Nestled on the east side of Seneca Lake in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of New York, Red Newt Cellars has been a cornerstone of the area’s wine culture since its founding in 1998 by David and Debra Whiting. From its humble beginnings of just 1,200 cases, the winery has grown into a celebrated producer with a portfolio that showcases the unique character of the region’s cool-climate wines.
David Whiting, an accomplished winemaker with a career spanning over three decades, has played an instrumental role in shaping the Finger Lakes wine industry. His journey—from cellar master to head winemaker at some of the region’s most renowned wineries—culminated in the creation of Red Newt Cellars. His passion for crafting wines that reflect the essence of the Finger Lakes terroir is evident in every bottle, from the bright and citrusy “Circle” Riesling to the nuanced Glacier Ridge Cabernet Franc.
Debra Whiting, was a trailblazer in shaping the Finger Lakes’ culinary identity. As a visionary chef, Debra championed the localvore movement long before it became a national trend. Her approach to farm-to-table dining celebrated the region’s agricultural bounty, pairing locally sourced ingredients with wines that showcased the Finger Lakes’ unique terroir.
Her influence extended beyond Red Newt Cellars’ bistro, transforming the winery into a destination for food and wine enthusiasts. By cultivating relationships with area farmers, Debra created a culinary ecosystem that emphasized sustainability, freshness, and a deep connection to place.
Although Debra is no longer with us, her contributions, paired with David’s focus on crafting exceptional cool-climate wines, helped to solidify the winery’s role as a cornerstone of the Finger Lakes’ food and wine culture. Their vision united wine and cuisine in a way that continues to inspire and elevate the region’s profile on both a national and international stage.
Today, Red Newt Cellars’ reach extends far beyond New York, with distribution across the United States and internationally in countries like Sweden, Norway, and Japan. Yet, at its core, the winery remains deeply rooted in its community and terroir, guided by a passion for crafting wines that tell the story of the Finger Lakes.
From Cellar to Bottle
In recent years, the team has welcomed Christina Zapel as Lead Winemaker. A Chicago native, Christina’s love for food and wine blossomed in her childhood, nurtured by a family of food-loving Italians who cherished the joy of meals shared with loved ones. This deep-rooted passion inspired her to pursue a degree in Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, setting the stage for a career deeply intertwined with culinary arts.
Her path to winemaking was anything but linear, weaving through The Hamptons and 12 transformative years in Sonoma County, California. Along the way, Christina honed her craft with experiences at prestigious wineries, including Wölffer Estate in The Hamptons, Flowers Vineyards and Winery in Healdsburg, and as head winemaker at Foley Sonoma in Geyserville.
Now, Christina brings her rich and varied expertise to Red Newt, continuing her journey of developing wines that celebrate the harmony of food, wine, and community—a testament to her Italian heritage and lifelong passion. Her approach of minimal intervention in the cellar aligns seamlessly with the winery’s philosophy, allowing the vineyards and the region’s unique climate to shine through.
From Farm to Glass: The Heartbeat of Red Newt Cellars
At Red Newt Cellars, the pursuit of excellence in winemaking is deeply rooted in strong relationships. Whiting has spent years and even decades cultivating relationships with local growers. These growers are the foundation of the winery’s ability to produce exceptional wines that capture the unique terroirs of the Finger Lakes.
Each vineyard’s story reflects a combination of history, dedication, and innovation, contributing to the wines’ distinctive character. “Our growers are the unsung heroes,” notes Whiting. “Their meticulous care and commitment to sustainable practices ensure that every bottle of wine we produce is a true reflection of the Finger Lakes.”
Grief Block: A Story of Transformation
Grief Block is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both growers and vines. Originally planted with Pinot Gris, the site struggled, prompting its grower, Harlan Fulkerson, to jokingly nickname the grape “Pinot Grief.” In 2014, the block was replanted with Riesling—a decision that has since proven transformative. The six rows of Riesling, cultivated using the Geisenheim 239 clone, thrive in the Odessa silty clay loam soil at an elevation of 800 feet with minimal slope.
The result is a Kabinett-style Riesling characterized by lemon curd nuances and a tight acid core. The vines, trained using the Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) method, showcase the grower’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Tango Oaks Vineyard: Merging Old and New Terroir
Just a stone’s throw from Red Newt Cellars on Seneca Lake’s southeast side, Tango Oaks Vineyard epitomizes the harmony of history and modern viticulture. Known as “Peach Orchard Point” since the 1600s, the site boasts a rich history, with grapes first planted by the Wickham family in the 1830s. Today, grower Fred Wickham continues this legacy with Riesling vines planted in 2007, using Alsatian clones rarely seen in the Finger Lakes.
The vineyard’s soil—a 20-foot-deep layer of gravel deposited by a 1935 flood—produces wines of remarkable elegance and minerality. The vines’ west-southwest exposure and 5-10% slope enhance ripening potential, while farming practices like leaf thinning and negative fruit selection ensure sustainability. The resulting Riesling expresses vibrant minerality, lending itself to styles ranging from sparkling Sekt to luscious dessert wines.
Glacier Ridge Vineyard: A Labor of Love
Located a mile north of Red Newt, Glacier Ridge Vineyard is a steeply sloped site that embodies the challenges and rewards of viticulture. This vineyard is renowned for its diverse varietals and intense fruit concentration. The lower block, planted in 1999, yields Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah, while newer plantings of Riesling and Pinot Gris enhance the site’s versatility.
The upper block, established in 2014, showcases Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. With minimal topsoil and high sun exposure, the vineyard’s channery silt loam soil produces small, concentrated crop loads that translate into wines with deep structure and smoky complexity.
Curry Creek Vineyard: A Singular Monopole
Owned and farmed exclusively for Red Newt, Curry Creek Vineyard is a hidden gem. Grower Jon Santos focuses on Alsatian varieties—Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris—in this northwest-facing vineyard. Despite challenges from wildlife and the inherent difficulty of cultivating these varietals, Santos employs meticulous management practices to achieve exceptional flavor and sugar ripeness. Dunkirk silt loam soil, coupled with an 8% slope, contributes to the site’s uniqueness, producing wines that are as rare as they are exquisite.
Nutt Road Vineyard: A Geographic Outlier
Situated on the northwest side of Seneca Lake, Nutt Road Vineyard is farmed by the Martini family, who also own Anthony Road Wine Company. Though geographically distinct from Red Newt’s other partner sites, this vineyard’s contribution to the winery’s portfolio is indispensable. With its own unique microclimate and soil composition, Nutt Road expands the diversity of expressions that Red Newt can offer.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The partnerships between Red Newt Cellars and its growers go beyond grape cultivation. They reflect a shared vision of crafting wines that honor the land and tell the story of the Finger Lakes’ rich winemaking heritage. By combining traditional practices with modern innovation, these growers and the Red Newt team ensure that each bottle embodies the spirit of collaboration and excellence that defines their work. Together, they not only create exceptional wines but also help to elevate the Finger Lakes as a world-class wine region.
With a dynamic team, exceptional growers, and an unwavering dedication to quality, Red Newt Cellars continues to honor its rich history while looking toward a bright future. So, the next time you raise a glass of Red Newt wine, remember the story behind it. It’s a story not just about winemaking, but about collaboration, respect for the land, and the dedication of a community working together to create something truly special.
