The Winery of Ellicottville is raising a glass to another milestone year, celebrating its 15th anniversary with a month-long celebration and a continued commitment to crafting wines for every palate. Located in the heart of Ellicottville’s downtown business district, the Winery of Ellicottville opened its doors with a vision of bringing fine, locally-produced wines to both residents and visitors. What started as a modest tasting room has grown into a destination in its own right, known for its award-winning wines, stylish interior, and warm hospitality.

Owner and winemaker Sam Sheehey says the anniversary is more than a milestone - it’s a tribute to years of growth, community, and passion. “Over the past 15 years, our winery and our wine have evolved. We strive to make the best wines New York State can offer,” Sheehey shares. “The numerous awards and recognition we’ve received have helped position the Winery of Ellicottville as a premier wine destination in the state.”

To celebrate its anniversary in a way that reflects the spirit of Ellicottville, the winery is rolling out a full lineup of specials and events throughout the month of July. It all begins with a nostalgic throwback offer: a fan-favorite sweet wine duo - Snow Fox and The Sweetest Thing - available together for just $20 (tax included) from July 1st-13th.

Starting July 12th, visitors can enjoy a limited-time “Through the Years” pairing - a curated flight of three wines matched with three small bites, showcasing the winery’s evolution over the years. This pairing experience runs through August and is available for pre-purchase via the winery’s website.

The celebration continues the weekend of July 19- 20th with a special wine-and-pie promotion: a slice of pie and a glass of wine for $15, plus 15% off all bottle purchases. And on Saturday, July 26th, local favorite Mick Hayes will perform on the winery’s front porch from 2:00-5:00 pm, offering a perfect afternoon of music and wine.

All through July, guests will be welcomed with complimentary pours of the winery’s special 15-year anniversary Bubbly Rosé, a sparkling wine crafted from the unique and resilient Saperavi grape.

THE POPULAR, THE NEW, AND THE SUMMER FAVORITES

The Winery of Ellicottville continues to impress with its diverse wine list. It’s top seller? The beloved Snow Fox, a sweet, fruit-forward white wine that’s become a staple for locals and visitors alike.

Among the newest offerings are the 2024 Dry Riesling - a light, crisp, and floral expression of the region, and the standout Semi-Sweet Riesling, which Sheehey calls his personal favorite. “It has a gorgeous floral nose and a peach finish - great for drinking all day.”

Also back is the Vidal Blanc, offering a vibrant tropical note in a semi-sweet, highly approachable profile - perfect for summer sipping.

“Rieslings are a focus here,” Sheehey said. “They pair beautifully with light fare and barbecue. Just last weekend, my wife, Beth and I shared a bottle with marinated chicken breasts from Dom’s Butcher Block - it was perfect!”

Rooted in the Ellicottville community, the winery regularly partners with other local businesses. Daily chocolate and wine pairings feature sweets from Watson’s Chocolates. For a unique ladies day out, the winery has teamed up with Anew Beginning Massage (located directly across the street) to pair the sensory delight of handcrafted wine and the deeply restorative effects of massage for you and your bestie. “Girls Day Out” offers a 1/2 hour Grape Sangria Facial with a comforting warm foot massage, followed up with a trip to the Winery of Ellicottville for their Chocolate Wine Pairing - all for $70 for a pair.

You’ll also find Winery of Ellicottville wines on the menus at Ellicottville Brewing Company, EBC Taqueria, and the iconic Silver Fox Steakhouse. As Sheehey humorously recalls, “Every week a new customer walks in and asks for a bottle of Semi-Sweet Riesling. I ask, ‘Do you need to taste it?’ and they say, ‘No, I just had it with dinner at EBC. I need a bottle to go!’ The brewery serves the best wine in town!”

While many of the winery’s grapes are sourced from the Lake Erie and Niagara Escarpment regions, Sheehey is particularly proud of his local growers. “We have two vineyard partners right here in the 14731 who produce Marquette and Itasca grapes,” he explains. “They’re cold-hardy varieties that thrive in Ellicottville’s climate, and they’re producing great wines.”

LOOKING AHEAD

As the winery celebrates its 15-year journey, Sheehey remains focused on what truly matters: making wines people love to drink.

“We aim to make wine that pleases every palate,” he says. “From our best barrel-aged Pinot Noir, grown by our friend Carlo Profetto, to our easy-drinking Snow Fox - there’s something for everyone. We have over 20 wines on the menu, and more than anything, we want our wines to be approachable and drinkable.” Reflecting on the feedback that matters most, he shares, “Some of the best compliments come from people who stumbled upon us. They say things like, ‘I didn’t expect the wines to taste this good,’ or ‘This is New York wine?’ That’s what keeps us going.”

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, July is the perfect time to raise a glass to 15 years of excellence - and to discover what makes the Winery of Ellicottville such a beloved part of the Western New York wine scene.

For more details on anniversary events and to pre-purchase experiences, visit www.wineryofellicottville.com.