Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine
America’s Sparkling Wine Capital
New York | Finger Lakes | Wine Region Education
Finger Lake Sparkling Wine Legacy: From Past to Present
Riddling Racks at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery - Keuka Lake
Located in upstate New York, the Finger Lakes region has established itself as a premier destination for cool climate wines, particularly renowned for its exceptional Rieslings. However, in recent years, another star has risen on its viticultural horizon: sparkling wine. Often referred to as "America's Champagne Region," the Finger Lakes benefits from a climate reminiscent of Champagne, France, making it well-suited for cultivating grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and others essential for crafting vibrant sparkling wines. This cool climate ensures high acidity and early ripening, ideal characteristics for sparkling wine production.
Historically, the Finger Lakes had a thriving sparkling wine industry before Prohibition, producing wines primarily from hybrid or native grapes. However, after Prohibition, the focus shifted predominantly to still wines, especially the successful Dry Riesling styles that garnered international acclaim. Sparkling wine production became less prevalent due to higher labor costs and longer aging requirements compared to still wines, which could be released annually.
Despite these challenges, a resurgence in sparkling wine production began with pioneers like Willie Frank, of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, who demonstrated that there was a market for high-quality sparkling wines in the region. Wineries like Hermann J. Wiemer have since followed suit, intensifying their focus on sparkling wine over the past decade. Additionally, European influences, particularly from cool climate regions like Champagne, have played a pivotal role. Domaine LeSeurre on Keuka Lake exemplifies this influence, producing high-quality traditional method sparkling wines that rival their European counterparts.
Today, the Finger Lakes is recognized not only as a leader in cool climate still wines but also as a strong force in American sparkling wine production. Offering a diverse range of styles from traditional Méthode Champenoise to trendy Pét-Nat, the region caters to a wide spectrum of wine enthusiasts. Moreover, Finger Lakes sparkling wines are celebrated for their quality and affordability, presenting a compelling alternative to higher-priced Champagnes from France. Educated consumers are increasingly drawn to these New York bubbles for their exceptional value and distinct regional character, solidifying the Finger Lakes' reputation as a top-tier wine region in the United States.
To Learn More About the History of Finger Lakes Wine Read: The History of the Finger Lakes Wine Country
Where to Stay in Finger Lakes Wine Country
Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine Potential: Why the Finger Lakes Thrives in Cool Climate Sparkling Wine Production
The Finger Lakes region's cool climate makes it ideally suited for producing sparkling wines, drawing parallels to the renowned Champagne region in France. Characterized by cold winters and warm summers, this climate fosters the cultivation of high-acid, early-ripening grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and various hybrids. These grapes are essential for crafting high-quality sparkling wines known for their vibrant acidity and nuanced flavors.
The gradual ripening of grapes in the Finger Lakes' cool climate helps preserve natural acidity while maintaining lower sugar and alcohol levels, crucial attributes for sparkling wines. This environment ensures that the wines exhibit a crisp, refreshing quality and a structural backbone that defines their character. Furthermore, the region's glacial soils, which are well-draining and rich in minerals, contribute to the unique terroir of the Finger Lakes. Coupled with the moderating influence of the deep Finger Lakes themselves, which retain and slowly release heat, the region benefits from extended growing seasons and reduced frost risks, enhancing grape quality and consistency.
As global temperatures continue to rise, the Finger Lakes' already cool climate positions it favorably for adapting to climate change. Its ability to consistently produce high-acid grapes amid warming trends ensures that sparkling wines from this region will maintain their distinctive attributes and quality. This adaptability underscores the Finger Lakes' resilience and promises continued excellence in sparkling wine production for years to come.
The Early Sparkle: The First Finger Lakes Sparkling Wines
Pleasant Valley Wine Company Great Western Brut Sparkling Wine - Keuka Lake
In 1865, the Finger Lakes became home to the first bonded winery in the United States. Pleasant Valley Wine Company on Keuka Lake was the leading producer of sparkling wine at the time, earning it the nickname "Rheims of America," after the famous Champagne region.
