Nestled in the western part of New York State lies a hidden gem for wine connoisseurs: the Finger Lakes Region. While it’s overshadowed by its national and international counterparts, this American wine region has quietly developed a thriving wine industry that combines traditional European grape varieties with innovative American viticultural techniques. Known for its scenic vistas, the Finger Lakes region is an up-and-coming destination for wine enthusiasts looking to expand beyond the vineyards of California, Oregon, and Washington. Let’s dive into the history, climate, economic statistics, types of wine, and notable wineries of this blossoming wine area.
History of Finger Lakes Wine
The Finger Lakes wine industry’s roots go back to the early 19th century. Winemakers first focused on native grape varieties like Catawba and Niagara. The region gained its first significant international recognition when Dr. Konstantin Frank successfully cultivated the Vitis vinifera grapes—like Riesling and Chardonnay—in the area. His work proved to doubters that European grapes could indeed thrive in the Finger Lakes’ unique microclimate. Today, the region is home to over 130 wineries and has won numerous awards for its varietals and blends, both nationally and internationally.
Cities Making Up the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes Region is made up of 11 long, narrow, roughly north-south lakes. Several cities and towns dot the landscape around these lakes, with the most notable including Ithaca, Geneva, and Watkins Glen. These cities are gateways to exploring the wineries, offering charming accommodations and a range of culinary delights. Geneva, for example, is known for its vibrant food scene and historic architecture, making it a must-visit location for anyone touring the wineries.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Situated around the picturesque Seneca Lake, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is an institution in American wine, particularly in Upstate New York. As one of the oldest and most expansive wine trails in the United States, this trail comprises over 30 distinct wineries. It has been foundational in elevating the Finger Lakes region to a noteworthy American Viticultural Area. Visitors embarking on this trail can engage in a diversified sampling experience, including but not limited to varietals such as Riesling and Cabernet Franc. In addition to wine tasting, many establishments on the trail offer a range of supplementary experiences like educational tours, annual festivals, and curated culinary events.
Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake stands as another pivotal entity in the vibrant tapestry of the Finger Lakes wine region. Named after the indigenous Cayuga people, it holds the distinction of being the longest of the Finger Lakes, though it is not the deepest. Its relatively shallow depth allows for quicker warming of the lake’s waters, which in turn influences the terroir and the types of grape varieties that flourish here.
In 1983, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail was inaugurated, marking it as the first formally organized wine trail in the United States. Like its Seneca counterpart, the Cayuga trail boasts a number of wineries featuring an expansive range of wines, including classic whites like Riesling to intricate reds such as Pinot Noir. Beyond wine, many of these establishments venture into other libations like ciders and spirits, complemented often by food pairings.
Climate and Its Viticultural Advantages
Climate plays a crucial role in grape growing, and the Finger Lakes Region has a unique one that’s particularly beneficial for viticulture. The deep lakes moderate the temperature, preventing extreme heat in the summer and shielding the vineyards from harsh winter cold. The area’s glacial soils offer excellent drainage, a critical factor for grapevine health. This combination allows for a longer growing season, providing more time for the grapes to develop complex flavors while maintaining acidity—a dream come true for any winemaker.
Economic Statistics
The Finger Lakes wine industry is a significant contributor to the state’s economy. It generates approximately $3 billion annually, providing over 25,000 jobs. The region also attracts more than 4.8 million tourists each year, who not only explore the wineries but also contribute to the local hospitality and food industry. With the growing recognition of Finger Lakes wines, the area is increasingly drawing international tourists, which bodes well for the long-term sustainability of the region’s wine economy.
Types of Wine Grown in the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region has become synonymous with high-quality American wine, particularly when it comes to specific grape varieties like Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Gewürztraminer. Each of these grapes has found a unique expression in this distinct climatic region, benefiting from the area’s combination of soil type, temperature fluctuations, and lake-driven microclimates. Here, we delve deeper into these standout grapes, exploring why they’ve become so popular in the Finger Lakes and how the local conditions contribute to their unique character.
