From craft beers to canine companions in Penn Yan, NY
Penny Carlton • October 28, 2025, KeukaRoots.com
Abandon Brewing: Where Craft, Community & Connection Pour Freely
There’s something about the drive up Merritt Hill Road that feels like a gentle exhale. The trees arch overhead, sunlight flickers through the branches, and then—there it is.
A weathered red barn perched proudly on the hillside, overlooking the glimmering vineyards and blue shimmer of Keuka Lake. That’s Abandon Brewing Company, and stepping inside feels like finding the heart of the Finger Lakes—where community, craftsmanship, and comfort blend as naturally as malt and hops.
🌿 A Place with Soul
Housed in a restored 1800s barn, Abandon Brewing radiates rustic warmth and creative spirit. The air hums with the scent of hops and orchard sweetness, while sunlight filters across reclaimed wood beams and long communal tables.
Laughter drifts from the deck, glasses clink, and the rhythm of an acoustic guitar fills the air. It’s the kind of place that feels both historic and alive—where time slows just enough for you to savor the view and the moment.
I settle near the window with a tasting flight—a crisp German Lager, a citrusy IPA, and a tangy Kettle Sour—and each sip tells a story of local soil, skill, and soul.
🍺 Meet the Heart Behind the Hops
At the helm are AJ and Sarah Noto, the proud proprietors who took over Abandon Brewing seven years ago. Originally from the Rochester area, the Notos have become woven into the fabric of Penn Yan life—building partnerships, championing local causes, and transforming this red barn into a beloved community gathering spot.
They believe that a brewery should be more than a place to drink—it should be a place to connect, give back, and grow together. Their commitment shines through in every event, every pour, and every warm welcome.
🐾 Love, Rescue & a Three-Legged Mascot Named Trip
If you love dogs, you’ll fit right in at Abandon. AJ and Sarah are passionate animal advocates who proudly partner with North Paw Rescue, a local nonprofit helping dogs find forever homes.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll meet Trip the Tri-pod—Abandon’s beloved three-legged mascot. With his wagging tail and infectious joy, Trip embodies everything that makes this place special: resilience, heart, and the belief that every soul deserves a second chance.
It’s a philosophy that spills over into everything Abandon does—kindness served by the pint, community built one tail wag and one smile at a time.
💍 Where Memories Are Made: Weddings, Gatherings & The Farmhouse
If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding wrapped in rustic elegance—with golden fields, vine-covered hills, and Keuka Lake shimmering in the distance—Abandon Brewing is the kind of place where those dreams take root.
Set high above the water, the brewery offers one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the Finger Lakes. Ceremonies unfold beneath open skies, receptions glow under twinkling lights strung across the old barn beams, and every photograph feels touched by magic.
From intimate celebrations to grand gatherings, Abandon’s team works closely with couples and hosts to craft events that feel personal, joyful, and deeply grounded in the natural beauty of the land. The red barn’s charm blends seamlessly with modern amenities, ensuring comfort without losing that timeless countryside feel.
And just steps away from the brewery sits The Farmhouse—a beautifully renovated 1800s home that completes the experience. With its wraparound porch, cozy interiors, and sweeping lake views, it’s perfect for bridal parties, weekend getaways, or family stays. Imagine waking up to mist rising off the vineyards, coffee brewing in the kitchen, and the promise of celebration floating through the air.
Whether you’re toasting forever with family and friends, hosting a milestone birthday, or planning a corporate retreat that feels more like a getaway, Abandon Brewing and The Farmhouse offer a setting where every detail tells a story—and every story begins with a view.
📞 To inquire about weddings, special events, or Farmhouse bookings:
Visit abandonbrewing.com or call the brewery directly for availability and tours.
🌎 Eco-Friendly and Rooted in the Land
Abandon Brewing’s connection to the Finger Lakes runs deep. Nearly all ingredients—barley, wheat, hops, fruit, even honey—are sourced within about 50 miles, supporting local farmers and reducing their carbon footprint.
Their brewing process emphasizes sustainability, conservation, and reuse. Even the barn itself is a testament to green living: restored and repurposed, it stands as proof that honoring the past is the best way to build the future.
At Abandon, “eco-friendly” isn’t a label—it’s a lifestyle.
