Thirsty Owl Wine Company’s story began when Ted Cupp purchased 150 acres from Robert and Mary Plane, trailblazers who implemented the Cayuga Wine Trail, on July 2, 2001. In the fall and winter of 2001/2002, construction began on both the tasting room and the wine making facility. The following spring of 2002, with Shawn Kime as its first employee, work began on the lake vineyard located between the tasting room and the lake. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Malbec were planted here.
