Billsboro Winery is committed to crafting dry classic European varietal wines grown by Seneca Lake's best vineyards. We are dedicated to focusing on small scale production, allowing us to devote more attention to providing a high quality product for our customers. Our commitment to quality is evident both in the glass and the experience we provide in our tasting room.
Our journey to Billsoro Winery and Vineyard began in 1992 when we met as Peace Corps volunteers in Tunisia. Upon our return to the hectic pace of stateside living, we soon realized we were not cut out for suit and tie and city life. Receive emailed updates on special events, new release announcements, and other Billsboro news!.
Our journey to Billsoro Winery and Vineyard began in 1992 when we met as Peace Corps volunteers in Tunisia. Upon our return to the hectic pace of stateside living, we soon realized we were not cut out for suit and tie and city life. Receive emailed updates on special events, new release announcements, and other Billsboro news!.
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But most of us don't then come home and become successful winemakers. That's the story of Vinny Aliperti, winemaker and owner of Billsboro Winery. He's been making wine now for over 20 years. Together with his wife Kim, a long-time wine enthusiast and manager of operations, the two own and operate Billsboro Winery.
Billsboro Winery only accepts groups of 6 people or less. We are a small, boutique sized winery and are not equipped to handle large groups. We kindly ask that you not book multiple reservations, totaling more than 6 people and we reserve the right to turn away any groups that have done so as we strictly adhere to these policies.
We've named our wine club Fienile, Italian for barn. It's what comes to mind when most people think of Billsboro, relaxing on the patio while enjoying a glass of wine with friends and family. And that's what our new Fienile Club is all about, welcoming you into OUR family.
Like many immigrants to this country, Rezeiere and Columba Carolina Aliperti and their three children brought some of their Italian traditions with them when they landed in New York City in 1954.Winemaking was one such tradition. Every August, Rezeiere and his family would make a visit to Terminal Market in Brooklyn and purchase enough lugs of Alicante grapes to make a barrel of wine for the upcoming year.
Like many immigrants to this country, Rezeiere and Columba Carolina Aliperti and their three children brought some of their Italian traditions with them when they landed in New York City in 1954.Winemaking was one such tradition. Every August, Rezeiere and his family would make a visit to Terminal Market in Brooklyn and purchase enough lugs of Alicante grapes to make a barrel of wine for the upcoming year.
Six generations of Hazlitts have loved and cared for this farm. Once covered with fruit trees and native grapes, the land was converted to vinifera varieties in the early to mid 1980s. Success with these early plantings of Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir didn't stop Jim from experimenting with other varieties, including Sangiovese, Syrah, and Sauvignon blanc, all having resulted in some great wines!.
Here at Billsboro we try our best to minimize our impact on the environment: from buying sustainably farmed grapes, sourcing our electricity from a local solar farm, to using compostable products at our events, we are conscious of our choices.
With the understanding that as business and communities grow, the environment can suffer, we do our best to support organizations that are mindful of their environmental impact and those who actively work to mitigate these issues.
With the understanding that as business and communities grow, the environment can suffer, we do our best to support organizations that are mindful of their environmental impact and those who actively work to mitigate these issues.
Reviews (27)
David S.
Jan 30, 2022
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For our first time back in years, we were treated to a fantastic experience. Everything hit just right.
The wines: On this wine outing, the best we had, rivaling some of the best from Keuka Lake. Their focus was clearly whites, including Riesling, and they weren't afraid to veer away from bone-dry. Instead, it seemed like the sugar levels were appropriately matched to the wine and what it could offer. Usually Rieslings have a tendency to build acidity quickly but I didn't find that here. Instead: complex fruity noses!
The tastings: This is the first place I've seen actual innovation
The wines: On this wine outing, the best we had, rivaling some of the best from Keuka Lake. Their focus was clearly whites, including Riesling, and they weren't afraid to veer away from bone-dry. Instead, it seemed like the sugar levels were appropriately matched to the wine and what it could offer. Usually Rieslings have a tendency to build acidity quickly but I didn't find that here. Instead: complex fruity noses!
The tastings: This is the first place I've seen actual innovation
Caitlin Young
Nov 04, 2021
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This winery gets my āmost chillā award! They have a beautiful property and the covered patio is great and was super relaxing. They have a nice section of interesting wines and I loved that we had the option to get a charcuterie board to pair because we were hungry after an afternoon of wine tasting! It was very calm and relaxing and we took our time here because it was nice to get a break from the more overcrowded places. Definitely a nice spot to kick back and relax!
Wayne Schutz
Oct 31, 2021
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Curt H.
