Somm in the Finger Lakes

I FINALLY made it to the Finger Lakes last week, and what an incredible adventure it was. Read on for my favorite wineries visited and book your trips while it’s still relatively undiscovered and easy to get in everywhere!

1.)    Six Eighty Cellars: Purchased in 2020 by local vineyardists, this new winery practices minimal intervention and sustainable grape-growing. Winemaker Ian Berry is most known for his experimental nature, making skin-fermented Riesling and even a Pet-Nat from Gruner Veltliner! Their panoramic view of Cayuga Lake and ancient-style clay, stone, and terracotta vessels make this stop an absolute must. Stand-outs: 2021 Carbonic Method Cabernet Franc, 2020 Pinot Noir.

2.)    Lamoreaux landing: From the east side of Seneca Lake, this 3rd generation winemaking family has over 100 acres of vines, separated into more than 20 vineyard blocks. All wines are produced in house with estate fruit, to ensure maximum control and wine integrity. Stand-outs: 2020 Red oak vineyard single vineyard Riesling, 2020 76 West (a Bordeaux-style blend).

3.)    Forge: This hip winery specializes in bone dry Riesling and cool climate Pinot Noir, two of my favorite things. Everything here is done by hand: harvesting, sorting, you name it. They use very low levels of sulfur and never fine or filter their reds. These wines are small batch, with very slow, indigenous yeast fermentations. Stand-outs: 2020 Leidenfrost (single vineyard) Dry Riesling, 2020 Navone (single vineyard) Dry Riesling, 2021 Pinot Noir Classique.

4.)    Dr. Konstantin Frank: Easily the most famous name in New York Winemaking, Dr Frank was a leading expert in viticulture, with techniques and innovation well beyond his time. We have him to blame for bringing vinifera grapes to the state. Today, his fourth generation legacy lives on through his great grand-daughter Meghan Frank (the loveliest of humans, by the way). Their seemingly old-world surroundings and rich history makes for an entirely memorable and fortunate experience. Stand-outs: 2018 Method Champenoise Blanc de Noirs, 2017 Cellar Reserve Riesling, 2021 Amber Rkatsiteli, 2021 Chardonnay, 2020 Meritage.

5.)    Weis: Hans Peter Weis is a native to the Mosel region of Germany, and brought his Riesling production knowledge to this boutique winery. Opened in 2017, Weis purchases all of his (mainly German and Austrian-born) grape varietals. His winemaking style is traditional, but he is quite innovative in his grape selection and blending. Stand-outs: 2021 Gruner Veltliner, 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 Zweigelt, 2021 Blaufrankisch, 2021 Cabernet Franc.

6.)    Hermann Wiemer: Founded in 1979, this pioneer estate spans over 90 acres of optimal Senenca lake slopes. The winery’s forward-thinking techniques and respect for the past has clearly resulted in serious, German-rivalling Riesling. After all, the cool climate and gravelly soils were reminiscent enough of Wiemer’s home in Bernkastel to start his first plot over 40 years ago. Stand-outs: 2019 HJW Biodynamic Riesling, 2020 Magdalena Riesling, 2020 HJW Flower Day Riesling.

7.)    Hillick and Hobbs: From world-renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs, the pursuit of this estate is to hand-craft Rieslings that rival those of Europe while incorporating modern winemaking advances of the Finger Lakes. I did a side-by-side comparison of this new winery’s only Rieslings, 2020 and 2021. The 2020 had an elevated fruit (peaches and pears) component, due to the warm vintage. The 2021 was strikingly mineral, with flint and pebbles on the forefront, finishing with breathtaking acidity.

8.)    Atwater: This family owned estate is located on 80 scenic acres on the eastern side of Seneca lake. Winemaker George Nosis focuses on natural winemaking and unique red blends from the region. Stand-outs: 2021 Chardonnay, 2021 Symvoli (blend of Syrah, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Blaufrankisch, and Merlot).

Where should I go next time? Leave a comment below!