They put Finger Lakes sparkling wine on the map in 1867 when their Sparkling Catawba received honorable mention at the Exposition Universelle in Paris, marking it as the first American sparkling wine to win a European award. They continued to win more awards across Europe for their sparkling wines. Their popularity also grew among elite wine drinkers and fine dining restaurants across the United States. One of them hailed it as "the Great Champagne of the Western world," leading to the name "Great Western," which Pleasant Valley still uses today. At its peak, New York State produced more sparkling wine than any other state in the US. However, Prohibition between 1920-1933 stifled New York's thriving wine industry. Nevertheless, they found a loophole and were able to continue selling their wine for sacramental and medicinal purposes during this period.
Post-Prohibition: French Winemaker Brings Sparkling Expertise
After Prohibition, the focus on sparkling wine continued in the Finger Lakes. The Urbana Wine Company, later renamed Gold Seal Vineyards in 1957, was a prominent sparkling wine producer in the Finger Lakes region. In 1934, Edwin Stewart Underhill, Jr., then president of Urbana Wine Company, recruited Charles Fournier, a French winemaker from the Champagne region of France. Fournier, seeking new opportunities, agreed to move to New York and bring his expertise in French Champagne to the Finger Lakes.
Fournier initially faced challenges growing traditional European vinifera varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir due to the cold climate. So, he leveraged American and French-hybrid grape varieties such as Catawba and Delaware for sparkling wine production. By 1951, Fournier had become president of Gold Seal Vineyards.
In 1950, another significant encounter took place when Fournier met Dr. Konstantin Frank during a seminar. Impressed by Dr. Frank's innovative ideas on cultivating vinifera grapes in the region, Fournier hired him as Director of Research at Gold Seal. Dr. Frank introduced groundbreaking methods, including grafting vinifera grapevines onto American hybrid rootstock and the hilling-up technique to protect vines from winter cold and potential damage. This marked the beginning of vinifera cultivation in the Finger Lakes.
With Fournier's assistance, Dr. Frank acquired land on the western shores of Keuka Lake in 1956, leading to the establishment of Vinifera Wine Cellars in 1962, later known as Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars. The winery quickly gained acclaim for its exceptional vinifera wines, particularly Rieslings.
Gold Seal Vineyards closed in May 1984, but some brands are still produced under the Gold Seal name, which is trademarked by Pleasant Valley Wine Company.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery: A Sparkling Wine Legacy
While Dr. Konstantin Frank was a pioneer in the Finger Lakes, introducing vinifera grapes and establishing Riesling as a hallmark of the region, he did not initially focus on sparkling wine production, concentrating instead on still wines. It wasn't until his son, Willie Frank, took the initiative to revive sparkling wine production in the area. Unlike earlier winemakers who relied on native or hybrid grapes, Willie dedicated himself to crafting premium sparkling wines using the traditional Champagne method, Méthode Champenoise (Traditional Method) with classic Champagne grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Willie seamlessly blended the historic sparkling wine heritage with his father's vinifera innovations to produce sparkling wines in the French Champagne style.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Chateau Frank House - Keuka Lake
In 1979, Willie took a significant step by purchasing a neighboring property to the Dr. Konstantin Frank winery. This property, originally built in 1886 and once home to the Western New York Wine Company, featured a cellar that Willie believed would be perfect for aging sparkling wine. He planted the traditional Champagne grape varieties on this property in 1980. By 1985, their first sparkling wine was produced, laying the foundation for future success.
Today, this historic property is known as Château Frank. Its underground cellar continues to be a vital part of their sparkling wine aging program, with wines maturing in ideal, cool and dark conditions. This building, listed on the National Registry of Historic Sites, stands as a testament to the winery’s rich heritage. Château Frank offers an exclusive wine tasting experience called the "1886 Wine Experience," which includes a special Sparkling Experience option. Due to limited seating, reservations are required for this unique opportunity.
The winery's dedication to quality and tradition has garnered significant recognition. The Dr. Konstantin Frank 2017 Blanc De Blanc was awarded Best Sparkling Wine at the 2022 New York Wine Classic, underscoring the excellence of their sparkling wines. The success of the Frank family's sparkling wines has inspired other wineries in the Finger Lakes to embrace the region's ideal conditions for producing high-quality sparkling wines reminiscent of French Champagne.
Hermann J. Wiemer: The Next Generation Paving the Sparkling Path
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards, Tasting Room on Seneca Lake
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards, located on the west side of Seneca Lake, has distinguished itself as a champion of Méthode Champenoise (Traditional Method) sparkling wines, using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling grapes. Founded by German native and Finger Lakes vinifera pioneer Hermann J. Wiemer, the winery initially focused on producing Dry Riesling, sidelining sparkling wine production except in cool, wet years when conditions were not ideal for bringing the fruit to full ripeness - a practice resulting in sparkling wine production roughly every four years.
