$12 Million in State Support Will Help To Restore Operations at New York’s Second Largest Winery Facility and Spur More Demand for New York-Grown Grapes
Will Create Almost 70 New Jobs, Redevelop Operations and Boost the Wine Industry Statewide
From the Office of NY Governor Kathy Hochul,
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Vine Enterprises, LLC will invest at least $47 million to restore operations at New York State’s second largest winery in Hammondsport, part of the Town of Urbana in Steuben County in the Finger Lakes Wine region. The company plans to take over operations from the current owners and redevelop the historic Pleasant Valley Winery, ensuring that the site will once again handle processing and beverage manufacturing. Vine Enterprises plans to hire 69 new employees, relaunch legacy brands, and rehabilitate and reopen the historic Champagne Cellars on the winery campus. Vine Enterprises plans to begin work this Fall.
“The Finger Lakes is known across the globe as one of the top destinations to come to enjoy some of the best wines in the world,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s partnership with Vine Enterprises will revive the legacy of one of our most historic and storied wineries, and ensure that our incredible winemakers and vineyards across the region will continue to grow and flourish. This project represents a huge win for the regional wine industry and for our state’s economy, bolstering the region’s reputation as a global wine destination.”
Empire State Development is assisting the project with up to $12 million in capital and working capital grants and is considering future support in exchange for their commitment to support New York’s world-renowned wine industry. Additionally, Empire State Development will also provide a $100,000 grant to the New York State Wine & Grape Foundation to be used for the marketing and promotion of New York State wines.
Vine Enterprises, LLC CEO Paul Hillen said, “Vine Enterprises appreciates Governor Hochul’s support, and we are pleased to be partnering with New York State on this multi-phased, multi-year initiative, which we believe will drive meaningful, long-term growth for the state’s wine industry. We appreciate Empire State Development’s vital support as we embark on this project to support grape growers and the Finger Lakes region economy.”
Founded in 1860, Pleasant Valley Winery is the second largest winery facility in New York State. For many years Pleasant Valley Winery offered contract services for wineries and vineyards on an industrial scale. For decades, the facility has been a huge asset to the statewide wine-grape and winery industries. At its height, more than 100 businesses relied on Pleasant Valley every year for services such as grape pressing, storage, barrelage, processing, bottling, packaging, warehousing of dry goods and bonded cold storage. Unfortunately, after 165 years of business, it shuttered its operations last year.
Its history also includes accolades from winning gold for their champagne in Vienna in 1873, to producing sacramental wine during Prohibition. Notably, Pleasant Valley Winery is able to legally market their sparkling wines as “champagne”, a distinction that only a handful of wineries outside of France worldwide can claim. The winery additionally holds the distinction of being Federally Bonded Winery #1, making it the first ever bonded winery in the United States.
New York State is the nation’s second-largest wine producer featuring wines and grapes that rank among the very best in the world. The Finger Lakes wine region was also named the 2025 American Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast as part of the magazine’s prestigious Wine Star Awards recognizing the region’s world-class winemaking, sustainable practices, and collaborative community that have helped define New York State as a leader in American viticulture.
The wine industry generates close to $16.81 billion in total economic activity in the State of New York and includes more than 400 wine producers as well as 32,149 acres of vineyards. Additionally the New York wine industry directly employs as many as 45,387 people, and generates an additional 16,778 jobs in supplier and ancillary industries which supply goods and services to the industry, and whose sales depend on the wine industry’s economic activity. Ultimately, 83,193 jobs are created and supported by the wine industry. The Finger Lakes Wine Region is a major draw to visitors who come to tour vineyards, taste wines and explore small downtowns.
Town of Urbana Supervisor K. David Durepo said, “The Hammondsport-Urbana Area is a promising jewel of the State’s Assets of Natural Beauty. The Historical significance of the Wine Producing goes back to the first US Bonded Winery. The Pleasant Valley Winery. Congratulations and a Hearty Thank You to Governor Hochul and ESD for making this happen. Welcome to Vine Enterprises LLC to our community. We look forward to working with you.”
Steuben County Industrial Development Agency Executive Director Jamie Johnson said, “The Steuben County IDA is grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their commitment to preserving Pleasant Valley Winery, a landmark institution in the Town of Urbana and the Finger Lakes region. Vine Enterprises’ investment and long-term vision will help protect this historic asset, strengthen New York’s wine industry, and create new opportunities for growth. We are proud to support this exciting new chapter and look forward to the continued success of Pleasant Valley Winery and its iconic brands.”
