Ria’s Wines is a winery, vineyard, and tasting room located in Hector, NY, in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, directly on seneca lake. Founded in 2022 by wife and husband duo, Ria D’Aversa and Michael Penn, Ria’s Wines highlights the incredible, rich terroir of the Finger Lakes while offering a world class hospitality experience.
Ria brings a background in viticulture and organic farming, while Michael brings a wealth of experience in winemaking. having previously worked in California, Italy, France and New Zealand, Ria and Mike are eager to put their knowledge into new soil.
with two children and a mutual adventurous spirit, they moved to the Finger Lakes in 2021 in search of the best terroir in New york for growing wine grapes.
OUR STORY
Meet the team
Liz Salamendra, tasting room lead
madi wells, assistant tasting room lead
Ria’s is dedicated to cool climate farming, crafting wines that reflect the Finger Lakes’ rich agricultural legacy. Many of the vines on our property are over forty years old, including varieties like Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, Chardonnay, ViGNOLES AND BACO NOIR.
Nestled just 1,000 feet from the southeastern shore of Seneca Lake, the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes, our vineyard thrives in glacially tilled soils formed atop an ancient shale bed. The vines grow on a gentle slope in the northern part of the region, often referred to as the ‘banana belt’ for its favorable climate. 2025 IS OUR FIRST YEAR FARMING WITH REGENERATIVE PRACTICES WITH THE AIM OF CERTIFICATION BY 2028.
We take a subtle, thoughtful approach to winemaking. Our white wines undergo extended skin soaks during pressing, enhancing their texture and minerality. For our reds, we hand tread the grapes, stems included, and allow fermentation to start naturally. We refrain from additives or adjustments, letting the wine speak for itself.
At Ria’s, we aim for transparency in every bottle, letting the unique terroir of our vineyard shine through with each pour.
how we grow grapes & make wine
the tasting experience
Our tasting room is located along a popular stretch of the Seneca Lake wine trail. Offering a warm and inviting hospitality experience, guests will be welcome to explore our portfolio of wines while overlooking a stunning vista of the vineyard and Seneca Lake to the west.
Guests can create a custom flight of wine, taste by the glass or try a seasonal spritz. assorted bar snacks are available to purchase alongside each tasting. there’s a little something for kids too.
There are unique spaces for the tasting experience, the indoor tasting room and bar, outdoor patio, and green garden. Reservations are encouraged and walk ins are very welcome.