👨🔬 Meet the Makers: The Craft Behind the Flavor
Every pint and plate carries the passion of two creative talents: Head Brewer Jeff Hillebrandt and Chef Brett Gannetti.
Jeff Hillebrandt brings precision and artistry to his brews, balancing old-world traditions with innovative flair. His ever-rotating lineup—Porter’s stouts, bold IPAs, and ales—keeps each visit fresh and exciting.
Chef Brett Gannetti transforms local ingredients into dishes that feel both comforting and inspired. His menu pairs effortlessly with Jeff’s creations, celebrating seasonal flavors and Finger Lakes charm. Whether you’re here for a pint and a snack or a full culinary adventure, Brett’s food adds that final touch of homegrown perfection.
🎌 November Events at Abandon Brewing
There’s never a dull moment at Abandon—and November is proof that community and creativity are alive and well in Penn Yan.
🐶 November 1 | 1 PM – 4 PM
First-Ever Dog Costume Party with North Paw Rescue!
Join Abandon Brewing for a day of four-legged fun and fundraising!
🐾 Dog Costume Party — $20 donation to North Paw Rescue enters your pup into the competition.
🏆 Multiple Prize Categories — from “Best Dressed” to “Most Creative.”
📸 Dog Photo Booth — with a professional photographer ($20 donation).
🐕 Meet & Greet — with adorable adoptable dogs from North Paw Rescue.
🎶 Live Music 3–6 PM, and the kitchen will be open all afternoon.
This event runs 1–4 PM, but the brewery will be open 11 AM–7 PM—so come early, grab a pint, and stay for the paw-some fun!
🍜 November 16 | 6 PM
One Night in Kyoto — A Culinary Journey
Join us for a trip to Japan with our “One Night in Kyoto” Dinner!
For just $50 per person, enjoy a three-course Japanese-inspired dinner plus a drink chip, with additional themed cocktails available for purchase.
Menu
1st Course: San’s Pork Dumplings — Locally made pork dumplings served in kombu dashi broth, topped with sesame chili crisp and Japanese pickled cucumbers.
2nd Course: Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen — Slow-simmered garlic and local pork tonkotsu broth with oven-roasted pork belly, soy-marinated soft-boiled eggs, wood-fired mushrooms, scallions, and nori.
3rd Course: Almond Pound Cake — Served with Saratoga Olive Oil Company mango honey, powdered sugar, and flake salt.
A one-night-only culinary journey curated by Chef Brett Gannetti, paired perfectly with Jeff Hillebrandt’s craft brews—a warm, whimsical escape to Kyoto right in the heart of the Finger Lakes.
Get Tickets Now! Limited reservations!
🎄 November 29 | 12 PM – 4 PM
5th Annual Holiday Market at Abandon Brewing!
Kick off the holiday season and celebrate five years of this beloved local tradition!
🎶 Live Music from Surf Renegades (1–4 PM) — think Christmas-at-the-beach vibes!
🎁 Holiday Shopping — local artisans, crafters, and small businesses galore.
🍽️ Delicious Food Specials and Seasonal Cocktails.
🎅 Free Photos with Santa!
The market runs 12–4 PM, and the brewery will be open 11 AM–7 PM.
It’s the perfect Small Business Saturday celebration—support local, sip local, and soak up the holiday cheer at one of the Finger Lakes’ most festive gatherings!
✍️ Reflections from the Barn
As the sun sets and laughter echoes off the old beams, you can feel it—this is more than a brewery. It’s a story unfolding in real time.
Abandon Brewing is a reminder that the best places aren’t defined by walls or signs, but by people—by the ones who pour their passion into every glass, who open their doors to neighbors, and who believe that community is something you build, one shared moment at a time.
So the next time you find yourself winding through Penn Yan, take that turn up Merritt Hill Road. Step into the barn, meet the locals, greet Trip, and raise your glass to everything that makes the Finger Lakes unforgettable.
Because at Abandon Brewing, every sip, every song, and every smile is part of the story—and everyone’s invited.
📍 Abandon Brewing Company
2994 Merritt Hill Rd • Penn Yan, NY 14527
🍺 abandonbrewing.com
🐾 Partnering with North Paw Rescue
