Assembly Resolution No. 241

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of Hunt Country
Vineyards

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and businesses that contribute
substantially to the economic vitality of their communities, thereby
enhancing economic well-being of the entire Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Hunt Country Vineyards; and

WHEREAS, Seeing an unprecedented growth over the past few years and
allowing wine enthusiasts to enjoy this unique part of the New York
experience across the state, Hunt Country Vineyards has truly showcased
why New York State is a premier wine destination; and

WHEREAS, The Hunt Family has been farming on the west side of Keuka
Lake for seven generations; when Art and Joyce Hunt first moved back to
the family farm in the 1970s, their intent was to live close to the land
and run a farm like the Hunt family had done for several generations
before; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the decisions they made and the circumstances
that came their way, would eventually lead them to open Hunt Country
Vineyards in 1981, and become one of the founding families of the Finger
Lakes Wine Region that we know and love today; and

WHEREAS, In 1973, Art and Joyce Hunt moved back to the family farm
on Keuka Lake to grow grapes, taking over from Art's elderly uncle; the
couple knew very little about running a farm, but they were certain of
where they wanted to be; and

WHEREAS, Art's uncle was an excellent teacher, and Art and Joyce
Hunt learned how to care for 18 acres of grapes and how to plant and
grow a wide variety of grains, dry beans and hay crops; they started a
garden for themselves, with both vegetables and fruit, and learned to
cut down trees for wood and handle all of the old farm tools laying
around; Art even became quite adept at restoring old buildings and old
equipment; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, during this time, Art and Joyce Hunt planted
another 50 acres of grapes and began the art of winemaking; and

WHEREAS, Establishing their winery in 1981, Art and Joyce Hunt,
along with several other family farms, learned the craft, pioneering
farming techniques and shaping legislation to help create the Finger
Lakes wine region that we know and love today; and

WHEREAS, Just three years later, Art Hunt and Dr. Tom Zabadal from
Cornell University teamed up to perform the first successful trials of
field grafting grape vines in the Northeast United States; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, Hunt Country Vineyards made its first ice wines,
becoming the longest continuous producer of genuine ice wine in the
United States; and

WHEREAS, Hunt Country Vineyards installed its award-winning
geothermal heat exchange system to heat and cool all of its large
buildings in 2012; in 2016, this extraordinary vineyard installed 349
solar panels to provide nearly all of the electricity used by the farm
and winery, and in 2017, it grew its first six acres of certified
organic grapes; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 40-year history, Hunt Country
Vineyards, located on Italy Hill Road in Branchport, New York, has
demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which
it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Hunt Country Vineyards is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its devoted staff, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges this exceptional business, its contributions to the local
and state economies, and its vibrant role in improving the quality of
life in its community, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy
the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Hunt Country Vineyards; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Hunt Country Vineyards.