In 2022 we made no red wine and though it was a bitter pill to swallow (Mother Nature was to blame) we adjusted and knew better days were ahead of us. After working with farmer John Wagner for over 10 years, he took pity on us in 2023 and offered us one of the oldest sites for Cabernet Franc on his farm…what we call the Railroad Vineyard. Planted in the early 1990’s, this is a powerful, broad shouldered Cabernet Franc that is going to be a keeper for the long haul. It reminds us of Caywood Cabernet Franc in its structure but more red fruit driven, think roasted strawberry than forest fruit. Thank you John, for the introduction.

With few exceptions, most of our vineyard sites have been named by Forge Cellars. The naming process takes a few things into consideration: the history of the site (uses or family occupations), the location and physical attributes (Breakneck Creek, for example), and anecdotes from our conversations with the growers. Stretched along a clearly defined bygone route from the Lehigh Valley Railroad, the dirt path and railroad ties continue to delineate rows of vines and woodlands in our Railroad Vineyard. The visual history here is undeniable, hence its namesake.

vineyard details

East side Seneca Lake - Lodi
Soils: Honeoye silt loam on shale
3% to 8% slopes
Elevation: 720 ft.
Years Planted: early 1990s
Harvest Date: Oct. 25
Hand-harvested and sorted
Spontaneous fermentation in wooden vat
Alcohol: 13% by vol.
Production: 466 cases