Historic Pleasant Valley Winery in Hammondsport is set to reopen after a new owner announced plans to invest at least $47 million to restore operations at one of New York’s most significant wine production facilities.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday that Vine Enterprises, LLC will acquire the winery and redevelop the site, bringing processing and beverage manufacturing back to the Steuben County facility. The company expects to begin work this fall.
The project includes hiring 69 new employees, reviving several legacy wine brands and rehabilitating the winery’s historic Champagne Cellars.
Empire State Development is supporting the project with up to $12 million in capital and working capital grants. The state is also providing a $100,000 grant to the New York State Wine & Grape Foundation to promote New York wines.
“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,” Hochul said. “This project represents a huge win for the regional wine industry and for our state’s economy.”
Pleasant Valley Winery, founded in 1860, is New York’s second-largest winery facility and played a key role in the state’s wine industry for more than 160 years before ceasing operations last year.
The winery has a long history of producing and bottling wine for other vineyards throughout New York. At its peak, more than 100 wineries and grape growers relied on the facility for services including grape pressing, processing, bottling, packaging and storage.
Pleasant Valley also holds several historic distinctions. It won a gold medal for its champagne at the 1873 Vienna World’s Fair, produced sacramental wine during Prohibition, and is recognized as Federally Bonded Winery No. 1, making it the first bonded winery in the United States. It is also among a small number of wineries outside France permitted to market its sparkling wines as “champagne.”
Vine Enterprises CEO Paul Hillen said the investment will help drive long-term growth for New York’s wine industry while supporting grape growers and the Finger Lakes economy.
Local officials welcomed the announcement, saying the project will preserve an important regional landmark while strengthening the area’s wine industry and creating new jobs.
The investment comes as the Finger Lakes continues to receive national recognition as a premier wine destination. The region was recently named Wine Enthusiast’s 2025 American Wine Region of the Year.
According to the state, New York is the nation’s second-largest wine producer. The industry generates nearly $16.8 billion in annual economic activity, supports more than 83,000 jobs, and includes more than 400 wineries across the state.
