2024 Steuben Wine Guide

America’s Winemaking Past and Future is Found in The Finger Lakes”

— Michelle Williams, Forbes

. . . the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York is the prime wine region of the Eastern U.S.”

— Joe Yogerst, Travel + Leisure

The whites are absolutely glorious —not just the Riesling but aromatic grapes like Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Grüner Veltliner.”

— Elizabeth Schneider, Wine For Normal People

Photo courtesy Domaine LeSeurre

A Return to Sparkling Wine

There’s a resurgence of exceptional sparkling wines being made in the Finger Lakes, an exciting full circle moment deserving of the cork pop, the geyser of froth, glasses filled, raised high, the exuberant clinking applause, myriad bubbles dancing under the nose.

THE ROOTS OF A WORLD CLASS WINE REGION

In 1829, a reverend intent on making sacramental wine planted the first vines in the region in the small town of Hammondsport. By the end of the 19th century, there were over 25,000 acres of vineyards around Keuka Lake alone. At first, the fruit was primarily sold in NYC and other markets as table grapes, but eventually the area gained a reputation for its sparkling wines, in part thanks to Pleasant Valley Wine Company. Founded in 1860, Pleasant Valley was the first American winery to win awards in Europe for sparkling wine (in 1867 and, again, in 1873).

Winemaking in the Finger Lakes was booming, but Prohibition nearly ended all that. As the region regained its footing, a focus on quality sparkling wines remained, first by French winemaker Charles Fournier of Gold Seal Vineyards. At the San Francisco State Fair in 1950, Fournier’s Brut received a Gold Medal marking the first time a New York State champagne received such an honor. The following year, the fair limited entries to California wines only.

Today, New York bubbles are making a comeback. . . . And many believe that bubbles—just as they did 160 years ago— will play a crucial role in the future of New York wine.”

—Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast

Photo courtesy

Steuben County Historical Society

A SPARKLING REEMERGENCE

Today, you will find several Steuben wineries making a variety of sparkling wines (like Dr. Frank’s Brut which was named one of the “100 Best Wines of 2023” by Wine Enthusiast).

Whether it’s Château Franc’s award-winners, Château Renaissance’s 400-year-old recipe from the Loire Valley, the various “New York Champagnes” still being made at Pleasant Valley Wine Company, Brut made from estate-grown grapes at Azure Hill, a limited release Sparkling Rosé from Domaine LeSeurre, or the exquisite offerings at Ravines Wine Cellars, the most popular method being used around Keuka Lake is the traditional, labor-intensive Méthode Champenoise which features a second fermentation in the bottle.

Although the technique for making fizzy Pét-nat wines has been around since before the “traditional method,” it has become quite a trend in recent years. Given the diverse grape varieties grown in the region and the penchant of our winemakers for blending tradition with experimentation, Pét-nat feels like a natural fit. No wonder wineries like Keuka Lake Vineyards and Living Roots are tapping into this popular style of sparklers.

In addition to producing what Wine Enthusiast calls “world class traditional method sparkling” wines, Ravines is also crafting a light airy semi-sparkling called Ayre made from a French-American hybrid grape developed by Cornell University. While Weis Vineyards uses another Cornell hybrid and infused carbonation for its fun sparkler Perle. In tribute to Keuka Like, Heron Hill crafts a “Lady of the Lakes” bubbly series (including a Moscato version that tends to sell out quickly). Point of the Bluff, on the other hand, focuses mostly on a Charmant style, soft and easy-drinking bubbly from Riesling and Cabernet Franc, though they will be releasing Pét-nat and classic method sparkling wines in the near future.

As you explore Steuben, enjoy the dual nature of sparkling wines, appropriate for celebrating major milestones or the simplicity of summer sipping with friends.

The Influence of European Winemakers

In Europe, winemakers have spent centuries identifying the characteristics of world-class wine, learning what grapes grow best in what soils, under what conditions, and honing the skills needed to produce the finest vintages. While winemaking in the Finger Lakes is still in its infancy, at just over 160 years-old, in recent years the region has garnered acclaim as one of the “greatest Riesling regions” of the world and “America’s premier cool-climate wine region.”

Much of the success has been shaped by a handful of European Winemakers who have blended the best of oldworld traditions, training, and experience with new-world innovation, a willingness to experiment and to share ideas, and the flexibility to adjust to any given situation.

You could say the recent upward trajectory began when Charles Fournier, chief winemaker at renowned Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin in Reims, France, was brought to the Finger Lakes following Prohibition to oversee the sparkling wine production at the Urbana Wine Company (later known as Gold Seal). Fournier introduced several important French-American hybrid grape varieties to the region, pushed for the production of champagne, and is considered “one of the greatest wine makers we’ve had in this country.’’

