| BashaKill Vineyards is Sullivan County’s first commercial winery. Set in a picturesque region of the Catskills, Bashakill Vineyards got its start in the spring of 2005. Two varieties of vines, Noiret and Cayuga White, both of which are American hybrids developed at Cornell University, were planted in the Spring of 2006. Cayuga White is one of the most highly disease-resistant vines and allows for chemical-free growing. Noiret, a red wine grape which was just recently named by Cornell, has a very distinct black pepper character. It also serves as a good disease-resistant grape. Choosing disease-resistant varieties will help us grow organically.
In the spring of 2007 we planted a newly released variety named Marquette. This grape combines high levels of cold hardiness and disease resistance with excellent wine quality. One of its parent grapes is the world renowned Pinot Noir. In 09 we harvested a small test crop on these three year old vines and were very happy with the quality of the wine. In 2010 we will get our first full crop of Marquette and blend it with our Noiret for our first Estate red wine named Bald Eagle!
Our vineyard is on a slight slope which flows down to the Bashakill wetlands. The proximity to the Bashakill wetlands provides ideal conditions for growing. The moist, warmer air off of the wetlands pushes the colder air off the vineyard and provides a blanket, protecting the vines from the early frosts so commonly found in this region.
All trellis posts have been cut out from native untreated Black Locust wood. These posts were selected specifically so that the vineyard can remain chemical-free. Because of its hardness, Black Locust wood does not have to be treated, and will still outlast treated lumber.
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