From Dream to Reality: The Story of Our Boutique Winery

Bashakill Vineyards and Winery – Every great venture begins with a spark of inspiration, and ours ignited from the most humble beginnings: some land, a loose plan, and an overwhelming desire to escape the confines of a traditional day job. What started as a distant dream would soon transform into a thriving reality, rooted in the rich soil of New York’s Hudson Valley and nurtured by an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.

The turning point came during a transformative trip to Napa, California. Walking through the sun-drenched vineyards of wine country, surrounded by rolling hills carpeted in grapevines, the vision crystallized. But could such magic be recreated in the challenging climate of New York? The answer came through careful research and a fortunate discovery that would change everything.

We learned that our property possessed something truly special: a unique microclimate created by the warm air flowing off the nearby Bashakill Wetlands. This natural phenomenon acts as a protective barrier, shielding our grapes from the harsh, frigid temperatures that typically characterize New York’s winters. The wetlands create a thermal buffer zone, allowing warm air to circulate and moderate the temperature swings that can devastate grape crops. This discovery was the final piece of the puzzle that transformed our dream from wishful thinking into a viable business venture.

From that moment forward, Paul Deninno and Samara Ferris embarked on a journey that would test their determination, creativity, and physical endurance. Unlike large commercial operations that rely on teams of specialists and automated systems, our boutique winery remains a deeply personal endeavor. Every building that graces our property has been constructed by their own hands, from the tasting room where guests gather to sample our wines to the production facilities where grapes are transformed into liquid art.

The hands-on approach extends far beyond construction. Paul and Samara personally oversee every aspect of winemaking, from monitoring fermentation temperatures to blending different varietals to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. They craft each bottle with the same attention to detail that an artist brings to a canvas, understanding that great wine is born from patience, precision, and an intimate knowledge of the grapes themselves.

This commitment to handcrafted excellence is evident in every corner of the property. The decorative elements that catch visitors’ eyes aren’t mass-produced ornaments but original paintings and intricate mosaics created by the owners themselves. These artistic touches transform the winery from a simple production facility into a gallery of creativity, where every surface tells a story and reflects the personality of its creators.

Sustainability forms the cornerstone of our philosophy. We practice what we preach when it comes to environmental stewardship. All grape pressings and stems are carefully composted rather than discarded, creating nutrient-rich organic matter that feeds back into the soil. This closed-loop system ensures that nothing goes to waste while continuously improving the health of our vineyard ecosystem.

Our twelve acres now support more than 800 grape vines, all grown using organic methods that prioritize soil health and biodiversity. We cultivate Marquette grapes, known for their cold-hardiness and ability to produce full-bodied red wines even in challenging climates. Our Cayuga white grapes offer crisp, refreshing wines perfect for warm summer evenings, while our Clarion grapes add another dimension to our portfolio.

Innovation drives us to explore beyond traditional winemaking. We harvest wild sumac berries to create our signature sumac spritzer, a unique beverage that celebrates the indigenous plants of our region. This foraging mentality extends to our culinary offerings, where we partner with local farms to source fresh, seasonal ingredients that complement our wines perfectly.

The seasonal approach defines our entire operation. Rather than fighting against nature’s rhythms, we embrace them, allowing each season to guide our menu offerings and special events. Spring brings fresh herbs and early vegetables, summer offers abundant berries and stone fruits, autumn delivers the excitement of harvest season, and winter provides time for reflection and planning.

Our vision extends beyond simply producing wine. We’ve created a destination where visitors can truly disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with simpler pleasures. Guests can enjoy live music performances under the stars, challenge friends to spirited ping pong matches, embark on scenic hikes through our property, and savor carefully prepared meals that showcase local ingredients.

This is more than a business venture; it’s our home, our workplace, and our passion project rolled into one. Every day brings new challenges and rewards as we continue building something meaningful with our own hands, creating memories for our guests while living our dream in the heart of New York’s wine country.