INTEL: FINGER LAKES NAMED 2025 WINE REGION of the year
INTEL: New York’s Finger Lakes has been named the 2025 American Wine Region of the Year in the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards. We have 5 New York wines you need to try.
About the region: The Finger Lakes – the largest wine-producing region in New York State – is home to 11 deep, glacial lakes with unique geography and ideal cool microclimates for the slow, balanced ripening of native and hybrid grape varieties. With more than 140 wineries (55 certified sustainable) and 10,000 vineyard acres around Seneca, Canandaigua, Keuka, and Cayuga Lakes, the region is no longer up-and-coming but globally recognized for the quality production of riesling, chardonnay, cabernet franc, and sparkling wine, and for sustainability, cool climate innovation and a collaborative community.
With such a shift in attitude, it’s about time we gave them their flowers.
We asked 4 industry experts for Finger Lakes wines they’re currently loving + added a pick of our own. All 5 are wildly different, but we didn’t expect to stick close to Seneca Lake or receive 3 separate nods for wines by the biodynamic Hermann J. Wiemer Winery which farms east and west acreage providing access to differing soils and microclimates.
The experts: Jes Rich of Sage Wines & Spirits (Ballston Spa), Marie Wong, Bar Bene (Hudson), Zac Denham, Bocage Champagne Bar & Standard Fare (Saratoga Springs) + Dominick Purnomo, Yono’s & dp An American Brasserie (Albany.)
Their picks:
RED
Guest expert: JES RICH, Sage Wine & Spirits, Ballston Spa
Wine pick: 2021 Herman J. Wiemer Julia Field Blend
Varietal: Cabernet franc
Why I love it: “On a recent trip to the Finger Lakes, I visited one of my classic favorites, Hermann J. Wiemer. Fred and Oskar make beautiful wines, and their conversion to biodynamic farming is more reason to support the brand. This 2021 Julia Field Blend was the real surprise of my tasting -- Zweigelt, Lagrein, Affenthaler, Blaufränkisch, Schioppettino, and Cabernet Franc. I was immediately curious about the Schioppettino, as I'd never encountered the Friulian grape in NY. The resulting wine is medium bodied, with black and blue fruit notes and an undertone of savory herbs and white pepper. I think this is perfect for fall, and I'd pair it with pork, venison, or mushroom dishes. It's vegan-friendly, herbicide-free, wild fermentation with no additives, and it's a lower alcohol wine. If you haven't tried a NY red, if you prefer a natural wine, or if you like something a little unexpected, this is for you.”
Price: $26
WHITE
Guest expert: Marie Wong, Bar Bene, Hudson
Wine pick: Hermann J. Wiemer Magdalena Vineyard Dry Riesling 2019
Varietal: Riesling
Why I love it: “Clear notes of peach, pear, and citrus ending on the perfect amount of residual sugar. It’s refreshing and pairs nicely with Silhouette from Ardith Mae, a dense and creamy goat cheese with a bit of plant ash.”
Price: $39 Buy
[*Ed. note: If you have a hard time finding the 2019, try the 2022 Dry Reserve Riesling ($24) or 2023 Dry Reserve ($16). Available at Empire Wine.]
ROSÉ
Guest expert: Zac Denham, Bocage Champagne Bar + Standard Fare, Saratoga Springs
Wine pick: Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Dry Rosé 2024
Varietal: 86% Pinot noir, 14% cab franc.
Why I love it: “This season at Bocage, we’re loving this Finger Lakes gem from Hermann J. Wiemer — a 100% Cabernet Franc rosé that’s as bright and fresh as it is structured. It’s got that crisp energy I want in a rosé, but enough depth to hold its own alongside fall flavors. Honestly, it’s just as good on its own. Even our die-hard red wine drinkers have been surprised by how much they love it. It’s a real crowd-pleaser — and exactly what I want in my glass right now.”
Price: $22
WHITE
Guest expert: Dominick Purnomo, Yono’s & dp: An American Brasserie
Wine pick: Apollo's Praise "The Knoll" Dry Riesling, Lahoma Vineyard 2014
Varietal: Riesling
Why I love it: “Kelby Russell has been making wine from the fruit on Lahoma vineyards for years and now this is his second vintage as the owner of the property. The Knoll sits on a bed of sandstone which allows for excellent drainage and longer hangtimes on the vine. This allows a wine that is racy with acidity but features a complexity and richness unlike any other I can recall from such a cool climate region. The Knoll vineyard dry riesling is wonderful on its on as an aperitif or refreshing beverage to enjoy on a patio and pairs well with weeknight sushi or other Asian takeout with the ripeness and richness lending itself to pair well with spicy food.” - DP
This highly regarded vintage is the first release under the Apollo's Praise label and noted for aromas of apricot, grapefruit, and mango with a palate of ripe stone and tropical fruit.
Price: $15 per glass / $45 at Yono's & dp An American Brasserie.
RED
Wine pick: Rounding out our Seneca Lake picks is our crush on the new 2023 Cabernet Franc release from Neverstill Wines.
Varietal: Cabernet franc
Why we love it: A stunning, medium-bodied wine with vibrant red raspberry and red current on the nose. Made with cab franc grapes from Hidden View Vineyard, a small certified sustainable vineyard on the west side of Seneca Lake. The Neverstill Wines tasting room is in Hudson. (*Members of The Dishing Social Club receive one complimentary wine flight.)
Price: $49
Read our tastemaker interview with Neverstill Wines founder, Christy Counts.