When Ukrainian immigrant Dr. Konstantin Frank arrived, he claimed the delicate Vinifera grapes used to make fine European style wines like Riesling, Pinot, Cab Franc and Chardonnay could be grown in the northeastern United States. For centuries, the country’s brightest minds had failed to grow Vinifera here and nearly everyone in New York’s wine industry had come to accept that it just couldn’t be done, attributing the challenge to the region’s cold climate. Dr. Frank knew better and Fournier gave him the chance to prove everyone wrong.

Photo of Dr. Frank courtesy Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

It’s against this backdrop of collaboration and possibility that a vibrant community of growers and winemakers have turned New York wine from local passion to international phenomenon.” —Decanter

In doing so, the two helped lay a foundation for the influence European winemakers would have on the region and beyond. Today, while Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery continues to set the standard by which all other Finger Lakes wineries are judged, a few founded by winemakers originally brought to the region to make wine for Dr. Frank’s—like Ravines Wine Cellars, Domaine LeSeurre Winery and Weis Vineyards—have helped to elevate the quality of wine being produced and the experiences visitors can enjoy.

Before moving to the Finger Lakes, Morten Hallgren was raised and trained as a winemaker in France. Hallgren briefly worked at Dr. Frank’s, but has spent the past two decades pioneering the bone-dry Riesling the region is now famous for at his Ravines Wine Cellars which has been named one of the “Top 100 Wineries in the World” (Wine & Spirits) multiple times.

French winemakers, Sébastien and Céline LeSeurre, come from generations of winemaking families and rely on that background as well as experience gained working numerous vintages around the world. The couple uses their taste buds more than technology to determine when to harvest and how to guide the grapes crafting exceptional terroir-driven, food-friendly wines.

After a decade making wine at Dr. Frank’s, Hans Peter Weis started Weis Vineyards showcasing his heritage from the famous Mosel wine region of Germany and quickly demonstrated that Weis is one of the best. Named New York State’s “Winery of the Year” in 2022 and one of Wine Business Monthly’s “Hot Brands” for 2023, Weis continues to set the region apart.

Scan the QR code to watch a special video about these winemakers and others who have helped establish the Finger Lakes as one of the premiere wine destinations in the world.

Azure Hill

WINERY

Azure Hill Winery’s first vintage was in 2010. Since then, this boutique winery has been making friends one bottle at a time. Built in 2021, the new tasting room has indoor and outdoor seating as well as a beautiful view of Keuka Lake. Enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience as you are served by the winery’s owners and winemakers. In addition to making the region’s flagship varietal, Riesling, Azure Hill focuses on using both vinifera and hybrid grapes grown in the area. The winery produces small batches of still and sparkling wines.

Special Note: Groups of 8–10 must have a reservation (maximum 10 people permitted). Call for reservations and additional group information. Offers local craft beer on tap by the pint, flight, or growlers for non-wine drinkers.

AMENITIES

Tasting Room, Outdoor Seating, Local Cheeses, Live Music, Online Shopping VARIETIES

Estate-grown Riesling and Saperavi. From local growers: Dry Reds, Chambourcin; Red and White hybrids, and Fruit Wine Hammondsport, NY 14840 607.868.5702 | AzureHillWinery.com

Photos courtesy Azure Hill Winery

Bully Hill VINEYARDS

Bully Hill Vineyards is a winery that, from its very beginning, dared to be different. It’s a winery founded on the philosophy of “wine with laughter,” specializing in the art of having a good time. With its pop art gallery, cooper’s museum, gift shop, tasting room, and superb restaurant overlooking beautiful Keuka Lake, Bully Hill is one of the most eclectic wineries in the Finger Lakes. One that will leave you smiling.

Special Note: When you visit the winery, be sure to ask about the fascinating story of Walter Taylor— pioneer of the French American hybrid, and one of the most creative and dynamic mavericks in the history of Finger Lakes wine.

AMENITIES

Tasting Room, Wine Shop, Restaurant, Gift Shop, Greyton H. Taylor Wine Museum, and Walter S. Taylor Art Gallery

* Free winery tours Memorial Day through Labor Day ** Restaurant is seasonal (usually February–November, depending on weather)

VARIETIES

Estate Vineyards are 100% hybrids - Seyval Blanc, Cayuga, Vidal Blanc, Aurore, Chelois, Chancellor Noir, Léon Millot, St. Croix, Baco Noir, Maréchal Foch, and Colobel. Bully Hill also purchases hybrids, vinifera, and native grape varieties from local growers.

MOST POPULAR WINES

Sweet Walter Rosé, Love My Goat, Bass Riesling

UNIQUE VINTAGES/WINES

Cayuga White exhibits aromas of apple and pear with a light crisp finish. This off-dry wine is a delight with poultry, spicy dishes, or by itself on a warm summer night.

