Best 11 Wineries in New York: Top Places to Savor Quality Wines
New York is home to some of the best wineries and vineyards in the United States. From the Finger Lakes region to Long Island, New York has a diverse range of wineries that produce award-winning wines. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun day trip, visiting a winery in New York is an excellent way to spend your time.
The vineyards in New York are known for producing high-quality wines, including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay. Some of the best wineries in New York are located in the Finger Lakes region, which is home to over 100 wineries. The Finger Lakes region is known for its cool climate, which is perfect for growing grapes that produce crisp and refreshing wines. In addition to the Finger Lakes region, Long Island is also home to some of the best wineries in New York. Long Island wineries are known for producing Bordeaux-style wines, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Understanding New York’s Wine Regions
New York State is home to several wine regions, each with its own unique characteristics and specialties. The three main regions are the Finger Lakes, Long Island, and Hudson Valley.
Finger Lakes Region
The Finger Lakes wine region is the largest and most well-known in New York State, with approximately 11,000 acres of vineyards. The region is named after the 11 long, narrow lakes that were formed by glaciers during the last ice age. The most famous lakes in the region are Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake, which are home to many of the region’s wineries.
The Finger Lakes region is primarily known for its white wines, particularly Riesling. The cool climate and slate-rich soil make it an ideal location for growing this grape variety. However, the region also produces some excellent red wines, including Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.
Long Island Region
The Long Island wine region is located on the eastern end of Long Island, just a short drive from New York City. The region is known for its sandy soil and maritime climate, which make it an ideal location for growing Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes.
The Long Island wine region is relatively small, with just over 3,000 acres of vineyards. However, the region is home to some of the most highly regarded wineries in the state, including Channing Daughters, Bedell Cellars, and Wölffer Estate.
Hudson Valley Region
The Hudson Valley wine region is located along the Hudson River, just north of New York City. The region is known for its rolling hills and fertile soil, which make it an ideal location for growing a wide variety of grape varieties.
The Hudson Valley wine region is the oldest in the state, with a history dating back to the 17th century. The region is known for its production of hybrid grape varieties, such as Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc. However, the region also produces some excellent red wines, including Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.
Top Wineries in New York
Boundary Breaks
Boundary Breaks is a winery located in the Finger Lakes region of New York that specializes in Riesling. Their vineyards are situated on the east side of Seneca Lake, which provides a unique microclimate that is ideal for growing Riesling grapes. They have a wide variety of Rieslings available, ranging from dry to sweet, and their tasting room offers stunning views of the lake.
Website: https://boundarybreaks.com/
Address: 1568 Porter Covert Rd, Lodi, NY 14860, United States
Rooftop Reds
Rooftop Reds is a winery located in Brooklyn, New York, that grows grapes on a rooftop in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. They specialize in red wines, such as Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The rooftop setting provides a unique atmosphere for wine tasting, and they also offer tours of their rooftop vineyard.
Website: http://www.rooftopreds.com/
Address: 299 Sands St Building 275 Building 275, Brooklyn, NY 11205, United States
Benmarl Winery
Benmarl Winery is located in the Hudson Valley region of New York and has been producing wine since 1957. They have a wide variety of wines available, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. They offer tastings in their historic tasting room and have a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards.
Website: http://www.benmarl.com/
Address: 156 Highland Ave, Marlboro, NY 12542, United States
Brotherhood Winery
Brotherhood Winery is the oldest winery in the United States, established in 1839 in the Hudson Valley region of New York. They offer a wide variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. They have a beautiful tasting room and also offer tours of their historic winery.
Website: http://www.brotherhood-winery.com/
Address: 100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr, Washingtonville, NY 10992, United States
Millbrook Winery
Millbrook Winery is located in the Hudson Valley region of New York and specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They have a beautiful tasting room and offer tours of their vineyards and winery. They also have a café on site that serves locally sourced food.
Website: http://www.millbrookwine.com/
Address: 26 Wing Rd, Millbrook, NY 12545, United States
Bashakill Vineyards
Bashakill Vineyards is located in the Catskills region of New York and specializes in dry red and white wines. They have a beautiful tasting room and offer tours of their vineyards. They also have a picnic area on site that overlooks the vineyards.
Website: http://www.bashakillvineyards.com/
Address: 1131 S Rd, Wurtsboro, NY 12790, United States
Croteaux Vineyards
Croteaux Vineyards is located on the North Fork of Long Island and specializes in Rosé. They have a beautiful tasting room and outdoor seating area, as well as a food truck on site that serves snacks and sandwiches.
