Wine Wednesday: New York State Wines

It’s the great New York State Fair, which means it’s a great time to celebrate New York State wines! This Wine & Whiskey Wednesday we’re going to introduce you to the wonderful world of wines from NYS.  

Did you know that New York State is actually among the top 5 wine producing regions in the entire country? Yep, we're that good. In our great state, we have four main wine growing regions, also known as American Viticultural Areas (AVA): Lake Erie, the Finger Lakes, Hudson River, and the East End of Long Island.

New York State is known for its cool-climate wines, and many different varieties grow well in its various wine regions: 

Finger Lakes

The largest wine region in New York, known for its Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, Pinot Noirs, and Cabernet Francs. Riesling is the flagship grape of the region, and is known for its vibrant acidity and expressive flavors. Chardonnay grown in the Finger Lakes can also take on characteristics of leaner styled Burgundy white wine. Other varieties that grow well in the Finger Lakes include Saperavi, local hybrids like Catawba, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal Blanc, and more recently, Gruner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch. 

Lake Erie

This region is known for growing lesser-known varietals, including French-American hybrids.

North Fork

This region is home to a variety of grapes, including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay.

Western New York

This region is known for its cool climate, which is ideal for grapes like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. 

And you can find many of these wonderful wines from regions across NYS right here at The Tasting Room!

“As we curate a varied wine list we not only seek out unique varietals from around the world. It’s important not to forget about the great wines being produced right here in our home state of New York,” Nicole, the owner and curator of our wine list, says.

Here’s our current list of NYS wines at The Tasting Room:

Long Island: Lieb Cellar’s Estate Pinot Blanc

This is one of Nicole’s favorites. And guess what? She recently learned that the winemaker is her sister-in-law's brother-in-law! Guess a taste for great wine runs in the family.

Hudson Valley: Brotherhood Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Brotherhood is America’s oldest winery putting out its first commercial vintage in 1839. 

Finger Lakes:

This month’s featured Wine Flight is Hosmer Winery’s Dry Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We also carry Forge Cellar’s Riesling Classique.

Come celebrate our great state and try these wines for yourself at our downtown Syracuse restaurant, The Tasting Room.