Bully Hill Vineyards

8843 Greyton H. Taylor Memorial Drive

Hammondsport, NY 14840

607.868.3610 | BullyHillVineyards.com

Château Renaissance WINE CELLARS

Château Renaissance Wine Cellars is the place to be if you’re looking for a traditional approach to winemaking. Born into a family of winemakers in the Loire Valley and with an expertise steeped in methods that have produced quality wines for centuries in Europe, Château Renaissance is known for its Ports, fruit wines, fruit sparkles, and award-winning New York State champagne made from a 400-year-old family recipe that owner Patrice brought with him to Keuka Lake.

Special Note: You’ll find owner and Wine Master Patrice DeMay at the New York City Green Market in Union Square (they’ve been going for nearly two decades) every Saturday, year-round.

AMENITIES

Tasting Room VARIETIES

Riesling, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Niagara, Delaware, Concord, Aurora.

MOST POPULAR WINES

All fruit wines (100% fruit) and champagnes.

UNIQUE VINTAGES

Bottle fermented champagne is their specialty (400 years of family tradition); also often makes Lavender Wine, Rose Petal Wine, Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, and Dandelion Wine.

Château Renaissance Wine Cellars 7494 Fish Hatchery Road Bath, NY 14810 607.569.3609 | ChateauRenaissanceWineCellars.com

Winemaker

photo courtesy

Stu Gallagher

Deep Root

VINEYARD

Deep Root Vineyard is a micro-production farm winery offering relaxed, comfortable tastings in a rustic setting with an emphasis on sustainable farming. A twoperson team with an annual production of less than 1,000 cases, Deep Root offers an alternative view of production and focuses on making small batches of “limited edition” craft wines ranging from sweet dessert wines to dry reds. Deep Root’s most popular wine is an unoaked semi-sweet table red called Country Red.

Special Note: While the vineyard is over 100 years old as a growing site, Deep Root Vineyard was established in 2007.

AMENITIES

Covered Outdoor Tastings VARIETIES

Concord grown onsite, they also purchase grapes from other regional growers, including Chambourcin, Maréchal Foch, and Cayuga.

MOST POPULAR WINES

Country Red, an unoaked semi-sweet table red, Country Red Spice (Country Red spiced in the bottle with cinnamon, allspice, cloves), and Flight, a sweet rosé.

UNIQUE VINTAGES

Dessert wine from local maple sap, and a fortified dessert wine (Port-style) made with brandy distilled from their wine.

*Winter Hours: By Appointment

Deep Root Vineyard

Divided Sky VINEYARD

Divided Sky Vineyard is the realization of a dream to start a vineyard and craft world-class wines shared by owners Megan Granata and Alek Ajder. Overlooking majestic Keuka Lake, sits the winery’s tasting room. A sommelier with 15 years in the wine business and a degree in winemaking and viticulture, Alek’s passion is making small-batch dry wines.

Special Note: After visiting the Finger Lakes in 2008, Megan and Alek were excited by the potential of the Reds, Rosés, and Rieslings that can be produced in the region and moved here in 2016 to pursue their dream. Alek works solely with Vinifera grapes to make dry wines, no sweeter than off-dry.

AMENITIES

Walkout Basement Tasting Room, Great Views of Keuka Lake VARIETIES

Cabernet Franc, Saperavi, Blaufränkisch, Riesling MOST POPULAR WINES

Select focus Bone Dry Rosé, Bone Dry Riesling, Dry Red Wines, Semi-dry Riesling.

*Monday and Tuesday Tastings (see website for details on availability and times)

Domaine LeSeurre

WINERY

Domaine LeSeurre Winery invites you to embark on a sensory journey where each sip and bite narrate a story of passion, tradition, and the Finger Lakes’ terroir.

Nurtured in Champagne’s vineyards, Sébastien and Céline draw from 16 global vintages. Their philosophy? “Sample berries and do everything by taste.” In true French style, experience wines paired with exquisite bites. Or simply enjoy standard tastings with a wine educator. Unveil the magic within every bottle.

Special Note: Domaine LeSeurre strives to produce exceptional dry wines made from distinct terroirs.

AMENITIES

Tastings with wine educator, food and wine pairings, French macarons, private tastings, barrel room seating and tours, wine club specials, wine by the glass, cheese and charcuterie boards, French gourmet food shop, outdoor terrace seating with one of the best views in the Finger Lakes.

VARIETIES

Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Rosé of Cabernet Franc, Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Lemberger, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Red Bordeaux blend, Late Harvest Riesling

MOST POPULAR WINES

Unique Riesling aged in Barrel (Barrel Select), Loire-style Cabernet Franc (Barrel Select), French-style Pinot Noir (Barrel Select), Chardonnay Unoaked, Elegant Dry Rosé of Cabernet Franc.

