New York Wine Production

New York is one of the most dynamic and diverse wine-producing states in the U.S. It is ranked number 3 in production after California and Washington.

The region has a long winemaking history, dating back to the 1600s, and is known for both traditional European vinifera grapes and cold-hardy hybrids.

The most famous wine regions in the New York State are the Finger Lakes AVA and North Fork on Long Island.

New York wines are often described as bright, high-acid, and food-friendly — closer to European than West Coast styles.

The region is known for both dry wines and sweet dessert wines (ice wine, late harvest, etc.)

Many producers are embracing organic, biodynamic, and low-intervention winemaking. New York is a hotbed for natural wines, pet-nats, and orange wines, especially in the Hudson Valley and Brooklyn-based urban wineries.

---

New York Wine Regions

New York has 11 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas). The most prominent wine regions are:

• Finger Lakes AVA
• Long Island AVA
• Hudson River Region AVA
• Lake Erie AVA
• Niagara Escarpment AVA

---

Finger Lakes AVA

The Finger Lakes wine region is located in Central New York, around deep glacial lakes. It is the most important and largest wine region in the New York State.

The four main lakes are Canandiauga Lake, Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake. Each lake boasts of its own unique viticulture characteristics.

Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake are official sub AVA regions on their own.

The Finger Lakes region helped revive American Riesling in the late 20th century and remains one of the best places outside of Europe for high-quality Riesling production.

The region hosts the winery of Dr. Konstantin Frank who is credited for introducing Riesling and Gewürztraminer to the region.

• Climate
  Cool-climate, moderated by the lakes which prevent vine-killing frost.
• Soil
  Glacial deposits, shale, clay, gravel
• Grapes
  Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.
• Style
  Crisp, aromatic whites and elegant, cool-climate reds.

---

Long Island AVA

The Long Island wine region is located at the eastern end of Long Island (includes sub-AVAs North Fork and The Hamptons).

The region is an Upscale wine tourism destination.

• Climate
  Maritime; influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound.
• Soil
  Sandy loam with good drainage.
• Grapes
  Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc.
• Style
  Bordeaux-style blends, structured reds, and minerally whites.

---

Hudson River Region AVA

The Hudson River wine region is located along the Hudson River, north of New York City.

Home to Brotherhood Winery, the oldest continuously operating winery in the U.S.

• Climate
  Cool, with river influence.
• Soil
  
• Grapes
  Cabernet Franc, Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay, hybrids.

---

Lake Erie AVA

The Lage Erie wine region is located along the southern shore of Lake Erie.

• Climate
  
• Soil
  
• Grapes
  Historically a bulk wine and juice grape region (especially Concord), but increasingly producing quality wines with hybrids and vinifera.

---

Niagara Escarpment AVA

The Niagara Escarpment wine region is located in Western NY near Niagara Falls.

• Climate
  Moderated by Lake Ontario.
• Soil
  
• Grapes
  Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Chardonnay, and hybrid varieties.

---

New York Grape Varieties

Vitis Vinifera (European)

Grape	Description
Riesling	Signature grape. Floral, high acid, age-worthy.
Chardonnay	Both oaked and unoaked styles across regions.
Gewürztraminer
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet Franc	Leading red grape. Herbal, medium-bodied.
Merlot	Especially strong on Long Island.
Pinot Noir
Lemberger

French - American Hybrids

Grape	Description
Seyval Blanc	Crisp, citrusy white wine; popular in cooler zones.
Vidal Blanc	Used for dry, semi-sweet, and ice wines.
Traminette	Aromatic hybrid, similar to Gewürztraminer.
Chambourcin	Deep-colored red hybrid, fruity and soft.
Cayuga White Frontenac Baco Noir	Cold-hardy varieties suited to harsh winters.

Native American Grapes

Grape	Description
Concord
Niagara