New York State Wine Producing Regions

Riesling Grapes, from the Fingerlakes (above.) Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery, almost perfumed, aromas as well as high acidity. Roughly 85% of the Riesling produced in New York comes from the Finger Lakes area!
Concord Grapes from the Lake Erie Wine Growing Region This is largest and oldest Concord grape growing region in the world! Concord grapes make up 80 percent of the total tonnage of all grapes produced in New York!
While there are 11 total AVAs (*WHAT IS AVA?) in New York, the main wine growing regions are: Lake Erie The Niagara Escarpment The Finger Lakes Hudson River The East End of the Long Island. Vineyards in the Finger Lakes find success in making both Riesling and Chardonnay. The abundance of water and cooler temperatures help retain the grapes’ brisk acidity and clean aromatics. Lake Erie has a similar climate, and is mostly planted with Concord grapes. This region also grows French-American and European wine grape varieties that are made into fine wines. The Hudson River region is home to America’s oldest winery, Brotherhood Winery, which has been in operation since 1839! Most of the vineyards here produce Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Riesling and Chardonnay. The consistent chill give these wines their similar acidic backbone. The wines of Long Island use the same grapes as the Hudson River AVA, but often use a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Long Island’s Atlantic Ocean-influenced climate leads to earthy and lighter-bodied reds, while the whites tend to be acidic and herbaceous. The Niagara Escarpment's classic cool-climate varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc flourish here, and the region now boasts over 46 thriving varietals across 13,600 acres. There’s never been a better time to enjoy New York wine, so stay tuned for what’s ahead in this exciting region!
*AVAs are American Viticultural Areas. They are designated regions throughout the United States for the growing of grapes and the production of wine. Each AVA offers something unique, with wine connoisseurs knowing what to expect from each AVA.
The Niagara Escarpment is known for its Ice Wine Ice wine (or Eiswein, in German) is a dessert wine made from frozen grapes while still on the vine. Icewines most often possess the rich aroma of citrus and tropical fruits, with hints of honey and the like.