New York Wine Country, A Not So New Newcomer!



New York Wine Country has a long wine tradition. Grapes have been planted in the state since 1699, but for the most part the grapes being planted, and used for wine, were native grapes such as Concord, Catawba, and Delaware. There was a strong belief that Vitis Vinifera grapes would not survive the cold winters of the East Coast. In the 1950's some growers started planting vitis vinifera vines, and in the 1970's wine production from these vines began in earnest.

New York State has slowly but surely made a name for itself in wine circles. In the past 30+ years wine production has grown dramatically. Excellent wines are being made, and vitis vinifera grapes are being grown in areas that were considered unsuitable not so very long ago. Now people are seeking these wines, and visiting these regions to their great, and the producers', delight.


View Larger Map Wine is being produced in many parts of New York State, but there are three areas that are making a name for themselves, and are ideal for a wine vacation.

Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes wine country is beautiful. With gorgeous glacial lakes and charming farms it is the best known and most developed wine region in New York. The number of wineries keeps growing every year.

The area is best known for its Riesling and Gewürztraminer, but Pinot Noir is gaining.

Hudson Valley

Not far from New York City, the Hudson Valley is full of small towns and farms. Though it has been producing wine for centuries, it was done mainly with native grapes; now the vitis vinifera production is making inroads

Long Island

Think of Long Island wine country and sea breezes, leisure, and money come to mind. But there are people working the land, and producing outstanding wines, day in and day out.

Winemakers have had good results with Merlot, and white wines such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are showing great promise.

Slowly but surely Long Island producers are learning to make the best of the climate and terroir, developing the wine's own personality, and gaining confidence as they see the results of their efforts.

New York wine country may not be rivaling California yet, but it is no longer the capital of sweet jug wine either. With its proximity to New York City and all its resources, plus support from the State government, it cannot help but evolve into a great wine region.

New York Wine Country Is Developing Its Own Personality!

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