About
David & Melissa Pittard had always planned to return to Upstate New York and fulfill their lifelong passion for wine and agriculture.
In May of 2014, that dream became a reality…
Dave and Melissa both grew up 35 minutes away from Buttonwood Grove, in Skaneateles, NY. Dave had inherited a passion for agriculture from an early age, growing up working at Beak & Skiff Apple Farm in Lafayette, NY. The orchard, which has been in his family since 1911, taught Dave how to care for the natural resources of the land, and gave him his first introduction to wine-making, producing apple based wines, vodka and cider. Quickly realizing his true passion, he went on to attend Cornell College of Agriculture.
Buttonwood Grove winery has established a reputation for producing some of the most noteworthy wines in the Finger Lakes, as well as hosting exceptional events, due to the hard work and dedication put forward by previous owners Ken and Diane Riemer. When the unique opportunity arose to purchase the beautiful Buttonwood property in early 2014, Dave and Melissa leapt at the opportunity. Since their purchase of the winery, they have greatly expanded the vineyards and completed the construction of a new wine-making building, along with upgrades to the on-site cabins and implementation of a full summer music series. In 2017, their efforts led to being awarded the Governor’s Cup, designating the 2016 Riesling as the Best Wine in New York State.
Together with their children Skiff, Frances, and Marnie, Dave and Melissa continue on the next chapter of their journey, upholding the vision of the original owners while putting their own unique stamp on the property.