Why Feathers?

Since 2019, our wine bottles have featured various feathers from birds indigenous to the Finger Lakes region. The labels are meant to convey the natural way we grow our grapes and make our wine. This design also stays true to the history of Silver Thread by preserving the classic Native American turtle petroglyph in the upper right corner, which the Haudenosaunee people used to represent a commitment to caring for the land and water that give us the gift of wine.

Each label features a photo of a feather from a bird that we have observed on the vineyard property. Some feathers were found on the ground at our vineyard, but most can be seen on birds we regularly spot off our scenic deck. Those who have visited Silver Thread know our view well, and probably know that we keep binoculars in the tasting room specifically for bird-watching opportunities! When designing the labels, we did also borrow local bird feathers from the collection of the Conservation Department at Finger Lakes Community College.

View the list here, or scroll down!

Please know that every feather in the photo below was found. Birds are integral to the earth: they are significant pollinators and help control our bug/pest/rodent population.

 

Blackbird–Pileated Woodpecker

Blanc de Blancs Methode Traditionelle –Downy Woodpecker

Cabernet Franc (2021)-Black-capped Chickadee

Chardonnay 30th Anniversary Reserve –American Woodcock

Dry Riesling–Bald Eagle

Dry Rose of Pinot Noir– juvenile Red Tail Hawk

Gewurztraminer–Mourning Dove

Good Earth Red and Good  Earth Cabernet Franc–Roughed Grouse

Good Earth White–Cooper’s Hawk

Petillant Naturel–Hummingbird

Pinot Noir–Turkey

Riesling Doyle Fournier Vineyard–Blue Jay

Riesling Estate Vineyard–Yellow Warbler

Riesling Gridley Bluff Point Vineyard–Baltimore Oriole

Riesling Late Harvest Select Doyle Fournier Vineyard–Blue Jay

Semi-dry Riesling–Northern Flicker (eastern)