Phil Davis and Lou Damiani consider viticulture - grape-growing - to be the single most important aspect of their craft. Phil's family has had a long-standing connection to farming in Hector; his father had been a grape-grower 30-40 years ago for Taylor and Great Western Wineries. Knowing this, Lou consulted Phil and then began planting vinifera grapevines on his property in 1996. Just one year later, Phil began planting vinifera on his own land. Now each manages his own vineyard, supplying grapes to the business for its winemaking. Altogether, the two properties produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. Recently, new Riesling vines were added to the many varietals produced by the vineyards.
Damiani Wine Cellars is owned and run by two Seneca Lake native sons, Phil Davis and Lou Damiani. The inspiration for these longtime friends to start their own winemaking business was a shared love of wine, and the belief that the terroir of the east side of Seneca Lake would produce wines of exceptional quality.


Lou and Phil set out to nurture the promise of the local terroir, incorporating the winery in 2004, and opening the winemaking facility in July 2005. We have grown from 1700 cases our first year to about 2,500 cases in the last two years. We continue to plant new vines every year, and opened a new tasting room on Route 414 in July 2006
Open Thursday - Monday
11:00 am to 5:00 pm or by appointment