Pumpkins & Teslas, Alcohol & Axes: A Harvest Festival to Remember

“So you want us to park our Teslas next to the axe throwing exhibit? Ok, sounds like a good idea...”

‘This was going to be a fun day’, I thought to myself. After all, it’s not often that one gets to drink wine, paint pumpkins, take a hayride, squish grapes with bare feet, and watch people throw hunks of sharpened metal, many for the first time in their lives, in the general vicinity of one’s vehicle. Welcome to the 2019 Hunt Country Vineyards Harvest Festival :)

Fortunately, it turned out we were (of course) far enough to be safe from errant axes, but still close enough to catch the attention of the ancient hobby's spectators, as they continued over to our line of seasonally-decorated Teslas. Being decked out with little hay bales, colored leaves, pumpkins, and squash helped our modern, high-tech vehicles blend surprisingly well into the agricultural setting of the vineyards.

Though what actually made everything fit so well together was Hunt Country Vineyards itself. Led by Suzanne Hunt, this family-owned, generations-old business has been blazing a trail toward sustainability in the Finger Lakes from the top to the bottom of their operations: yes literally, from the solar panels on the barn roof to the 6000(!) feet of geothermal plumbing extending 375 feet below the ground’s surface. Standing somewhere in between are their suite of EV chargers, including Tesla Destination chargers, that were officially opened during last year’s Harvest Festival. That should allay any residual range anxiety that EV drivers might have at the thought of driving to these beautiful vineyards in the semi-remote hills overlooking Keuka Lake.

Speaking of of EVs, around 15 of them, 10 being Teslas, were on display over the course of the day, being proudly shown off by their enthusiastic owners who also fielded the usual volley of curious questions. Some came alone, while others brought their loved ones: spouses, kids, dogs, and even pumpkins - it was quite a family affair!

TOCNYS founding member Harry B. (and Hunt Country Vineyards veteran) had this to say of his experience at the event:

“We had a great time! Beautiful sunny day. Several Teslas both at the display area and at the chargers. Our dogs were tired when they got home. We picked up a lot of goodies at the crafts booths and in the vineyard's shop... some for now and some for Christmas gifts. All in all, a great day.”

Member Asa F. added:

"We loved the Harvest Festival at Hunt Vineyards! Not only was there plenty for the kids to do, it was a beautiful location and we prefer/love to support businesses that are committed to sustainability - so it was a win all around."

Recent TOCNYS addition David R. (from above picture) had this to say:

"This was a great time, and a really nice introduction to the Tesla club for me as a new owner. Always fun to spend time with other enthusiasts..."

In addition to the aforementioned, there was live music, plenty of food to choose from, wine taste-testing, and tours of the wine-making facilities (highlighting the solar and geothermal systems). There were rumors that some even went straight to the vine for some (don’t tell Suzanne) taste-testing of the grapes themselves!

This wasn’t the first TOCNYS event at Hunt Country Vineyards, and given our overlapping green values, it won’t be the last. As a club, we were honored to be invited to attend and will be looking forward to the next opportunity to do our little part to save the planet, and if it involves a little alcohol and axe throwing, then so be it :)

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