In autumn 2025, a prestigious vineyard in New York bids farewell in style with a grand wine festival featuring tours, concerts, outdoor games, and the essential grape stomping at its foot. Located above the West Branch of Keuka Lake, this estate in the heart of the Finger Lakes transforms its final season into a memorable celebration, combining tastings, family history, environmental shifts, and a program as flavorful as it is sparkling.
A Prestigious Vineyard in New York Hosts an Autumn Wine Festival: Tours, Concerts, and Grape Stomping on the Agenda
On October 4, 2025, the family in charge of Hunt Country Vineyards invites enthusiasts and curious visitors to its 37th Harvest Festival. This event is particularly poignant as the estate, located near Branchport, announced in March 2025 that it would return to its agricultural roots — growing and selling its grapes — following the retirement of Art and Joyce Hunt, closing the chapter on wine production and the tasting room. In short, the end of an era, celebrated as it should be: glasses raised, live music, laughter, and steps into the vats to stomp the grapes.
A legacy of seven generations, from vineyard rows to solar energy
Here, history is savored as much as the vintages. As early as 1830, ancestor Josiah Prentiss was a pioneer by planting the first commercial vines in the region. In 1902, the family established its own rows — a few original lines still exist, an emotional nod to the past — and navigated challenges, from Prohibition to the end of The Taylor Wine Company. The estate has been bottling its own wines since 1981, and in the past ten years, the farm has made a significant shift towards organic farming, solar, and composting, becoming one of the most cherished vineyards in the state.
Tours: from sustainable backrooms to historic rows
The festival showcases this expertise with immersive tours. Follow Suzanne Hunt for a “Sustainability” tour that reveals the solar installations, organic practices, soil management, and secrets of a decidedly green vineyard. Between steps, stop in front of the rows from 1902, living witnesses to a passion passed down through generations.
Concerts: the soundtrack of the harvest
To accompany the clinking glasses, it’s time for music. Artists Ryan Johnson and HaNna PK will set the tempo, from groove to blues piano, transforming the estate’s courtyard into an open-air stage. With a glass of riesling in hand, and the hills of the Finger Lakes as a backdrop, one savors the symphony of the harvest.
Grape Stomping: the return of foot crushing
Join us barefoot for the star attraction: grape stomping, this traditional foot crushing where grapes are stomped to release their juice. It’s fun, cathartic, and the best souvenir photo of the day. Additionally, old-school games — bocce ball, croquet, horseshoes — and even the chance to pick your own bunches like a real harvester will be available.
Tastings: bubbles, refined whites, and confident reds
On the menu for the palate, a lineup that tells the story of the terroir: sparkling rosé, rare effervescent cabernet franc, Cayuga White, riesling, vignoles, blaufränkisch, and dessert wines. Reservations are recommended for the flights of five wines to guarantee your place at the bar. For mixed groups, non-alcoholic drinks will be offered, along with beers from local breweries Climbing Bines Hop Farm & Brewery and LyonSmith Brewing Company, from Penn Yan.
At the table: gourmet burgers and bite-sized snacks
A successful festival doesn’t happen on an empty stomach. In the tasting room, small bites await you, while the Lake Life Catering Pop-Up Burger Stand delights with classic and signature burgers, served with chips and pickles. The perfect pairing? A lively vignoles with a cheddar burger, or a sparkling cabernet franc to twist up a smash burger.
Unexpected encounters: raptors as honored guests
A curiosity of the day, a special presentation by Braddock Bay Raptor Research to discover the fascinating world of raptors. With majestic flights and pedagogy, it’s an opportunity to explore the connection between biodiversity, vineyards, and ecosystem balance.
How to get there: Finger Lakes, on the road
Two nearby airport gateways are about 60 miles from the estate: Elmira Corning Regional Airport and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. New York City is just under five hours’ drive away, a journey punctuated by charming lakeside villages. The route, whichever it may be, unfolds panoramas that encapsulate the Finger Lakes DNA: wines, sunlight on the water, and stops in picturesque towns.
A final toast before the big shift
As the estate will refocus on growing and selling grapes following the departure of Art and Joyce Hunt, this Harvest Festival has the flavor of a grand farewell. People come for the celebration, but also to honor a family adventure that managed to transcend eras, from ancient foot-crushed grapes to solar panels looking towards the future.
Escape ideas to prolong the pleasure
Want to take the art of strolling through vineyards and castles further? For a romantic getaway, check out this romantic escape in Alsace that combines terroirs and a sweet way of life. History buffs and landscape lovers will find joy exploring Hungarian treasures, between vineyards and castles, while connoisseurs of fine wines can enjoy an unforgettable experience in the heart of the vineyard of Saint-Émilion. For a postcard-perfect decor, head to a medieval village of bright stones, and if Bordeaux calls you, here are some ideas for stops in a Bordeaux village.