Riesling
Riesling holds a special place in the Finger Lakes wine scene and for good reason. This aromatic grape variety thrives in cooler climates, making it particularly well-suited to the region’s temperate weather patterns. Rieslings from the Finger Lakes tend to exhibit a fine balance between fruitiness and acidity, with flavor profiles that can range from dry and minerally to sweet and honeyed. The area’s glacially derived soils, rich in minerals and well-draining, contribute to the complexity and depth of local Rieslings.
The popularity of Finger Lakes Riesling is not just a local honor; it has received significant national and international acclaim. Expertly crafted Rieslings from this region have won numerous awards and can stand toe-to-toe with well-regarded examples from traditional Riesling strongholds like Germany and Alsace. The grape’s versatility also means that it can be produced in various styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet Ice Wines, offering something for every palate.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir, the noble red grape of Burgundy, has also found a home in the Finger Lakes. Like Riesling, Pinot Noir prefers a cooler climate, and the region’s unique geography and weather conditions provide an excellent environment for this somewhat finicky grape. Pinot Noir vines in the Finger Lakes yield wines with a lighter body, high acidity, and complex aromas of red fruit, earth, and sometimes spice.
One reason Pinot Noir has become popular in the Finger Lakes is its compatibility with the region’s cuisine. Whether it’s accompanying locally caught fish or the diverse range of cheeses produced in the area, Pinot Noir offers a flexible, food-friendly option. It’s a grape that tends to reflect its terroir very distinctly, and in the Finger Lakes, that means wines with a unique blend of Old World complexity and New World fruitiness.
Cabernet Franc
Another grape variety gaining traction in the Finger Lakes region is Cabernet Franc, a red grape originally from Bordeaux, France. While perhaps more famous for its role as a blending grape in Bordeaux and its pure expressions in the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc has found a unique voice in the Finger Lakes. Here, the grape takes on a character distinct from its European and other New World counterparts, thanks in large part to the region’s singular climatic conditions.
The cool, temperate climate of the Finger Lakes is especially beneficial for Cabernet Franc, helping to bring out its bright fruit flavors and naturally spicy undertones. Unlike Cabernet Sauvignon, its more robust relative, Cabernet Franc ripens earlier and is well-suited to cooler climates. This makes it a reliable choice for vineyards in the Finger Lakes, where the growing season can be shorter and less predictably warm than in many other American wine regions.
Cabernet Franc from the Finger Lakes often exhibits a medium body with a lively acidity, making it exceptionally food-friendly. Flavors and aromas can range from red fruits like strawberry and raspberry to more vegetal and herbaceous notes like green bell pepper and even a touch of jalapeño, balanced by subtler hints of spices and sometimes even floral notes. This complexity makes it an excellent wine for sipping but also versatile enough for pairing with a wide variety of dishes, from grilled vegetables and meats to more exotic and spicy cuisines.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is a grape with German origins, known for its intense aromatics and spicy notes. It’s a variety that can be challenging to grow, as it requires specific conditions to balance its naturally high sugar levels with sufficient acidity. The Finger Lakes region provides just such an environment. The climate allows for a longer growing season, which gives Gewürztraminer grapes ample time to develop their complex flavor profiles while retaining crucial acidity.
Locally produced Gewürztraminers often boast fragrant notes of lychee, rose petals, and exotic spices, balanced by a refreshing acidity that prevents the wines from becoming overly cloying. While not as ubiquitously popular as Riesling or Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer has garnered a dedicated following among those who appreciate its unique, intense flavors. It pairs remarkably well with spicy foods, making it a hit among those who enjoy cuisines like Thai or Indian, and its bold character makes it a memorable choice for wine tastings.