UNIQUE VINTAGES

Riesling Barrel Select is aged in neutral French oak barrels using old-world technique Batônnage sur lies to express more complexity, length and texture over long aging periods (minimum 8-24 months); Sparkling Wines Méthode Champenoise follow Sébastien’s heritage as 6th generation winemaker in his family from Champagne, Arrentières, France.

Domaine LeSeurre Winery

13920 State Route 54 Hammondsport, NY 14840

607.292.3920 | DLWinery.com

*All parties of 8 or more, please call ahead to make a reservation.

Dr. Konstantin Frank

WINERY

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has been leading the way for over 60 years and four generations. On a special site on Keuka Lake, in 1958 Dr. Frank successfully planted the first Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir vines in New York. Igniting this “Vinifera Revolution” would forever change the course of quality winemaking in the Finger Lakes and the Eastern United States. See why USA Today named Dr. Frank’s one of the 10 Best Tasting Rooms in America.

Special Note: Dr. Frank’s vines from 1958 are some of the oldest in the country with the 2nd oldest Pinot Noir vines in America. Named a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine in 2023, they’ve received multiple Best Winery awards in the New York Wine Classic.

AMENITIES

Tasting Room, Covered Outdoor Seating, Winery & Vineyard Tours, Intimate Food & Wine Pairings

VARIETIES

130 acres of estate vineyards planted with 17 unique vinifera varieties are home to some of the oldest vines in New York with the second oldest Pinot Noir vines in America still in production.

MOST POPULAR WINES

Dry Riesling, Semi-Dry Riesling, Brut, Blanc de Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon

UNIQUE VINTAGES

Unique varieties like Rkatsiteli, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat Ottonel, Blaufränkisch, and Saperavi. Amphora-aged wines.

Best Winery Tour in America for 2023 (USA Today 10Best)

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery 9749 Middle Road Hammondsport, NY 14840 800.320.0735 | DrFrankWines.com

Photo courtesy

Dr. Konstantin

Frank Winery

Element

WINERY

Element Winery is a boutique operation founded and run by Master Sommelier Christopher Bates and his father Bob Bates, focused on defining the Finger Lakes as a premier cool-climate region on the international stage across three distinct labels. In Our Element is dedicated to exploring the potential of the Finger Lakes through new vineyards and new styles. Typically released in a youthful state—these wines are bright, fresh, and ready to provide immediate pleasure and short-to-mid-term ageability. Element wines are sourced from a wide range of terroir from top vineyards with the intention of creating clear varietal expression and long-term ageability, producing wines that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the great wines of the world. Colloquial Wines are coaxed exclusively from old vines at the winery’s Equilibrium Wine Farm. These wines speak of place, and express a language formed deep in the winery’s soils and history. Produced in exceedingly small quantities, Colloquial Wines are a singular labor of love.

AMENITIES

F.L.X. Provisions acts as a tasting room for Element and In Our Element wines

VARIETIES

Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Syrah

MOST POPULAR WINES

Riesling 2010 – dry, bright, youthful

The Element 2013 – deep, complex, elegant Cabernet Franc 2014 – savory, earthy, rich

UNIQUE VINTAGES

2015 Element Syrah received 94 Points from Decanter

Element Winery

Tasting Room at F.L.X. Provisions

2 E. Market Street Corning, NY 14830

607.463.8801 | FLXProvisions.com/corning-ny-location ElementWinery.com

Heron Hill WINERY

Heron Hill Winery’s mission is simple—create a natural, pure product the owner can proudly share with family and friends. Named one of eight eco-friendly East Coast wineries by Mother Nature Network. With a tasting room rated one of the “10 Most Spectacular in the World” (Travel & Leisure) and incredible views, Heron Hill gets it right.

Special Note: Owners John and Josephine Ingle received the “Top Grower Award” from The New York Wine and Grape Foundation recognizing their dedication and contributions to the New York grape industry. Also recently named an eco-minded craft beverage business by Wine Enthusiast.

AMENITIES

Gift Shop, Tasting Room, Outdoor Seating, Elevated Private Tower Tastings, all with spectacular views.

VARIETIES

Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. They also buy grapes and produce many wines from other local growers including Pinot Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and some French hybrid varieties.

MOST POPULAR WINES

Eclipse Series, Classic Semi-Dry Riesling, Classic Chardonnay, and Classic Cabernet Franc

UNIQUE VINTAGES

Ingle Vineyard Series—one of the first “single-vineyard” series to come about many years ago. Wines are produced from sustainably-grown grapes.

Named to Top U.S. Reds for 2023 (Wine & Spirits)

Named Best Reds in the Finger Lakes (Vinepair)

Heron Hill Winery 9301 County Route 76 Hammondsport, NY 14840

607.868.4241 | HeronHill.com

Photo courtesy Finger Lakes Wine Country

Keuka Lake

VINEYARDS

Keuka Lake Vineyards is a small, boutique winery turning heads as much for its down-to-earth personality as for the skills of the people working there and the quality of its wines. KLV specializes in growing and making exceptional dry Rieslings and Vignoles and remarkable reds in smaller quantities. Its Cabernet Franc has been cited by the New York Times as outstanding and its Léon Millot made largely from 70-year-old vines, is sought after by those in the know.

