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Wagner Vineyards was founded in Lodi, New York, by Bill Wagner, a lifelong resident of the area and grape grower for over forty years. Now recognized as a trendsetter in the east coast wine industry, he began plans for his estate winery soon after passage of the Farm Winery Act in 1976. Construction of the distinctive, eight-sided building, Bill's own design, was completed and the winery opened in June of 1979. It rapidly became a major attraction of the Finger Lakes area and over 50,000 people visit the winery each year. Wagner wines are Estate Grown. This means that we use only grapes grown in vineyards owned by or under the direct supervision of Wagner. Since the first crush of 1978, Wagner wines have been recognized world-wide for their quality. Such success can be attributed to the emphasis placed on quality control; from soil to wine, each step of the viticultural and winemaking processes are subject to strict standards of excellence. Bill's ideals are supported by a carefully selected group of dedicated people who know and care about wines. Bill Wagner's philosophy has always been that wine and food are a natural combination. An original concept for the winery was the addition of a CafÚ where people could enjoy both. The Ginny Lee CafÚ was opened in 1983 and offers diners the opportunity to enjoy Wagner wines with a freshly prepared menu selection while overlooking one of the most spectacular views in the Finger Lakes region. The winery's prime location on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake contributes to the superior quality of the grapes. The unique combination of deep water and sloping hillsides provide a natural temperature moderator, protecting the vines against extreme temperature changes. Over 250 acres of vineyards are currently under cultivation; varieties include Chardonnay, GewÄrztraminer, Johannisberg Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Seyval Blanc, Melody, Ravat Blanc (also called Vignoles), Vidal, Cayuga White, DeChaunac, Delaware, and Niagara. The winery currently produces approximately 35,000 cases annually. Wagner's newest venture is a micro brewery addition. Winemakers' beverage of choice during harvest is often beer so the addition of a micro brewery was a natural one. Visitors to Wagner's will find great wine, great food, and now--great beer, too.