Earlier this summer, I had the chance to spend time in the Finger Lakes—home to many of our customers and the heart of Hauser’s East Coast logistics. Our warehouse in Seneca Falls supports so much behind the scenes, from prepping inventory management to repacking our imported glass in plain or custom boxes. Being there in person was a powerful reminder of the manual labor, planning, and care that go into readying glass for bottling. It also gave me insight into how we can improve the process for next season—especially when it comes to streamlining logistics and saving time for our customers.
Beyond the warehouse, visiting Finger Lakes wineries gave me a deeper appreciation for the community and creativity that define this region. Each tasting room had its own charm—from the artwork at Lakewood (I now have two colorful maps hanging in my office!) to the cellar at Dr. Frank, which felt like a gallery of sparkling wine history. It was a packed week of visits, both with long-time customers and new wineries I hope to support in the future. One unexpected highlight was getting to jump into the lake—Julia at Hosmer sent me to the perfect local spot. And thanks to a scenic detour recommended by Kit at Bet the Farm, I even got to pass a waterfall! It was a fun reminder of how stunning this region really is.
Packaging was, of course, a big topic throughout the week. Producers here are clearly eager to differentiate. I saw everything from lightweight bottles and varieties of capacities, shapes and heights to thoughtful label designs like the ones from Osmote that pack serious personality. There’s also a growing focus on sustainability. Diam Corks came up often—especially the Origine line, which uses natural ingredients like beeswax and a castor-based binder. The buzz around Origine 3 shows how winemakers are seeking that balance between performance and eco-consciousness.
But through it all, the winemakers I met were passionate, thoughtful, and focused on delivering quality. One standout moment came at Ravines, where they opened wines over 20 years old from a recent event. They spoke highly of Diam closures, noting the confidence that comes from knowing those wines would still shine.
Every visit was a reminder that packaging is more than just a container—it’s a reflection of brand, values, and connection to place. The Finger Lakes wine community is resilient, collaborative, and full of heart. I left feeling inspired by the innovation happening here and proud that Hauser can be part of it—whether through supplying glass, corks, or simply showing up to listen.
If you’re not already watching this region, you should be. It’s not just about Riesling anymore—the Finger Lakes is producing bold reds, elegant sparklings, and stories worth sharing.
The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance is also a great resource!
Written by -Samantha Dobra, Account Manager @ Hauser Packaging
