Apollo's Praise, Gamay, "Lahoma Vineyard," Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, New York, United States, 2024

Apollo's Praise is Finger Lakes' next rising star- although one might argue that they already have risen to International acclaim in just two short years

The reasons for this rapid success? First and foremost, the wines are absolutely outstanding—pure, expressive, and focused with a tremendous sense of place. But the magic really comes from the two veteran winemakers behind the label: spouses, Kelby James Russell and Julia Rose Hoyle.

Kelby started his winemaking career in the Finger Lakes in 2009, and assumed the role of head winemaker at Red New Cellars in 2012. Julia has been making wine at Hosmer on Cayuga Lake for 9 vintages now! So, while Apollo's Praise is a newcomer in the Finger Lakes (debuted with the 2023 vintage) wine scene, it combines more than 20 years of experience.

During Kelby's tenure at Red Newt Cellars, he worked with fruit from their own property, as well as purchasing from other growers, among others, Ken Fulkerson (now former owner of Lahoma Vineyard) and the Martini Family of Anthony Road. Lahoma Vineyard has been central to Kelby's work, and he has been a big proponent of the site, releasing it as a single vineyard since 2013.

It was a deep understanding and love for the Lahoma Vineyard that inspired them to take the leap. When the site became available for purchase, Kelby and Julia jumped at the opportunity to acquire it and establish their very own winery, Apollo's Praise.

In a true Old World fashion, they have separated the vineyard into different parcels, some of which are bottled on their own, namely, The Knoll and The Pentecostal Block.