About Us

The Winery

Known by many as “The Little Winery on the Great Lake," Thorpe Vineyard has been producing wines since 1988. What started out as a small barn on the shores of Ontario Lake has now turned into a full-fledged production site for some wonderful New York State wines.
 
Thorpe Vineyard produces outstanding, award-winning wines. White wine Fialka is their current leader with the most awards. Customer favorites include semi-sweet Bunny Blush and their fabulous red Maréchal Foch. With Thorpe’s variety of dry, semi and sweets, you could say they have something for everyone.

So consider a road trip to visit Thorpe Vineyard, located near Sodus Bay and Chimney Bluff State Park. The breathtaking view, fresh lake air, and a chance to visit Thorpe’s charming tasting room make it all worthwhile!

Meet The Owner

How does a sky-gazing native of Tokyo end up growing grapes and making wine in a remote corner of rural Wayne County?

Fumie Thorpe's story begins with a simple love of the sky and weather. She came to New York in 1983 to study meteorology and astronomy at State University of New York at Oswego. “It's been over a quarter-century since I left my hometown city of 11 million to take up residence on the quiet shores of Lake Ontario.”

During her studies, Fumie Thorpe's father came for a visit with intentions of investing in American real estate. After viewing countless properties, the Tokyo businessman was intrigued by a tiny commercial winery with an acre of vines, owned by longtime amateur winemaker Bob Straubing. The barn housed a Japanese-made Kubota tractor. “My dad fell in love with that tractor. I still strongly believe that if it had been a John Deere or New Holland, he wouldn't have been interested in purchasing this winery,” recalls Thorpe.

The purchase was made and Fumie was thrust into a venture she’d never foreseen. But her keen scientific proclivities and deep-rooted sense of duty immediately kicked in. With help from Straubing and fellow amateur winemaker Kemp Bloomer, Thorpe learned how to make wine and grow grapes. Her steady determination and hard work has paid off, as Thorpe's wines have earned gold medals at the National Women's Wine Competition. She has also medaled in other competitions.

Thorpe jokes about her minority status, both as a woman in the male-dominated field of winemaking, and as an Asian in Wayne County. “I'm easy to spot in a crowd around here,” she says.

When asked if she is happy about the accident that befell her, Thorpe's indirect yet practical response offers a quiet sense of contentment. “I like to live in the country,” says Thorpe, whose home offers plenty of sun and clouds and rain and birds and stars to observe. “When you think about it, this isn't a bad way to make a living.”

bio courtesy of Karen Miltner

Chimney Bluffs

Thorpe Vineyard is honored to be neighbors of Chimney Bluff State Park, so we have encorporated the bluffs into our logo.

The State Park offers visitors a unique and memorial experience.The bluffs were formed by a glacial drumlin, which has been eroded away by wind, lake waters, rain and ice; forming razor-like edges. Drumlins are common for Western and Central NY, but one that is sliced in half like this is pretty rare. There are only three large examples of this in the region, with the Chimney Bluffs being both the largest and the most accessible.

The park also has a large, undeveloped pebble beach where visitors can wade in the water, hand launch boats, or fish. The picnic area is fairly new and features solid tables and a large mowed area for lawn games. Nature trails wind in an out of hundreds of acres of wooded inclines and one extends to the wetland across the street; an excellent bird-watching location.

park info from nyfalls.com