In 2007, Hermann passed the reins to his apprentice Fred Merwarth and partners Oskar Bynke and Maressa Tosto-Merwarth. Recognizing the potential, they prioritized and expanded the sparkling wine program, planting vineyards specifically for sparkling wine production. Their strategic, long-term approach aimed at consistently producing high-quality sparkling wines has solidified Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards as a leading destination for traditional method sparkling wines.
Standing Stone SSV Teinturier Brut Rosé - Saperavi Sparking Wine - Seneca Lake
Fred Merwarth's commitment to excellence was celebrated in 2021 with the Wine Enthusiast Magazine Wine Star Award for Winemaker of the Year, a prestigious honor previously bestowed upon icons like Benoit Gouez of Moët & Chandon, the famous French Champagne house. As the first New York winemaker to receive this accolade, Fred has played a pivotal role in enhancing the Finger Lakes' reputation as a world-class wine region, renowned not only for still wines but also for sparkling wines.
In a testament to innovation, Fred also co-owns Standing Stone Winery on Seneca Lake's east side, known for its exceptional Saperavi wines - a Georgian native grape thriving in the Finger Lakes. Saperavi was first planted by Dr. Konstantin Frank and many winemakers in the Finger Lakes are seeing its potential in the region. The Saperavi-based, SSV Teinturier Brut Rosé, leverages Saperavi's natural high acidity to create a sparkling wine that has captured the hearts of wine lovers across the Finger Lakes region.
To Learn More About Finger Lakes Saperavi Read: Georgian Grape Varieties reshaping the Finger Lakes - Saperavi and Rkatsiteli
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Finger Lakes Wine Travel Guide
Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine Making Methods
In the Finger Lakes, the region's innovation and diversity in winemaking are evident, blending old-world traditions with new-world creativity. Sparkling wines here are a testament to this blend, as winemakers explore various methods without a standard playbook. By understanding the basics of each method, consumers can better anticipate what to expect in their glass.
Traditional Method - Méthode Champenoise
Anthony Road Traditional Method Sparkling Wine - Seneca Lake
The Traditional Method, also known as Méthode Champenoise, is most famous in Champagne, France. In this challenging climate, where fully ripening grapes were historically difficult, harsh and acidic still wines were produced. However, through innovation and experimentation, the Méthode Champenoise was developed and refined. This labor-intensive and time-consuming method, used for premium sparkling wine production in Champagne, involves secondary fermentation in the bottle and an extended aging period, resulting in the sophisticated and elegant sparkling wines enjoyed worldwide today.
First Fermentation: The wine undergoes an initial alcoholic fermentation to create the base wine.
Second Fermentation: The base wine is bottled with a mixture of yeast and sugar (liqueur de tirage), and capped with a crown cap. This triggers a second fermentation in the bottle.
Aging: The bottles are stored in cellars for several months to years. During this time, the yeast breaks down (autolysis), creating frothy textures and aromas reminiscent of toast and brioche.
Riddling and Disgorging: The bottles are gradually tilted and turned to move the yeast sediment to the neck, which is then frozen and removed.
Dosage: The bottle is topped off with a mixture of wine and sometimes sugar (liqueur d'expédition) to achieve the desired sweetness level.
Traditional Method sparkling wines are known for their fine, long-lasting bubbles and complex flavors. In the Finger Lakes, these wines are often made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Riesling.
Tank Method - Charmat Method
The Tank Method, also known as the Charmat Method, popular for producing Prosecco, is a faster process. The Tank Method involves secondary fermentation in a pressurized tank rather than individual bottles. This method, quicker and less expensive than the Traditional Method, produces fruitier and lighter sparkling wines.
First Fermentation: The wine undergoes an initial alcoholic fermentation to create the base wine.
Second Fermentation: The base wine undergoes a second fermentation in a large, pressurized tank, with added yeast and sugar.
Filtering and Bottling: After fermentation, the wine is filtered and bottled under pressure to retain the carbonation.
Tank Method wines tend to be fruitier and aromatic, with larger bubbles. They are perfect for those who enjoy lighter sparkling wines. In the Finger Lakes, you'll often see these made with Riesling and other grape varieties.
