Many Finger Lakes visitors have filled their personalized wine carriers with quality vintages thanks to a great man, but not anymore. Sadly winery owner Stanley “Bill” Wagner died at the ripe old age of 83. And the wine world will greatly mourn the loss. Wagner was a real figure in the wine community for all of his contributions to America’s wine culture. According to John, his son, Wagner died on Saturday in his home in Lodi. Wagner grew grapes on the family farm for more than 30 years as a hobby after serving in the navy in World War II. But in 1979 he decided to start producing wine and that was the start of Wagner Vineyards on the eastern shore of New York’s Seneca Lake.
Do not worry the grand tradition of the Wagner winery will continue by growing and making European-style vinifera wines. They are best known for their impeccable Rieslings but also produce 35 different wines from 20 varieties of grapes grown on the 250 acres of vineyard. So while Stanley Wagner will be greatly missed, his contribution to the world of wine will live on for as long as people crave quality.
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