Special Note: KLV is a quiet, friendly place that aims to bring a rich wine experience with pleasantness in a beautiful environment. Find KLV wines in restaurants in NYC, Washington DC, Boston and Tokyo. Enjoy it this summer with superb NY State cheese and fine charcuterie.

AMENITIES

200-year-old rustic Tasting Room, picnic tables in vineyard for guests to enjoy, local cheeses and charcuterie options, wine and chocolate pairing with vegan and dairy free chocolates VARIETIES

KLV grows Riesling, Vignoles, Cabernet Franc, Léon Millot, and purchases Sauvignon Blanc and additional Cabernet Franc.

MOST POPULAR WINES

Dry Vignoles and Vignoles Méthode Ancestrale, Orange Vignoles, 20 Rows Dry Riesling and other Dry Rieslings. Seyval Blanc made from estate fruit, Léon Millot Rosé, and Blaufränkisch. Its Léon Millot was named NYS “Best Red Wine for 2022” at the NY Wine Classic. Cabernet Franc is, perhaps, the most popular in the tasting room and with distributors.

UNIQUE VINTAGES

KLV prides itself on making wines that reflect the vintage and the vineyard (terroir). Falling Man Vineyard and Evergreen Lek Vineyard Dry Rieslings are unique and exceptional. Dry Vignoles (best of breed) pairs well with seafood and spicy dishes. Léon Millot is coveted by many.

Keuka Lake Vineyards 8882 County Route 76 Hammondsport, NY 14840 607.868.4100 | KLVineyards.com

Living Roots

WINE & CO.

Living Roots is a winery in both the Finger Lakes region of New York and the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. Sixth generation winemaker and Adelaide native Sebastian and Rochester native Colleen Hardy make wines with regional and varietal expression, minimal inputs, and maximum quality.

Special Note: Some wines are made year-to-year while others are one-offs. Each vintage is an opportunity to explore new vineyards and varieties, and to highlight the terroir and natural strengths of these diverse regions.

AMENITIES:

New winery and tasting room on the family’s Shale Creek Vineyard features a large tasting bar, retail area, indoor and outdoor seating, indoor fireplace and outdoor fire pits. With geothermal energy, solar panels, and EV chargers.

VARIETIES

On the Shale Creek property, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Cabernet Franc are grown. Vinifera and hybrid varieties are also sourced from other growers around the region.

MOST POPULAR WINES

From the Finger Lakes, their sparkling wines (traditional method and Pét-Nat), Bone-Dry Riesling and Cabernet Franc. From Australia, the McLaren Vale Grenache, Adelaide Hills Shiraz and Red Blend.

UNIQUE VINTAGES

Living Roots also has a range of lower alcohol ‘Session’ wines (7-10% ABV), made with natural techniques and spanning from Session Sparkling White to Session Red.

Best New Winery of the Year (2023 Halliday Wine Companion Awards)

Living Roots Wine & Co. 8560 County Road 87 Hammondsport, NY 14840 585.383.1112 | LivingRootsWine.com

*The winery’s Steuben tasting location is on the family’s Shale Creek Vineyard overlooking Keuka Lake.

Photo courtesy Living Roots

. . . the Session Sparkling Wine from Living Roots delivers both cheer and charm.”

—Penelope Bass, Imbibe Magazine

The Finger Lakes in New York isn’t just a great place to vacation—it’s an important and historic winemaking region.”

—Jeanette Hurt, Forbes

Pleasant Valley

WINE COMPANY

Pleasant Valley Wine Company, founded in 1860, is the region’s oldest winery and U.S. Bonded Winery #1. Named “physically the most atmospheric winery in the whole of the region” by Frommer’s and called one of “five don’t-miss wineries” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Pleasant Valley offers unique winery tours allowing you a wonderful glimpse of the past. Known for its Great Western Champagne, Pleasant Valley also bottles for a number of other companies. The first American winery to win an award in Europe for sparkling wine in 1867, Pleasant Valley’s Great Western Champagne also won a gold medal in Vienna in 1873.

AMENITIES:

Visitor Center (with wine museum), Tasting Room, Gift Shop, and Tours of eight buildings on National Registry of Historic Places

VARIETIES

Over 500 acres of vineyards on Keuka and Seneca Lakes including Riesling, Chardonnay, Delaware, Catawba, and Concord

MOST POPULAR WINES

Great Western Champagne, Ports, Sherry, Chocolate Lab, as well as Pleasant Valley Marsala and Madeira (both culinary wines)

UNIQUE VINTAGES

Great Western Sparkling Rosé, Gold Seal Charles Fournier Riesling, Vanilla Cream Sherry

Gold Seal Special Selection Blanc de Blancs Champagne, NYS, 2022 Gold Medal

Pleasant Valley Wine Company

8260 Pleasant Valley Road

Hammondsport, NY 14840

607.569.6111 | PleasantValleyWine.com

*Guided historic tours conducted daily Memorial Day through mid-November, weather permitting. Call for hours and availability.

