Premium Finger Lakes Winery Welcomes New Winemaker

Dundee, NY, July 23, 2014 --(PR.com)-- In April of 2014, Villa Bellangelo Winery, began an exciting global search for a new winemaker. Bellangelo, widely recognized as a rising star of the Finger Lakes wine industry, was determined to find an individual who was well traveled, widely experienced, broadly tasted, and an excellent fit for the winery. Bellangelo located that person in Nathan Kendall, a Dundee, NY native and winemaker with impressive skills and impeccable credentials.

According to Chris Missick, one of the owners of the family-run winery, “I wanted to bring on a new winemaker that had crafted wines at some of my favorite wineries around the world, and who understood the global wine business.” Kendall brings both elements, as he holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Brockport, and a decade of globe-trotting winemaking experience.

Since August 2011, Kendall has served the venerable Ravines Wine Cellars as assistant winemaker to Morten Hallgren. Among the many recent achievements attributable to the Ravines winemaking team was the well-deserved recognition from Wine Spectator for their 2012 Dry Riesling, a wine which earned a 91 from the magazine, and a ranking of 33 of the Top 100 Wines of 2013.

Prior to his work with Ravines, Kendall worked vintages with S.A. Prum in Bernkastel-Wehlen, Germany, Adelsheim Vineyards in Oregon, Waipara Springs and Coopers Creek Vineyard, both in New Zealand, Bird in Hand Winery in Australia, and Cline Cellars, in Sonoma, California.

Missick adds that the Kendall shares the existing philosophy which is the cornerstone of Bellangelo’s wines. “Our wines must exhibit a sense of place, exemplifying the sites where the grapes are grown, and the beauty of our cool climate region. Additionally, we seek integrated texture and mouth-feel, fruit, and balance in all our wines. Nathan has the same instinctual approach towards wine and winemaking on all these issues.”

Regarding his new position, Nathan added, “I am greatly looking forward to working with the Missick family, as well as the dedicated team at Villa Bellangelo. Using old world techniques, coupled with new world flair, this is a special opportunity to solidify the Bellangelo house style - one that is uniquely Finger Lakes."

Bellangelo is a family owned winery beautifully situated in the Finger Lakes on the West side of Seneca Lake one mile south of the legendary Herman J. Wiemer. Hailing from California, Bellangelo was purchase by the Missick family in 2011 and has quickly established itself as a regional industry leader with exports throughout Europe, published highly rated wines, and leadership on issues important to the growth of the AVA.