OUR STORY
Ardesia Winery was established in 2022 as the winemaking division of Bird & Thistle Farm, LLC which started planting grape vines in 2017 in the hills of the Otisco Valley. We are the newest and one of the highest elevation vineyards in the Finger Lakes AVA with plantings at an average of 1735 feet above sea level. Originally established as a horse farm after the family moved to central New York from New England, we morphed into raising sheep and growing grapes as the daughters moved on from competitive riding to careers. Marriage linked families with experience in wine making and agriculture and old traditions were rekindled. Our vineyard is on the western facing slope of the valley and can be seen from the top of Song Mountain facing north towards Otisco Lake, appropriate in that our founder has been a member of the Song Mountain Ski Patrol for over 12 years.
ABOUT ARDESIA WINERY
In the easternmost reaches of the Finger Lakes, lies the Marcellus Shale. It is here in the hills of the Otisco Valley, in the highest elevation vineyard in the Finger Lakes region, that our hybrid varietals thrive in slate and shale strewn soil, enduring harsh winters, hot summers, fierce winds, blinding snow and a short growing season, suffering just enough to produce remarkable wine.
