The Thousand Islands Winery is the most northern farm winery in New York State and is located along the majestic Saint Lawrence River on a historic 28 acre farm.The farm was established in 1881 and the winery began its operations in 2002.The owners are Steve and Erika Conaway.Erika is originally from Seattle Washington and Steve is retired from the U.S. Army as a Major after serving five years in Germany and a combat tour in Afghanistan.
The 1000 Islands Region reminded Steve of the time he has spent in Germany along the Rhine River.He found many similarities between the two distant locations.Bothe areas have incredible scenic beauty, gorgeous stone castles, large tour boats, and many visiting international tourists.However, the St. Lawrence River lacked vineyard and wineries.He saw this as an opportunity and set out to change that.
The Thousand Islands Winery opened in 2003 with a starting inventory of 1,300 gallons of wine. The funny part is that barn that houses the tasting room was actually ordered from a Sears & Roebuck catalog.The winery has experienced rapid growth and will produce 33,000 gallons in 2008.
The Thousand Islands Winery has been gaining recognition in various wine competitions across the country since 2006.At the 2006 New York Food and Wine Classic, also referred to as “the New York Wine Oscars”, their Seaway Blues, earned a Double Gold Medal and their Wellesley Island White received a Bronze Medal.In 2007, the 2006 Riesling placed with a Bronze Medal at the National Women’s wine Competition in Santa Rosa, California.In 2008 the winery has been awarded 21 medals overall for nine of their wines, receiving their first “Best in Class – Double Gold” Medal at the National Woman’s Wine Competition for the Alexandria Bay Rose’. The winery is now a part of the emerging Thousand Islands – Seaway Wine Trail that includes three wineries and 19 commercial vineyards.The primary grape varieties being planted in the 1000 Islands Region include Frontenac, Frontenac Gris and Lacresent.The Thousand Islands Winery is planning to begin producing Ice Wines within the next couple of years using these varieties.
Come on in.The winery is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm with extended hours from April to December.Let us know you’re enjoying the 1000 Islands Ag Tour and we’ll treat you to free samples and a tour.
