Wine
The Wine Industry in New York
National Rank in Wine Production
3rd
Number of Operating Wineries
471
Economic Impact of Wine Industry
6,650,000,000
The Finger Lakes AVA
An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States distinguishable by geographic features, with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, United States Department of the Treasury.
The Finger Lakes are one of the best known wine making regions in New York, and the lakes themselves (particularly Cayuga and Seneca lakes) produce microclimates around their shores which allow an extraordinary variety of grapes to be grown on the lakeshore hills.
This region specializes in Sparkling Wines, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Ice Wine, and is also known for its Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.
New York Wineries in Finger Lakes AVA
Over 30% (144) of New York State’s total wineries call the Finger Lakes Region (including 25 in Cayuga County) home
Percentage of Grape Tonnage Produced in Finger Lakes AVA
Similarly about 30% of New York State’s total grape production (54,600 tons) comes from the Finger Lakes Region
Cayuga County
Cayuga County is central (in geography and production) in the production of wine grapes. The county is home to two AVAs (the Finger Lakes AVA and Cayuga Lake AVA) and a third wine growing region near Lake Ontario. The county is also home to an assortment of wineries which are part of the state’s oldest wine trail.
Relevant Dates
Some of the most important dates in the development of the modern wine industry in the region.
1933
End of Prohibition
1933
Prohibition nearly eliminated the small wineries that existed in the region beforehand, allowing larger wine making businesses to consolidate into a monopoly.
1962
Vinifera Wine Cellars Founded
1962
Dr. Konstantin Frank was the first to successfully grow European wine grapes (Vitis Vinifera) in the region. This revolutionized wine making in New York.
1976
Farm Winery Act Passed
1976
This revolutionary act by New York allowed grape growers to produce their own wine and sell directly to customers for the first time. Before 1976, only 9 wineries operated in New York. Today there are 471!
1988
Treleaven Wines Founded
1988
Treleaven Wines is the oldest winery on the east side of Cayuga Lake, today producing about 8,000 cases annually.
2011
Farm Winery Law Passed
2011
The Farm Winery Law further eased regulations for wineries, allowing the ability to operate satellite stores.
