By Carol Fisher-Linn
The Winery owners, Beth and Sam Sheehy grew up in North Collins, learning about grape growing and wine making from Beth’s grandparents who immigrated here from Sicily. In our conversation I discovered that Sam learned about winemaking from her old world grandparents for whom winemaking was as natural as milking cows would be to a dairy farmer. No secret formulas, no gimmicks, just making good wine for the familia.
Here’s the important part of their Mission from their sister website: “We lean into low-intervention methods: minimal sulfites, no fining or filtering unless it truly needs it. Every decision we make is about preserving integrity and elevating flavor, not manipulating it into something it’s not. The result? Wines that feel alive, full of energy, depth, and texture. They pair just as well with candlelit dinners as they do with casual hangs on the patio. We believe wine should be approachable, not intimidating. Something you reach for because it tastes amazing and feels like you. We’re here for good bottles, good people, and good moments. No shortcuts. No ego. Just good grapes for good wine!”aa
Hearing Beth took part in the process from the time she could walk, I couldn’t resist asking if, in those older days, she jumped into a barrel, bare footed to crush the grapes. After all, who hasn’t seen our beloved Jamestown native Lucy doing that on I Love Lucy?Alas, although stomping was done well into the seventies in rural Italian villages (perhaps even to this day) Beth never had the opportunity to stomp grapes.
After Beth and Sam married, he continued to help with the winemaking and went to school to become a vintner, making their own fine wines for The Winery. In preparation for the interview with Beth, I went online and discovered that some of their wines come from grapes grown in Ellicottville. I learned that although most of their wine-making grapes come from all over NYS (Finger Lakes, Niagara and Chautauqua Counties), their Marquette wine indeed does come from grapes grown by Bob Maranto in his vineyard on Poverty Hill.
It’s been 15 years now that their wine-lovers dream has been a reality. When they first opened, they made wine in a back part of the building using the main part as a store for their wines or ciders (now about 25 choices) and their unique gift selection. About five years ago, they took that portion of the winemaking back to North Collins, where all their wines are now made. They revamped the building and opened their space. This expanded their operation from only wine tasting and sales to sampling seating where guests can get a cheese dish or charcuterie board, or a chocolate sampling (Watson’s famous chocolates, of course) paired with appropriate wines from their shelves. Their staff is well versed in the language of wines and Sam and Beth guide their guests through the fun tastings, often with Maggie, their goldendoodle, standing by. Since that expansion, they now offer a private room for parties and summertime fun on the balcony.
Speaking of expansion, the have also opened a second location, Black Flower Wine and Provisions on 8 South Buffalo Street right in the heart of the beautiful village of Hamburg. (Blackflowerwinery.com, 716-646-9979. Closed Monday and Tuesdays.)
The Winery of Ellicottville offers membership in a wine club, inviting members to choose a plan and have their choice of wines delivered to their door or picked up. Of course, members get special pricing and VIP privileges. One can also make reservations for from 2 to 18 guests (especially on Saturdays) for tastings. Guided tastings continue to be available at the tasting bar on a first come, first served basis. Of course, gift cards are always available, even online.
For more information visit www.wineryofellicottville.com, email info@wineryofellicottville.com or call, 1 (716) 699-1055. The Winery of Ellicottville is located at 14 Monroe Street, Ellicottville NY.