New York: Rieslings and sparkling wines in the east
From the cool-climate Finger Lakes to the coastal Long Island, discover New York’s wines that bring elegance and effervescence to the East Coast.
Wine is the most healthful and most hygienic of beverages.
- Louis Pasteur
Discovering New York’s cool-climate wines
New York’s wine scene is thriving, known for its cool-climate wines that showcase the unique terroirs of two key regions: the Finger Lakes and Long Island. The state’s northern location and diverse geography allow for the production of wines that range from crisp, mineral-driven Rieslings to elegant sparkling wines. The Finger Lakes, with its pristine lakes and cool temperatures, excels in producing some of the best Rieslings and sparkling wines in the country, while Long Island’s maritime climate fosters full-bodied Merlots and delicate Chardonnays.
The Finger Lakes are renowned for their Rieslings and Gewürztraminers, with deep minerality and crisp acidity. In contrast, Long Island, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, is home to lush reds like Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Each region offers something distinctive, from fresh whites to age-worthy reds, making New York a rising star on the East Coast’s wine map.
Explore the famous sub-regions of New York
Finger Lakes & Long Island: New York’s Premier Wine Regions
New York State is home to two of the most prominent wine regions in the United States: the Finger Lakes and Long Island. These regions are known for their unique terroirs, which produce a range of high-quality wines from crisp whites to rich reds. The cool-climate conditions of both regions give New York wines their distinctive characteristics.
🍇 Finger Lakes – The Finger Lakes region is widely recognized for its world-class Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, and Pinot Noirs. The cool, lake-moderated climate allows for slow ripening, which results in wines with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. The Finger Lakes is often regarded as the premier region for Riesling in the United States, producing wines with bright citrus flavors, floral aromas, and a signature minerality that reflects the region's volcanic soils.
🍇 Long Island – Long Island’s maritime climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, is perfect for growing full-bodied reds like Merlot and Cabernet Franc, along with fresh and elegant Chardonnays. The proximity to the water moderates temperatures, allowing for a longer growing season that results in ripe, fruit-forward wines. Long Island’s wines are known for their smooth tannins, rich flavors, and balanced acidity, making them ideal for both immediate enjoyment and aging.
The grapes behind New York’s exceptional wines
Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc: New York’s Signature Grapes
New York’s diverse climate and geography allow for a wide variety of grape cultivation, resulting in wines that express both elegance and complexity. The Finger Lakes and Long Island are particularly known for producing wines from a few key grape varieties, which are able to thrive in the cool climates of the region.
🍇 Riesling – Riesling is the flagship grape of New York’s Finger Lakes region. The cool temperatures allow Riesling to maintain its bright acidity while developing deep fruit and floral aromas. These wines are known for their balance of sweetness and acidity, making them refreshing and versatile. The Finger Lakes has gained international recognition for producing some of the best Riesling in the United States.
🍇 Merlot – Merlot is one of the key red grape varieties grown in Long Island, where the maritime climate contributes to its full-bodied profile. Long Island Merlots are known for their deep color, rich fruit flavors (think ripe plum and black cherry), and smooth tannins. They are often crafted with a hint of spice, making them ideal for pairing with hearty dishes like roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
🍇 Cabernet Franc – Known for its peppery spice and vibrant acidity, Cabernet Franc thrives in Long Island’s terroir. This grape produces wines that are aromatic, with notes of red berries, tobacco, and herbs. Cabernet Franc from Long Island has a smooth texture and is often used in blends, but it also makes outstanding varietal wines that showcase the unique flavors of the region.
Discover the notable producers of New York
Dr. Konstantin Frank, Wölffer Estate, Ravines Wine Cellars: Icons of New York Winemaking
New York is home to a number of influential and prestigious wineries that have been instrumental in shaping the region's wine industry. These producers have helped put New York on the map as a top wine destination, known for their commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
🍇 Dr. Konstantin Frank – A pioneer of winemaking in the Finger Lakes, Dr. Konstantin Frank is credited with putting New York wines on the world stage. His work with Riesling and other cool-climate varietals helped establish the Finger Lakes as one of the premier wine regions in the U.S. The winery is renowned for producing some of the best Rieslings in the country, with a focus on expressing the distinctiveness of the Finger Lakes terroir.
🍇 Wölffer Estate – Located on Long Island’s South Fork, Wölffer Estate is one of the most well-known and respected wineries in the region. Wölffer is famous for its elegant, fruit-driven wines, particularly its Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The estate also produces exceptional Chardonnay and sparkling wines. Wölffer Estate's commitment to sustainability and its focus on high-quality winemaking has earned it a loyal following among wine enthusiasts and collectors.
