Notes from our Winemaker, Vanessa Hoffman:

“Spring is my favorite time of year in the Finger Lakes. Everything is so alive and the endless shades of green is so addicting. The vines had a moderately early budbreak, but we escaped the early May frost unscathed. A small hailstorm in mid-May also spared us, so we are feeling particularly lucky in the vineyard. But our vineyard manager Joe comes from a long line of FLX farmers, and he will tell you that good news tends to only make farmers more nervous. But so far the growing season has been mild and beautiful, with 2026 shaping up to be another for the books. The clusters are just starting to poke out of the new canes, which means I will be able to do cluster counts and start crop estimates. Crop estimates are critical for determining what we need to do to prepare the cellar and also how much grapes we have for sale. With forty acres under vine, we typically sell at least half our grapes to neighboring wineries. Spring is the vineyard’s busiest time, so look for Joe out on a tractor when you visit the farm working hard to get everything ready to set the vines up for success. I will also start to spend more and more time in the vineyard now that most of the bottling is done, so look for (my little Aussie dog) Ham and I wandering the vines as well.”

2023 Cabernet Franc Select

“The 2022 Select was such a hit, and sold out so quickly, so I am hoping you all like the 2023 just as much. Sourced from our home block of Cab Franc, this is particularly deep and intense. Brimming with black fruit with hints of tobacco and cedar, it is definitely a Cab Franc to lay down for a few years, if you can resist. This is a wine club exclusive, but I don’t expect it to last much longer than the 2022.

Food pairing: With nice weather, all I want to do is grill and be outside. This is a big red wine, so it can stand up to smoked brisket. But for a more refined dinner, try steak au poivre. The peppery notes in the Cab Franc will make a phenomenal match.”.

2023 Saperavi

“This vintage of Saperavi is so inky black and concentrated that it almost seems viscous when pouring it in the glass.  I increased the barrel aging from the 2021 vintage, and the extra time in barrel did wonders for tempering the characteristic acidity and tannin. Saperavi combines savory notes like tomato leaf and licorice with bright berry notes of cassis and ripe blackberry in a way that is truly addictive.

Food pairing: grilled lamb chops and an herby tabbouleh salad will pair nicely. Saperavi is from the country of Georgia, where grilled meat and lots of fresh herbs and vegetables are classic cuisine.”

2024 Dry Rose

“I know it can be exciting to try the newest rose, but our 2024 is drinking so beautifully right now that we wanted to offer it again. It has everything you want in a rose: strawberry and raspberry notes with delicate florals and a stunning pink color. Every element is in perfect balance at the moment and it is a real treat in the glass.

Food pairing: Playing off the zesty fruit flavors in this wine, watermelon and feta salad or grilled peaches will make this wine sing. Or fresh bruschetta with early summer tomatoes and tons of fresh basil is also a winner.”

2025 Semi Sweet Riesling

“It has been a few years since we released a sweeter Riesling, but we heard your requests to bring it back. The 2025 vintage also created Riesling that was too beautiful to turn down. For sweet lovers, this is going to hit all the pretty tropical notes you love. For dry Riesling drinkers, don’t sleep on this wine! Delicious as a dessert or paired with something sweet, with enough vibrant acidity to keep it refreshing and mouthwatering.

Food pairing: Desserts are classics, like apricot tart or peach cobbler. But interplaying salty and sweet with this wine will have a big payoff, like drinking it with fried chicken and waffles.”

How to Place Your Order:

If you are happy with the wine club selections, you don't have to do anything else. We will send them to you automatically. However, if you do want to change your selection, there are a few different options.

1. Log in to your account at Knappwine.com and order through your member portal. Click this link for a step-by-step guide.

2. Reply to this email with your club selections

3. Call the winery any time during business hours (10am-5pm) and a staff member will assist you.

Important Dates:

June 18th - Last Day to Customize your orders
June 19th - Credit Cards are Charged
June 26th  - Wine Club Orders Ship via UPS 
June 28th - June Pick Up Party