Our Story
The Martin family’s story began unlike most in this industry; honeybees. Co-Owners George and Ginny Martin along with their son and Co-Owner, Ed Martin, ran a commercial beekeeping business up and down the East Coast. When they began searching for new ways to utilize their honey that’s when Co-Owner, Bill Martin, got creative. After experimenting with home winemaking he began exploring making wine from honey. That’s when the family knew this could be something really big. Little did they know where they’d be today.
What was once a family starting a new business venture out of their garage has now grown into established wineries and distilleries throughout upstate New York. The Martin family is undoubtedly passionate about what they do and the people they connect with along the way. We invite you to learn more about their story and to visit one (or all) of our locations to experience the family tradition with us.
1999
Martin’s Honey Farm & Meadery in Sterling
The Martin family decided to take Bill’s winemaking to the next level. They soon opened Martin’s Honey Farm & Meadery out of their garage in Sterling, NY where they produced and sold both honey and fruit wines. As this was new to all of them, experimentation along with trial and error were all too common. Bill continued his exploration in winemaking while Ed, George, and Ginny.
2001
Opened Montezuma Winery in Seneca Falls
After just a few short years, the Martin family quickly outgrew their space in Sterling. Finding the right location in the heart of the Finger Lakes was their next step. They soon discovered the perfect spot at the top of Cayuga Lake. This move to the Finger Lakes also meant partnering with local growers to begin working with vinifera, native, and hybrid grape varieties in addition to their fruit and honey wines.
2007
Started Hidden Marsh Distillery
As the Martin family began to settle into their new location they discovered a new passion; distilling. They started lobbying in Albany for the laws to change, which would result in making it easier to distill spirits. At the time there were only a mere six distilleries in the state of New York. After the laws changed, they then had to face the next challenge of finding a still and learning about the distillation process. They soon purchased a custom-built pot still from Germany being one of the first of its kind in the Finger Lake region.
2010
Opened Montezuma Winery Old Forge
For generations, The Martin family had been traveling to and from the Adirondacks. Their love for the Adirondack Park stems from Ginny’s family. Since the early 1900’s, Ginny’s Grandmother, Bommy and Father, Bud, summered in the hamlet of Old Forge. This old family tradition and love for the Old Forge area led the Martins to open a satellite tasting room in downtown Old Forge.
2013
Opened Idol Ridge Winery
Just three years later, the Martin family was ready for their next adventure. After driving along the east side of Seneca Lake, they discovered a beautiful piece of land up on a ridge for sale that had a panoramic view of the lake. Here, they built a stunning lodge-style tasting room featuring large timber beams, chandeliers, and a tasting bar all handcrafted by Co-Owner, Ed Martin. This location would feature a new brand for the family producing a different line of wines.
2015
Added Alder Creek Distillery
Years after establishing Hidden Marsh Distillery, the Martin family was ready to expand their distillery production. They established Alder Creek Distillery, located at Idol Ridge Winery, to showcase traditional, premium spirits. Inspired by their love for the Adirondacks, their new distillery was named after the quaint hamlet, Alder Creek.
2019
Private Airbnb Cabins
Six years after opening Idol Ridge Winery’s tasting room, the Martin’s were ready to expand on the property overlooking Seneca Lake. They purchased a small winery neighboring Idol Ridge and converted the tasting room into a private Airbnb cabin. They also converted the small building behind Idol Ridge into a second Airbnb allowing us to host overnight guests.
2021
Opened Montezuma Winery Cooperstown
Similarly to Old Forge, the Martin family has always had a connection to the Cooperstown area. Having family property in the area, the Martin’s have enjoyed visiting the region and had a vision to expand their reach there. They purchased an old thrift store and converted it into a winery and distillery tasting room right on the outskirts of downtown Cooperstown.
2023
First Vineyard Planted
Throughout the years of crafting wine, the Martin family has always partnered with local farmers to purchase locally sourced fruit. In 2023, they planted our first vineyard on the south end of Idol Ridge’s property. Our production will still require us to work with local farmers but we will be able to make some wines with our own fruit!
2024
Penguin Bay Winery
The most recent adventure for the Martin family is their new ownership of Penguin Bay Winery on Seneca Lake. Look out for a fresh rebrand coming soon!