🍇 Ravines Wine Cellars – Ravines Wine Cellars, located in the Finger Lakes, is a family-owned winery known for its small-lot, hand-crafted wines. The winery’s commitment to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Finger Lakes is evident in its award-winning Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and other cool-climate varietals. Ravines has gained recognition for producing wines that combine Old World winemaking techniques with modern innovation, resulting in wines of great finesse and complexity.
Explore the famous vintages of New York
New York has seen several standout vintages that have helped define the region’s reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and aging potential. These vintages are particularly noted for their balance, richness, and ability to evolve over time.
📅 2012 – A Cool and Balanced Year
• The 2012 vintage in New York was marked by cooler temperatures, which helped preserve the acidity and freshness of the grapes. Riesling from this year is particularly remarkable, showing bright citrus flavors, crisp minerality, and a balanced sweetness. Merlot and Cabernet Franc also performed well in 2012, with wines showing good structure and depth, making them ideal for aging.
• Notable wines: Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc.
📅 2014 – A Warm and Fruitful Year
• 2014 was a warmer vintage, leading to wines with excellent fruit concentration and structure. The warmer weather allowed the grapes to ripen fully, producing wines with rich, ripe fruit flavors. Riesling from 2014 is full-bodied, with a balance of sweetness and acidity, while Merlot and Cabernet Franc show deep berry flavors and smooth tannins.
• Notable wines: Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc.
📅 2019 – An Exceptional Vintage
• The 2019 vintage in New York was exceptional, with perfect growing conditions that allowed for slow and even ripening of the grapes. Riesling from this vintage is vibrant, with intense fruit flavors, floral notes, and a crisp finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc also performed exceptionally well, producing wines with great complexity, ripe fruit, and well-integrated tannins. This vintage is already showing its aging potential.
• Notable wines: Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc.
Store your New York wines at the perfect temperature
Explore our wine coolers →
Present your New York wine collection with style
Find your perfect wine rack here →
New York: A Rising Star for Rieslings and Sparkling Wines
New York State has quickly become known for its high-quality wines, especially those produced in the cool-climate regions of the Finger Lakes and Long Island. The state’s diverse terroirs and unique growing conditions make it an ideal place for producing a wide range of wines, from crisp, mineral-driven whites to elegant, age-worthy reds.
The Finger Lakes: Rieslings and Sparkling Wines
The Finger Lakes is New York’s premier wine region and one of the best places in the United States for producing Riesling. The region’s cool, lake-moderated climate and long growing season allow Riesling to thrive, creating wines with bright acidity, citrus and stone fruit flavors, and a signature minerality that reflects the volcanic soils of the area. In addition to Riesling, the Finger Lakes also produces exceptional sparkling wines, many of which rival those from more established regions like Champagne.
The Finger Lakes’ cool climate also supports other white varietals like Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay, both of which benefit from the region’s unique terroir. These wines are fresh, crisp, and perfect for food pairings, especially with local New York cuisine like fresh seafood and cheeses.
Long Island: Merlots and Reds with Balance
While the Finger Lakes is best known for its whites, Long Island is recognized for its reds, especially Merlot. Long Island’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates its temperatures, allowing for a longer growing season that results in ripe, fruit-forward wines. Merlot from Long Island is particularly well-regarded for its smooth texture, rich berry flavors, and subtle spice notes, making it a favorite for both new and experienced wine drinkers.
In addition to Merlot, Long Island is also home to exceptional Cabernet Franc, a varietal that thrives in the maritime climate of the region. Cabernet Franc from Long Island is known for its vibrant acidity, peppery spice, and dark fruit flavors, often showing a more refined and elegant style compared to other regions.
A Unique Terroir for Exceptional Wines
The diversity of New York’s wine regions is reflected in the range of wines produced. The Finger Lakes produces some of the country’s best cool-climate whites, while Long Island offers rich, balanced reds that rival those of other famous wine regions. Together, these two regions offer wine lovers a chance to explore a wide variety of styles, from bright and refreshing whites to bold and structured reds.
With its mix of old-world winemaking traditions and modern techniques, New York is quickly gaining recognition as a leader in the American wine industry. As more wine enthusiasts discover the exceptional wines produced in the state, New York’s wine regions will continue to rise in prominence, offering new and exciting wine experiences for collectors and casual drinkers alike.