A new Capital Region winemaker is breaking barriers while making bottles.

The next time you sit down at a restaurant and order a glass of wine, there’s a good chance it will be from Courtney Rankin at Adirondack winery. She is the prestigious winery’s very first female winemaker. 

To Courtney, wine isn’t just a drink – it’s a work of art. She originally went to film school, but pivoted to winemaking when she discovered she had a natural passion and talent for it.

Now that she’s taking over the winemaking at Adirondack Winery in the Capital Region, she’s responsible for ensuring 35 to 40 different wines, and even some hard-ciders.

Courtney says her understanding of art helps her find the perfect balance between the flavors and ingredients of her wines.

“It’s really, really cool to be coming into a place that hasn’t had a woman one maker before. And you know, just see what I can do to make things better and change things,” Courtney said.

In order to get her job at Adirondack Winery, Courtney had to impress the owners with some of her own self-made vintages.

“That was part three of my interview,” Courtney explained while laughing. “I had to bring in wine that I had made previously and have everyone sample it. So no pressure!” 

If you enjoy wine pairing and tasting, Adirondack Winery is throwing a Wine Makers Dinner series. On Sept. 27,  you can meet Courtney, and try some of her perfect wine and dinner pairings.

The event will also feature live music. For more information check out Adirondack Winery’s website: https://www.adirondackwinery.com/Events/Tasting-Room-Events