The World Class Riesling Wines Of The Finger Lakes Region

New York’s Finger Lakes wine region is a leading producer of cool-climate white wines in the United States. It’s mainly known for its Riesling and sparkling wines. The region benefits from a unique combination of climate, geology, and soils, which contribute distinctive qualities to its wines. It also represents an area that is little known among wine enthusiasts and produces outstanding quality wines at incredibly reasonable prices. Below is an overview of the Finger Lakes region and tasting notes on some of its leading wines.

The Finger Lakes Region

Wine grape cultivation in the Finger Lake began in 1829, making the region one of the oldest wine regions in the US. Approximately 11,000 acres are currently under cultivation. There are 150 wineries and 200 different wine brands. Roughly, 200,000 cases of Riesling are produced yearly.

The Finger Lakes wine region consists of the Finger Lakes AVA and two-sub AVAs.

The Finger Lakes AVA, established in 1982, is the best known and encompasses the areas around 11 glacial lakes. The AVA is defined by the moderating climate effects of these lakes, particularly the Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, which act as a heat sink and moderate the climate and extend the growing season.

The Cayuga Lake sub-AVA, established in 1988, surrounds Cayuga Lake. Approximately 460 acres of vineyards surround the lake.

The Seneca Lake sub-AVA, established in 2003, is the largest of the Finger Lakes and hosts a high concentration of vineyards. The lake’s size and depth create ideal grape-growing conditions. It has roughly 3,700 acres under cultivation.

The Finger Lakes’ geology is a product of ancient glaciation, which carved out deep lakes and left behind a complex mix of diverse soils. These soils include:

Limestone: Present in certain parts of the region, adding minerality to wines, especially Riesling.

Shale: Common around the lakes, it helps retain heat and aids vine ripening in the cool climate.

Gravelly loam and clay: These well-draining soils provide suitable conditions for grapevines, leading to concentrated flavors in the wines.

Sandy loam: Often found in the upland areas, sandy soils help produce wines with more delicate and elegant characteristics.

Combined with the lakes’ climatic influence, these soils create optimal conditions for growing Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.

Riesling is the signature grape of the Finger Lakes region. Its flavor profile ranges from dry and mineral-driven to sweet and fruit-forward. Two decades ago, Finger Lakes Rieslings were sweetish, typically featuring bright citrus, green apple, and stone fruit flavors, with prominent acidity and a clear mineral backbone. Due to the cool climate, these wines had a sharp, crisp edge, making them distinctly refreshing.

Today, while those core qualities remain, the wines have become more refined. Producers experimented with different ripening techniques, fermentation methods, yeasts, and site-specific winemaking. Yields have been reduced, resulting in more concentrated flavors in the grapes.

The result is more nuanced, terroir-expressive wines with greater depth and complexity. They feature aromas of lime, peach, and white flowers, with a balance of natural sweetness and acidity. Many wines are drier, with an enhanced focus on minerality and greater depth, and show more balanced and integrated fruit and acid profiles.

The region’s red wines, principally Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, have also seen notable improvements. Traditionally considered light and acidic, they now display richer fruit profiles, are rounder with better structure, and are more balanced with softer tannins due to a slightly longer growing season, improved vineyard management, and better aging techniques.

Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc has become the region’s signature red grape, showing aromas of red berries, herbs, and spice, with medium body and smooth tannins. Meanwhile, the Rieslings have maintained their signature high acidity but often show more tropical fruit notes and more pronounced minerality.

The Finger Lakes region continues to be a dynamic area for wine production, with its geology, cool climate, and diverse soils combining to create wines of great elegance and depth. Over the last two decades, the quality of wines, especially Riesling, has improved significantly, gaining recognition in international competitions. A warming climate and the region’s ability to adapt and innovate while retaining its core identity have cemented its place as a world-class wine region.

Tasting Notes: Finger Lakes Rieslings

Here are 20 top-rated Riesling expressions from New York’s Finger Lakes region, each accompanied by a background on the winery being produced and a detailed tasting note.

Hermann J. Wiemer 2019 Magdalena Vineyard Riesling

Hermann J. Wiemer pioneered Riesling in the Finger Lakes, focusing on single vineyard wines. Their Magdalena Vineyard is in one of the region’s warmest areas, producing concentrated wines.

The wine features concentrated lemon oil, peach, and pine notes with gunflint aromas. The palate features ripe orchard fruits and zesty acidity. The finish is long with lingering citrus and white tea notes.

Boundary Breaks Ovid Line North Riesling

Boundary Breaks, a small producer focused almost entirely on Riesling, emphasizes vineyard-driven expressions from Seneca Lake.

Their Riesling features citrus and apple aromas with pear, honeysuckle, and lime flavors on the palate. The finish is crisp and refreshing, with just enough residual sugar.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Semi-Dry Riesling 2020

Dr. Frank introduced vinifera grapes to the Finger Lakes in the 1960s, and the winery has remained a benchmark for quality ever since.

The wine exhibits aromas of lime and peach, with flavors of ripe apple and nectarine. A balanced sweetness leads to a refreshing, mineral-driven finish.

