with the intention of using the fruit for sparkling wine.
Gewürztraminer
One of the classic varietals of this estate, the specific site selection of these vines helps to ripen and protect this delicate varietal through the winter.
Pinot Noir
Planted in 1994, these were the first plantings made by Tom and Martha Macinski after they purchased the site from Gold Seal Winery in the early 1990s.
Saperavi
After planting two experimental rows in 1994, Standing Stone Vineyards is now home to the largest planting of Saperavi outside of the Republic of Georgia, at over six acres.
Cabernet Sauvignon
In an exploration of which red varietals would successfully grow in the Finger Lakes, the Macinskis planted more than two acres of Cabernet Sauvignon on the site in the mid-1990s.
Petit Verdot
At just over a half acre, our Petit Verdot is planted in close proximity to the lake, creating conditions which allow impressive ripening of this Bordeaux varietal.