Jim Moore / April 18, 2026
In the heart of the Finger Lakes, where the rolling hills meet a legacy of thoroughbred excellence, sits Song Hill Winery, a hidden gem that offers far more than just a standard tasting. It offers a connection to the land and the craftsman behind the bottle.
Upon arriving at the Victor property, visitors are immediately struck by the charm of the tasting room. Housed in a beautifully converted horse stable, the space is small, intimate, and warm, echoing the property’s history. For twenty-five years, these grounds were the home of Song Hill Thoroughbreds and the H. James Bond Racing Stable. Today, the horses have been replaced by oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, but the spirit of the farm remains.
The transition from stable to cellar began in 2009, when winemaker Conor Gallagher’s grandfather, Rocco Sacco, began converting old pastureland into vineyards. While Conor officially founded the winery in 2013 after returning to his Finger Lakes roots from Chicago, the family legacy is felt in every corner of the operation.
Meeting with Conor Gallagher is, in itself, a highlight of the visit. A graduate of the prestigious winemaking program at the University of California at Davis, Conor is a treasure trove of knowledge. In an industry where guests often interact with seasonal staff, the opportunity to spend dedicated time with the winemaker himself is a rare privilege. Conor’s hospitality and eagerness to discuss the intricate “art of the craft” turn a simple tasting into a masterclass, fueled by warm conversation and a palpable passion for his work.
While the entire portfolio showcases Conor’s skill, the standout of the day was undoubtedly the 2023 Dry Riesling.
The wine opens with delicate aromas of pear and citrus blossoms, leading into a palate defined by apricot and a distinct mineral backbone. It concludes with a gentle, refreshing lemon-lime finish. For the true Riesling aficionado, however, the praise went deeper. Kathy, our group’s resident dry Riesling expert, has a unique litmus test for the varietal: “I want it to taste like I am licking a piece of shale,” she noted. After a single sip, she confirmed that the 2023 vintage didn’t just meet the mark, it exceeded it.
The experience at Song Hill doesn’t end at the bottom of the glass. After the tasting, visitors are encouraged to decompress by strolling through the vineyards. The property is crisscrossed with tree-lined paths that offer a quiet, meditative walk, allowing guests to see the vines that produced the wine they just enjoyed. You might even spot the table grapes first planted by Rocco Sacco in 2009, which the family still uses to produce homemade jam today.
Song Hill Winery is a testament to the idea that great wine is made better by great stories and genuine hospitality. Whether you are a connoisseur looking for that perfect “shale” finish or a casual traveler seeking a quiet escape, Conor Gallagher’s stable is a must-visit destination in the Finger Lakes.
If You Go:
- Location: Victor, NY
- Website: songhillwinery.com
- Specialty: Small-batch Finger Lakes varietals with a focus on traditional methods.
