Julia Rose Hoyle and Kelby James Russell have quickly made a name for themselves in the Finger Lakes wine scene with their winery, Apollo’s Praise, founded in 2023. The couple, partners both in life and in business, are deeply engaged in every aspect of their wine production, from farming to sales. Their rapid success is evident: within just three months of launching, their entire inventory sold out, and their wines received impressive scores reaching up to 98 points.
The name "Apollo’s Praise" is inspired by an 18th-century song celebrating unity and joy, which reflects the couple’s philosophy in their winemaking. Russell discovered the song during his time at Harvard, where he studied Orchestra Management, while Hoyle, originally from Pennsylvania, developed her passion for wine at Fox Run Vineyards in New York. Both eventually fell in love with each other and the winemaking process, culminating in their elopement in Paris in 2012.
Despite their individual experiences in prestigious vineyards both local and international, the couple’s hearts remained tied to the Finger Lakes. Russell worked as lead winemaker at Red Newt Cellars, and Hoyle took on a similar role at Hosmer Winery, where they cultivated their skills and garnered acclaim for their wines. The duo’s enthusiasm for their region’s potential is contagious; they aim to elevate the Finger Lakes’ status in the wine world.
Their journey took a significant turn when they secured a vineyard previously transitioned from fruit to vinifera, known as Lahoma Vineyards, which boasts a variety of exceptional grapes, including Riesling and Gamay. Upon purchasing the vineyard, they faced a daunting challenge—a severe frost that damaged half of their crop. Undeterred, they launched their winery and quickly adapted their business plan to ensure survival, receiving support from local growers who offered unclaimed fruit.
Three years on, Apollo’s Praise has expanded beyond winemaking. The couple invested in a historic farmhouse on the property, which serves as their office and accommodation for visitors. Their operations reflect a strong workplace culture, valuing creativity and individual voice. While they each craft their own wines, they also collaborate on a special blend called Lovejoy.
Today, their portfolio consists of accessible and high-quality wines at different price points, ensuring that more people can experience the uniqueness of Finger Lakes wine. The pair is committed to producing exciting wines while fostering community and collaboration among wine lovers, continuing to draw inspiration from the lyrics of "Glorious Apollo."
For further exploration of their wines and updates on their exciting ventures, visit Apollo’s Praise.