The story

Situated high on Torrey Ridge overlooking one of the deepest parts of Seneca Lake is Fox Run -- a winery with fifty-five acres of vineyards producing a remarkable range of fine wines. Under the dynamic, forward-looking ownership of Scott Osborn, Fox Run is poised to become one of the handful of truly great producers in the Finger Lakes. Scott Osborn is a strong advocate of the place of wine in a healthy life-style, and he appreciates the health benefits of garlic as well. On a culinary level, as the Fox Run Garlic Festival demonstrates, the pairing of good wine and well-prepared flavorful garlic is nothing short of sublime.

Native grape varieties put the Finger Lakes on the map a century and half ago, and French-American hybrids, bred for cold resistance, still have an important niche in the region. But Osborn is convinced that non-hybrid European Vinifera grapes can yield wine excellent enough to put the Finger Lakes in the ranks of the world’s top fine wine producers.

For more than a century the dairy farm that is now Fox Run was perched on the steeply sloping shores, overlooking Seneca Lake. The first grapes were planted in 1984 and the Civil War era dairy barn was converted to a modern wine-making facility in 1993. In 1996, farther up the slope a new facility was completed with state-of-the-art capabilities and view of Seneca Lake that is unrivaled.

Working closely with winemaker Peter Bell and vineyard manager John Kaiser, Osborn has introduced a program of minimal intervention winemaking and revitalized the vines by converting to a new trellis system which has had excellent results in Germany, France and Australia.

Fox Run now has 55 acres planted with Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Gamay Beaujolais, Lemberger, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Current releases cover Chardonnay, Reserve Chardonnay, Semi-Dry Riesling, Dry Riesling to Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon -- plus two proprietaries: Arctic Fox, a blend of whites and Ruby Vixen, a semi-dry blush. Interesting new releases include a Meritage blended from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and an intensely flavored ruby-style Port.

The Cafe

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry.

Lunch or Afternoon Snack

The Café features gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts, wine by the glass or bottle, soda, juice and more! Come for lunch or for an afternoon snack.

What Others Are Saying About the Fox Run Vineyards Café

Fox Run Vineyards was featured in the June 15, 2005 issue of the Wine Spectator in an article about the Finger Lakes Region. In the article, the Wine Spectator states "For lunch, the best bet is Fox Run. Don't let the folksy deli atmosphere fool you. There are some serious gourmet sandwiches and salads on the menu, and the view from the deck will make your day". The Wine Spectator also profiles Fox Run and states, "Plan your day around having lunch at this winery, where the informal café offers a savvy menu of sandwiches, salads and cheeses that rival those at Oakville Grocery in Napa. Not that Fox Run's wines play second fiddle to the food. Winemaker Peter Bell brings out the best from the winery's estate vineyards, particularly with his Chardonnay's, his Rieslings and a Merlot-based Meritage blend. The green-roofed visitor's center was converted from a dairy barn built just after the Civil War."

Have Your Next Party at Fox Run Vineyards

Host your next special event in the unique atmosphere of a charming country winery! Dinners, Birthdays and much more!

We can arrange casual wine and cheese tastings or corporate cocktail parties with hors d'oeuvres for up to 60-70 people or elegant sit-down dinners for up to 35 people. Perfect for wine and food groups, community or civic organizations, business functions or private functions.

Our Chef Heather Tompkins can assist you in planning the perfect party.