About Ravines
Known for pioneering the flagship Finger Lakes Riesling style that is minerally and bone dry, Ravines Wine Cellars continues to make a notable splash in the wine world today. Started by Morten and Lisa Hallgren in 2001, Ravines owns 130 acres of prime estate vineyards across the Finger Lakes region and is known for its dry white wines, terroir-driven reds and refined, méthode champenoise sparkling wines.
Their approach to winemaking is distinctly European. In addition to being the only winery in the Finger Lakes with a winemaker (Morten) holding a formal degree and training from Europe (with stints at Domaine de Castel Roubine and Château Cos d’Estournel), they began as the only winery in the area pursuing a traditional winemaking approach – making exclusively dry, vinifera wines. Their commitment to tradition and terroir has led to a winery today this is regarded as a top wine destination in the Eastern US and has consistently gained national awards, noteworthy press, high scores and international accolades.
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Morten Hallgren originally trained as an astrophysicist, but then left physics during the fall of the Soviet Union and reunification of Germany, to move back to France and start his viticulture and wine studies in Montpellier, France. He was able to get his degree in both viticulture and oenology at the graduate level, as a second career, at age 30.
Lisa Hallgren is the National Sales Manager at Ravines Wine Cellars, as well as a chef. Early on, Lisa was determined to change the perception that wines from the Finger Lakes were only created in an off-dry, fruity style. After their first release won the "Best Dry Riesling" in the 2003 World Riesling Cup, Lisa drove their wines to New York City with the mission to expose people to this new style of dry Riesling. She was met with immediate excitement from sommeliers, restaurateurs and retailers who appreciated the style. Not long after, wine journalists took notice and Ravines began to receive high scores and accolades from the wine press.
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