A man behind a bar counter holding a pink cocktail in his right hand and a yellow cocktail in his left hand, smiling at the camera, with shelves of liquor bottles in the background.

Bringing elevated thoughtfully crafted cocktails to Watkins Glen.

Owner and the man behind J.R. Dill Winery, Jeff Dill is a hardworking entrepreneur who started his small winery in 2010 at the young age of 26. In 2023, he had the opportunity to acquire a historic building on Franklin Street after renovations, the doors were able to open in the summer of 2024. The wine bar was a natural addition, that brings J.R. Dill’s Seneca Lake wines to the historic area of Watkins Glen, NY. Along with the Wine Bar, the building also includes The Benjamin Hotel.

Terence Lane leads the operations at J.R. Dill Wine bar, his knack for mixology is not just a coincidence. Terence is a certified sommelier, with years of experience working at Aldo Sohm Wine Bar in Manhattan. He uses his knowledge to craft cocktails that are balanced, interesting and enjoyable to an array of clientele.

Smiling bartender at a wooden bar preparing a cocktail with a bottle of red wine, a glass of water, and a small flower arrangement on the bar counter, in a warm, rustic bar setting with shelves of liquor bottles behind him.
Spacious bedroom with large windows showing a street view, a bed with pillows, a small side table, a leather sofa, a wooden dresser with a potted plant, and a small table with stools.

The Benjamin Hotel