Finger Lakes Wine
The Finger Lakes is the largest and most well-regarded winemaking region in the eastern United States, and it owes much of its acclaim to the lakes themselves. The plunging depth of the lakes (especially Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake) moderates the effect of cold weather, and the steep slopes of the surrounding hills make for fortuitous air patterns that whisk away pockets of cold air, making it possible for a longer and more stable growing season. These and other factors make for top-notch viticulture in the Finger Lakes. Many varietals thrive in this climate, but the Finger Lakes Rieslings are especially esteemed by oenophiles.
Finger Lakes winemaking got its start at Keuka Lake. Rev. William Bostwick planted grapes in his Hammondsport gardens around 1840, and some varieties responded so well to the local climate that other gardening enthusiasts jumped on the bandwagon. Soon local growers were sending their grape harvests to market in New York, where they were shipped off to winemakers all over. Around 1870, the first commercial winemaking took hold in Hammondsport, and local vintners have kept at it ever since.
Top Finger Lakes Wine Regions
Cayuga Wine Trail
Seneca Wine Trail
Keuka Wine Trail
Pleasant Valley Wine Company
Additional Finger Lakes Winery Info
While most of the wine industry in the Finger Lakes is based around the hills surrounding Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka lakes, Finger Lakes winemaking got its start in Keuka, and newcomers like Owasco and Skaneateles lakes are getting in on the act, too.
The Canandaigua Wine Trail is small but well worth exploring. Arbor Hill, Casa Larga, Imagine Moore, Widmer and Wilhelmus are highly regarded wineries near Canandaigua Lake.
Because Owasco Lake is much smaller and more shallow than the other major Finger Lakes, it doesn't have the cool lake valley climate that attracts wine makers to the hills surrounding Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka lakes, but the wine industry has established a foothold in the area. CJS Vineyards and Aurelius Winery in Auburn is making Riesling, Chambourcin and Pinot Noir - all made from their own estate vineyards. A tasting room is open on weekends from April through December. Stop by to enjoy a taste of what this Finger Lakes winemaker has to offer. (6900 Fosterville Rd., Auburn, 315-730-4619)
On Skaneateles Lake, Anyela's Vineyard offers daily tastings and a spectacular view as you wander through the vineyards. They just planted the vineyard in 2001, so this is a new operation, but the Nocek family has three generations of viticultural expertise to rely on. This is a welcoming place - come and learn about the art of winemaking from the experts. (2433 West Lake Rd., Skaneateles, 315-685-3797)
