Our Story
In 1977, Doug and Suzie Knapp purchased the property where Knapp Vineyards Winery and Restaurant is now located. During the next five years, 1978-1982, new vineyards of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Pinot Noir were planted, some of the first vinifera grapes along the shores of Cayuga Lake. Concurrently, they began their study of wine making culminating in the establishment of Knapp Winery in 1982 selling their first estate grown wines in the spring of 1984. Knapp was the first winery in the Finger Lakes Appellation to plant and vinify the grape variety Cabernet Franc.
In 1992 the Knapp’s opened a restaurant in conjunction with their winery retail shop—the first winery restaurant on Cayuga Lake. Always the pioneers, in 1995, Knapp became the first winery on the East coast to operate an Alembic Pot Still for the production of Brandy.
Knapp Vineyards Winery and Restaurant was purchased by Gene Pierce and Scott Welliver in 2000. In 2007 Knapp produced 13,000 cases, consisting of 30 wine products and 6 distillate products.
From 500 gallons in 1982 to 36,000 gallons in 2007, Knapp’s growth has been steady. Our wines are distributed throughout our upstate New York and the mid west, as well as being available at the winery retail shop year around. The addition of Grappa and other grape distillants to the traditional mix of wines has created a more diverse and interesting product line.
Growth continues at Knapp: new vineyards, new product lines, new gardens, and much optimism for many more new ventures in the twenty first century.
