The Hunt family has been farming on the west side of Keuka Lake for seven generations.
The soil is everything when it comes to growing grapes. Which is why we care for it so very much.
We amend our soil using compost and poultry manure only, no synthetic fertilizers. The compost comes from our own on-farm composting operation that is fed with grape pomace from our presses, leaves and yard waste from the Town of Jerusalem and residents around Keuka Lake, vegetable and other plant waste from the farm, and various livestock manures.
We roll out hay between the rows of vines to suppress weeds, hold moisture in the soil, and create improved habitat for the micro and macro fauna which are key to healthy soil.
The 24 acres of land immediately surrounding our winery and tasting room are certified organic. At the south end of the farm, we have transitioned a block of Vignoles, Cayuga, and Niagara grapes to organic production.
Farming has always been hard, but climate change is making it even harder these days. We depend on clean air and water, healthy soil, and a stable climate to make great wines. And that's why we're doing everything we can to help our region replace its old dependence on fossil fuels with clean, advanced renewable energy.
Right here on the farm, we've installed a 348-panel solar system that provides most of our electricity. We have an award-winning borehole (closed loop) geothermal heating/cooling system that has eliminated our need for oil and propane to heat our buildings. And since it's generally more cost effective to save energy than to generate it, we're always looking to improve how efficiently we use energy with things like LED lights and the insulation in our buildings.
In 2015, Hunt Country and three other Finger Lakes wineries collectively received the Solar Champion Award from the Solar Energy Industries Association for our leadership in the transition to solar energy use. The other wineries that shared this award are Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, O-Neh-Dah and Eagle Crest Vineyards, and Wagner Vineyards.
The soil is everything when it comes to growing grapes. Which is why we care for it so very much.
We amend our soil using compost and poultry manure only, no synthetic fertilizers. The compost comes from our own on-farm composting operation that is fed with grape pomace from our presses, leaves and yard waste from the Town of Jerusalem and residents around Keuka Lake, vegetable and other plant waste from the farm, and various livestock manures.
We roll out hay between the rows of vines to suppress weeds, hold moisture in the soil, and create improved habitat for the micro and macro fauna which are key to healthy soil.
The 24 acres of land immediately surrounding our winery and tasting room are certified organic. At the south end of the farm, we have transitioned a block of Vignoles, Cayuga, and Niagara grapes to organic production.
Farming has always been hard, but climate change is making it even harder these days. We depend on clean air and water, healthy soil, and a stable climate to make great wines. And that's why we're doing everything we can to help our region replace its old dependence on fossil fuels with clean, advanced renewable energy.
Right here on the farm, we've installed a 348-panel solar system that provides most of our electricity. We have an award-winning borehole (closed loop) geothermal heating/cooling system that has eliminated our need for oil and propane to heat our buildings. And since it's generally more cost effective to save energy than to generate it, we're always looking to improve how efficiently we use energy with things like LED lights and the insulation in our buildings.
In 2015, Hunt Country and three other Finger Lakes wineries collectively received the Solar Champion Award from the Solar Energy Industries Association for our leadership in the transition to solar energy use. The other wineries that shared this award are Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, O-Neh-Dah and Eagle Crest Vineyards, and Wagner Vineyards.
