Winery · South East Seneca

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

Home of the world-famous Red Cat — six generations of family farming and great wine on Seneca Lake since 1852.

Hector, NY
Open Daily 10 AM – 5 PM+
~9 miles from Watkins Glen
Home of Red Cat Wine
Live Music Fri & Sun
The Oasis Outdoor Pavilion

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is one of the most beloved destinations on Seneca Lake — a family winery that has been farming the same land on the eastern shore since 1852, now celebrating 40 years of commercial winemaking. Founded in 1985 by the late Jerry and Elaine Hazlitt, the winery is now managed by sixth-generation family members Doug Hazlitt and Leigh Hazlitt Triner.

The winery is home to the world-famous Red Cat, one of New York State's top-selling wines, and an award-winning portfolio that includes Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris, Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, and the Cider Tree hard cider line. The tasting room — named one of the Top 25 in the United States by Wine Enthusiast Magazine — is built around the legendary horseshoe bar, antique decor, and the smell of fresh popcorn that greets every visitor.

Outside, The Oasis outdoor pavilion comes alive seasonally for live music, dancing under the stars, and leisurely afternoons on the patio overlooking sparkling ponds, rolling horse pastures, and vineyard views. It's a true Finger Lakes institution — casual, welcoming, and impossible to visit just once.

Our Story

Hazlitt is one of those places that earns its reputation every single time. The horseshoe bar is everything it's cracked up to be — warm, lively, and staffed by people who genuinely love talking about the wine. The Red Cat is a regional icon for good reason, and the Riesling is seriously impressive for anyone who thinks they know what Finger Lakes whites taste like.

On a summer Friday evening at The Oasis with live music playing, a glass of something cold, and those vineyard views stretching out in every direction — this is what the Finger Lakes is all about. Six generations of family have poured their hearts into this land, and you taste it in every bottle. Don't leave without a Red Cat to take home.

— South East Seneca

What to Expect

Award-Winning Wines

Red Cat, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cab Franc, Ice Wine, and Cider Tree — a full lineup for every palate.

Famous Horseshoe Bar

Top 25 Tasting Room in the US (Wine Enthusiast) — fresh popcorn, antiques, great staff, zero pretense.

The Oasis Pavilion

Outdoor pavilion open seasonally — live music, dancing, picnic tables, ponds, and vineyard views.

Live Music Fri & Sun

Friday evenings 5:30–8:30 PM and Sunday afternoons 2–5 PM throughout the season.

6 Generations of Farming

Family has farmed this land since 1852 — one of the most storied wine estates in the Finger Lakes.

Gift Shop & Wine To Go

Full gift shop with Hazlitt and Red Cat merchandise, wine, cider, and bottles to take home.

What's Pouring

From the iconic Red Cat to award-winning Riesling and a premium hard cider, Hazlitt has something for every palate. Tastings available at the horseshoe bar daily.

Red Cat ★ — The Original

One of New York State's best-selling wines and a Finger Lakes icon since 1985. A high-quality sweet red wine made from Catawba grapes — approachable, fun, and impossible not to love. The wine that started it all for the Hazlitt family.

  • RieslingDry to semi-sweet · A flagship white and regional standout
  • GewürztraminerAromatic and expressive · One of the best in the Finger Lakes
  • Cabernet FrancPremium red · Rich, structured, and estate-grown
  • Pinot GrisCrisp and food-friendly · A versatile white for any occasion
  • Vidal Blanc Ice WineDessert wine · Intensely sweet and internationally renowned
  • Cider Tree Hard CiderPremium hard cider · Made from locally grown apples

Full wine list at hazlitt1852.com — tastings available daily at the horseshoe bar.

Tips for Visitors

  • Start with the Red Cat — it's the house icon and a great introduction to what Hazlitt is all about.
  • Friday live music runs 5:30–8:30 PM at The Oasis — extended hours, a great evening stop.
  • The Oasis is open seasonally Memorial Day weekend through end of September — check Facebook for exact hours.
  • The horseshoe bar is the heart of the experience — sit down, let the staff tell you the story of each wine.
  • The gift shop has Red Cat merchandise, wine club options, and bottles to ship home.
  • Open year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter.

Live Music & Events

Every Friday · 5:30–8:30 PM

Friday Live Music at The Oasis

Live music every Friday evening at The Oasis outdoor pavilion from Memorial Day weekend through end of September. Extended bar hours until 8:30 PM.

Weekly · Seasonal

Every Sunday · 2–5 PM

Sunday Live Music

Live music Sunday afternoons at The Oasis — a perfect way to wind down a Finger Lakes weekend with great wine and great sound.

Weekly · Seasonal

Daily · Year-Round

Tasting Room & Horseshoe Bar

Fresh popcorn, antique decor, and the famous horseshoe bar open daily. One of the Top 25 tasting rooms in the US — come see why.

Daily

Year-Round

Wine Club & Seasonal Releases

New wines and seasonal releases throughout the year — join the wine club for first access or follow on Facebook for announcements.

Seasonal

Full music calendar at hazlitt1852.com/hector

Keep Exploring

More exceptional wineries just up the road on the east shore of Seneca Lake.