Charles Davenport Champlin and twelve Hammondsport businessmen incorporated Pleasant Valley in 1860 with $10,000 and two French-trained winemakers, Jules and Joseph Masson. The winery was designated U.S. Bonded Winery No. 1 — the first licensed winery in the country. Eight stone buildings on the property are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The winery survived Prohibition and several ownership changes before returning to local family control in 1995. Great Western Champagne, made here continuously since the 1860s, was the first American champagne to win a major European competition. Tours are conducted seasonally. The Visitor Center wine museum includes a working model of the Hammondsport Railroad. Path Through History site.















