O’Mara applauds ‘Toast FLX Tanks’ event at Lakewood Vineyards today, praises ‘diversity and strength’ of Finger Lakes agriculture and manufacturing

Watkins Glen, N.Y., July 20—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) today raised a glass of praise to Lakewood Vineyards in Watkins Glen and Vance Metal Fabricators, Inc. in Geneva for their partnership in showcasing “the diversity and strength of Finger Lakes agriculture and manufacturing.”

O’Mara’s Senate colleague, Finger Lakes Senator Pamela Helming (R,C,I–Canandaigua) visited Vance Metal’s large-capacity metal fabricator and weld shop in Geneva earlier today to see Lakewood’s tanks begin to make their way to Watkins Glen.

Over the past decade, Lakewood Vineyards has purchased its fermentation tanks exclusively from Vance Metal, which works in diverse industries from heavy manufacturing to technology to agriculture. The company made its first winery tank in the 1990s and now makes tanks for distilleries, wineries, breweries, and cider houses in more than 20 states.

The custom-made, 2,500-gallon stainless steel fermentation tanks will travel 30 miles by truck from Geneva to the Watkins Glen winery today, where Lakewood will commemorate the installation of the tanks with a “Toast FLX Tanks” viewing party from inside its new production area.  The event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.  Watch the tanks' arrival on Facebook Live.

Today’s event follows the Genesee Brewing Co.’s recent “Toast the Tank” campaign when the Erie Canal was the delivery route for the company’s new tanks.

O’Mara, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said, “It’s fantastic to help celebrate this cooperation between two outstanding Finger Lakes industries working together to strengthen the American-made, locally produced movement. This high-quality partnership continues to showcase the diversity and strength of Finger Lakes agriculture and manufacturing.”

Helming said, "What an exciting celebration this was for these products that were made right here in Geneva, New York – American-made and locally-made. It is also great that these tanks were produced for a company that is also based in the Finger Lakes region. I encourage other local businesses to support one another by buying local and buying American whenever possible. I enjoyed visiting Vance Metal and seeing the outstanding work that they do."

Lakewood Vineyards President and Winemaker Chris Stamp recently said, “We wanted to celebrate the collaboration that exists in the Finger Lakes. We’re incredibly lucky to have good friends and partners at Vance Metal Fabricators–local wine tastes better from local tanks.”