Our Vineyards

Chateau LaFayette Reneau is situated on a prime piece of property just 5 miles North of Watkins Glen located on the southeast shores of Seneca Lake, ideal for growing the highest quality wine grapes.  Seneca Lake,  the deepest of the Finger Lakes, was glacier-formed and, due to its depth, rarely freezes in winter. In the spring, this beautiful lake reduces the possibility of frost damage by slowing early growth. Conversly, in the fall the slopes cool slowly and the vines are allowed a few more weeks to ripen. This location in Hector, New York is nicknamed "The Banana Belt" as this area is slightly warmer than anywhere else in the Finger Lakes. It's gravely loam soil and rolling slopes are ideally suited to the growing of grapes. 

Of the approximately 50 acres of vineyards planted, the majority is planted into Riesling and Chardonnay.  Nearly 46 acres is planted with vinifera red grapes such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. All of our varietal wines are grown on our own property.