Finger Lakes Named 2025 American Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast
The Finger Lakes area in New York has earned the prestigious title of Wine Enthusiast's American Wine Region of the Year for 2025. This accolade, given by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, acknowledges the region's notable legacy in wine innovation and sustainability over the past two centuries.
Founded in 1829, the Finger Lakes region began its wine journey along Keuka Lake, spurred on by the innovative work of pioneers like Charles Fournier and Dr. Konstantin Frank. Their dedication to improving Vitis vinifera cultivation transformed the American wine landscape, emphasizing the region's potential for cool-climate varietals. The Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area) is characterized by eleven deep, glacial lakes that provide the perfect conditions for slow and balanced grape ripening. Today, this remarkable area encompasses over 10,000 vineyard acres and is home to more than 140 wineries.
This Wine Star Award underscores not just the Finger Lakes but also the strength of the entire wine community in New York. As noted by Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, this award reaffirms the Finger Lakes' reputation as a hallmark of cool-climate wine excellence in America. He emphasized, "The Finger Lakes define what cool-climate excellence looks like in America," reflecting the region's commitment to quality.
Moreover, the collaboration among local stakeholders has been crucial to the region's success. With family-owned wineries forming the backbone of the community, organizations like the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance play a vital role in elevating the narrative surrounding these wineries. The alliance has been ever-present in driving initiatives to enhance the overall visibility of Finger Lakes wines, including promoting the area’s acclaimed Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and several traditional varietals that embody both deep-rooted heritage and innovation.
A commitment to sustainability continues to be a cornerstone of the Finger Lakes wine industry. The New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program (NYSWP) has led to 55 vineyards obtaining Certification in Sustainability, while over 30 wineries proudly carry a Sustainability Trustmark on their labels. This initiative guarantees that the wines with the Trustmark adhere to principles of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and financial viability.
The Finger Lakes region has also embraced international opportunities through the New York Wines Export Program, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service. This initiative has allowed Finger Lakes wineries to gain recognition in international markets as diverse as London and Tokyo, effectively establishing New York wines as global competitors.
As highlighted by Amy Navor, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, the recognition they received from Wine Enthusiast showcases their community's shared success and innovative spirit. She stated, "The Finger Lakes stands as a testament to resilience and collaboration, where generations of growers and new wineries work together to craft exceptional cool-climate wines."
To further explore this vibrant wine region, the Wine Enthusiast has introduced a Tasting Room Directory dedicated to New York, featuring 100 participating wineries and various wine trail connections. Visitors can traverse the region through notable trails including the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Keuka Lake Wine Trail, and Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, each offering unique insights into the places, people, and wines that encapsulate the Finger Lakes.
The Finger Lakes' recognition as the 2025 American Wine Region of the Year signifies not just a celebration of its storied past, but also a promise of continued excellence that echoes through the vineyards and wineries of this remarkable region in New York. With its continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality, the Finger Lakes remains a vital part of the American wine landscape.
Founded in 1829, the Finger Lakes region began its wine journey along Keuka Lake, spurred on by the innovative work of pioneers like Charles Fournier and Dr. Konstantin Frank. Their dedication to improving Vitis vinifera cultivation transformed the American wine landscape, emphasizing the region's potential for cool-climate varietals. The Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area) is characterized by eleven deep, glacial lakes that provide the perfect conditions for slow and balanced grape ripening. Today, this remarkable area encompasses over 10,000 vineyard acres and is home to more than 140 wineries.
This Wine Star Award underscores not just the Finger Lakes but also the strength of the entire wine community in New York. As noted by Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, this award reaffirms the Finger Lakes' reputation as a hallmark of cool-climate wine excellence in America. He emphasized, "The Finger Lakes define what cool-climate excellence looks like in America," reflecting the region's commitment to quality.
Moreover, the collaboration among local stakeholders has been crucial to the region's success. With family-owned wineries forming the backbone of the community, organizations like the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance play a vital role in elevating the narrative surrounding these wineries. The alliance has been ever-present in driving initiatives to enhance the overall visibility of Finger Lakes wines, including promoting the area’s acclaimed Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and several traditional varietals that embody both deep-rooted heritage and innovation.
A commitment to sustainability continues to be a cornerstone of the Finger Lakes wine industry. The New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program (NYSWP) has led to 55 vineyards obtaining Certification in Sustainability, while over 30 wineries proudly carry a Sustainability Trustmark on their labels. This initiative guarantees that the wines with the Trustmark adhere to principles of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and financial viability.
The Finger Lakes region has also embraced international opportunities through the New York Wines Export Program, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service. This initiative has allowed Finger Lakes wineries to gain recognition in international markets as diverse as London and Tokyo, effectively establishing New York wines as global competitors.
As highlighted by Amy Navor, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, the recognition they received from Wine Enthusiast showcases their community's shared success and innovative spirit. She stated, "The Finger Lakes stands as a testament to resilience and collaboration, where generations of growers and new wineries work together to craft exceptional cool-climate wines."
To further explore this vibrant wine region, the Wine Enthusiast has introduced a Tasting Room Directory dedicated to New York, featuring 100 participating wineries and various wine trail connections. Visitors can traverse the region through notable trails including the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Keuka Lake Wine Trail, and Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, each offering unique insights into the places, people, and wines that encapsulate the Finger Lakes.
The Finger Lakes' recognition as the 2025 American Wine Region of the Year signifies not just a celebration of its storied past, but also a promise of continued excellence that echoes through the vineyards and wineries of this remarkable region in New York. With its continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality, the Finger Lakes remains a vital part of the American wine landscape.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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