New York | Finger Lakes | Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Location

Address: 3901 NY-14, Himrod, NY 14842

Phone: (607) 243-7000

Website: shawvineyard.com

Reservations: Book a Tasting

State: New York Wineries

Wine Region: Finger Lakes Wineries

American Viticultural Area: Finger Lakes AVA, Seneca Lake AVA

Wine Trail: Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

About Shaw Vineyards

Shaw Vineyards is a quiet standout for serious red wine lovers, quietly producing some of the region’s finest red wines. Founded by Steve Shaw, a Finger Lakes native, the winery specializes in small-batch, hand-crafted wines with a strong focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Steve purchased 50 acres on the west side of Seneca Lake in 1999 and released his first vintage in 2002. Today he’s considered a mentor to many of the newer generation of winemakers in the region—quietly helping others grow while staying focused on his own craft.

Despite the modest tasting room and vineyard that trades polished looks for nature’s balance, the wines speak volumes. Shaw practices sustainable farming and uses a Pendelbogen-style trellis to let vines grow in a more natural, less controlled way. Vines are encouraged to adapt and balance themselves, contributing to the deep character of the fruit.

What truly sets Shaw apart is the winemaking and aging philosophy. Grapes are picked by hand—never before they’re ready, often long after most wineries have finished harvest. Extended hang time and whole-berry fermentation are the norm. Long cold soaks, lengthy skin contact, and aging in neutral French oak for 5+ years create reds that are rich, structured, and cellar-worthy. Wines are unfined and unfiltered, and never released until Steve believes they’re ready.

We recently opened a 2017 Cabernet Franc Reserve, and it was one of the most compelling reds we’ve had from the region—bold, beautifully aged, and full of depth. This is serious wine made for people who appreciate patience, complexity, and old-world style over flash.

While Shaw is best known for its reds, don’t overlook the whites and orange wines. Shaw is among the few producers in the area growing Chenin Blanc, and also crafts Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and skin-contact whites (orange wines) that offer impressive texture and flavor.

Shaw Vineyards may fly under the radar, but for those who know, it’s a must-visit. If you value quality over hype, aging over trends, and authenticity over aesthetics, this is your place.