35 Years of Silver Thread: Outstanding Wines since 1991

Silver Thread’s first vines were established in 1982 on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region.

At this location, the bottom of the lake drops almost 200 feet below sea level, a dramatic mass of water that creates a distinct microclimate on the hillside. Cooling breezes in summer and radiating warmth through the winter, the length of the growing season is extended here in the “Banana Belt.” On this site 250 years ago, the Haudenosaunee (a.k.a. Iroquois) people tended huge peach orchards, a testament to this temperate “island” within a cool region.

Silver Thread’s original 6-acre vineyard and ecologically-designed wine cellar were established by organics enthusiast and author Richard Figiel. The energy-efficient, A-frame tasting room and wine cellar building was constructed in 1995 and is set into the hillside for natural temperature control. The winery building is a contemporary take on Greek Revival, the architectural style of many of the early farm houses in the Finger Lakes.

Silver Thread was one of the first Finger Lakes wineries to produce exclusively dry wines from European grape varieties. The first three wines Richard made were Chardonnay, Dry Riesling, and Pinot Noir. Since the late 1980s, the vineyard has followed the principles of sustainable farming, and was certified organic from 1992-1997.

Since the winery’s first release in 1991, Silver Thread has earned critical acclaim for its wines.

The Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were all lauded in Wine Advocate, The New York Times, and The World Atlas of Wine during the 1990s, when Finger Lakes wines were virtually unknown outside the region.

Paul and Shannon Brock have owned Silver Thread Vineyard since 2011. True to its founding principles, it is an owner-operated, boutique winery known for sustainably-grown estate wines. We practice a holistic, regenerative style of farming called biointensive viticulture. The winery has generated 100% of its energy needs from a 28kw solar array located on-site since 2015.

2026 is not only a celebration of 35 years of Silver Thread wine but also 15 years of growth, change, and excellence under the Brocks’ tutelage. Agriculturists across New York state and beyond look to Paul and Shannon as resources for sustainable farming, winery management, and low intervention winemaking. I often receive phone calls and emails from farmers seeking their advice. Young winemakers from other regions visit regularly, bringing their own bottles of wine for Shannon and Paul to try. Expanding in to the Winegarden was both a strategic and thoughtful business move for Silver Thread, as well as a commitment to community by continuing the wonderful menu created by Chef Dano Hutnik, which is unique in the Finger Lakes and beloved by so many.

What makes the Finger Lakes a destination wine region is the variety of experiences offered and wines made. We all benefit from the success of our neighbors and colleagues. Shannon and Paul have always known this and their actions prove it.

I’m honored to work alongside the Brocks, and look forward to being a part of the Silver Thread story for years to come. Alongside you, I hope!

– Sarah Blagg, Hospitality & Marketing Coordinator