The Finger Lakes wine region just earned one of the highest honors in the industry — and it’s putting New York on the global map again.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced this week that Wine Enthusiast has named the Finger Lakes the 2025 American Wine Region of the Year, praising its world-class winemaking, sustainability efforts, and strong sense of community.
“This is a win for our state’s economy and our reputation as a global wine destination,” Hochul said, noting the region’s mix of lakeside vineyards and family-run wineries.
Located in upstate New York, the Finger Lakes region is the largest wine-producing area in the state. It’s home to more than 140 wineries and stretches across 11 glacial lakes, including Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga.
The area is especially known for cool-climate grapes like Riesling and Cabernet Franc, and it’s gaining attention for rosés and sparkling wines too. Fifty-five vineyards in the region have been certified under the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program.
Wine Enthusiast Media President Jacqueline Strum said the region stands out for its blend of tradition, innovation, and environmental responsibility.
“The Finger Lakes have been a beacon of innovation, resilience, and quality within American wine,” Strum said. “The region’s winemakers produce wines that consistently stand among the world’s best.”
Leaders from across the state echoed that sentiment, crediting decades of teamwork between growers, winemakers, and community organizations.
“This award is the result of decades of hard work, vision, and creativity,” said Empire State Development President Hope Knight. “It also supports jobs, drives tourism, and fuels rural economies.”
The New York Wine & Grape Foundation and the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance were also recognized for helping to elevate the region’s profile and push the state’s wine industry forward.
This is the second time New York has received Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Award for Wine Region of the Year. The first was in 2014.
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Dining and Cooking