Staff Report / June 19, 2026
HOPEWELL – Naked Dove Brewing Co. has closed its doors after nearly 16 years in business, ending a chapter for one of Ontario County’s earliest craft breweries. The brewery announced that it would serve its final customers in mid-June, bringing an end to an operation that opened in 2011 and helped establish the craft beer industry in the Canandaigua area. In a June 12 social media post the Owners described the decision as difficult but said it was the right time to close the business. The statement indicated “It is with equal parts sadness and gratitude that we announce that Naked Dove Brewing Company will be closing its doors.”
Founded in Hopewell near Canandaigua, Naked Dove became known for its locally brewed beers and tasting room, attracting customers from across the Finger Lakes region. The brewery was among the first craft brewing operations in Ontario County and grew alongside New York’s expanding craft beverage industry. Over the years, it built a loyal following through its focus on traditional beer styles and community engagement.
Highlights from Naked Dove’s history include:
- Opened in 2011 in Hopewell near Canandaigua.
- Operated for nearly 16 years before announcing its closure.
- Was among the first craft breweries established in Ontario County.
- Developed a loyal customer base throughout the Finger Lakes region.
- Became known for its tasting room and lineup of handcrafted beers.
- Helped pave the way for the growth of the local craft beer industry.
The closure comes at a time when a number of breweries and beverage producers across western and central New York have faced challenges from changing consumer preferences, rising costs, and increased competition. While Naked Dove’s owners did not publicly specify a reason for closing, the brewery’s departure marks the loss of a longtime fixture in the Finger Lakes craft beverage community and one of the region’s pioneering independent breweries.
