Wine
grapes owe their essence to the soil and climate that nurtures
the vine. That wine is born of earth, water and sunlight from
one specific location is simply a marvel. Sheldrake Point Vineyard,
lying within a cool climate region, enjoys a superb vineyard location,
a site comprised of well drained, east facing slopes that descend
gently to the shore of Cayuga Lake. Our aspiration is for our
wines to express the unique personality of our advantageous site
within the Finger Lakes. Our passion is wines that are vibrant,
harmonious, complex and elegant and that add pleasure to a dining
experience.
Winemaking at Sheldrake Point Vineyard is a collaborative effort.
Our team includes Winegrower, Vineyard Manager and Winemakers.
Our winegrowing philosophy is that wines of personality are created
from the bones of vineyard soil, climate and inspired craftsmanship
in the vineyard and in the winery.
In
the vineyard we seek a balanced vine that fully ripens the grapes
it bears, with all of the expressive character possible. This
entails developing an understanding of each of our varietal blocks
and matching with the appropriate viticultural practices such
as Vertical Shoot Positioning and Scott - Henry trellising and
related pruning and yields. At Sheldrake Point we specialize in
the classic European grape varietals.
In the winery we seek a balanced wine that illuminates the personality
of our site and is true to our cool climate region. A wine that
exhibits appropriate structural components such as fruit flavor,
acid, tannin, sweetness and the deft use of oak barrels such that
the nature of our grapes is clearly expressed - all providing
pleasing flavors and textures. Clarity of fruit, complexity and
a high "yummy" quality are sought after with every vintage.
For
the most part, and depending on variety and vintage, Sheldrake's
wines will be suitable for consumption over a period of one to
five years. This reflects the youth of our vineyards, and the
typical intensity and structure of Finger Lakes grapes. Our site
may be eons old. However, our vineyard is young and our wisdom
and ability to express the personality of Sheldrake Point will
accumulate with the vintages. Such is our vocation.
Our commitment to winegrowing at Sheldrake Point Vineyard is to
strive for reflection of site personality in our wines, and to
provide quality, pleasure and value.
In
the vineyard we seek a balanced vine that fully ripens the grapes
it bears, with all of the expressive character possible. This
entails developing an understanding of each of our varietal blocks
and matching with the appropriate viticultural practices such
as Vertical Shoot Positioning and Scott - Henry trellising and
related pruning and yields. At Sheldrake Point we specialize in
the classic European grape varietals. 
For
the most part, and depending on variety and vintage, Sheldrake's
wines will be suitable for consumption over a period of one to
five years. This reflects the youth of our vineyards, and the
typical intensity and structure of Finger Lakes grapes. Our site
may be eons old. However, our vineyard is young and our wisdom
and ability to express the personality of Sheldrake Point will
accumulate with the vintages. Such is our vocation.