The Finger Lakes region has been named 2025 American Wine Region of the Year by “Wine Enthusiast,” as part of the magazine’s annual Wine Star Awards.
The honor recognizes two centuries of world-class winemaking, sustainable practices and collaborative community that have helped define the Finger Lakes as one of America’s most dynamic and collaborative wine regions, where family-owned wineries and regional partners continue to shape the story of New York wine. (New York State, as a whole, previously received a Wine Star Award for Wine Region of the Year from “Wine Enthusiast” in 2014.)
“The Finger Lakes stands at a remarkable moment, a region born of resilience, defined by collaboration and continuing to share its story with the world,” said Finger Lakes Wine Alliance executive director Amy Navor. “Our multi-generational growers and emerging new wineries lift one another, shaping a community that thrives through change and crafts world-class cool-climate wines. This recognition from Wine Enthusiast affirms that collective spirit, proof that when the Finger Lakes wine rises, New York rises together.”
Ben Riccardi of Osmote on Seneca Lake produces award-winning hybrid-wine creations featured in Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. PHOTO BY ABBY QUATRO Credit: PHOTO BY ABBY QUATRO
The Finger Lakes, home to 11 glacial lakes and more than 140 wineries, is the largest and most established wine-producing region in New York State. Anchored by Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, the area is internationally recognized for its cool-climate native and hybrid varieties, as well as classic vinifera varieties. The region’s unique geography and microclimates have fostered a growing community of family-owned and operated wineries, many of which are pioneers in sustainable winegrowing. To date, 55 vineyards in the Finger Lakes have been certified under the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Program.
In an article detailing the awards, “Wine Enthusiast” writer Christina Pickard noted the Finger Lakes is a “hotbed of innovation,” adding:
The rolling hills that fringe 11 long, deep lakes at the center of the Empire State are home to a plethora of world-class wineries that craft vibrant Riesling of all shapes and sizes; herbaceous Cabernet Franc; red-fruited Blaufrankisch; a kaleidoscope of sparklers; and so much more. Add to this an increase in wine-tourism offerings, breathtaking lakeside vistas, and enchanting waterfalls, and the vibes in the Finger Lakes are entirely grown up.
Red Tail Ridge Winery in Penn Yan (which CITY included in a fun 2024 piece) also received a nod for American Winery of the Year — the full list of winners can be found here.
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