Finger Lakes: The Jewel of Upstate New York

Location: Central New York, named for its series of long, narrow lakes.

Climate and Terroir: The Finger Lakes region benefits from a cool climate, with the lakes acting as natural temperature moderators. The glacial soils, rich in minerals, are perfect for grape growing, giving the wines a crisp, clean profile.

What to Try: Riesling is the star here, known for its vibrant acidity and complex flavors. You’ll also find excellent Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gewürztraminer.

Long Island: Coastal Elegance

Location: Just a short drive from New York City, located on the North and South Forks of Long Island.

Climate and Terroir: Long Island enjoys a maritime climate thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This results in mild winters and long, warm summers, ideal for growing a variety of grapes. The sandy loam soils ensure good drainage, essential for healthy vines.

What to Try: Merlot and Chardonnay shine here, along with some fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and even Albariño.

Hudson River Valley: Historic and Picturesque

Location: Stretching along the Hudson River, just north of New York City.

Climate and Terroir: The Hudson River acts as a natural temperature regulator, preventing extreme cold in the winter and too much heat in the summer. The region’s diverse soils, from clay to sandy loam, support a variety of grapes.

What to Try: Seyval Blanc, Baco Noir, and Cabernet Franc are highlights. Look out for unique hybrid varieties like Vidal Blanc and Traminette.

Lake Erie: Concord Central

Location: Along the shores of Lake Erie in western New York.

Climate and Terroir: The lake’s influence creates a unique microclimate, with warm summers and cool winters. The gravelly loam soils provide excellent drainage.

What to Try: Concord grapes are the mainstay here, often used for juice but also producing interesting wines. Try the region’s Rieslings, Chardonnays, and Vidal Blancs.

Niagara: A Hidden Gem

Location: Far western New York, near Niagara Falls.

Climate and Terroir: This region benefits from the moderating effects of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, which create a favorable microclimate. The limestone-based soils add a distinct minerality to the wines.

What to Try: Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc thrive here. Don’t miss out on the region’s famous ice wines, made from grapes that freeze on the vine.

Champlain Valley: The New Kid on the Block

Location: In the northeastern part of New York, along the shores of Lake Champlain.

Climate and Terroir: This region has a cool climate, influenced by the nearby lake which helps moderate temperatures. The soils are a mix of sandy loam and clay.

What to Try: The Champlain Valley is known for cold-hardy hybrids like Marquette, La Crescent, and Frontenac. These grapes produce wines with unique, vibrant flavors.

The History of Wine Production in New York began in the 1600’s

The Early Days: 1600s to 1800s

Hudson River Valley: The Pioneers The story of New York wine begins in the Hudson River Valley, one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the United States. European settlers in the 1600s recognized the potential for viticulture, but it wasn’t until the early 1800s that commercial winemaking took off. Robert Underhill established the first successful winery in Croton Point in 1839, focusing on native grape varieties like Concord and Catawba.

Grape Varieties and Challenges Early winemakers struggled with the climate and diseases affecting European grape varieties (Vitis vinifera). They turned to native American grapes (Vitis labrusca) and hybrids, which were more resilient but produced wines with distinct “foxy” flavors that weren’t always popular.

The Rise of Finger Lakes: Mid-1800s to Early 1900s

The Pleasant Valley Wine Company In 1860, the Finger Lakes region saw the establishment of the Pleasant Valley Wine Company, also known as the Great Western Winery, near Hammondsport. This winery gained international recognition, winning awards in Europe and putting the Finger Lakes on the map.

Dr. Konstantin Frank and Vitis Vinifera A game-changer for New York’s wine industry came in the 1950s with Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant and viticulturist. He proved that European Vitis vinifera grapes could thrive in the Finger Lakes’ cold climate if grafted onto hardy rootstock. His success with Riesling and other vinifera varieties revolutionized winemaking in the region, paving the way for high-quality wine production.

The Emergence of Long Island: 1970s to 1980s

The Birth of a New Region Long Island’s wine story began relatively recently, in the early 1970s. Alex and Louisa Hargrave planted the first commercial vineyard on the North Fork in 1973. The maritime climate, with its long growing season and well-drained soils, proved ideal for growing vinifera grapes.

Growth and Recognition Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, more vineyards were established, and Long Island gained a reputation for producing elegant Merlots, Chardonnays, and other varietals. The region’s proximity to New York City also helped boost wine tourism and market presence.

Hudson River Valley: A Renaissance

Revitalization in the 1980s The Hudson River Valley experienced a revival in the 1980s, with a focus on quality over quantity. Winemakers began experimenting with French-American hybrids and vinifera grapes, producing award-winning wines that drew attention back to this historic region.

Legacy and Innovation Today, the Hudson River Valley is known for its innovative winemakers who blend traditional methods with modern techniques, creating unique wines that reflect the region’s rich heritage.

Lake Erie and Niagara: Growing Recognition

Lake Erie: Juice to Wine The Lake Erie region, long known for its Concord grape production (mainly for juice), began shifting towards wine production in the late 20th century. The region’s unique climate, influenced by Lake Erie, allows for a variety of wine styles, from sweet to dry.

Niagara: Ice Wine Pioneers In the Niagara region, winemakers have embraced the cold climate to produce exceptional ice wines. This labor-intensive process, which involves harvesting frozen grapes, results in intensely sweet and flavorful wines that have earned international acclaim.

Champlain Valley: The New Frontier

Cold-Hardy Innovations The Champlain Valley is the newest addition to New York’s wine regions, emerging in the 21st century. Winemakers here focus on cold-hardy hybrids like Marquette and Frontenac, developed to withstand the region’s harsh winters. These innovative wines are quickly gaining recognition for their unique flavors.

Modern Day: A Thriving Industry

Diversity and Excellence Today, New York boasts over 400 wineries across its diverse wine regions. From the mineral-rich Rieslings of the Finger Lakes to the bold Merlots of Long Island, New York wines have earned a place on the global stage.

Wine Tourism Boom Wine tourism has become a major industry, with visitors flocking to New York’s wine regions for tastings, tours, and scenic vineyard views. Events like the Finger Lakes Wine Festival and Long Island’s Harvest East End celebrate the state’s vibrant wine culture.

Cheers to the Future

New York’s wine industry continues to evolve, driven by innovation, dedication, and a deep respect for the land and its history. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious newbie, New York’s wine regions offer a rich tapestry of flavors, stories, and experiences waiting to be discovered. So next time you raise a glass, think of the journey from those early vineyards to the bustling wine scene of today. Cheers to New York and its incredible wine legacy!

Why You Should Explore New York Wines

So, why should you add New York wines to your rotation? For starters, the diversity is incredible. Whether you’re into crisp whites, bold reds, or sweet dessert wines, New York has something to offer. The unique climates and soils of each region impart distinct characteristics to the wines, making each sip a new adventure.

Plus, exploring New York’s wine regions means you get to enjoy some breathtaking scenery and charming towns along the way. Whether you’re sailing on the Finger Lakes, strolling through the vineyards of Long Island, or taking a historical tour in the Hudson Valley, you’re in for a memorable experience.

Next time you’re looking to stock up your wine rack or plan a wine-tasting trip, consider New York’s diverse and delightful wine regions. I’ll be touring this region over the next nine days, so stay tuned for more fun facts and firsthand notes on the area wineries!