Guided by decades of experience and driven by creativity, our head winemaker transforms nature’s raw potential into expressive, boundary-pushing wines.
Dave and Melissa Pittard invested in a vineyard and built a legacy. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture and innovative winemaking has shaped Six Eighty Cellars into what it is today.
Our stellar team brings expertise and care to the vineyard. We create a welcoming environment where employees are encouraged to grow and pursue their passions.
“After 20+ years in my career I was honestly starting to feel burnt out and was looking for ways to keep things fresh. When they asked me to be Head Winemaker, I was given a chance to work with new vessels and styles, and make wines that don’t fit into any particular mold. It has given me a fresh outlook on what I do, allowing me to bring my years of experience to uncharted territory. It’s a very rewarding feeling.”
“My fav wine currently is the Sandstone Chardonnay – I love the layers of flavors and textures. I enjoy wines that require you to spend a little time with them and open up slowly. Though I definitely enjoy wine on its own, it really requires the right food to fully realize its potential.”
Originally from Skaneateles, Dave and Melissa Pittard returned to the Finger Lakes after years in the NYC metro area, wanting to raise their family closer to home. With a deep respect for winemaking traditions and a vision for something new, they founded Six Eighty Cellars in 2020.
Now, with a growing family and a thriving winery, the Pittards continue to bring fresh perspectives, sustainability, and creativity to their Finger Lakes-grown, amphora-aged, and wildly inventive wines.
“We only knew at that time that we had to do something out of the box and totally different. We wanted to do something that showed who we are as owners and what we think the future of wines in the Finger Lakes can and will be.
My favorite Six Eighty wine is Chardonnay Sandstone. When I hear Chardonnay I generally cringe thinking of oak, crazy malolactic, rich butter and oak – this wine is none of that. The Chardonnay grape is awesome and this wine allows the fruit and acid to shine.”
From the vineyard to the tasting room, every member of our team brings their expertise and passion to the table. It’s through collaboration, innovation, and shared dedication that we craft wines that truly reflect our values. Together, we create something greater than the sum of its parts — a thriving winery with a community spirit at its core.
