A Unique Experience

By SARA HERRMANN
Mazza Chautauqua Cellars has been open just over two years, but in that short time has established itself as a truly unique experience on the Chautauqua Wine Trail. Mazza Chautauqua houses Western New York State’s only distillery and offers, in addition to nearly two dozens table and premium wines, distilled beverages such as Apple, Plum, Cherry and Pear Eau de Vie and two varieties of Grappa.

The Mediterranean-style building was, in fact, designed around the hand-crafted copper pot still, which owner Bob Mazza imported from Germany. “There was a real focus on making the still the center of the building,” notes manager David Beckstrom. “It makes a strong first impression when you walk in.”

The building was designed not only to feature the still, but to sustain the environment. The building utilizes geo-thermal heating and cooling methods and recycled materials, including recycled cypress wine tanks.

The stills themselves require 2,000 gallons of water per day to cool, which comes from a pond on the property that runs on a continuous loop cycle.

“The costs to build a building like this are front-loaded,” explains Beckstrom. “But the methods are cost effective and efficient – and it’s the right thing to do.”

In addition to the distilled Eau de Vie and Grappa, Mazza Chautauqua offers about two dozen different wines. Both the Pinot Grigio and Riesling have won gold and silver medals. Mazza Chautauqua’s ice wine was awarded a double gold and the Merlot, Syrah and Proprieter’s Reserve have won awards as well. According to Beckstrom, the Lighthouse Point Rose, a medium sweet blend of Concord and Niagara is a popular blend.

Mazza, located on Rt. 33 minutes from the Chautauqua Institution in Mayville, offers lunch and light dinner at its café and all wines are available by the glass or bottle at the café.