Matt Smith

Matt Smith After studying fine arts and then becoming a Sommelier in New York City, Matt, a New Jersey native, came to the Finger Lakes to dive deeper into his passion for wine. He spent a few years working in a neighboring vineyard and joined the Lakewood cellar team just after harvest in 2022. Always…

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Abbey Welker

Abbey, Alumni

Abbey pouring wine Abbey Welker After a short stint at Lakewood Abbey returned to Syracuse University. We miss her warm smile and inquisitive nature.

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Kelly VanScoyk

Kelly VanScoyk portrait

Kelly, Past Stewardess Kelly VanScoyk This vivacious mom of four shared her talents between Lakewood Vineyards and a neighboring winery. Even though she was new to our crew, she fit right in and quickly became a familiar face at our tasting bar.

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Jaclyn Symiakakis

Jaclyn, Alumni

Jaclyn stirring grapes in a harvest bin Jaclyn Symiakakis A harvest intern, Jaclyn came to Lakewood with lots of experience selling wine, and a keen interest in making it. Jaclyn has moved on to another adventure that has her living closer to her New England based family.

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Vicky Shaban

Vicky Shaban portrait

Vicky, Past Stewardess Vicky Shaban Vicky came to Lakewood by way of a road sign and was a welcome addition to the tasting room crew. We were lucky she found Lakewood, and lucky she deemed it the right place to share her wine knowledge. Her gentle demeanor and pleasant presentation made guests want to linger…

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Mary Beth Hollenbeck

Mary Beth, Past Stewardess

Mary checking out our merch Mary Beth Hollenbeck Ready with warm smile and laugh, Mary Beth joined the Lakewood team with experience in wedding and event planning and the tourism industry. She is an outspoken and knowledgeable advocate for the Finger Lakes and was always ready to help people find Lakewood wines they love and…

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Kennedy Heichel

Kennedy, an alumni

Kennedy with peonies on the deck Kennedy Heichel High school valedictorian and collegiate pole vaulter, Kennedy dived right in when she joined the Lakewood team. Now finishing her education, she still stops in to see us from time to time.

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John Damain

John Damian portrait

John harvesting grapes John Damain John came to Lakewood Vineyards in 1996. With prior experience working in a restaurant with an extensive wine selection, he had gained a great knowledge of wines but had never experienced wine production. At Lakewood, he asked if he could work harvest. After 15 years on our winemaking team, John…

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Norrie Cornelius

Norrie Cornelius portrait

Norrie posting on our social channels Norrie Cornelius Norrie (a.k.a. the “Wine Wench”) had been part of Lakewood Vineyards since 1998. Her love of people, storytelling, and our wines made all of our visitors’ tastings a pleasure. After meeting Norrie, you felt like you’de made a new friend.

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Chris Stephany

Chris Stephany portrait

Chris moving boxes of wine Chris Stephany Whether it’s surf boards or Finger Lakes wine, Chris’s passion for the past few years has been helping people find the “right fit” for them. He dives in wherever he is needed; in addition to pouring wine he’s also worked in the cellar and helped pick grapes. He…

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