Regional Wine Education, New York Julie Beach Regional Wine Education, New York Julie Beach

Journey into Finger Lakes Terroir & Best Wine Vintages

Explore the Finger Lakes terroir and learn how the Finger Lakes microclimates—especially the unique Seneca Lake microclimate—shape some of the best Finger Lakes vintages. We’ll guide you through the topography of the region’s three major lakes, revealing how soil, elevation, and temperature create the foundation for the best Finger Lakes wine. Whether you're planning your next Finger Lakes wine tasting trip or searching for the top Finger Lakes wineries, this guide offers insight into what makes this region a standout in American wine.

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Regional Wine Education, New York Julie Beach Regional Wine Education, New York Julie Beach

2024 New York Wine Classic Results

2024 New York Wine Classic results featuring the best finger lakes wineries. Plan a Finger Lakes wine tour to visit the top wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Keuka Lake Wine Trail, including Weis Vineyards, named best Finger Lakes winery and winner of the New York Governor’s Cup for their 2018 Riesling Ice Wine. Discover the best Finger Lakes rosé at Fulkerson Winery with their award-winning Syrah Rosé, and savor the best Finger Lakes sparkling wine at Damiani Wine Cellars. Taste the region's finest with this guide to the best Finger Lakes wine in 2024.

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Regional Wine Education, New York Julie Beach Regional Wine Education, New York Julie Beach

Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine

Finger Lakes sparkling wine, often dubbed "America's Champagne Region." Renowned sparkling wine history from Pleasant Valley Wine Company, Gold Seal, Dr. Konstantin Frank, and Hermann J. Wiemer have elevated the region's sparkling wines. Explore the sparkling win styles, from trendy Finger Lakes Pét-Nat to classic Finger Lakes Champagne methods. Wineries such as Red Tail Ridge and Domaine LeSeurre are leading the way, with high-quality traditional method sparkling wines that rival their European counterparts with exceptional quality and distinct character of Finger Lakes sparkling wines.

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Regional Wine Education, New York Julie Beach Regional Wine Education, New York Julie Beach

Georgian Grape Varieties reshaping the Finger Lakes

Discover the rich history of Finger Lakes Saperavi and Finger Lakes Rkatsiteli wines, exploring their Georgian origins. Learn about the history of Georgian wines, including Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, and how they’ve found a home in the Finger Lakes. Explore top wineries producing these unique wines, such as McGregor Vineyard Saperavi, Dr. Konstantin Frank Saperavi, and Airey Acres Rkatsiteli. Plus, get details about the annual Finger Lakes Saperavi Festival hosted by Saperica and find out why Saperavi is considered one of the best Finger Lakes red wines.

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New York, Regional Wine Education Julie Beach New York, Regional Wine Education Julie Beach

History of the Finger Lakes Wine Country

Explore the rich history of Finger Lakes wine and the Finger Lakes European influence in wine making. Learn about pioneers like Reverend William Bostwick, who planted the first Finger Lakes vineyard, and Dr. Konstantin Frank, who introduced Finger Lakes vinifera grapes to the region, revolutionizing the history of New York wine. Discover key figures like Charles Fournier and Hermann J. Weimer, who shaped the Finger Lakes wine industry. Get insights on Finger Lakes pioneers, the first Finger Lakes winery, and the region's rise to fame with Finger Lakes Rielsing, the Finger Lakes wine history.

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Regional Wine Education, New York Julie Beach Regional Wine Education, New York Julie Beach

Finger Lakes Hybrid Innovation and Wine Making Diversity

Explore the Finger Lakes' hybrid grape innovation and wine diversity, rooted in French-American hybrid grapes like Finger Lakes Vignoles, known for its versatility. Finger Lakes Wine Styles, ranging from traditional vinifera to Finger Lakes Dry Rosé, Finger Lakes Pet Nat and other sparkling wines. Sample Finger Lakes Late Harvest Riesling and Finger Lakes Ice Wine, showcasing concentrated flavors. Explore Finger Lakes noble rot dessert wines and fortified Port, adding depth to the region's sweet wine offerings. Try Finger Lakes wineries like Fox Run Vineyards, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, and Sheldrake Point Winery, offering exceptional Dry Rosé, Pét-Nat, and dessert wines. Experience the Finger Lakes' wine diversity, blending tradition with innovation to create a truly unique tasting journey.

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New York, Regional Wine Education Julie Beach New York, Regional Wine Education Julie Beach

Finger Lakes Top Vinifera Grapes Varieties

The Finger Lakes region, often likened to the Rhine Valley, with array of top vinifera grape varieties. Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Noir, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon round out the top seven vinifera grapes in the Finger Lakes.

Wineries like Boundary Breaks Vineyard and Ravines Wine Cellars excel in crafting exceptional Rieslings, while Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and Anthony Road Wine Company are must-visits for Chardonnay enthusiasts. For Cabernet Franc aficionados, Damiani Wine Cellars and Hector Wine Company offer outstanding selections.

Explore the Finger Lakes' cool-climate wine through its top vinifera grape varieties, each contributing to the region's reputation for world-class white and red wines. Whether savoring Finger Lakes Pinot Noir or Finger Lakes Gewürztraminer, the Finger Lakes promises a wine experience that reflects its unique character and heritage.

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