WINEMAKING AT LAKEWOOD VINEYARDS
In 1988, after nearly 37 years of growing and selling grapes, the Stamp family founded Lakewood Vineyards winery and began producing wines from their sprawling lakeside vineyards. Starting with 7 varieties of wine, made from estate grown grapes, Lakewood Vineyards winery opened for wine tasting and sales June 11, 1989.
| Our winemaker, Chris Stamp, has the phrase "Winemaker/Owner/Operator/Prisoner" on his business card. He was raised on Lakewood Farm and later studied Food Science and chemistry with the goal of becoming a winemaker. After graduation from Cornell with a Bachelor's degree in 1983, Chris was hired to make wine for Plane's Cayuga Vineyards, one of the pioneer wineries on Cayuga Lake. In 1986, Chris left Plane's and took a position as a research and extension associate for the wine industry in Ohio. When Lakewood Vineyards winery opened, he returned to Watkins Glen, and the family farm, and has been winemaker for each of our vintages. His familiarity with the grapes (some of which he worked while growing-up on the farm) aids in his quest to make the best wines possible every vintage.
|
|
Assistant Winemaker, John Damian, came to Lakewood Vineyards from the restaurant business. After many years as a Wine Steward at a local 4 diamond restaurant John thought he needed a change. He stopped by Lakewood Vineyards on the way to Colorado in 1996, and asked if we needed help through harvest. John has now been with us for 12+ years and is an integral part of our winemaking team.
Our selection of wines has increased to 23 varietals and blended wines and mead. Over 730 medals and trophies attest to Lakewood's dedication to consistently high quality wines.