Website: http://www.croteaux.com/
Address: 1450 S Harbor Rd, Southold, NY 11971, United States
Point of The Bluff Vineyards
Point of The Bluff Vineyards is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York and specializes in Riesling and Cabernet Franc. They have a beautiful tasting room and outdoor seating area that overlooks Keuka Lake.
Website: http://www.pointofthebluffvineyards.com/
Address: 10489 Co Rd 76, Hammondsport, NY 14840, United States
Paumanok Vineyards
Paumanok Vineyards is located on the North Fork of Long Island and specializes in Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. They have a beautiful tasting room and outdoor seating area, as well as a café on site that serves locally sourced food.
Website: http://www.paumanok.com/
Address: 1074 Main Rd, Aquebogue, NY 11931, United States
Adirondack Winery
Adirondack Winery is located in Lake George, New York, and specializes in fruit wines and dry reds. They have a tasting room in Lake George and also offer tastings at their second location in Bolton Landing.
Website: http://www.adirondackwinery.com/
Address: 285 Canada St, Lake George, NY 12845, United States
Johnson Estate
Johnson Estate is located in the Lake Erie region of New York and specializes in Riesling and Chardonnay. They have a beautiful tasting room and outdoor seating area that overlooks Lake Erie.
Website: https://www.johnsonwinery.com/
Address: 8419 W Main St, Westfield, NY 14787, United States
These are just a few of the top wineries in New York that offer unique and delicious wines. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good glass of wine, these wineries are definitely worth a visit.
Exploring Wine Varieties
New York is home to a diverse range of wine varieties, including reds, whites, fruit wines, and dessert wines. Each variety has its own unique flavor profile, making it easy for wine lovers to find something they enjoy.
Red Wines
New York red wines are known for their rich, full-bodied flavors. Some of the most popular red grape varieties grown in the state include Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Cabernet Franc is a versatile grape that is often used to make medium-bodied red wines with flavors of black cherry and spice. Merlot, on the other hand, is known for its soft tannins and flavors of plum and blackberry. Pinot Noir is a lighter-bodied red wine with flavors of red fruit and earthy notes.
White Wines
New York white wines are known for their crisp, refreshing flavors. Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc are some of the most popular white grape varieties grown in the state. Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that is often aged in oak barrels, giving it flavors of vanilla and butter. Riesling is a fruity white wine with flavors of apple, pear, and honey. Sauvignon Blanc is a light-bodied white wine with flavors of citrus and grass.
Fruit and Dessert Wines
New York is also known for its fruit wines and dessert wines. Fruit wines are made from a variety of fruits, including grapes, apples, and berries. Some popular fruit wines include Traminette, a white wine with flavors of apricot and honey, and Zinfandel, a red wine with flavors of raspberry and blackberry. Dessert wines, such as ice wine and Riesling ice wine, are made from grapes that have been left on the vine to freeze, resulting in a concentrated, sweet flavor.
Overall, New York’s wine industry is thriving, with a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of reds, whites, or something in between, there’s sure to be a New York wine that suits your palate.
Winery Experiences
New York wineries offer a range of experiences for visitors, from wine tastings to tours and dining. Here are some of the best winery experiences to consider during a trip to New York.
Tasting Rooms
New York wineries have tasting rooms where visitors can sample different wines and learn about the winemaking process. Some wineries have tasting rooms in the city, such as Rooftop Reds and City Winery, which offer a unique tasting experience with views of the city skyline. For those looking to escape the city, the Finger Lakes region has over 100 wineries with tasting rooms, including Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and Wagner Vineyards.
Winery Restaurants
Many wineries in New York have restaurants that offer farm-to-table cuisine paired with their wines. The Finger Lakes region has several winery restaurants, such as Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars and The Restaurant at the Red Newt Cellars Winery. In Long Island, Bedell Cellars has a tasting room and a restaurant that serves local seafood and seasonal produce.
Winery Tours
Winery tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process and the history of the winery. Some wineries offer self-guided tours, while others have guided tours with knowledgeable staff. The Hudson Valley region has several wineries that offer tours, such as Benmarl Winery and Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. The Finger Lakes region also has winery tours, including a wine and cheese pairing tour at Lively Run Goat Dairy.
Overall, New York wineries offer a variety of experiences for visitors, from wine tastings to tours and dining. Visitors can enjoy a day trip to the wineries or plan a longer stay to explore the different regions. Many wineries also have gift shops where visitors can purchase wine and souvenirs, and direct booking options are available for tours and tastings. A map of New York wineries can be found on the New York Wine & Grape Foundation website.