Adirondack Winery’s Sasha Pardy named a “Women to Watch” in hospitality

Sasha Pardy, Co-Owner and President of Adirondack Winery and Extreme Heights Cidery, and owner of Adirondack Festivals, has been named 1 of 10 “Women to Watch” in hospitality by the New York State Restaurant Association.

Each year, the New York State Restaurant Association recognizes 10 women in the hospitality industry whose leadership, innovation, and community impact shape the industry. Gina Mintzer, Executive Director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB, nominated Pardy for the honor, writing in her nomination:

“Sasha exemplifies a ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ mindset. “She has demonstrated time and again that true leadership in hospitality is rooted in collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to long-term success.”

Adirondack Winery was founded in 2008, launching from a storefront on Canada Street in Lake George Village. It was a novel venture, being one of the first micro-wineries in the country operating without an attached vineyard.

Adirondack Winery has since grown to become one of Upstate New York’s top wineries, producing more than 15,000 cases a year, sourcing grapes from New York vineyards. The winery is known for its innovative fruit-infused wines.

The company quickly outgrew its Lake George space and moved production to Queensbury. This allowed it to expand the Canada Street tasting room, which has become a favorite Lake George attraction offering unique, guided tasting experiences.

In 2022, the Winery expanded the Queensbury facility to include a Restobar and event space that hosts live music, game nights, comedy shows, and private events. In 2023, the winery launched Extreme Heights Cidery, a spin-off brand featuring cider varieties crafted using Upstate New York Apples.

Pardy also founded the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival, which is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year, June 27 and 28. The wine festival was one of the first events held at the Festival Commons in Charles R. Wood Park. It has grown to feature more than 120 vendors, drawing more than 6,000 visitors from across the Northeast.

The Adirondack Winery has a tradition of supporting local not-for-profits. A portion of Adirondack Wine & Food Festival tickets benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks. Additionally, each October, the winery holds a Drink Pink campaign to support Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Adirondacks.

Sasha Pardy also plays the clarinet in the Lake George Community Band.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by the New York State Restaurant Association as one of their ‘10 Women to Watch’ in Hospitality,” Pardy says in a press release. “Hospitality has always been my passion because it’s about creating experiences that bring people together and leave lasting memories. I’m proud of what our team has built here in the Adirondacks, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported our journey along the way.”

Pardy, along with the other nine honorees, will be recognized at the 2026 Women in Hospitality Conference in New York City on June 2.