Sasha Pardy Named NYSRA’S Top 10 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 one of the New York State Restaurant Association’s “10 Women to Watch” in Hospitality for 2026. The recognition celebrates women across New York State who are leading the hospitality industry forward through innovation, leadership, and impact.
According to NYSRA, the honorees represent women “who seem to do it all and do it with excellence,” recognizing leaders who create meaningful change within hospitality while inspiring others through resilience, vision, and dedication.
Pardy will be recognized during the 2026 Women in Hospitality Conference, presented in partnership with Google, on June 2 at Google St. John’s Terminal in New York City.
Since co-founding Adirondack Winery in 2008—one of the first micro-wineries in the country to operate without an attached vineyard—Pardy has helped grow the company into one of Upstate New York top wineries, producing over 15,000 cases annually while sourcing grapes from the Finger Lakes, Long Island and more. Adirondack Winery has become known for its innovative fruit-infused wines and guided tasting experiences, earning consistent top rankings as one of the Lake George region’s top attractions.
In 2022, the company expanded with its Queensbury location, featuring a Restobar with beautiful, delicious bites to complement their wines and ciders, and “The Mezz,” now recognized as one of the region’s premier event venues. The venue hosts a packed calendar of public events ranging from dueling pianos and comedy shows to book clubs, crafting events, weddings, bridal showers, corporate gatherings, and large group tastings and tours.
Pardy is also the founder of the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary on June 27th and 28th in Lake George. The festival features more than 120 wineries, craft beverage producers, artisan food and craft makers, culinary and cocktail comps and demos, live music, and more—generating over $3.5 million in annual economic impact for the region and raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters and Soroptomists.
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by the New York State Restaurant Association as one of their ‘10 Women to Watch’ in Hospitality,” said Pardy. “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 was nominated by Gina Mintzer, Executive Director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB. In her nomination, Mintzer praised Pardy’s collaborative leadership style and commitment to elevating the entire hospitality community.
“Sasha exemplifies a ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ mindset,” Mintzer wrote in her nomination. “She has demonstrated time and again that true leadership in hospitality is rooted in collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to long-term success.” Pardy has served on the Board of the Chamber & CVB for over 15 years.
For more information about Adirondack Winery, visit adirondackwinery.com.
About Adirondack Winery
Founded in 2008, Adirondack Winery is one of New York State’s largest wineries and is known for its fruit-infused wines, guided tasting experiences, craft beverages, and hospitality-driven experiences. The company operates tasting room locations in Lake George and Queensbury, New York, along with sister hard cider brand, Extreme Heights Cidery, and a growing portfolio of events and experiences throughout the Adirondack region.
