During the recent FLXcursion event, a seminar shed light on the Finger Lakes region’s potential beyond its famed Riesling. The panel, comprising Tara Q Thomas, Jamal Rayyis, and Lisa Granik, highlighted the region’s rich history, revealing that in 1900, 20,000 acres of grapes were planted, yielding around 7 million bottles of sparkling wine annually. However, following prohibition and subsequent shifts in wine preferences, the New York wine market faced challenges.
A pivotal moment for the Finger Lakes came with Konstantin Frank, who, at age 63, launched his own winery. His efforts opened the door for vinifera grape varieties in the region, reviving interest in wine production. Today, while hybrids remain, there is a notable resurgence of innovative grape varieties that contribute to the region’s diversity.
The seminar featured tastings of several noteworthy wines, including:
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Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli 2025: A light wine with citrus and white peach notes, praised for its good texture and expressive nature. (90/100)
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Casreli Marani Amidasturi 2022, Kakheti, Georgia: An aromatic blend with peach, pear, and baked apple, showcasing a nice structure and appealing finish. (91/100)
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Standing Stone Saperavi 2024: A deeply colored wine exhibiting fresh black cherry fruit, grippy tannins, and a juicy yet rich profile. (93/100)
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Fox Run Grüner Veltliner 2025: Juicy and layered with pear and citrus flavors, ending with a refreshing finish. (92/100)
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Fio Wines Mosel Glou Glou 2024, Mosel, Germany: A wonderfully drinkable, expressive blend with fresh pear and citrus notes. (93/100)
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Vignoble de Rêveur Rien ne Bouge 2023, Vin de France: An elegant blend with fresh red cherry and strawberry flavors, noted for its fine acidity. (94/100)
These highlights underscore the Finger Lakes’ evolving wine landscape and its promise for the future, showcasing that there’s much more to the region than just Riesling.