Each of these grape varieties—Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Gewürztraminer—benefits from the unique geographical and climatic conditions of the Finger Lakes, and each has developed a style that is distinctively “Finger Lakes” while still honoring its Old World origins. This mix of tradition and innovation is part of what makes the Finger Lakes such an exciting and dynamic wine region.
Renowned Finger Lakes Wineries
If you love wine, Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region is a must-visit spot. Known as the Finger Lakes Wine Country, this area is special for growing grapes and making amazing wine. The region is so good at it that it’s officially called an American Viticultural Area (AVA). That’s a big deal in the wine world! The Finger Lakes has some of the best wineries in the U.S., offering everything from crisp Rieslings to bold reds.
Wagner Vineyards
Wagner Vineyards is a family-owned winery and a mainstay in the Finger Lakes Wine Country of Upstate New York. Established in 1979, it’s one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the region. Situated on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, the vineyard enjoys the benefits of a microclimate that is highly conducive to grape growing. The deep waters of Seneca Lake act as a natural temperature regulator, creating optimal conditions for a variety of grapes to flourish.
The winery is known for producing an extensive range of wines, from aromatic whites like Riesling and Gewürztraminer to full-bodied reds like Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Their viticultural practices reflect a commitment to quality and sustainability, and the wines are often lauded for their consistency and complexity. In fact, Wagner’s Rieslings have won numerous awards, making them a must-try for anyone visiting the region.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Located on the western slopes of Keuka Lake, the Dr Konstantin Frank Winery is synonymous with the history of viticulture in the Finger Lakes. Founded in 1962 by Dr. Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant, the winery was the first to successfully plant Vitis vinifera grapes in the region. The winery offers a wide range of European grape varietals and has an impressive selection of Rieslings.
Glenora Wine Cellars
Glenora Wine Cellars is one of the most distinguished wineries in the Finger Lakes region of New York, offering a compelling blend of tradition and innovation. Located on the western shores of Seneca Lake, the winery boasts an exquisite view that complements its equally fine wines. Established in 1977, Glenora was the first winery to open on Seneca Lake, a significant milestone that paved the way for the region’s burgeoning wine industry.
The winery is widely known for producing high-quality wines, particularly its Rieslings and sparkling wines, which are a testament to the unique terroir of the Finger Lakes. Seneca Lake’s deep waters create a microclimate that extends the growing season, giving Glenora’s wines their characteristic complexity and balance. In addition to white wines, Glenora also produces reds like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, capturing the versatility and range of the Finger Lakes region.
Glenora Wine Cellars also offers a complete wine country experience. Beyond its extensive wine portfolio, it features a tasting room where visitors can sample a variety of wines. The property even houses the Veraisons Restaurant, offering farm-to-table dining that pairs wonderfully with their wines, and the Inn at Glenora, providing guests with the opportunity for an immersive stay in one of the most beautiful landscapes in New York State.
Over the years, Glenora Wine Cellars has garnered numerous awards and recognitions, further cementing its reputation as a cornerstone of the Finger Lakes wine industry. Its commitment to quality, hospitality, and the promotion of the Finger Lakes as a world-class wine destination has made it a must-visit location for any wine enthusiast touring the area.
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Another iconic establishment is the Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, situated on Seneca Lake’s western shore. Founded by a German immigrant, Hermann J. Wiemer, the winery has a reputation for high-quality Rieslings and Chardonnays. The vineyard combines Old World winemaking traditions with New World innovation, resulting in wines that are balanced, elegant, and expressive.
The Finger Lakes Region may not yet have the international cachet of Bordeaux or Tuscany, but it’s rapidly gaining ground. With its unique climate, rich history, and increasingly recognized wineries, the region offers something for everyone, from the casual wine drinker to the seasoned oenophile. As more wine lovers discover what this New York gem has to offer, the Finger Lakes Region is poised for even greater recognition and success. So, if you’re looking to explore a burgeoning American wine region with deep roots and exciting prospects, the Finger Lakes should be on your radar.
