Standing Stone Vineyards is integral to the heritage and future of the Finger Lakes region. Located on the Eastern slopes of Seneca Lake, the site is not only visually stunning but also ideal vineyard land. Factors such as proximity to the lake, slope, and soil type are vital components that contribute to moderating lake effects and ripening, and contribute to the distinct nature of our wines.
Standing Stone Vineyards embraces the pioneering spirit of Charles Fournier and Guy Devaux, the Gold Seal winemakers who planted Chardonnay and Riesling on our site in the early 1970s. Our production showcases all that this exceptional site has to offer, from classic styles made from some of the oldest vinifera plantings in the region, to more innovative offerings made from lesser known varietals, like Saperavi.
In order to achieve the purest expression of place, we implement low intervention practices, both in the cellar and in our farming methods. We have increased biodiversity and ecosystem health and eliminated synthetic inputs. It is an exciting time to delve into what this farm has to offer and we invite you to taste the wines, and explore with us.
As of June 2017, Fred and Oskar purchased Standing Stone Vineyards in the hopes of continuing the exploration of this prized site. Over the last decade, they have succeeded in placing Hermann J Wiemer Vineyard in particular, and the Finger Lakes region in general, on the global map, making sure the region is understood for its distinctiveness. With a commitment to viticulture thought-leadership and experimentation, they look to bring this knowledge to Standing Stone Vineyards and learn about all that these historical vineyards have to offer.
Dillon Buckley began working at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard in 2013 and quickly moved from glass polisher, to cellar hand, to assistant winemaker, to winemaker. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, he grew up spending his summers on Seneca Lake. Apart from the Finger Lakes, he has worked harvest in South Africa. When Dillon is not making and learning about wine, he enjoys history, travel, long distance running, and all manner of sport.
Kyle began his career in hospitality at Red Newt Cellars in 2001, but is well-known for managing the crew at the Stonecat Cafe, where he helped grow the restaurant from a fledgling operation into one of the Finger Lakes’ most beloved eateries. When not serving the public in the Standing Stone tasting room, the native Texan serves the public as a village trustee in his current hometown of Lodi, New York.
The recently retired founders of Standing Stone Vineyards have now shifted their focus, embracing their passion for motorcycles and visiting the great wine regions of the world.