Finger Lakes Wine Country is the unified voice for the 3,065 square mile area that includes 5 counties (Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates) and 3 wine trails (Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka).
As the branding organization for the region, Finger Lakes Wine Country is responsible for positioning our communities as a top-of-mind brand by showcasing the plentiful attributes and experiences of the area.
We do this through an integrated marketing program that includes a robust website, paid media, social media, email marketing, media and influencer relations including press trips, print and online magazines, that collectively promotes the entire region’s lifestyle and attractions.
Mission & Vision
Finger Lakes Wine Country is dedicated to creating a unified and inclusive community that celebrates the rich diversity of our region. Through immersive experiences and storytelling, we aim to foster genuine connections with visitors, residents, and businesses alike. By showcasing the beauty, culture, and welcoming spirit of our region, we inspire people to explore, learn, and grow with Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Our goal is to establish Finger Lakes Wine Country as a top destination known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant small towns, and authentic experiences. We strive to build strong brand awareness that motivates people to visit, live, work, and engage with our community, driving growth and universal recognition of our region. Through this, we hope to create a lasting impact that benefits everyone who calls Finger Lakes Wine Country home.
Meet the Team
Laury Ellen Ward
President
My love affair with the Finger Lakes started several years ago as a frequent visitor to the region and now I can’t help but marvel at what a gift I have been given to promote such a unique area. I know how much the destination has to offer—it’s my job to help spread the word! I grew up in Rockville, MD; lived many places—including Virginia, DC, Texas and Connecticut—and I raised my two children in Hershey, PA, but I am thrilled to now call the Finger Lakes my home. In my role as president, I direct our team with the creation and implementation of all programs and initiatives to raise awareness for the Finger Lakes Wine Country regional brand. When I’m not wearing my tourism hat, I’m likely outside, donning my hiking boots or gardening gloves.
Team member since 2013 and holds a B.S. degree in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations from the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
Christina Oldroyd
Vice President, Brand Development
I always took growing up in Finger Lakes Wine Country for granted. It wasn’t until I moved away that I realized what I’d left behind. A classic case of “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” I grew up in Elmira, but have called both Western New York and New York City home. Years later, I’m proud to be a Finger Lakes Wine Country resident. As the Vice President of Brand Development, I manage the overall brand strategy and marketing programs and assist Laury with the administration of the organization. I’m proud to have played a role in the region’s growth and look forward to seeing what the future holds. While I love developing creative marketing campaigns, my greatest joy is my amazing family.
Team member since January 2008 and holds a B.S. in Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations, and a B.A. in Psychology from SUNY Fredonia, Fredonia, NY.
Board of Directors
| CHAIR Rick Pirozzolo Arnot Art Museum | VICE-CHAIR Nigar Hale Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce |
| TREASURER Lisa Gill The Rockwell Museum | SECRETARY Jessica Bacher Yates County Chamber of Commerce |
| PAST CHAIR Tom Tranter, Retired Corning Inc. | PRESIDENT Laury Ellen Ward Finger Lakes Wine Country |
| Dawn Burlew Watkins Glen International | Beth Duane Corning Museum of Glass |
| Jordan Harris Heron Hill Winery | Susan Hayes Miles Wine Cellars |
| Jennifer Herrick-McGonigal Chemung County Chamber of Commerce | Jamie Johnson Steuben County IDA |
| Michael Lipari Finger Lakes Economic Development Center | Rebecca Maffei Tioga County Tourism |
| Kevin Peterson Steuben County CVB | Shawn Rosno Schuyler County |
| Millicent Ruffin Corning Inc. | Elaine Smith Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum |
| Brittany Woodburn Tioga County | Brie Woods Belva Lockwood Inn |
| EX-OFFICIO Meghan Lawton Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance |
Investors
The work that Finger Lakes Wine Country does wouldn’t be possible without the generous financial support of the following organizations and businesses:
Corning Community Impact & Investment
Explore Steuben
Explore Watkins Glen
Finger Lakes Countrysides
Discover Chemung
Experience Tioga
Corning Museum of Glass
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Watkins Glen International
Glenora Wine Cellars
Wagner Vineyards
Weis Vineyards
The Rockwell Museum
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Heron Hill Winery
JR Dill Winery
Lakewood Vineyards
Quincy on Market
Best Western Plus VIneyard Inn & Suites
Finger Lakes Premier Properties
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
Three Rivers Development
If you’re interested in becoming an investor with Finger Lakes Wine Country, please contact us today.
Annual Reports
Finger Lakes Wine Country produces an Annual Report each year, highlighting our program of work, acknowledging our investors and our Board of Directors, as well as publishing our audited financial statements.