Practice swirling your wine glass. If you're coming to New York, expect to do a lot of it. The right combination of climate and geography makes New York perfect for growing grapes—more than 35 different varieties across the state. Here are just some of the winegrowing regions you can visit:
With its ocean-cooled air,
Long Island has long been associated with winemaking.
Palmer Vineyards, an international-medal winner and
Bedell Cellars, called one of the world’s up-and-coming stars, are among more than 40 wineries on the North Fork. In the
Hamptons, on the South Fork, visit
Channing Daughters Winery to taste their artisanal wines. The Tuscan architecture at
Wolffer Estate also pairs well with both whites and reds.
Nestled between rivers and mountains, the
Hudson Valley is one of the nation's most historic wine regions. For wines with altitude, head to Windham's mountaintop micro-winery, where you can also pick your own grapes at various times of the year.
If you're going to the
Finger Lakes, stop by the
New York Wine & Culinary Center, where you can learn all about the state's bounty…wine and food alike. Vineyards surrounding the lakes, such as
Bully Hill and
Hermann J. Wiemer, are known for sparkling wines, Rieslings and Native American varietals.
New York's distinctive wine growing regions span 500 miles from Long Island to the state's westernmost borders along Lake Erie. There's plenty to sample. Take your time to enjoy the wine, and be sure to have a designated driver.