Transfer Method
The Transfer Method combines aspects of both the Traditional and Tank Methods. Initially, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in individual bottles. Later, it is transferred to a pressurized tank for filtration and dosage adjustment before final bottling. This method preserves the complexity of the Traditional Method while reducing labor intensity.
Ancestral Method - Méthode Ancestrale - Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat)
Osmote Pet-Nat - Seneca Lake
Among the various sparkling wine styles, Pétillant Naturel, or Pét-Nat, is gaining popularity in the Finger Lakes. This method dating back to the 16th century and is also known as Méthode Ancestrale. It involves bottling the wine before the initial fermentation is complete. This natural process captures a gentle, effervescent fizz, often with a touch of sweetness and a cloudy appearance due to unfiltered yeast particles. Sealed with a metal crown cap, Pét-Nat offers a rustic, funky, and economical alternative to traditional Champagne.
Single Fermentation: The grapes are harvested and pressed, allowing the natural yeast on the grape skins to start fermentation.
Bottling: Before fermentation is complete, the wine is bottled and capped, allowing it to finish fermenting in the bottle.
Natural Sediment: The yeast continues to ferment the remaining sugar in the bottle, creating carbonation. The sediment (lees) remains in the bottle, giving the wine a rustic, cloudy appearance.
Pét-Nat wines are known for their lively, often unpredictable bubbles and a range of flavors from fruity to funky. They are typically lower in pressure and may fall flat faster than wines made by the Traditional Method. There is a lot of experimentation with Pét-Nat in the Finger Lakes, using various vinifera and hybrid grapes. These wines are typically best enjoyed young, within the first year of bottling.
To Learn More About Other Interesting Finger Lakes Wine Styles Read: Finger Lakes Hybrid Innovation and Wine Making Diversity
Featured Finger Lakes AccomModations
Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine Spotlights
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is celebrated for reintroducing the sparkling wine tradition to the Finger Lakes in the 1980s and has since become a cornerstone of the region. They specialize in crafting some of the highest quality Méthode Champenoise (Traditional Method) sparkling wines. Their portfolio includes acclaimed offerings like the Blanc de Blanc and the CÉLÈBRE Riesling Medium-Sweet, providing a diverse selection for enthusiasts of traditional French Champagne styles. For a premium experience, visitors can indulge in the 1886 Wine Sparking Experience at the historic Château Frank.
Domaine LeSeurre Winery
Domaine LeSeurre Winery on Keuka Lake
Domaine LeSeurre Winery on Keuka Lake offers an authentic Méthode Champenoise (Traditional Method) sparkling wine experience under the stewardship of sixth-generation winemaker Sébastien LeSeurre, a native of Champagne, France. They meticulously produce champagne-style sparkling wines using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, prioritizing quality and craftsmanship. Their commitment to excellence is evident in special releases such as their recently unveiled sparkling wine aged 10 years, showcasing their dedication to producing exceptional wines. A visit to this boutique winery promises a taste of France's wine culture in the heart of the Finger Lakes.
Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard
Under the stewardship of award-winning winemaker Fred Merwarth, Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard has propelled Finger Lakes sparkling wines to a global stage with their Méthode Champenoise (Traditional Method) offerings. Their commitment to quality is evident in investments made in the aging process, highlighted by their exclusive "10 Year Disgorgement" selection, which enriches the wine with added weight, texture, and complexity through extended lees contact. Additionally, their sister winery, Standing Stone Winery on Seneca Lake's east side, introduces the whimsical SSV Teinturier Brut Rosé, a sparkling wine crafted from Saperavi grapes. This innovative approach underscores the Finger Lakes' reputation for dynamic and creative winemaking, appealing to connoisseurs seeking both excellence and innovation in their wine selections.
Ravines Wine Cellars
Under Morten Hallgren's leadership, Ravines Wine Cellars was instrumental in reshaping Finger Lakes winemaking, transitioning from sweeter Rieslings to drier styles that have catapulted the region to global recognition. Growing up in a wine making family from Provence, France, where winemaking traditions run deep, Morten has brought a wealth of expertise in viticulture and traditional French techniques to Ravines. Emulating these practices, Ravines Wine Cellars meticulously produces high-quality sparkling wines using the Méthode Champenoise (Traditional Method), using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling grapes to achieve exceptional depth and complexity. With tasting rooms conveniently located on both Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake, Ravines offers multiple settings for exploring their sparkling wine offerings, providing guests a firsthand experience of their dedication to craftsmanship and terroir expression.
