Figiel was owner of Silver Thread Vineyard and winery on Seneca Lake for over 10 years. It was the

first  certified organic vineyard in the Finger Lakes dedicated to European wine varieties. He sold the

winery in 2011.

For 17 years he was editor of 3 wine magazines and is author of two books: Culture in a Glass, and his

most recent, and the subject of our interview, Circle of Vines: The Story of New York Wine.