Oct 26, 2021
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A nice enjoyable experience sitting on the patio sipping wine samples and enjoying the beginning of fall foliage and the lake in the horizon
Limited red wine choices but one of the substitute red was good
All choices were on the dry side but my wife enjoyed the white choices
The desert wine was too sweet for me but may of been an outstanding selection...I will blame my limited palette
Joining their wine club offered better price points and storage access
Limited red wine choices but one of the substitute red was good
All choices were on the dry side but my wife enjoyed the white choices
The desert wine was too sweet for me but may of been an outstanding selection...I will blame my limited palette
Joining their wine club offered better price points and storage access
Amanda E.
Oct 22, 2021
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Lisa
Sep 29, 2021
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M. Klein
Sep 23, 2021
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Great relaxing patio with a view of the surrounding trees, hill, etc. We didn't see a vineyard adjacent to the area we were seated in. The woodwork on the patio is pretty great and they have some nice touches to make you feel comfortable and relaxed (not rushed).
The presentation of the tasting flights was nice, as you are seated at your own table (vs. stepping up to a tasting bar). They had a decent selection of there own wines. There was also "guest" selections from other winery, which was a unique idea..
The presentation of the tasting flights was nice, as you are seated at your own table (vs. stepping up to a tasting bar). They had a decent selection of there own wines. There was also "guest" selections from other winery, which was a unique idea..
Mike Lyman
Sep 15, 2021
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Trever Furnish
Aug 29, 2021
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Tim Darragh
Aug 23, 2021
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Awesome location and setting. The wine, especially the Reisling, was delicious. We had the charcuterie board and the chocolate pairing, both of which were delicious. My only complaint is the wine portion for the tasting. It was a "sip". Barely enough to get a mouthful. For 2 person tasing, 1 charcuterie board and 1 chocolate pairing ( 4 piece), we paid ~ $50.00. A little overpriced but a nice experience nonetheless.
Daniel Dickinson
Aug 04, 2021
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Andrea K.
Aug 01, 2021
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Lydia C.
Jul 25, 2021
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Did a winery day last weekend, and this was a second stop. I was pleased and excited about the chocolate pairing on offer with the tasting flight, but it turns out the chocolates were better than the wines. And the pours were not generous (like that old joke).
The flight was presented very cutely, but the tasting room did not feel very unique.
I'm not hating, but I probably won't be back or pick up this brand in a store.
The flight was presented very cutely, but the tasting room did not feel very unique.
I'm not hating, but I probably won't be back or pick up this brand in a store.
Mandy F.
Jun 18, 2021
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Alissa Dougherty
Jun 03, 2021
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Always a good experience here! Staff is always attentive, and helpful and always offer to explain their wines and menu (which with the decrease of tastings at the counter I haven't found to be the case at other wineries). The flights are a really good value, and they have a beautiful outdoor patio area. They've done a great job adapting their space for COVID restrictions!
Rebecca W.
Apr 05, 2021
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A mere 4 minutes from our hotel, we had to check out Billsboro on our recent trip to the Finger Lakes! We made reservations online and pre-paid for our tasting (~$10 / person + tax / tip). The winery is situated atop a large hill so you could easily miss the sign directing you if you weren't in the know. The store front looks similar to a barn, but there is a spacious enough patio to the side where we had our tasting. It overlooked the lake (after getting past the highway), which was a nice touch. It was a little breezy on the day of our tasting, so I do wish there were some heaters, but it
Lila E.
Mar 19, 2021
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Really tasty wine and mostly friendly staff but if you're not 65+, the younger female witch... I mean waitress will make sure to treat you like garbage but your geriatric aunt like royalty. Needless to say, my friend and I were the only non-white non covid vaccine eligible here at the time but the difference in treatment was clear. The older lady is lovely and I would totally adopt her as my grandmother. Stay classy billsboro!
Clyde H.
Mar 16, 2021
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David M.
Mar 13, 2021
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Zachary C.
Oct 30, 2020
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Beautiful area with a great view decided to go out for some tastings and this was our third stop and we called ahead and were told it would be fine for our party to come and we get there and they tell us they don't have room and we need to leave. Very disappointed and for our friends birthday at that too. At least $200 lost, I just hate to see this during times where I could give my business to other businesses that are going through trouble that would've actually take care of us! Wish them the best in their business venture tho !
Allyson J.
Aug 16, 2020
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Staff was shockingly rude.
We made reservations for 4pm for an outdoor table where we were planning on trying 1-2 wines by the bottle and buying a few bottles for home.
When we arrived, a women came out and immediately told us we would not be accommodated because we arrived in a limo (who was dropping us off and we were planning on walking across the street back home.) Admittedly, I missed the small note on the website that states no limos or busses (I would suggest making it more apparent on the website) when making the reservation so I have no problem stating my mistake here.
