A new business comes flowing in!

Written for The Villager   

   Last Thursday, the 29, a new business opened its doors to the village of Ellicottville, along with some bottles of wine.  The new winery called “The Winery of Ellicottville” was opened up by co-owners Sam Sheehy and Dominic Spicola.

   The two entered upon this venture because of their shared experiences with wine.  Sheehy, who is Spicola’s son-in-law, worked at a winery for two years and was a hobby winemaker since his college years. Spicola, born in Sicily, was raised in a winemaking family, making wines starting at a young age.  When the Spicola family came to America in 1968, he continued the tradition of making wine that has lasted all the way till now.

   Also working at the new winery is a consultant winemaker Bob Green, who has over 25 years experience in winemaking.  “He helps with the fine tuning of the wines,” Sheehy said.

   The Winery of Ellicottville is in a prime setting for making wine.  The Chautauqua region is the largest (grape) growing region next to California,” Sheehy said.  With the vast region of both concord grapes and winemaking grapes, being near the Chautauqua area is another big plus for location.

   Spicola adds that it is not only geography that pulled them into opening the winery in Ellicottville. “Ellicottville seemed to be a good spot because of the people and it’s a tourist attraction type of location and there’s no winery around there within a 40 mile radius,” Spicola said.

   The winery hopes to add to the attraction that Ellicottville brings in by bringing in a new market of wine lovers.  The winery offers a variety of wines but hopes to increase that as business does.  “We’re a good source of good wine!” Sheehy said.

   The owners urge people to stop at the new winery and try what they have to offer.  People can do that by visiting the winery located at 14 Monroe St. People can taste wine by the glass and purchase by the bottle.  Sheehy feels that there is a wine for everybody at their winery, so Ellicottville, get ready to open your mouth when they open the bottle. For more information, visit www.wineryofellicottville.com or just stop in.