Main Street News

Ilio Mavlyanov has always been passionate about creating beverages that capture the spirit of where they’re made. The CEO and founder of Sauvage Distillery, located in Charlotteville, NY, started his journey in Oneonta, where he began working hand-in-hand with local orchards to produce sparkling apple cider and wine. 

“That experience taught me that the best drinks start with a deep connection to the land and the people who farm it,” he says. 

In 2020, the opportunity arose to acquire a distillery and expand the Sauvage brand to Charlotteville, which Mavlyanov calls a step that felt both “natural and inevitable.” 

“This corner of upstate New York is surrounded by rolling farmland, apple orchards, and a community that values craftsmanship,” he explains. “It’s peaceful, beautiful, and rooted in tradition in a way you simply don’t find in the city. So many people think of New York and picture only skyscrapers, but the heart of the state lies here, in the fields and small towns that produce some of the best ingredients in the country. Every bottle we make is our way of sharing that story.”

From cider to spirit 

Sauvage Distillery has come a long way since first beginning. What initially started with a 150-gallon still – used to distill leftover juice from cider production – has evolved into a 22,000 square foot distillery that is dedicated to producing distinctive, locally-inspired, apple-based spirits. 

Mavlyanov cites father-son duo Ken and Kyle Wortz joining the Sauvage team as a pivotal moment for the brand. Ken served as head distiller during a key chapter of Sauvage’s development, and together, Ken and Kyle refined the distillation process and crafted an award-winning portfolio. 

Ken also mentored Sauvage’s current head distiller, Jamie Terk, who now leads the distillery’s all-women distilling team. In 2020, after expanding to the 25-acre property that they are currently located at, Sauvage was able to multiply its production capacity more than a hundredfold. 

“Today, we remain rooted in the same values – craft, innovation, and a deep respect for New York agriculture – as we continue to grow and share the spirit of upstate New York with the world,” Mavlyanov says. 

When starting Sauvage, Mavlyanov didn’t want to craft another neutral grain vodka. Instead, he tapped into his history with apples to create a crisp, clean flavor that stands apart from traditional grain or potato-based spirits. 

“It all started with apples – crafting sparkling cider and wine gave me a deep respect for fermentation and working with fresh fruit. From there, moving into spirits was a natural evolution. Upstate Vodka represents the new generation of spirits – rooted in tradition, yet pushing boundaries with innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to showcasing the true character of New York apples,” he shares. 

From there, Sauvage Distillery draws inspiration from the region to create new spirits. Currently, its portfolio contains Upstate Vodka, Upstate Vodka Cinnamon, and the newest release – Upstate Brandy Maple, which blends two-year-aged apple brandy with pure maple syrup sourced locally in Schoharie County in New York. All of Sauvage’s products are gluten-free certified, Kosher-certified, crafted from New York grown apples, and celebrate the flavors of the region. 

Celebrating the flavors of the region 

Upstate Vodka has earned multiple awards for both taste and quality, and has been recognized in national spirits competitions for its crisp, smooth profile. “Those accolades affirm what we’ve believed from the start – that a vodka made from New York apples can stand out on the world stage,” he says. “Our all-women distilling team approaches every recipe with the goal of giving it distinct character.” 

Sauvage Distillery notes that partnering with local farms isn’t just part of their process, but is the foundation and at the heart of what they do. Sauvage sources from orchards and farms across the Hudson Valley and in Schoharie County. “Building direct relationships with growers [ensures] the highest-quality ingredients while investing back into our local community,” he says. 

The most rewarding part for Mavlyanov is seeing people enjoy what they’ve created at Sauvage Distillery. “It’s an incredible feeling to watch someone discover Upstate Vodka or one of our other spirits for the first time – knowing it was crafted entirely by local hands – and feel that authentic connection to this region.” 

As Sauvage Distillery continues to grow nationwide distribution, they’re also exploring new ways for people to enjoy their spirits, including ready-to-drink cocktails. 

“Every new venture is guided by the same philosophy that defines our spirits – celebrating local agriculture, honoring traditional methods, and capturing a distinct sense of place in every pour.” 

To learn more about Sauvage Distillery, visit them in-person at 102 Bindery Lane, Charlotteville, NY, or online at www.drinksauvage.com. Sauvage Distillery’s complete portfolio is available nationwide via direct-to-consumer shipping on their website, and follow @upstatevodka on Instagram to stay up-to-date on new product releases and more from the distillery.