New York Wine & Grape Foundation

In New York, the native—wild grapes—were here first. Forming the backbone of the early New York wine industry, native varieties (the majority of which are Vitis labrusca) came into use when it became apparent that European vines lacked the disease resistance and winter hardiness to survive. The term “hybrid” refers to a crossing (accidental or deliberate) between two species of grape, most often these are North American or Asian crossed with Vitis vinifera from Europe. Most of the hybrids used in New York today were developed by French hybridizers who did the bulk of their work from 1880 to 1950. These grapes underpin much of New York wines’ unique, local flavor - which needs to be better understood and explored. With climate change and sustainability top of mind, the potential of these grapes is exciting. As with our other sessions, the objective of today’s seminar will be to highlight the varying production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make hybrid and native grapes so special. Join us to learn more!

The Finger Lakes region of northwest New York is known for its picturesque grouping of narrow glacial lakes—some of the deepest freshwater lakes in the United States. Over the past two decades, the Finger Lakes have become known as one of the finest cool-climate winegrowing regions—especially for Riesling—in North America. To be sure, the contribution of independent, family-owned wine growing operations to that prestigious achievement cannot be understated. This session will weave the history of the region together with an exploration of the varietals claiming the spotlight today. From Riesling to Cabernet Franc, from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, this session will showcase the unique and varied production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make the Finger Lakes region so special. Join us to learn more!

One of the oldest and most historically important wine areas in the US, the Hudson River Valley can be credited for pioneering many of the innovations that helped the NY wine industry grow. This area, which includes the Hudson River Region AVA and Upper Hudson AVA, is proud of its long-standing agricultural and viticultural history as well as the diverse alluvial soils and microclimates found throughout. The Hudson Valley has been a crucible for the development of French American hybrids, however, it’s vinifera that we’re seeing increased plantings of. This session will take you on a journey up the 315-mile Hudson River to experience the unique and varied production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make the Hudson River Valley so special. Join us to learn more!

Long Island, the southeastern tip of New York State, is the largest island in the contiguous United States, stretching from the East River into the Atlantic Ocean and shouldered by the Long Island Sound. In contrast to the grape growing industries of the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley, Long Island began on a foundation of vinifera vines. Long Island has made a name for itself by producing stunning red wine. Merlot forms the base for Long Island’s many awarding winning red “Bordeaux style” blends. However, that is just the (delicious) start to the Long Island wine journey. This session will transport you to Southampton and the North Fork to experience the unique and varied production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make Long Island wines so special. Join us to learn more!

This wine region derives its name from the Niagara Escarpment, a limestone ridge that runs for over 650 miles through the Great Lakes Region. While the region has a history that includes native grapes and hybrids, a warming climate and improved growing techniques are changing everything. The power of Lake Ontario in combination with the slope of The Niagara Escarpment—to moderate temperatures, extend the growing season, and protect against winter damage —is allowing more vinifera grape varieties to pop up on the landscape. And once planted, the soil and climate conditions of our unique terroir squeeze every ounce of flavor from the fruit. This session will take you on a walk through the gravelly limestone and clay loam soil to experience the unique and varied production styles, approaches, terroir, and flavors that make wines from the Niagara Escarpment so special. Join us to learn more!