Point of the Bluff VINEYARDS

Point of the Bluff, an “accidental winery,” was born out of a desire for a beautiful vineyard to decorate the hill of its namesake estate. Grapes from the first harvest could have been sold or made into a small batch of wine. You can guess which happened. Today, the winery has a restored 1800’s schoolhouse tasting room, an additional 16-acre vineyard, bocce courts, a concert venue, two restaurants, a vegetable farm, a new seven thousand square foot production facility, multiple accommodation locations and a spirit to grow.

Special Note: Point of the Bluff continues to delight with innovative offerings, like its creative collaboration on Le Moné, an apéritif The New York Times called out for having “enough bright, citric flavor to cancel winter.” Flavors include Meyer Lemon, Raspberry & Lavender.

AMENITIES

Tasting Room, Special Events Tent, Pavilion (for music concerts and other events), Bocce

VARIETIES

Riesling and Pinot Noir are estate grown. Planting Vidal Blanc. MOST POPULAR WINES Rieslings

Photos courtesy Point of the Bluff Vineyards

Le Moné . . . brings the sunshine”

—Florence Fabricant, New York Times

More proof that New York’s Finger Lakes region produces, overall, the best Rieslings in the United States.”

—

Executive Wine Editor Ray Isle, Food & Wine

Ravines

WINE CELLARS

Ravines Wine Cellars doesn’t “try to be everything to everyone, which, to be honest,” said New York Cork Report, “is a refreshing change from so many of the Finger Lakes wineries.” Born and trained in France, Morten Hallgren specializes in elegant, dry, food-friendly wines made in the traditional French style while his foodie wife, Lisa, offers exquisite wine-friendly food pairings and wonderful events featuring the work and products of artisans from throughout the region.

Special Note: Ravines has had a wine named to Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines” multiple times and the winery has been named to Wine & Spirits Magazine’s “Top 100 Wineries in the World” multiple times.

AMENITIES

Tasting Room, Cheese and Charcuterie Boards, and Chocolate Pairings

VARIETIES

Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewürtztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc

MOST POPULAR WINES

Estate Dry Riesling, Dry Pinot Rosé, Dry Riesling (Argetsinger Vineyard), Maximilien (Bordeaux style blend), Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc

UNIQUE VINTAGES

Vintage Sparkling Brut and Brut Rosé wines (using Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir grapes, made in ‘méthode traditionelle’ champagne method where the wines are hand-riddled on the lees for several years and only released 7–9 vintages later); a late harvest vintage Vignoles wine, and small batches of Port.

Top 100 Winery in the World (Wine & Spirits)

Ravines Wine Cellars 14630 State Route 54 Hammondsport, NY 14840 607.292.7007 | RavinesWine.com

Savor

VINEYARDS AND WINES

Savor Vineyards and Wines is a quaint farm winery whose name reflects its philosophy of slowing down and savoring life. Home winemakers for over 30 years, Bill and Suzanne Piatt craft small batches of unique coldclimate wines, including their award-winning LaCrescent, Blush Foch, and Maréchal Foch, as well as a Dry White Catawba, Esprit, and a seasonal Pear Wine. Stop by the handcrafted tasting barn to savor live music, beautiful valley views, and delicious wine.

Special Note: Experience a country winery in the barninspired tasting room. Savor also carries local craft beers and ciders for friends who aren’t wine drinkers.

AMENITIES

Tasting Barn, Deck, Outdoor Seating VARIETIES

Marquette, Noiret, Maréchal Foch, Concord, Catawba, Riesling, White Catawba, Esprit, La Crescent, Niagara, and Pear

MOST POPULAR WINES

La Crescent, Marquette, Noiret, Riesling, White Catawba, Seasonal Treats - mulled wine (warm and served with an orange slice in winter) and two delicious, fruity, wine slushies (in warm weather)

UNIQUE VINTAGES

Pear wine made from heirloom pears is light-bodied with subtle hints of pear and vanilla; the White Catawba is a delicious dry white wine; an off-dry Esprit; a semi-dry Blush Concord, and Sweet Blush Foch

Savor Vineyards & Wines

8437 Oak Hill Road

Arkport, NY 14807

607.765.8601 | SavorWine.net

*Live music and monthly comedy nights. Seasonal hours. Contact winery for more details.

