2025 was a banner year for New York Wines. Wine Spectator named Ravines 2022 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling as one of its Top 100 wines of the year, and Wine Enthusiast named Wölffer 2020 The Grapes of Roth Merlot and Ravines Wine Cellars 2019 Sparkling Riesling as two of its Top 100. Plus … the Finger Lakes was crowned American Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.
All of this is great news for New York winemakers, their avid supporters, and people who are being introduced to the incredible quality of New York Wines through these accolades. But for many wine professionals, it’s hardly a news flash that New York offers some of the best opportunities for sipping and exploration in the world.
Here are a few wines that restaurateurs, sommeliers, and noted wine writers enjoyed in 2025, and are looking forward to crushing next year!
Professional Sipper: Zac Denham, co-owner of Bocage Champagne Bar and Standard Fare in Saratoga Springs
Pro Pick: Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Rosé
Reason: “One New York wine that completely grabbed my attention this year is the Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Rosé out of the Finger Lakes. It’s 100% Cabernet Franc, and honestly, if this is the kind of rosé Wiemer is cranking out right now, they’re absolutely a winery to keep your eye on.
What I love most is the balance — bright, clean acidity with just enough structure to make it compelling in colder weather. It’s got that signature Wiemer precision, but with a little extra swagger. We’ve been pouring it at Bocage all season, and even our ‘I only drink red’ guests found themselves converted.
If this bottle is any indication of where Wiemer is headed in 2026, I’m all in!”
Professional Sipper: Carlo DeVito, publisher, wine expert, and author of 15+ books
Pro Pick: Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery’s North River Pet Nat
Reason: “I am looking forward to drinking more sparkling wines from Whitecliff next year, and Cabernet Francs from across the state. I love what Fjord, Rock Quartz, Living Roots Wine, Red Tail Ridge, Weis, Trestle 31, and Ria’s are producing.”
This non-intervention Pet Nat is naturally sparkling, and offers a fresh and zesty profile, with orchard fruit, wildflower notes and subtle spice.
Professional Sipper: Clark Gale, co-owner of Bocage Champagne Bar and Standard Fare in Saratoga Springs
Pro Pick: Hearts & Hands Pinot Noir
Reason: “My New York standout this year has to be the Heart & Hands Pinot Noir from Cayuga Lake. Finger Lakes Pinot tends to fly under the radar, but when it hits, it delivers this beautifully lighter, more Burgundian style you just don’t find in the bigger, richer West Coast expressions. This bottle is a perfect example — lifted red fruit, fine tannins, and that quiet earthiness that gives Pinot its soul.
What really hooks me is the precision: nothing overdone, nothing forced. It’s elegant, confident, and unmistakably New York.”
Professional Sipper: Hank Zona, wine writer, event planner, and consultant
Pro Pick(s): Wild Arc Farm’s Sweetheart, plus wines from Fjord, Milea Estate, Millbrook, Robibero, Whitecliff, and Field Supply
Reason: “While it doesn’t get the publicity the Finger Lakes and the North Fork get, every year shows more and more exciting advances from the Hudson Valley, with a blend of classic styles that speak to the long agricultural history of the region and innovation emblematic of the renaissance of the food and beverage scene there.
In a great sign for any emerging market, many of the better restaurants, wine bars, and retail shops in the Hudson Valley have bought in, too. Maybe no wine combines history and innovation like Wild Arc Farm’s ‘Sweetheart’, an apple and grape sparkling rosé where the juice of local apples is fermented on the must of red wine grapes. Look for other wines from Fjord Vineyards, Milea Estate Vineyard, Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Robibero Winery, Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery, and striking newcomer Field Supply Wine.”
Professional Sipper: Abby Tegnelia, Napa transplant and editor of the Saratoga Dispatch
Pro Pick: Thirsty Owl’s Dry Riesling
Reason: “I’ve gotten to know Thirsty Owl’s entire line, but I especially appreciate their Rieslings. Low in alcohol, but full of orchard fruit flavor, with plenty of bright crunch to balance it out.
This year, I hope to actually make it to the Finger Lakes to visit Thirsty Owl and the other Finger Lakes wineries I’ve grown to appreciate in the past few years here in New York.”
Professional Sipper: Marika Vida-Arnold, multi-certified sommelier, wine director, educator and consultant
Pro Pick: Wölffer Estate’s Christian Cuvée Merlot
Reason: “I love all of the Merlots that Wölffer Estate is producing. They’re rich, but elegant and balanced. I have really also been enjoying what I’ve been tasting from both the North and South Forks of Long Island. Next year, I’m excited to spend more time exploring Paumanok Vineyards’ wines. Especially the Chenin Blanc!”
