Many Hands
Ann and John Martini
Winery Owners
Ann grew up in Rochester, New York and the New York City suburbs of New Jersey; John grew up in the same New Jersey suburbs. After working in teaching (Ann) and Peace Corps and business (John), they moved to Yates County in 1973 to grow grapes and raise their family on 100 acres overlooking Seneca Lake. Ann managed the vineyard and raised the children, while John worked for Cornell University at the Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York. The grapes from their vineyards were first sold to the Taylor Wine Company and eventually to wineries across New York State.
In 1990, Ann and John Martini opened Anthony Road Wine Company with wines made from the 1989 crop. The first building was a renovated farm shop and the equipment was at best an eclectic collection of used and borrowed tanks and pumps and an old apple press. Their children, Peter, Sarah, Maeve and Elizabeth, have been involved in the vineyard and winery throughout their growing years and beyond. Peter, is the vineyard manager at Martini Vineyards. The joy of growing grapes and producing fine wines still motivates and excites the Martini family – more than a quarter-century after the first vines took root.
Peter Martini
Vineyard Manager
Peter Martini grew up on the family farm, working in the vineyards from a young age. He graduated from Clarkson University in 1990 with a BS degree in business management and moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the summer season. Nine years later, after working as an automotive technician for one of Jackson’s premier shops, he and his fianc�e decided to move back to the Finger Lakes and the family business.
After working for a year in the vineyards Peter was given the responsibility for managing the vineyard operation for Anthony Road. Recent plantings of Cabernet Franc, Lemberger and Pinot Noir have been added to the existing Riesling and Vignoles acreage.
Beginning in 2002, Peter started managing our joint project with the Young family of California and planting the first section of the new vineyard on Nutt Road. Excited about this endeavor Peter says, “this project has been great for Anthony Road and for the Robert Young Family. It has brought the Finger Lakes more credence as one of New York’s premium grape growing regions and as a national contender for fine wines.” There is always a lot to do in the vineyard, but if you have a question about how the grapes are growing or our management practices, please feel free to e-mail Peter Martini.
Peter Becraft
Head Winemaker
Searching for a place where the water tasted like wine, Peter made his way to the Finger Lakes in 2006. Harboring among the vines at Anthony Road, he never left. Years of apprenticing gave way to opportunity in 2014 when he took over chief expression of site responsibilities at Anthony Road Wine Company. With a healthy respect for the region’s past, presently Peter forges the excitement of the Finger Lakes’ future.
Michael Eighmey
Vice President of Sales
Michael married into the Anthony Road Wine Company family in 1999 and has literally enjoyed the fruits of others’ labor. Slowly but surely he realized that involvement in the family business would be inevitable, and unbeknownst to anyone else he took on the self-appointed, pro bono position of ARWC Brand Ambassador. While secretly learning about the wine industry from afar, Michael held down a day job as a: US Navy Deep Sea Diver, Commercial Diver, Collegiate Coach and Sales Engineer. In the fall of 2015 Michael officially joined the ARWC staff earning his first company paycheck cleaning press deck and cellar equipment in support of harvest; just like any self-respecting Vice President of Sales should. He enjoys all things outdoors, biking on and off road, camping, hiking, javelin catching (wait… what?) and spending time supporting his family’s multitude of activities.
Sarah Martini Eighmey
General Manager
Sarah grew up on Anthony Road, she left for school, adventures and careers elsewhere. In 2013 she left her profession as a registered dietitian to work full time in the family business. Sarah and her husband Mike have 4 children and live in Geneva, NY. Running has been and continues to be a lifelong passion, racing in all distances and terrains since the age of 13.
Elizabeth Martini Castner
Tasting Room Manager
Liz returned to the winery in July 2013 as Tasting Room Manager after taking time off to raise kids, chickens, ducks and a very weedy garden. She & her husband, Sam, live on Keuka Lake’s east side, up on the hillside with their 4 children.
Maeve Martini Feola
Office Manager
Maeve grew up on the family farm but knew she always wanted to be a nurse. She obtained her nursing degree from St. John Fisher and worked in the nursing field for 24 years. During that time she, along with her husband Peter, raised three children in Irondequoit, NY enjoying all of their sports, activities and interests. She and Peter have recently moved back to the family farm where Maeve can once again be a part of the family business.
Tito Chavez
Assistant Winemaker
My father’s love for vineyard work transferred to my brother and I. I was practically babysat in the vineyard. I got to learn so much about the grape growing and vineyard side of the industry; everything from establishing a vineyard to grape harvest. I never got to see the full winemaking process and I felt like that side was missing. Around my junior year of highschool, after being involved in Future Farmers of America in Penn Yan, we took a field trip to tour the FLCC Viticulture & Enology center. I knew I was starting to gain an interest in winemaking and I went on to attend FLCC Viticulture and Wine Technology Program. I believe great wine starts in the vineyard and I am excited to see it full circle and work on the production side here at Anthony Road. Aside from wine, my hobbies include watching and playing soccer, real estate, hunting, and fishing.
