A love letter to the Finger Lakes Region.
Favorite sips, facts, and lessons learned.
My Riesling Camp experience was fulfilling, edifying, and affirming.
Last Monday, I arrived in Geneva, New York, anticipating a transformative professional experience. I had heard many good things about Riesling Camp, and long wanted to visit the beloved wine region.
Little did I know that spending three days in the Finger Lakes region (which I’ll note as FLX moving forward) with 23 other wine professionals would rekindle my love for wine travel, increase my appreciation for viticulture and winemaking, and spark an urgency for me to walk out all of my ideas as it relates to fermented grape juice.
From the moment I arrived at Geneva on the Lake, we were engulfed in everything Riesling. Whether it was sparkling, still, sweet, or dry, the point was for us to get as much exposure to the versatility of this grape and how the place can have a major influence on the style produced.
Kyle Pallischeck, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance, led us in a crash course of the Finger Lakes region, which included facts like:
The Finger Lakes were carved thousands of years ago by waves of glaciers, which go as deep as 618 feet!
FLX is a pre-Prohibition wine region, and the first vines were planted in 1829. By 1900, over 50 wineries were established along the lakes.
The Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lakes are essential to the cool—climate winegrowing region.
While the Finger Lakes is one of New York State’s most prominent wine regions, six other AVAs make up NY wine country: Hudson River, Lake Erie, Long Island, the Niagara Escarpment, Champlain Valley, and the Upper Hudson.
And finally, FLX is known for growing Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and a host of hybrid and native grapes.
Throughout Riesling Camp, I’m certain that I sampled over 50 wines (not including the 24 selections from our wine speed dating experience) of various styles and grape varieties from the following wineries, which were gracious hosts and partners in the Riesling Camp experience:
Here are a few bottles that continue to live rent-free in my head:
2011 Hermann J. Wiemer Riesling Reserve Dry (pictured bottom right)
2005 Dr. Konstantin Frank Reserve Riesling (picture top left)
2022 KSV Cuvee (pictured top center)
2023 Ovid Line North Riesling
Fox Run Vineyards Gruner Veltliner
Six Eighty Chenin Blanc Clayver and Cabernet Franc Carbonic (pictured bottom left)
2024 Keuka Spring Vineyards Blanc de Cabernet Franc (pictured top right)
Lakewood Vineyards Bubbly Candeo
Living Roots Pet-Nat Riesling (pictured bottom center)
Finally, here are three major takeaways from my Riesling Camp experience that I hope will inspire you to want to explore wines from the FLX too:
Riesling is a versatile grape variety that has incredible RANGE.
Over three days, I was shocked at how many different styles of Riesling I sampled. Riesling can be transformed in many way–from the driest of sparkling to the sweetest of still. I love how creative and unapologetic winemakers are when it comes to expressing the grape. It was also a treat to taste library Riesling from places like Dr. Konstantin Frank and Hermann J. Wiemer that still hold their freshness and brilliant acidity.
The FLX region is accessible, affordable, and built on community.
From beginning to end, everyone was so incredibly kind and welcoming. Furthermore, how the wineries across the region support one another is something to be admired and appreciated During our last session, my fellow Campers and I were able to provide feedback on our experience to the partner wineries, and impart some constructive criticism on what they can do to (in so many words) “gas themselves up” as a region. And while a certain publication thinks FLX is vying to be the next Napa Valley, the Finger Lakes has much more charm, grit, and beauty that more wine lovers at all levels can appreciate.
Cabernet Franc has got next.
While Riesling is queen of the Finger Lakes, Cab Franc (the papa of Cabernet Sauvignon) is indeed the red wine grape that rules the region. During our speed dating experience with the 24 partner wineries, I asked several wineries if they believed that Cabernet Franc should be dubbed the premier red wine of FLX. While many responses were modest, it was clear to me that Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc is not only delicious, but can measure up and hold its weight against other regions.
All in all, I would highly recommend that any wine professional apply for Riesling Camp next year if you want in learning more about the Finger Lakes region and Riesling. I’m so incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to visit this region, and I look forward to returning very soon to continue my exploration.
Keep scrolling for more juice, and I’ll be back in your inbox next week!
WINE NEWS
Justin Timberlake’s wife just announced their new wine project.
I see some of y’all are still trying to make Spicy Sauvy B fetch…
Who doesn’t love books that feature wine as the main character?
THE CORK BOARD
Events, Announcements, and More!
I’ve partnered with Ehlers Estate out of Napa Valley for an industry event on June 11. “Ehlers in the Wild: Addressing the State of the Wine Industry” will be a dialogue around the state of the wine industry from a macro level and what we’re doing in Chicago as a collective to move the needle forward. This event is for you if you are in the wine, spirits, or hospitality space. RSVP here.
ST. LOUIS, MO—The founders of Pour Decisions STL recently announced that they have changed the format of their upcoming event, The Art of Alcohol, to a one-day event. Tickets are on sale now!
NAPA, CA – Summer is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for an immersive experience in California Wine Country, Cookout at the Vineyard is for you! A Juneteenth weekend (June 19-22, 2025) celebration complete with food, music, and good times, all proceeds will go to supporting The Veraison Project. Get your tickets here!
My friends are trying to persuade me to try this jalapeno Savvy B trend.... I mean, I'm tempted and appalled in equal measure 😂