The Hunt family has been farming on the west side of Keuka Lake for seven generations
Art and Joyce to retire, Suzanne and Matt will write the next chapter
From the Hammondsport Chamber of Commerce, pictured are Art and Joyce Hunt
We want to let you know that 2025 will be the final year for Hunt Country Vineyards as a wine producer and tasting room. Art and Joyce are officially retiring this year. Suzanne Hunt and her husband Matt Kelly, who have been intimately involved with the business for ten years, are taking responsibility of the farm.
We’ve made this decision after much thought and planning. The wine market is changing dramatically and we need to change with it. Hunt Country Vineyards was first established in response to the collapse of the grape market in the late 1970s. Art and Joyce were left with many acres of grapes and no buyers — so they learned how to make a little wine. Look how far we’ve come since then!
Now it’s time for the farm to change again. In addition to their full-time jobs, Suzanne and Matt will continue to develop new opportunities for the farm. They will expand the workshops and special events that have become an important part of Hunt Country. They will continue to grow select grape varieties and hay for sale. They will continue to provide services and partner with other organizations in our community.
Below is a letter from Art and Joyce, celebrating their retirement and providing more information about the changes coming to Hunt Country.
“We want thank you all for your support over the past 44 years.
Come join us this year to celebrate the success that you helped make possible. The tasting room will still be open and there will still be wine to enjoy.
And stay tuned for more information about the next chapter in the Hunt Country story!”
