New York Invests $47M to Revive Historic Pleasant Valley Winery

By Blake Jackson

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a major investment that will restore operations at the historic Pleasant Valley Winery in Hammondsport, located in the Finger Lakes wine region.

Vine Enterprises, LLC plans to invest at least $47 million to redevelop the facility, reopen production, and strengthen the state's wine industry.

“The Finger Lakes is known across the globe as one of the top destinations to come to enjoy some of the best wines in the world,” Governor Hochul said.

“New York’s partnership with Vine Enterprises will revive the legacy of one of our most historic and storied wineries and ensure that our incredible winemakers and vineyards across the region will continue to grow and flourish. This project represents a huge win for the regional wine industry and for our state’s economy, bolstering the region’s reputation as a global wine destination.”

The redevelopment project includes restoring processing and beverage manufacturing operations, relaunching legacy wine brands, rehabilitating the historic Champagne Cellars, and creating 69 new jobs. Construction is expected to begin this fall.

To support the initiative, Empire State Development will provide up to $12 million in capital and working capital grants. An additional $100,000 grant will be awarded to the New York State Wine & Grape Foundation to help promote New York wines.

“Vine Enterprises appreciates Governor Hochul’s support, and we are pleased to be partnering with New York State on this multi-phased, multi-year initiative, which we believe will drive meaningful, long-term growth for the state’s wine industry," Vine Enterprises, LLC CEO Paul Hillen said.

"We appreciate Empire State Development’s vital support as we embark on this project to support grape growers and the Finger Lakes region economy.”

Founded in 1860, Pleasant Valley Winery played a vital role in New York’s wine industry for generations before closing last year. The winery is recognized as the nation’s first federally bonded winery and remains one of the few wineries outside France legally permitted to market its sparkling wine as “champagne.”

The revival reinforces New York’s position as the nation’s second-largest wine producer while supporting jobs, tourism, and continued growth throughout the Finger Lakes region.

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