USA Wine Regions  -  New York

New York is easily overshadowed as a wine region in the United States by the contiguous states along the Pacific. In particular, California is the United States' wine growing capital. However, the wines produced in New York are said to be worth experiencing.

While the climate of New York is extremely harsh for growing, it does have a good growing season and some areas that have unique, ideal climates for growing grapes. Over three centuries ago, Dutch settlers brought French wine grapes with them and began growing them in Manhattan. Unfortunately, the brutal winters of New York were intolerable for the fragile French varieties. However, it was soon discovered that the tender French vines could survive if they were grafted onto the hearty American grape rootstock.

Hudson Valley Region

French vinifera vines were planted in the mid to late 19th century in the Hudson Valley region. Commercial wineries soon sprang up around the Hudson Valley. Today there are more than 150 wineries in this region alone.

Lake Erie Region

While this is one of the harshest cold regions in the United States, the areas surrounding the lake itself are somewhat moderated by the water. This region is actually the largest grape growing region in the United States, apart from those regions found in California of course. Some of the grapes produced here are good enough to be primarily used for grape juice, but there are plenty of grapes left to support several wineries.

Long Island Region

The newest addition to the wine regions of New York is the Long Island region. Some of the brutality of the winter and summer weather in New York is mitigated by the mainly Atlantic Ocean surroundings of this region. Growers have been quite successful with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot here. Anyone who has been to this area knows that this is a very limited space, but growers are still able to produce enough grapes to supply 24 wineries.

The State as a Whole

There is said to be more than $400 worth of wine production annually in New York. Among the best sellers are Aurora, Baco, Chardonnay, Labrusca, and Riesling. More and more, the wines of New York are being mailed directly to customers from the wineries. This gives New York a distinct advantage in the marketplace that has been swell-exploited over the last several years and only promises to improve.