About Us

Our Approach

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Our History

Bagley's Poplar Ridge Vineyards was born after our late owner Dave Bagley decided to stop making wine for others and start his own business.  Dave had worked for many of the still active wineries here in the Finger Lakes for a few years before deciding it was time to do it for himself.  In 1977, he bought a beautiful chunk of land right here in Valois and got to work planting 20 acres of vineyards and making future plans.  By 1980 he had built himself a winery and very shortly after, a reputation.  It didn't take long for every stranger who walked through the door to leave as a friend.  Dave spent 28 years creating his dream of a winery including filling it with delicious wines, outgoing employees, chocolate lab puppies, and classic rock and roll.  He could always be found sitting on the corner stool or outside in a rocking chair, surrounded by big chocolate labs, while drinking champagne and making friends with every customer.  When Dave abruptly passed in 2008, his daughter Brittany stepped up and took over the business.  She has since worked hard to keep Dave's spirit alive in both the wine and the good times that are had on any day of the week here at Bagley's Poplar Ridge Vineyards.

Our Philosphy

"Wine Without Bull"

When my father dreamed of his ideal winery he felt that inclusion would be a integral part of our brand. The wine industry has traditionally been a prententious industry that made many feel as though they couldn't participate if they didn't know how to swirl their glass properly, or pick out the 'fine leather' notes. Dave made it a point to make sure that everyone felt welcome in his tasting room, whether you pulled in the driveway in a pick up or a beamer, you would be treated with the same respect and kindness as the next person. He made many friends over the years with this philosphy and we know that he made an impression on everyone that met him. 15 years later and a day doesn't go by that we don't hear a story from a visitor about Dave Bagley.

At the end of the day we are just farmers that make a delicious product, and we are humbled and lucky to be able to share it with you!

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Meet the Team

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Brittany Bagley

Owner

With Dave's abrupt passing when Brittany was just 19 years old, she took on the family business.  Forced to grow up at a young age, she has fully embraced her father's motto "Wine Without Bull" and took off running with it.  She has managed to keep the relaxed and fun atmosphere here, while creating quite the legacy of her own, including many new wine releases and a brand new addition on the building.  She truly is our fearless leader and keeps her workers motivated and happy everyday. Brittany and husband Kenny welcomed a baby boy in September 2019.

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Molly Collins

Tasting Room 

Molly joined our team in 2014, after working for Hazlitt's as their retail store buyer. She is a veteran here at Bagley's, working almost every position at one point or another. She was assistant winemaker and has now taken that knowledge to the tasting room. Molly uses her degree in graphic design and her artistic talents to create many of the cool tasting sheets, chalk boards and t-shirt designs. Molly is a true animal lover and spends most of her time with her two rescue dogs right here in Hector.

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Kenny Burchell

Vineyard 

With over 16 years in the grape growing business, Kenny has a true passion for viticulture. He has many years experience working for large growers such as Sawmill Creek Vineyards and Chateau Lafayette Reneau. Kenny joined the Bagley's team in 2009 and has since turned the vineyards around with his attention to detail and perseverance. He has found his home here at Bagley's Poplar Ridge and has literally become part of the family, marrying Brittany in the summer of 2017. They reside in Hector with Kenny's son, their new baby, and labrador Willie Nelson.

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Patrick Wilson

Vineyard Associate

A native of Alaska, Patrick moved to Seneca Lake in 2013. After being in the Army, he has chosen a more relaxed career in the vineyards. He shows true dedication and perseverance through adverse weather. Patrick resides in Hector.

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Liz Salamendra

Marketing 

Liz is a Seneca Lake native growing up right across the lake from us in Dundee. After receiving her bachelors degree in Resort and Hotel Management from Paul Smith's, Liz went on to be the Sales Manager at the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen followed by the Events Manager for the Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce.
Liz lives in Dundee with her boyfriend Ryan and cat Hilda. She loves to garden, fish and read.

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Drew Kessler

Assistant Winemaker & Tasting Room Associate 

Drew is one of the newest members of our team, and we are happy he joined us! You will usually find Drew behind the tasting bar, but more recently he has started to help out with winemaking and in the vineyards. He is very excited to learn more about the behind the scenes of winery operations and we are excited to give him the opportunity to learn new skills. Drew grew up in Utah and California, but has family ties to Seneca Lake. He lives with his girlfriend Sam here in Hector.

Our Labels

Our bottles are all screen printed with unique artwork. The wildlife artwork was drawn by local artist Norman Wells. The bottles featuring beautiful women, are all drawn by Rose Messina from Orchard Park, NY.