We were all
We made reservations for 4pm for an outdoor table where we were planning on trying 1-2 wines by the bottle and buying a few bottles for home.
When we arrived, a women came out and immediately told us we would not be accommodated because we arrived in a limo (who was dropping us off and we were planning on walking across the street back home.) Admittedly, I missed the small note on the website that states no limos or busses (I would suggest making it more apparent on the website) when making the reservation so I have no problem stating my mistake here.
We were all
Laura S.
Nov 24, 2019
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Recently I spent some time at a handful of tasting rooms in the Finger Lakes. This one stood out, by far, as my favorite. We had the pleasure of Kim walking us through the tasting and she almost instantly had us feeling like we'd known her for years. All of us we're bummed we had another appointment and couldn't stay longer. On top of how great Kim was, the selections were delicious and very reasonably priced.
If you're going to visit wineries on Seneca Lake I'd make sure this is one of the stops on your tour. Thanks for the great experience Kim!!
If you're going to visit wineries on Seneca Lake I'd make sure this is one of the stops on your tour. Thanks for the great experience Kim!!
Natalie S.
Mar 31, 2019
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Breanna B.
Mar 04, 2019
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I'm so glad we made an impromptu stop here! I had this spot bookmarked forever after hearing from friends about their wines. They have a lovely tasting room - very rustic and cozy. This place is tucked away in the woods a bit so it has a nice relaxed, vibe with a great outdoor seating area. I can't wait to enjoy that once summer hits.
As for the wines, they have a great dry selection. They get their grapes from a few different farms on the Finger Lakes to make their wines. What's great about that is that they can experiment and offer a range of wines. They're known for their
As for the wines, they have a great dry selection. They get their grapes from a few different farms on the Finger Lakes to make their wines. What's great about that is that they can experiment and offer a range of wines. They're known for their
Jeffrey S.
Jun 09, 2018
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Great wine and cafe
They have flights here where it's $5 for flight of 4 wines and one on the back that is a special wine.
We did the dry whites. Everyone starts off with the reserve. You receive a $2 off coupon for every bottle you purchase when you purchase a wine sampling.
The wines were great. The man who was serving us was knowledgeable about the wines. They been doing wines since 1984 but didn't open to the public u too 1990.
We ate outside and the food was incredible. I recommend going here. Good wine and food.
They have flights here where it's $5 for flight of 4 wines and one on the back that is a special wine.
We did the dry whites. Everyone starts off with the reserve. You receive a $2 off coupon for every bottle you purchase when you purchase a wine sampling.
The wines were great. The man who was serving us was knowledgeable about the wines. They been doing wines since 1984 but didn't open to the public u too 1990.
We ate outside and the food was incredible. I recommend going here. Good wine and food.
Sean C.
Jan 28, 2018
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We had an outstanding visit to Billsboro on a rare nice day in January. The welcoming tasting room was packed yet the service was exceptional.
They have a great variety of wines and specialize in dry wines which is unique for a Finger Lakes winery. Our favorite wine was the Mousseux which was a refreshing sparkling dry Riesling. Who doesn't like bubbles or FLX dry Riesling?!
Besides the great wine, we also got to meet Deanna the tasting room manager. She was very knowledgeable and fun!!
Looking forward to visiting in the spring when we can spend time on their beautiful patio.
They have a great variety of wines and specialize in dry wines which is unique for a Finger Lakes winery. Our favorite wine was the Mousseux which was a refreshing sparkling dry Riesling. Who doesn't like bubbles or FLX dry Riesling?!
Besides the great wine, we also got to meet Deanna the tasting room manager. She was very knowledgeable and fun!!
Looking forward to visiting in the spring when we can spend time on their beautiful patio.
Scott G.
Sep 29, 2017
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Another great find and much of this because of our tasting experience with Cary. Hit it off right away- one of the cutest location and tasting room I've ever been in. We even joked about how nice the bathroom was as it felt like a 5star experience.
Loved the wines- Mousseux 2016- Sparkling Riesling was fantastic. Very unique and great flavor. Not a big fan of sparkling but this was amazing.
Cabernet Franc was another winner but also enjoyed the Pinot Gris and Apres desert wine.
My wife doesn't cuss and she actually let out the F-word when trying to Apres. Needless to say these wines
Loved the wines- Mousseux 2016- Sparkling Riesling was fantastic. Very unique and great flavor. Not a big fan of sparkling but this was amazing.
Cabernet Franc was another winner but also enjoyed the Pinot Gris and Apres desert wine.
My wife doesn't cuss and she actually let out the F-word when trying to Apres. Needless to say these wines
