1st Annual Great Grape Pick-a-rama

Our first harvest was held this past weekend. Who needs a grape harvester when you've got 35-40 friends and family members that are looking to enjoy a beautiful day overlooking Seneca Lake (free beer and food helps too)? Thanks to all of you that participated.

My cousin, Sarah, and Uncle Mike having a good time in the vineyard.

My mom, Carol, put in a good 5 or 6 hours of steady pickin'.

Thomas instructs the guys from NYC in proper grape pickin' technique.

Lisa Navone (far right) hanging out w/ the a group of McKenzies. From left: Erin, Aja, Jenny, Colin, and Lucie.

Brian, Bill, Thomas, and Pierce McKenzie (L to R) loading up the fruits of our labor.

Still is ready to ship

The folks at Bavarian Holstein have completed the fabrication of our custom still design and it will be shipping in the next week or so. We anticipate arrival of the still during the week of October 20.

Aspiring vineyard manager

My little girl, Lucie (left), and my wife, Jenny (right), stopped by to check out this year's crop. Lucie was happy with the Brix reading, as you can see.

Roof trusses went up today...check out the video

Still in production

We received the first photos of our still yesterday. Everything is right on schedule to ship later this month. Below, you'll see pictures of the helmet, pot still, and sections of the rectification column. The still is being manufactured by Arnold Holstein GmbH in Markdorf, Germany. We'll post more photos as they become available.