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The Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery Building

John Wagner with his father and grandfather during constructionIn 1976, Bill Wagner broke ground on what would become the famous octagon building that houses Wagner Winery. He began construction even before the Farm Winery Act was passed later in that same year. The building was specially designed by Bill Wagner to be advantageous for wine production and planned to be energy efficient long before that was in vogue. Construction was completed and the doors opened to Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery in June of 1979.

Winery tankroom. Photo by Stu Gallagher PhotographyThe center of the octagon houses our tank room with a walkway wrapping part-way around so visitors can see where much of our wine is made. Many of our tanks were custom-made to fit the space we have available. Over time we have added tanks and now have a full tank room! Below the retail shop, tasting rooms, tank room, and bottling room is our cellar.

Chardonnay in American Oak BarrelsIn the cellar seven of the eight sides of the octagon are full of barrels for our barrel aged wines. Being underground, the temperature stays relatively even year-round allowing for optimal aging conditions. In 1997 the brewery and the outdoor brew deck were added onto the winery – stop by and enjoy a glass of your favorite wine on our deck while you enjoy the beautiful lake view!

Wagner Vineyards Solar PanelsIn 2015, we continued our investment in our farm winery’s sustainability with the installation of a 250KW solar array. This was a logical step for us as our family has made our living for five generations by harvesting the sun’s energy to ripen our grapes. This array, the largest in the Finger Lakes, is spread out among 3 of our buildings, including the Ginny Lee Café which you can see easily right from our parking lot!

You can see most of the building any time you stop in – but our wine cellar is only open to the public for special events like our annual Sweetheart Wine and Dessert Pairing Event, Alta B Weekend, or exclusive Octagon Cellar Club Events. It is quite a sight and worth it to plan a visit during one of these events!