Friendly, down-to-earth people. Small, family-owned businesses. Crisp, cool-climate wines and stunning scenery. It’s easy to say “I love New York” when visiting the Finger Lakes.
On the second Saturday of every month, the Wine Pairing Weekend group of wine and food bloggers focuses on a wine theme and shares food pairings around that theme. On June 13, the group takes a virtual trip to the Finger Lakes region. Hope you will join us via Twitter beginning at 8 am PT/11 am ET. Everyone is welcome! Simply follow the #WinePW hashtag to join in the fun.
For anyone who lives on the East Coast of the U.S., the Finger Lakes is within easy driving distance and a region worth exploring for the gorgeous natural scenery as well as the wineries strung like pearls around the region’s long, deep glacial lakes.
These lakes have a huge influence on the climate and terroir of the region. During the winter, cold air drains naturally from the sloping vineyards to the lakes. In spring, cool air delays the start of the growing season so that the tender shoots are not injured by late frosts. In the fall, the lakes prevent early frosts and extend the growing season.
Currently, there are seven wineries on Canandaigua Lake, 25 on Cayuga Lake, 19 on Keuka Lake, and 61 on Seneca Lake. The Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area (AVA) was established in October 1982 and is the largest wine-growing region in New York State. Two other AVAs within the region are the Cayuga Lake AVA and the Seneca Lake AVA.
The most significant vinifera (European) grapes are Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Riesling is king in this region. The Finger Lakes is home to over 200 Riesling brands, and the average producer makes two to three styles of Riesling a year. (Source: Finger Lakes Alliance)
Finger Lakes producers are proud of their farming roots and a grape-growing history stretching back to the early 19th century.
But it wasn’t until Dr. Konstantin Frank moved to the area from Ukraine and opened his Vinifera Wine Cellars in 1962 that the “vinifera revolution” took off. Dr. Frank was convinced it was lack of proper rootstock, not the cool climate, that kept grapes like Riesling and Cabernet Franc from finding a home in this region. He found a sympathetic ear in Charles Fournier, a French champagne maker. Together, they changed the course of Finger Lakes wine forever.
To this day, Finger Lakes winemakers are supportive of one another and collaborate on various projects. People are generous with their time and passionate about their wines. What’s not to love!
Here is a preview of the posts and pairing ideas the #WinePW bloggers will be sharing for this event. Enjoy! Hope to see you on the chat June 13.
- Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm is “Exploring the Wines of New York’s Finger Lakes Region”
- Camilla at Culinary Adventures with Camilla is pairing “Bibimbap with Garden Banchan + Forge Cellars Classique Riesling 2017”
- Lori at Exploring the Wine Glass is “Delving Into the History of the Finger Lakes with John Wagner”
- David at Cooking Chat is exploring “Finger Lakes Wine Paired with Everyday Favorites”
- Cindy at Grape Experiences shares “An Impressive New York Treasure: the Finger Lakes Wine Region”
- Teri at Our Good Life pairs “Zero Degree Riesling with Pan Seared Scallops over Cheesy Grits”
- Jeff at foodwineclick suggests “New York Finger Lakes – I Hope You Like Riesling!”
- Jill at L’OCCASION offers “New York Finger Lakes: Wine For Summer Pairings”
- Pinny at Chinese Food and Wine Pairings shares “New York Finger Lakes Wines – Lonesome Stony Rose and Fox Run Rieslings Paired with Quick-Prepped Seafood”
- Jane at Always Ravenous offers “Picnic Fare Paired with Finger Lake Wines”
- Rupal at Syrah Queen discusses “The Charm Of New York Finger Lakes Rieslings”
- Robin at Crushed Grape Chronicles is pairing “Finger Lake Riesling and Alsatian salmon.”
- Gwendolyn at wine predator offers two posts: “Two Riesling from the Finger Lakes Paired with a Potluck” and “#RoseAllDay for #RoseDay: 3 from New York’s Finger Lakes”
- Susannah at avvinare shares “Delightful wines from the Finger Lakes”
- Jennifer at Vino Travels takes a look at “Wines from Around Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes Wine Region”
- Finally, Linda at My Full Wine Glass is sharing two posts: “Three takes on Finger Lakes NY Cabernet Franc rosé” and “Two pair of NY Finger Lakes Riesling – a winning hand”