J.R. Dill Winery is known for its comfortable atmosphere, laid-back approach to wine, and welcoming tasting room experience. Upon visiting, you are always welcomed warmly and with a smile. You may even find owner Jeff Dill behind the tasting bar or hustling on his forklift to get his grapes pressed, or perhaps running down to his new location in Watkins Glen. One thing is for sure—he works hard.

Jeff started J.R. Dill at the impressively young age of 26 in 2010. He had begun making wine with his mom as a teenager using wine kits, and what started as a simple hobby has turned into a successful business venture. With a background in commercial banking and an MBA from Drexel University, Jeff set himself up with the tools to succeed.

After nearly eight years in Philadelphia, Jeff was drawn home and began exploring the idea of starting his own business. The tourism explosion along Seneca Lake during his years away presented an opportunity for a career change and a chance to use his entrepreneurial spirit to open his own winery.

Hard work and a "can-do" attitude have served Jeff well, and it is evident in his business. J.R. Dill has a small team that wears many hats, including Sarah Houck and Cale Sutterby, who assist with everything from winemaking to creating a warm, welcoming tasting room experience. His mom, Jackie, can often be found maintaining the beautiful gardens that add to the welcoming environment you feel as you walk into the tasting room. His father Bob spent many years behind the tasting bar helping to set the tone for the customer experience that has continued with his son and the winery team.

J.R. Dill produces around 5,000 cases annually, which is no small feat for a small operation. While they primarily sell most of their wines directly from their tasting room, they also maintain a strong presence in local restaurants and stores. All of their wines are made from grapes sourced from South East Seneca farms, allowing them to collaborate with some of the best growers in the region.

Using traditional winemaking techniques, they have honed their craft over the years, producing many award-winning wines. Their wines are easy to drink and approachable, with options like Cayuga Rise Bubbly, Dry Riesling, or their Jaberwaulkie wines—there's something for everyone. The vinifera reds, which benefit from their oak aging program, have earned J.R. Dill a reputation for great red wines in the region.

Recently, they expanded their presence in Watkins Glen by opening The J.R. Dill Wine Bar and The Benjamin Hotel, adding two vibrant businesses to the historic downtown area. In addition to Jeff's entrepreneurial ventures, he has been involved in the local community, having served as treasurer for the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce and the Schuyler Hospital Foundation. He has also served two terms as president of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

Jeff and his wife, Darcy, have two beautiful boys who are lucky to grow up riding on forklifts and experiencing life at the winery. Who knows, maybe one day they will be running the show.

Jeff’s leadership has been instrumental in the formation of the South East Seneca Business Alliance. There is no doubt why J.R. Dill has become such a successfully established winery in its 14 years on Seneca Lake, and we are incredibly lucky to have them here!