Wine Study of the Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes focus on cool-climate grapes that fit the region's conditions. Riesling leads quality wine production, making up roughly 30% of plantings. The region makes Riesling in styles from bone-dry to sweet, including ice wine from frozen grapes. Cabernet Franc does well, making refined reds with herbal and fruit notes. Chardonnay grows across the region in different styles. Pinot Noir appears in cooler spots around the lakes. 

Gewürztraminer fits the climate, making aromatic wines. Grüner Veltliner has gained attention as a newer planting. Other types include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Albariño. Hybrid grapes like Cayuga White, Vignoles, Traminette, Catawba, and Niagara grow for cold tolerance. Sparkling wines using traditional methods come from Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Late-harvest and ice wines are regional specialties.

Key Finger Lakes wineries include Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars on Keuka Lake, started in 1962 as a pioneer of European varieties. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard on Seneca Lake focuses on Riesling and sparkling wines using traditional methods. Ravines Wine Cellars makes dry Riesling from estate vineyards. Fox Run Vineyards operates on Seneca Lake with varied types. Red Newt Cellars makes Riesling and other wines on Seneca Lake. Boundary Breaks Vineyard specializes in dry Riesling. 

Standing Stone Vineyards produces Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars operates on Seneca Lake. Anthony Road Wine Company works on Seneca Lake. Other producers include Sheldrake Point Winery, Heron Hill Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars, and Element Winery.

Finger Lakes Riesling stands as the region's signature and most celebrated wine. Seneca Lake Riesling particularly gained recognition for quality and distinctive character. The region makes Riesling with bright acidity, mineral notes, and pure fruit that compares well to German Rieslings. Dry Riesling has grown in popularity alongside off-dry and sweet styles. The deep lakes create good conditions for this grape, with slopes providing drainage and sun exposure. Finger Lakes Riesling earned worldwide respect, putting the region on the global wine map.