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MEGAN DAILOR
From left, Leigh Hazlitt, with brother Doug Hazlitt and mother Elaine Hazlitt, owners of Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, in a tasting room at the winery.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

5712 State Route 414
Hector, NY 14841
(607) 546-9463

On the Web:

www.hazlitt1852.com
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

Six generations of Hazlitts have grown grapes on Seneca Lake’s eastern shore, yet their winery in Hector, Schuyler County, bears no sign of snobbery. In fact, it is the only winery in the area that serves popcorn.

A quirky mix of farming tools and taxidermist-stuffed animals hanging on the tasting room’s walls also helps to spur conversation, as does the unusual horseshoe-shaped tasting bar. But when the time comes to sample wine, the spotlight shifts to the familiar flavors found in Hazlitt products.

One option falling neatly under the “approachable” category is Red Cat, a fruity Catawba and Baco Noir blend marketed with the tagline, “Grab life by the paws!” As the winery’s best seller, it has inspired a song.

Hazlitt also features higher-end wines made from vinifera grapes.

Winemaker Tim Benedict, who came aboard in early 2005, introduced port and other wines.

Hours: November through May, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; and June through October, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Sheila Livadas, for FingerLakesWine.com