Boundary Breaks was established on the east side of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes AVA of New York. In 2007, owner Bruce Murray purchased a 120-acre farm that had been in the same family since 1850. Bruce, who grew up in Central New York,  came to the wine business after a 30 year career in publishing.  His love of Riesling and the  and the desire to return where his roots ran the deepest led him to the Finger Lakes.  Murray’s goal was to develop a vineyard that could yield Finger Lakes Rieslings that were comparable to some of the great Rieslings of Germany and Alsace.  The climate and deep waters of Seneca Lake provided the perfect place for Bruce to plant Riesling.

The vineyard site is exceptional. There are 70 acres of open farmland that had previously been planted to row crops like corn and soybeans. The soils are characterized as “Cazenovia Silt Loam” which is tested at an optimal pH typical of calcareous soils. These soils are considered ideal for producing complex aromatic white wines.  Bruce and his team painstakingly prepared the land and carefully chose select, German, Riesling clones (Geisenheim #110, #239, #198) that would yield the high quality fruit to make world-class Riesling.

The focus for Boundary Breaks was exclusively Riesling but has evolved to include a Loire inspired Cabernet Franc, a Bordeaux style blend of Merlot and Cabernet, Gewurztraminer, and a non-oaked Chardonnay. There are four Rieslings  that are made in four different styles using select clones ranging from bone dry to medium sweet, and in year's when Mother Nature provides the ideal weather, a traditional Ice Wine. The focus and dedication of the project is a revelation in the region and one which is helping redefine the potential in the the Finger Lakes AVA.