Photo courtesy Stu Gallagher

New York State’s “Winery of the Year” for 2022

Weis

VINEYARDS

Weis Vineyards has earned acclaim from judges and wine aficionados for its award-winning wines. While the response of visitors to the winery has only solidified its place as one of the finest in the region. Born in Zell Mosel, Germany, Winemaker Hans Peter Weis’s passion for wine grew in the family’s vineyards and cellar where he learned techniques and traditions that he draws upon to craft delicious traditional, dry German-style wines meant for everyone to enjoy.

Special Note: One of Wine Business Monthly’s “Hot Brands” for 2023. Awarded “Best Fortified (port-like) Wine” and “Best Riesling (Sweet)” in NYS at 2023 NY Wine Classic.

AMENITIES

Historic Schoolhouse Tasting Room, Historic Barn Tasting Room, Main Tasting Room, Outdoor Seating

VARIETIES

Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chancellor, Dry Rose, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Saperavi

MOST POPULAR WINES

Dry Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Dry Rosé, and Schulhaus Red

UNIQUE VINTAGES

Heart of the Lake wine which is from the NY 81.0315.17 varietal (a Cornell hybrid). This is Riesling X Cayuga White and is grown on the bluff of Keuka Lake. Weis is currently one of the only wineries locally using the varietal. Also Blaufränkisch and Saperavi — red varietals found less frequently in the region.

Weis Vineyards 10014 Day Road

Hammondsport, NY 14840

607.284.4011 | WeisVineyards.com

*Reservations are not required or accepted for tastings.

All tastings, flights, and outdoor seating are first come, first served. Maximum group size of 8 people can be accommodated.

Sustainability

Many of our winemakers are dedicated to “transparent” winemaking, breaking from new world philosophies and techniques (which can often be a bit heavy-handed) and circling back to that old world tradition of allowing the grape to express itself and the vineyard with little manipulation.

It makes sense that more and more of our wineries are making concerted efforts toward conserving energy and preserving local ecosystems and wildlife. Some have been eco-minded from the very beginning, earning a reputation for their environmentally-friendly practices as much as their award-winning vintages. Others have been practicing sustainability, in part, as a result of their focus on hybrid varieties which are naturally much more disease-resistant and require less chemicals.

From supplementing the winery’s electrical needs with solar panels to using recycled glass bottles and boxes along with soy-based inks, some have implemented new systems for the purpose of sustainability. Even looking beyond local impact by offering EV chargers for guests. One designed an underground wine cellar to reduce energy consumption while another reuses fryer oil from its restaurant to power tractors for a neighboring farm. Some employ regenerative agricultural techniques like no-till methods in the vineyard, as well as minimal spraying, while others engage in manual weed control and the use of organic sprays. Some practice a very “handson/machine-off approach to viticulture” that, by design, limits the overall impact on the soil. Some mix pomace— leftover stems, skins, and seeds from the winemaking process—with natural fertilizers to spread back into the vineyards, while others have become certified members of New York’s Sustainable Winegrowing program.

Learn more about Steuben wineries practicing sustainability on their respective websites or by visiting them in person.

Photo by Stu Gallagher for Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

A growing number of small-scale producers are rewriting the non-vinifera narrative into one that tells a tale of sustainability and accessibility.”

— Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast

A Landscape MADE FOR

WINE

Fly high over New York State and you’ll see eleven long, slender, finger-shaped lakes after which the Finger Lakes region gets its name. Compliments of glaciers of another time. Of course, Keuka Lake stands out as much for it’s distinct Y-shape as for the impact the wineries around it have had on the region and beyond.

As you get closer to the ground, though, you’ll also notice the dynamic landscape that in many ways defines the region. The deep valleys. The lush, rolling, forested hills. The fertile farmland. The steep slopes surrounding the lakes, providing an exquisite patchwork of vineyards that are quite striking against the pristine blue water. You’ll find rugged, dramatic gorges with their myriad waterfalls throughout the region as well, the stunning work of streams that have spent millennia carving stone.

While breathtaking to look at, the landscape of the region is also a significant factor for why this is such a spectacular place for making high quality wines.

The Finger Lakes are long, beautiful, deep-blue gashes in the slate and limestone of upstate New York. Wine has

Finger Lakes

TERROIR

Inaddition to the way the lakes (which are some of the deepest in the country) extend the growing season by moderating vineyard temperatures, you’ll hear winemakers talk about Finger Lakes “terroir.” A French word meaning earth and soil, for a vintner it is much more than that. For terroir has to do with the interplay between the geology of a place and the topography, the climate, and the specific types of grapes grown in any one location.

Each of the main Finger Lakes (Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka) has its own microclimate. And each vineyard around those lakes has its own mix of rocky soil. Some with more shale, some more limestone. Some more acidic, some less. So the very same variety of grape (take Riesling for example or Cab Franc), grown in different vineyards around Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake will end up with rather different flavor profiles.

