LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Lake-
wood Vineyards on May 22, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those individuals and industries which substantially
contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and 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 commem-
orating the 25th Anniversary of the Lakewood Vineyards on Thursday, May
22, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Frank Stamp and his family moved to Lakewood Farm, a run-down
peach and apple orchard on the west side of Seneca Lake in 1951, and the
following spring, began planting grapes; the original grapes planted
were primarily Labrusca and French-American Hybrid varieties, which were
favored by the large wineries and grape juice companies; and
WHEREAS, In the mid-1980s, the Stamp family diversified to add some
new hybrid varieties and Vinifera plantings; the commercial grape
production continued for 36 years, until 1988, when Monty Stamp, Frank's
son, along with his wife Beverly and their children, pressed the grapes
for their first vintage; and
WHEREAS, Lakewood Vineyards has been maintained and expanded as the
demands for varieties shift, and the high quality fruit from Lakewood
has produced numerous award-winning wines; and
WHEREAS, Today, with 80 acres of grapes planted, the farm is home to
Lakewood Vineyards winery; the winery produces wines from all three
families of grapes, offering a diverse selection of wines such as, Ries-
ling, Gewurtztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Vineyard Manager Dave Stamp,
the third son of Monty and Beverly, the Vineyards at Lakewood have been
carefully managed, with a focus on sustainable practices, including
composting, mulching and cover crops; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, recognized as a leader in the industry, Dave
Stamp is often cited in national and local publications including the
Wall STREET JOURNAL, WINE COUNTRY MAGAZINE, and the DEMOCRAT AND CHRONI-
CLE; and
WHEREAS, Lakewood Winery and the Stamp family have been the recipients
of numerous awards and accolades some of which include Conservation
Farmer of the Year, Lifetime Contribution Award, Lifetime Achievement
Award, Winery Award, Growers Award, and the Wine Family of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Using a combination of cutting edge technology and tradi-
tional winemaking practices, the Stamp family, working with a very dedi-
cated staff, is truly committed to producing consistently high quality
wines; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges this exceptional industry and its contributions to the local and
State economies, 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 25th Anniversary of Lakewood Vineyards on May 22, 2014;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lakewood Vineyards.