Heart and Hands Wine Company
Heart and Hands Wine Company - Cayuga Lake
Heart and Hands Wine Company, on Cayuga Lake, is operated by the dedicated husband-and-wife team Tom and Susan Higgins. Known for their unwavering commitment to excellence, they have earned a stellar reputation for producing outstanding Pinot Noir, Riesling, and sparkling wines. With a meticulous approach, they craft four sparkling wines using the Méthode Champenoise (traditional method), which highlights their dedication to traditional winemaking techniques. Their sparkling wines, made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling, showcase high quality and craftsmanship. Among their notable offerings is the Brut Rosé, crafted from Pinot Noir, which has become a favorite due to its delicate floral notes and fruit-forward profile.
Red Tail Ridge
Red Tail Ridge, situated on Seneca Lake, is led by winemaker and co-owner Nancy Ireland, who has been a vocal advocate for the potential of sparkling wine as the next big thing for the Finger Lakes wine region. Leveraging her extensive winemaking knowledge and experience, Nancy is dedicated to crafting expressive wines that highlight the unique terroir of the region while adhering to sustainable practices. Embracing innovation and a sense of playfulness, Red Tail Ridge offers a diverse array of sparkling wines made from various grape varieties and techniques. Their offerings range from the traditional Méthode Champenoise (traditional method) to the fun and funky Pét-Nat (Pétillant Naturel), showcasing their commitment to both tradition and creativity in winemaking.
Six Eighty Cellars
Six Eighty Cellars - Cayuga Lake
Six Eighty Cellars, located on Cayuga Lake, is trailblazing the next generation of winemaking in the Finger Lakes under the guidance of winemaker Ian Barry. Embracing innovation, they are experimenting with new styles and are challenging the modern tradition of using barrels and stainless steel for wine making. Instead, they are also employing ancient vessels like amphoraes and concrete tulips, which impart unique flavors to their wines that stand out in the region. Staying true to their distinctive approach, Six Eighty Cellars is also leading the charge with Pét-Nat (Pétillant Naturel) wines, offering a variety of types made from different grape varieties and styles. Ian Barry further showcases his creativity with his own brand, Barry Family Wine Cellars, known for its fun and unapologetic experimentation. With a modern tasting room and stunning views of Cayuga Lake, Six Eighty Cellars is a must-visit destination for Pét-Nat enthusiasts and those seeking a unique wine experience.
Featured Wine Travel Tips
Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine Producers
Every day, more and more winemakers in the Finger Lakes are producing exceptional sparkling wines. The list below highlights some of the best Finger Lakes sparkling wine producers and should be considered when planning your next wine tasting tour in the region. These Finger Lakes Wineries are located on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
Best Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine
For those looking to explore the full range of Finger Lakes sparkling wine, Traditional and Tank Method:
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery -Keuka Lake
Pleasant Valley Wine Company - Keuka Lake
Living Roots – Keuka Lake
Domaine LeSeurre – Keuka Lake
Ravines Cellars - Keuka and Seneca Lakes
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard - Seneca Lake
Damiani Wine Cellars - Seneca Lake
Fox Run Vineyards - Seneca Lake
Boundary Breaks – Seneca Lake
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars - Seneca Lake
Lakewood Vineyards – Seneca Lake
Anthony Road Wine Company- Seneca Lake
Red Tail Ridge - Seneca Lake
Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars - Seneca Lake
Glenora Wine Cellars - Seneca Lake
Sheldrake Point Winery - Cayuga Lake
Goose Watch Winery - Cayuga Lake
Knapp Winery - Cayuga Lake
Swedish Hill Winery - Cayuga Lake
Heart and Hands Wine Company – Cayuga Lake
Best Finger Lakes Pét-Nat
For those looking to explore the fun and funky Finger Lakes Pét-Nat:
Barry Family Cellars - Available for purchase online
Keuka Lake Vineyards – Keuka Lake
Living Roots - Keuka Lake
Osmote – Seneca Lake
Atwater Estate Vineyards – Seneca Lake
Red Tail Ridge Winery - Seneca Lake
Silver Thread Winery - Seneca Lake
Glenora Wine Cellars - Seneca Lake
Six Eighty Cellars – Cayuga Lake
Button Wood Grove Winery - Cayuga Lake
