New York Wine Regions:

As a California native, I have a tendency to ignore vineyards in other parts of the United States. However, many other parts of the U. S. have a rich history of growing grapes and making fine wines.

New York Wineries

New York has a long history of vineyards, starting with the Dutch settlers 400 years ago. In the last thirty years, New York wineries have exploded from only nineteen to over two hundred today.

The Chautauqua – Lake Eire Wine Region

The Chautauqua – Lake Erie Region contains over 20,000 acres of vineyards. Roughly 90% of the grapes grown in this Region are Concords used for grape juice, but this Region also produces Seyval and Riesling as well as other wines. Some of the wineries include:

• Merritt Estate Winery, Forestville
  • Wines include Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Chautauqua Niagara, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Late Harvest Delaware, Vidal Ice Wine and more.
    
• Woodbury Vineyards, Fredonia
  • Offers Seyval, Chardonnay, Riesling, White Renard, Cabernet Franc, Glacier Ridge Red, and more.
    
• Vetter Vineyards, Westfield
  • Wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Dry Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Late Harvest Vignoles, and more.
    
• Johnson Estate, Westfield
  • Offers Vidal Blanc Icewine, Liebestropfchen, Chautauqua Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Concord, Chautauqua Rouge, and more.

The Long Island Wine Region

The Long Island Wine Region boasts of over 1,900 acres of vineyards and specializes in Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Wineries in the Long Island Region include:

• Castello Di Borgese, Cutchogue
  • Signature wines are Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Also offers Meritage, and Chardonnay.
    
    
• Paumanok Vineyards, Alquebogue
  • Wines offered include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Dry Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Black Late Harvest, and more.
    
    
• Schneider Vineyards, Riverhead
  • Wines include Chardonnay, Potato Barn White, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and more.
    
    
• Galluccio Family Wineries, Cutchogue
  • Wines offered include Rose, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Meritage, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.
    
    
• Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards, Peconic
  • Wines include Chardonnay, Port, Merlot, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Flight Meritage, and more.
    
    
• Bedell Cellars, Cutchogue
  • Wines include Chardonnay, Merlot, Viognier, Main Road Red, Main Road White, Gewurztraminer, and more.

The North Fork Wine Region

The North Fork Region has over 1,900 acres dedicated to growing grapes and produces 4,000 tons of the fruit annually. This wine region specializes in wines such as Merlots, Chardonnays, and Cabernet Sauvignons.

Wineries in the North Fork Region include:

• Peconic Bay Winery, Cutchogue
  • Wines offered include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rose of Merlot, Riesling, Dry Riesling, La Barrique Chardonnay, and more.
    
    
• Martha Clara Vineyards, Riverhead
  • Wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Syrah, Semillon, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.
    
    
• Corey Creek Vineyards, Southold
  • Wines offered include Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir Rose, Gewurztraminer, and more.

Many of the wineries listed, as well as other wineries in these wine regions, offer tastings and tours. Some of them have special facilities for weddings and other special occasions. Check it out!

As a Californian, it is hard to admit that other states offer fine wines. Explore New York wines and find out for yourself!

~Laura Evans Staff Editor