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Bully Hill Winery: Exploring Finger Lakes Wine

Bully Hill Winery: Exploring Finger Lakes Wine

Explore the rich heritage and innovative spirit of Bully Hill Vineyards in our latest blog. From its roots in 1958 with Greyton H. Taylor and Walter S. Taylor's ambition to elevate their family's winemaking tradition, to the iconic showdown with Coca-Cola, discover how Bully Hill has become a symbol of resilience and independence in New York's Finger Lakes region. Check out their iconic wines at Seneca Wine and Liquor, located at 8630 Seneca Tpke, New Hartford, NY.

Introduction

Back in the swinging '50s – 1958, to be exact – Greyton H. Taylor and Walter S. Taylor decided to take their family's long-standing tradition of grape growing and winemaking to the next level. The Taylors had been at this game since 1878, so they knew what they were doing and they’re good at it. Fast-forward a bit, and they're making waves at a place called Bully Hill with innovative French-American hybrid grapes. The resulting wine? Better than the sum of its parts.

The name Bully Hill has its own little backstory, tracing its roots to a quaint town in England. Seems like the Taylors got a bit homesick and thought, "Hey, this place looks like home. Let's call it Bully Hill." And just like that, a New York state winery with an English twist was born.

History

Digging through Bully Hill’s history, we stumbled upon an interesting chapter where Bully Hill Vineyards squared off against none other than Coca-Cola. Walter S. Taylor, armed with nothing but his passion for winemaking and his art, finds himself in a David vs. Goliath scenario. Coca-Cola had acquired the Taylor Wine Company and told Walter he couldn't use his own family name on his wines at Bully Hill. Walter didn't take this lying down. Instead, he turned to his art, using it as a clever, defiant response to Coca-Cola's demands.

Among the artworks, a standout piece featured a goat, symbolizing Walter's unyielding spirit and determination to keep his family's legacy alive, no matter the opponent. This quirky but fierce battle led to the goat becoming an emblem of Bully Hill's resilience and independence.
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Bully Hill Love My Goat Red

Bully Hill Love My Goat Red showcases the spirit of New York's Finger Lakes with its unique, mellow character and a delightful blend of cherry, dark fruit, and plum notes.

This easy-drinking wine offers a smooth and soft finish, making it a versatile companion for both a hearty steak and a comforting pasta dish. Its deep ruby hue and bouquet of red fruit, sour cherry, and a whisper of musk invite you into a world of subtle sweetness balanced with light to medium tannins.

ABV 11%
750 mL and 1.5 L Available 
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Bully Hill Sweet Walter Red

Bully Hill Sweet Walter Red is a grapey, fruity escapade that highlights the crispness of fresh grape juice. Rich and delightfully sweet without overwhelming, this wine is celebrated as the quintessential sweet red, perfect for accompanying hard cheeses, lamb, and beef with its sensationally smooth finish.

Its popularity is unmatched among those seeking a red wine that is easy to enjoy, making it a holiday favorite and a pleasant surprise for those usually wary of reds due to their dryness. Sweet Walter Red is a rich, deep treasure in a glass, offering a surprisingly sweet and satisfying experience at an unbeatable price, inviting you to share the joy with friends.

ABV 11%
750 mL and 1.5 L Available 
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Bully Hill Banty Red

Bully Hill Banty Red captures the essence of the Finger Lakes region with its inviting grapey aroma and silky-smooth finish, making it the perfect choice for those who love the taste of Concord grapes.

This wine strikes a delightful balance between sweetness and the robust flavor of oak, reminiscent of plucking grapes straight from the vine. A family favorite for its versatility, Banty Red is sweet without being cloying, offering a smooth experience that pairs beautifully with barbecue, spicy dishes, and hearty stews. 

ABV 11%
1.5 L and 3 L Available 
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Bully Hill Growers White

Bully Hill Growers White presents a harmonious blend of pear and green apple flavors, culminating in a soft, distinctive finish. Its crisp, fruity flavor profile makes it an ideal companion for fish and seafood, chicken, or rich and creamy dishes, cutting through the richness in every bite. 

ABV 11%
1.5 L Available 
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Bully Hill Vineyards Riesling

Bully Hill Vineyards Riesling features enticing aromas and flavors of apple and nectarine, accented by a subtle hint of minerality. This wine is a versatile choice, perfectly suited for appetizers or light, citrus-infused summery dishes, enhancing the flavors with its crisp freshness. As a dessert wine, it excels at cutting through the richness of creamy or chocolatey treats, making it a delightful finale to any meal.

ABV 10%
750 mL and 1.5 L Available 

Try Bully Hill Wines Today!

The tale of Bully Hill is like a family drama filled with ambition, a bit of a location shuffle, and a comeback story where Walter S. Taylor, the grandson, revives the family's winemaking legacy right back where it started. Now, with a sprawling 800 acres and a knack for making wine that folks can't get enough of, Bully Hill is living its best life. Taste the full range of their wines at Seneca Wine and Liquor, located at 8630 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford, NY 13413. Visit our website at www.shopsenecawine.com or call (315) 724-8672 for more information.Â