Small-town charm. Big-hearted wine.
By Penny Carlton, KeukaRoots.com
The Carl family has been part of Hammondsport’s story since 1894, weaving their lives into the very fabric of this charming Finger Lakes village. For generations, they’ve been pioneering entrepreneurs—visionaries who built, created, and gave back to their community. That same spirit of innovation and hospitality continues today, carried on by a new generation who honors their roots while creating fresh spaces for locals and visitors to gather, relax, and connect.
It began with Walter J. Carl, Jr and his wife, Linda, who lovingly transformed his parents’ home at 17 Shethar Street into J.S. Hubbs Bed & Breakfast—later known as J.S. Hubbs Guest House. The name pays tribute to Walter’s maternal grandfather, J.S. Hubbs, a nod to both family heritage and Hammondsport’s deep winemaking history.
In 2000, the Carls expanded their endeavors by purchasing Park View Wines & Spirits, reviving a family tradition that dates back to the pre-Prohibition era when J.S. Hubbs himself was part of Hammondsport’s early wine industry.
Their story intertwines beautifully with the region’s rich viticultural past—an era shaped by ventures like Columbia Wine Company and Taylor Wine, whose legacy still ripples through the valley today.
In 2010, Linda Elias-Carl carried that entrepreneurial torch even further, purchasing the building that eventually became Over the Bridge Wine Bar in 2016. The space itself is steeped in local history—once a gas station, a toy store, a bakery, and even the JAMBE Shipping Emporium. Every chapter of its past seems to linger in the air, adding character and warmth to this cozy corner of the village.
You can almost picture Linda there: a welcoming smile, a glass of wine in hand, chatting with patrons like old friends. Her son, Walter John Carl III, remembers how she had a gift for making everyone feel at home. That same spirit lives on at The Hidden Cork today.
Serving a carefully curated selection of wines, craft beers, spirits, and light fare, The Hidden Cork isn’t just a wine bar—it’s a gathering place. A spot for laughter, live music, and easy conversation. Whether you’re savoring a glass of local Riesling, sharing appetizers with friends, or simply soaking in the relaxed atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that feels instantly familiar.
Add in special events, live performances, and that unmistakable small-town warmth, and it’s easy to see why The Hidden Cork has become one of Hammondsport’s most beloved gems.
Across all their ventures—J.S. Hubbs Guest House, Park View Wines & Spirits, and The Hidden Cork—the Carl family continues to pour their hearts into everything they do. Each space carries a sense of welcome and familiarity, much like Hammondsport itself.
So whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local looking for a cozy evening out, stop by The Hidden Cork. Grab a glass of wine, enjoy a light bite, and settle into the conversation. It’s more than a wine bar—it’s a celebration of community, heritage, and the enduring warmth of the Carl family’s legacy.
The Hidden Cork online: Website
