Pleasant Valley Wine Company (Great Western Winery)
Step into history at the first and oldest bonded winery in the US, offering tours and tastings of unique sparkling and fortified wines.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Pleasant Valley Wine Company (Great Western Winery)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into history at the first and oldest bonded winery in the US, offering tours and tastings of unique sparkling and fortified wines.
"It looks more like an old museum than a winery, but the staff and champagne made it a fantastic experience!"
🎯 Schedule Your Tour
Call ahead to book your tour and tasting to guarantee your spot.
🗺️ Follow Visitor Center Signs
It can be tricky to find; look for the 'Visitors Center' signs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
US Bonded Winery #1
Main building
Step into history as the first and oldest bonded winery in the United States. A truly unique experience!
Historic Winery Tour
Throughout the winery
Explore the rich history, architecture, and artifacts of this iconic winery. Tours offer fascinating insights.
Wine Tasting Experience
Tasting Room
Sample a variety of sparkling and fortified wines. A delightful way to discover new favorites.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Navigate to the Visitors Center
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Schedule Your Tour
Call ahead to book your tour and tasting to guarantee your spot.
🗺️ Follow Visitor Center Signs
It can be tricky to find; look for the 'Visitors Center' signs.
🥂 Enjoy the Tasting
Try a variety of sparkling and fortified wines.
🚶♀️ Explore the Museum
The visitors center is like a museum, a nice touch after tasting.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Schedule Your Tour
Call ahead to book your tour and tasting to guarantee your spot.
🗺️ Follow Visitor Center Signs
It can be tricky to find; look for the 'Visitors Center' signs.
🥂 Enjoy the Tasting
Try a variety of sparkling and fortified wines.
🚶♀️ Explore the Museum
The visitors center is like a museum, a nice touch after tasting.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Options
They can accommodate private tours with dogs!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pleasant Valley Wine Company for its rich history and unique status as the first bonded winery in the US. The tours are informative, and the tasting of sparkling and fortified wines is a highlight. While the tasting room might feel dated and occasionally understaffed, the friendly and humorous staff often make up for it, creating a memorable experience. The historical exhibits within the visitors center are also a significant draw.
"We visited during the week and had a great time. If planning to visit, call in advance to schedule a tour. It is $15.00 per person and includes a tasting of five wines of your choice. Savannah did our tour and she was great. She provided a lot of information.
The tasting room is dated, but was also very interesting. You can purchase a $5.00 glass of wine to enjoy while you walk the visitors center.
The winery is also a Harvest Hosts location which prompted our visit."
The Princess and The Troll
"Wow! Great tour and tasting! Fun to try so many sparkling and fortified wines! Definitely fun with the different wines in the area.
We came back in 2025 with our two dogs and mother and we had a private tour with all of us! Tim was a wonderful guide and tasting guide as well! It was a fantastic experience again the second time!"
Carey Williams
"When we first arrived we were confused by the place. It looks more like an old museum than a winery. It’s also hard to find on Google maps because it had a different name and also you had to follow the visitors center signs.
I also had to wait for about 15 minutes to get a tasting. They weren’t what I would think is busy but I believe the 2 working the whole place had to cover the gift shop and tasting room area so that was a lot.
I would have given less stars, but the staff made up for things. And so did the champagne. Matthew was hilarious and made sure we were happy once he was able to get to us! He deserves a raise, and some help!!"
Erin S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The winery can be a bit confusing to locate on GPS. Look for signs directing you to the 'Visitors Center' upon arrival.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. Follow the signs for the Visitors Center.
While tours are highly recommended for the full experience, you can purchase a glass of wine to enjoy while exploring the visitors center.
Hammondsport is best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you plan on enjoying multiple tastings.
Information on accessibility can be obtained by calling the winery directly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours typically cost around $15 per person and include a tasting of five wines. Prices may vary, so it's best to confirm when booking.
Yes, it is highly recommended to call in advance to schedule your tour, especially for groups.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for the most current information.
Yes, you can purchase wine at the tasting room. They offer a selection of their sparkling and fortified wines.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but booking in advance for groups might offer benefits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours cover the winery's history, architecture, and winemaking process. You'll learn about its status as US Bonded Winery Number One.
They offer a variety of sparkling and fortified wines. Many visitors enjoy trying the different selections.
The tasting room can get busy, especially with limited staff. Patience is appreciated, and the staff are generally friendly.
The visitors center itself is like a museum, filled with historical artifacts and interesting displays related to the winery's long history.
Yes, they have accommodated private tours with dogs, making it a pet-friendly option for some experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The winery primarily focuses on wine. There are no extensive food services, but you can purchase a glass of wine to enjoy.
Outside food policies are not explicitly stated, but it's generally best to inquire directly with the winery.
Hammondsport offers several dining options. You can find local eateries for a meal before or after your visit.
Local Finger Lakes cuisine often pairs well with sparkling and fortified wines. Consider regional cheeses or light appetizers.
There isn't a dedicated cafe or snack bar, but you can purchase a glass of wine to enjoy while exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the winery and visitors center. Capture the historical architecture and artifacts.
The historic architecture, wine barrels, and the tasting room offer great photo opportunities. The exterior also has a charming appeal.
For professional photoshoots, it's best to contact the winery directly to inquire about their policies and any associated fees.
The interior lighting can vary. Natural light from windows can be good, but some areas might be dimmer.
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For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to call ahead and inquire about the suitability of the tour for younger children. If you're visiting with dogs, the winery has been known to accommodate private tours with pets, which could be a fun element for older children who enjoy animals.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Explorers
This pet-friendly approach is a standout feature, allowing a broader range of visitors to enjoy the historical ambiance and wine offerings. While the main tasting room might have restrictions, the possibility of a private, dog-inclusive tour makes this winery a noteworthy destination for pet lovers. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and on a leash during the tour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Wine: The History of Pleasant Valley Wine Company
Visitors often remark on how the winery feels more like a museum than a typical modern winery.
Understanding this historical context enhances the entire experience. It's not just about tasting wine; it's about appreciating the craftsmanship, dedication, and foresight of those who built this iconic winery. The staff often share engaging anecdotes that bring the past to life, making the visit both educational and enjoyable.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers
Finding the winery can be a minor challenge. Some visitors noted that it's hard to find on Google Maps and that you need to follow the 'Visitors Center' signs.
Don't be surprised by the 'dated' tasting room; embrace it as part of the historical charm. You can purchase a $5 glass of wine to sip while you explore the visitors center, which many find to be a nice touch after the tasting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit