Silver Thread Vineyard
Silver Thread is a Finger Lakes vineyard with origins dating back to the 19th century. It is located on the east coast of Lake Seneca. The property was partly planted by one of the pioneers of viticulture in the region, Mr. Charles Fournier. However at that time it only produced Riesling and Chardonnay.
In 2011 Paul Brock and his wife Shannon bought Silver Thread to M. Figiel. They launched a major project of restoration and planting.
Today Paul Brock and his wife are working on the property. He handle all the vineyard and winemaking part and Shannon manage the tasting room.
Focus on Paul Brock, owner and winemaker of Silver Thread Vineyard
In the 90s Paul brock used to work in patents (intellectual property) in Washington DC area he converted to winemaking in 2001. In 2005, wishing to better understand the vine and wine Paul Brock and his wife settled in the Finger Lakes region in order to study oenology and viticulture in the famous Cornell University.
In 2010 he joined the project of Morten & Lisa Hallgren and so returned to the capital of Ravines Cellars. Shortly after, to complete his work and accomplish his passion he accepted a teaching position at Finger Lakes Community College.
In 2009, Paul & Shannon Brock learned Silver Thread was for sale from a print article about Finger Lakes winery owners growing old and needing to sell o pass the winery to ther children. They contacted him to enter into negociations to buy the vineyard.
“It’s fascinating. This is the only product I know of that fascinates me from the beginning. I have a degree in oenology and viticulture at Cornell obtained in 2005 is the only product that I can make. I plant the vine, I produce the grapes, the wine I work and I know this product. “(Paul Brock)
Where does the name of Silver Thread come from ?
“This is the name of a waterfall which is located on our township. The previous owner had already given this name to the vineyard. We even found a lithograph of the waterfall (with the name) in an old book. “(Paul Brock)
Why did you choose to settle and buy a vineyard in the Finger Lakes (New York) region ?
“We’re both from the State of New York but we lived a few years in Washington DC. We discovered the Finger Lakes when it was decided to take a vineyard. Here we saw a good potential, good land, a beautiful area that also will allow us not to be too far from Washington DC. It was the perfect area for us.
Then we chose this property for its quality but also because it allows the terroir to grow a variety of grapes. “(Paul Brock)
If you had to describe the wines of the property in a few words, what would you say?
« Quality wines with good aging potential. But also modern, European-style wines. » (Paul Brock)
What are you looking for when you annually produce wines of Silver Thread ?
« I want to make wine with body, full of aromatic wines precise net, and with little pain. I have a very scientific approach in my approach to the vineyard but also in the cellar. » (Paul Brock)
From a personal point of view I would say that what characterizes more the wines of the property is a great freshness, acidity (but no imbalance) that allows them to have a good potential. Silver Thread wines are precise, elegant and reveal a broad range of aromas. These wines are flawless. This property is clearly specialized in dry and semi-dry Riesling. This is also where I enjoyed one of the best Riesling in my tour of the region.
Side project
Eventually they would like to enlarge buildings (including cellars and storage space that is too small). In the the medium-term they would like to double the vineyard area.
Thanks to Paul & Shannon Brock for their hospitality.
Silver Thread Vineyard
1401 Caywood Rd, Lodi
New York 14860
+1 607-582-6116