Wagner Caywood East Riesling 2019

Established in 1978, Wagner Vineyards is a family-owned operation emphasizing estate-grown wines, particularly Riesling.

The wine features pronounced lime and grapefruit flavors with a creamy, juicy core. Peach flavors and a wet stone minerality complement a refreshing citrus finish.

Anthony Road Art Series Riesling 2020

Founded in 1990, Anthony Road is a family-owned winery focusing on sustainable viticulture and has a diverse portfolio, including Riesling.

The Riesling features jasmine, apricot, and stone fruit aromas. The palate shows crisp apple and pear flavors with a crisp, mineral finish.

Hosmer Estate Dry Riesling 2019

Hosmer Estate, one of the early Finger Lakes wineries, focuses on single vineyard wines and emphasizes varietal purity.

There are white peach and honeysuckle aromas. Crisp acidity on the palate balances lemon and green apple flavors with a lingering mineral finish.

Lakewood Vineyards Dry Riesling 2020

Lakewood is a third-generation winery on Seneca Lake known for producing high-quality Rieslings.

The wine features citrus, green apple, and pear notes on the nose and palate, with vibrant acidity leading to a crisp, clean finish.

Weis Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2019

Weis, located on Keuka Lake, specializes in crafting old-world-style wines from traditional German varietals.

The Riesling has aromas of peach, citrus blossom, and petrol. The palate is fruity, with crisp acidity and a lingering mineral finish.

Lamoreaux Landing Round Rock Vineyard Riesling 2019

Located on Seneca Lake, Lamoreaux is known for producing high-quality single-vineyard wines.

This Riesling has aromas of pear, green apple, and slate, crisp acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Ravines Wine Cellars Dry Riesling 2020

Ravines focuses on terroir-driven wines from estate vineyards on Keuka and Seneca Lakes.

The wine features citrus, apple, and pear aromas, a fruity palate, crisp acidity, and a lingering minerality.

Element Winery, Riesling 2014

Element Winery, founded by winemaker Christopher Bates, produces minimalist, terroir-driven wines that express the unique Finger Lakes climate.

A dry Riesling with a strong mineral backbone, complemented by green apple, lime, and stone fruit flavors. It offers vibrant acidity, a lean structure, and a long, clean finish.

Thirsty Owl Wine Company, Dry Riesling 2019

Thirsty Owl Wine Company is a family-owned winery located on Cayuga Lake. It grows over 40 acres of grapes, and its award-winning Rieslings emphasize estate-grown wines.

On the nose, there are aromas of white peach, green apple, and citrus blossoms, followed by lime, apricot, and pear flavors, a crisp acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Ryan William Vineyard, Dry Riesling 2020

The vineyard is located on Seneca Lake’s eastern shoe and focuses on small-batch wines that express the region’s terroir.

This Riesling features lemon zest, green apple, and honeysuckle aromas. The palate offers crisp citrus notes with underlying stone fruits, crisp acidity, and a hint of salinity. It finishes with a lingering minerality.

Glenora Wine Cellars, Dry Riesling 2020

Glenora, one of the oldest wineries on Seneca Lake, has been producing award-winning wines since 1977. Known for its wide range of varietals, Riesling remains its flagship grape.

This wine exhibits lime zest, white peach, and flint aromas. The palate is dry with crisp acidity, featuring green apple, grapefruit, and a touch of honeysuckle. The lingering mineral finish highlights the wine’s balance and structure.

Knapp Winery, Dry Riesling 2020

Established in 1984, Knapp Winery is located on Cayuga Lake and produces high-quality estate wines. Their Riesling styles range from dry to sweet.

Lime, orange blossom, and green apple aromas on the nose. On the palate, it offers crisp acidity with flavors of citrus, pear, and a hint of wet stone, followed by a refreshing, mineral-laden finish.

Weis Vineyards, Vineyards Dry Riesling 2019

Weis, founded by German-born winemaker Peter Weis, focuses on traditional German varietals, particularly Riesling. Their wines reflect old-world techniques and the cool climate of the Finger Lakes.

On the nose, it has aromas of apricot, citrus, and subtle petrol. The palate is dry, with green apple, lemon, and peach flavors, backed by crisp acidity and a long, mineral finish. This is a classic, age-worthy German-style Riesling.

Fox Run Vineyards, Dry Riesling 2019

Located on Seneca Lake, Fox Run has produced estate wines since 1990 and is one of the leading high-quality Riesling producers.

Lime, green apple, and white flower aromas on the nose. The palate features crisp acidity, citrus, and stone fruit flavors and pronounced minerality on the finish.

These wineries exemplify the diverse range of Riesling expressions that thrive in the cool climate and glacially influenced New York’s Finger Lakes terroir. Each Riesling highlights the balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality, which showcases the unique terroir and vineyard conditions that make Finger Lakes Rieslings world-class. If you like crisp, dry Riesling wines, you should definitely explore the wines of the Finger Lakes region. See the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance for a detailed guide to the region’s wineries.

Cheers