Red Newt Cellars

Red Newt Cellars was established in 1998 by David and Debra Whiting in the hamlet of Hector, New York. David Whiting began his career in the Finger Lakes wine industry during the mid 1980s, serving as a cellar master and winemaker at various local estates before founding this winery. The project was designed as a collaboration between David's winemaking and Debra's culinary background, which resulted in the opening of an onsite bistro in 1999 that focused on regional food pairings. Following the passing of Debra Whiting in 2011, David has continued to lead the operation, with Christina Zapel joining more recently as the lead winemaker to oversee daily production.

The production facility and tasting room are located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, a sub region known for its deep glacial waters that protect vines from extreme winter temperatures. Red Newt has historically operated by sourcing grapes from a network of dedicated growers, including specialized sites like Lahoma Vineyards, Tango Oaks, and the monopole Curry Creek Vineyard. These partnerships allow the winemaking team to explore different soil compositions and elevations across the Seneca Lake AVA. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention and a focus on site expression, often utilizing stainless steel for aromatic whites and neutral oak for reds to ensure the fruit remains the primary focus.

Riesling serves as the hallmark of the estate, representing approximately two thirds of the total annual output. The winery offers a diverse range of Riesling styles, from the accessible Circle label to complex, single vineyard selections that are often held for several years before release. This commitment to bottle aging has earned the winery a reputation for producing some of the most age worthy white wines in the region. In addition to white varieties like Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer, the producer is known for its structured Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The winery received national recognition when Wine and Spirits Magazine named it one of the Top 100 Wineries in 2011.