Knapp Winery

OUR STORY

          It all began with the purchase of the “big purple monster” in 1970. What was the “monster”? It was a big purple mechanized grape harvester. In fact, it was the first in New York’s Finger Lakes. In an industry dominated my manual hand labor, Doug Knapp realized the purchase of the harvester was an investment in the future of grape growing. He bought the harvester while living and working in the Panama Canal Zone.

          He and his future wife Suzie successfully operated the only harvester in the Finger Lakes every fall until 1975. In fact they were too successful: they had to pay dilemma-taxes. In order to avoid these taxes Doug bought an old chicken farm where Knapp Vineyards stand today. Between 1970 and 1975 Doug planted fifteen acres of grape vines on his new farm, and in 1975 Doug and Suzie moved permanently to the Finger Lakes from Panama.

          Although, the majority of their business still came from harvesting every fall travelling from farm to farm, the Knapps also became “Taylor” growers. The Taylor Wine Company, an old established family wine business in New York State, dominated the industry for many years. The Taylor Wine Company was sold to Coca Cola in the 70’s and began its decline. As Doug harvested vineyards throughout the Finger Lakes he realized that some of the very best grapes were grown on his very own farm.

          The Knapps realized the only way to stay in business was to stop selling grapes to other wine producers but to go into business for themselves! They planted many more acres of vineyards, especially Vitis Vinifera species such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lemberger, Nebbiolo, along with the first Cabernet Franc in the Finger Lakes. They also learned to make wine themselves as they bonded Knapp Winery in 1982.

          Knapp Winery opened its doors in 1984. The Knapps quickly produced award winning wines. In 1991 Knapp Winery was awarded the Governor’s Cup for their Late Harvest Vignoles as the best wine in New York State. In 1992, Knapp opened the Vineyard Restaurant; the first winery restaurant on Cayuga Lake. Continuing their tradition of innovation, Knapp was the first winery on the east coast to purchase an Alembic Pot Still for the production of brandy. Along with brandy, Knapp makes grappa, port, limencello, and several fruit flavored cordials.

          As the 90’s came to a close Doug and Suzie thought the time was ripe to retire, so in 2000 they sold the winery to Gene Pierce and his business partner Scott Welliver. Along with Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant, Gene and Scott own Glenora Wine Cellars which is the oldest winery on Seneca Lake. As the company President, Gene plays a very active role in the daily running of Knapp from selling wine to mowing the lawn. Gene also brought over 25 years of experience to Knapp.

          Gene and winemaker Steve DiFrancesco have continued a tradition of excellence and innovation at Knapp. In 2007, the New York State Fair named Knapp’s 2005 Cabernet Franc the best red wine in the state. The 2005 Cabernet Franc went on to be the most awards winning wine in Knapp’s history.

          Knapp continues to progress by continuously adding to its product line. Along with our Vinifera wines and distilled products, Knapp continues the old New York tradition of producing wines from Native grapes (Vitis Labrusca) in our very popular “Kat” line of Kat Knapp (Catawba), Kat Knapp White (Niagara), Superstition (Concord), and our newer white hybrid blend Curiosity (Cayuga & Vignoles). Knapp continues to produce wines for every taste, from rich dry reds like Sangiovese and Merlot to sweet tastes like Kat Knapp and George’s Peach to strong liquors such as grappa and limencello. Knapp also introduced its first Ice Wine in November of 2009 which was quickly awarded a 90 point rating at the World Wine Championships.

          Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant continues to provide a delightful adventure for everyone’s palate with 39 distinct products on our wine list! From 500 gallons of wine in 1982 to 36,000 in 2008, Knapp's growth is steady! With new products, new vines, new gardens, and new ventures, Knapp is excited to progress through the 21st century!

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