For a winemaker, no year is the same as the last. So even the most seasoned are constantly observing and adjusting. It is the job of the winemaker, after all, to understand the diverse characteristics terroir imparts on different grape varieties, to recognize the varying terroir in the particular vineyards they use, and to often come up with creative methods (in addition to traditional techniques) for unlocking the full potential of those grapes as exceptional wines.

Lucky for us, the winemakers around Keuka Lake are extremely good at doing just that!

The Finger Lakes region is rich with incredible, ancient soils and microclimates, making for a special terroir that gives the vines a strong sense of place.”

—Thomas Pastuszak, Sommelier, Fathom

Photo

courtesy Bully Hill Vineyards

A rural land of surprisingly fine wines, its Rieslings much vaunted by critics, the region offers abundant scenery of rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and neat rows of vineyards stretching from shore to sky.”

—Lauren Mowery, Fodors

. . . America’s premier cool-climate wine region, producing world-class rieslings, cabernet francs, chardonnays, and pinot noirs . . .”

— Fathom Mag

Finger Lakes VARIETIES

The Finger Lakes has been a wine region for over 160 years. In the early days, wines were made with native grapes that tended to be much sweeter. Eventually, French-American hybrid varieties were planted as wine drinkers craved some drier-style wines. But it wasn’t until the 1960s when Dr. Konstantin Frank revolutionized winemaking in the region by introducing Vinifera grapes. This allowed winemakers to craft a wide range of wine styles, from sweet to bone dry. While there are dozens of different grapes planted throughout the region, below are the most popular varieties.

Chardonnay

Concord Gewürztraminer

Lemberger Niagara Isabella

Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc

Baco Noir

STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK

America’s Best Wine Region”

—USA Today

Native Varieties (LAMBRUSCA)

REDS

Catawba

Concord

Isabella

Vincent

WHITES

Delaware Diamond

Niagara

French-American

HYBRID VARIETIES

REDS

Baco Noir

Chambourcin

Chancellor

DeChaunac

Maréchal Fosh

Rougeon

WHITES

Cayuga White

Melody

Seyval Blanc

Vidal Blanc

Vignoles

Traminette

European Varieties (VINIFERA)

REDS

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Sauvignon

Gamay

Lemberger

Merlot

Pinot Noir

WHITES

Chardonnay

Gewürztraminer

Riesling

Riesling

Pinot Noir

Vidal Blanc

What’s in a name?

While you’re in the Finger Lakes region exploring wineries off the beaten path, it’s the perfect opportunity to try some unique wines you won’t find just anywhere. Rest assured, it’s not just about the uncommon names, but the wonderful, unusual flavors as well.

ICE WINE

True ice wine requires a few essential things: several days of extremely cold weather, grapes that have survived long enough to freeze on the vine, and a labor-intensive process of harvesting and pressing. Due to all these variables, true ice wines are not made by many wineries and are not made every year. A dessert wine that pairs well with a bold, sharp cheese to balance out the sweetness, or simply as dessert itself.

Where can you find it?

Heron Hill, Point of the Bluff, Weis Vineyards

LÉON MILLOT

A hybrid grape created in 1911 in Alsace, Léon Millot is time consuming to harvest by hand and not a wine most people encounter, but when done right, this red wine is well worth the work. Flavor profiles range from lighter styles like Pinot Noir to more full-bodied styles like Syrah.

Where can you find it?

Keuka Lake Vineyards, Bully Hill

RKATSITELI

You may not have heard of this one, but at one time it was the third-most planted grape varietal in the world. Wine historians believe this grape was growing in the Georgia region of the former USSR over 5,000 years ago. With a wonderful balance of acidity and spiciness, be prepared to discover a new favorite white wine.

Where can you find it?

Dr. Frank’s

Photo courtesy Stu Gallagher

America’s preeminent East Coast wine region—the Finger Lakes.”

— Lauren

Mowery,

Fodors

SAPERAVI

Another ancient Georgian grape, Saperavi means “dye” or “paint” in the Georgian language, which is fitting since it is one of the only grape varieties in the world with red pulp and red skin. As a result, this delicious, complex, heavybodied wine has a deep dark color.

Where can you find it?

Dr. Frank’s, Azure Hill, Weis Vineyards

VIGNOLES

While the actual origins of this hybrid grape variety may be up for debate, this complex wine has some characteristics similar to Riesling and can, as with other varietals, range in styles from dry to semi-sweet to dessert wines.

Where can you find it?

Keuka Lake Vineyards

Other wines growing in popularity in the region include Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch (also known as Lemberger), and Zweigelt, among others.

Notes

NOTE: We want you to enjoy the many exceptional winery experiences available in Steuben County, but hope you will do so responsibly. If you don’t have a Designated Driver, you can find information about drive share services and tour options on Page 51 or online.