“New York state wine has never been better. Here’s your summer drinking list.”

New York State has three major wine regions: Long Island (North Fork and South Fork), the Finger Lakes, and the Hudson River Region. While each area offers its own distinct character, they all share a profound connection to the land. While many growers in New York practice biodynamic methods and strive to farm 100% organically, only a few hold official certification due to the region’s challenging climate. Rain, humidity, and disease pressure make certified organic and biodynamic farming challenging. That said, growers in NYS have long respected their land by farming in the most eco-friendly way possible. In fact, just this year, a code of sustainable winegrowing in New York was established. Look for the New York Sustainable Winegrowing symbol when choosing your bottles. 

These wines showcase the dedication to improving the earth where they are grown for the future, and in turn improving the depth of the finished product. Here are some greener and cleaner summer sips from New York State.

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, Finger Lakes

HJW Vineyard Riesling This renowned winery in the Finger Lakes region received Demeter Biodynamic Certification for its 33-acre HJW Vineyard. Its Riesling is a testament to its dedication, with vibrant acidity, minerality, and expressive citrus notes.

Rose Hill Vineyards, Long Island

Rose Hill Vineyards Coalescence White Located on Long Island’s North Fork, Rose Hill Vineyards practices sustainable farming and minimal intervention viticulture to create this delightful white blend. Coalescence White is an all-stainless-steel-fermented winemaker’s blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Merlot Blanc. It is a fresh and vibrant wine with notes of green apple, citrus, and a touch of minerality, perfect for summer sipping.

Channing Daughters Winery, Long Island

Channing Daughters Rosato di Cabernet Franc Known for their experimental approach, Channing Daughters crafts this lively rosé from sustainably farmed Cabernet Franc grapes. It bursts with fresh strawberries, ripe watermelon, herbs, and a crisp finish.

Farrm Winery, Long Island

Farrm Winery Rosé Made from 25% Merlot and 75% Cabernet Franc, this rosé pops with bright strawberry and pomegranate with a thread of minerality throughout. In 1990, Farrm Winery became the first certified organic and biodynamic farm on Long Island. Initially, the farm cultivated herbs, small fruits, and a diverse array of 50-60 varieties of organic vegetables. In 2005, the vineyard was established, planting 8.5 acres with four Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.

Silver Thread Winery, Finger Lakes

Silver Thread Pet-Nat This methode ancestrale sparkling wine comprises a field blend of red and white grapes. The result is tangy and rustic, with glimmers of mandarin and green apple. Silver Thread, a boutique winery owned and operated by the Brocks, is celebrated for its sustainably grown estate wines. They utilize a holistic and regenerative approach to farming called biointensive viticulture. This style maximizes crop yields in small spaces through deep soil preparation and dense planting, emphasizing sustainability and resource efficiency. Impressively, the winery generates all of its energy needs from an on-site 28kW solar array.

Macari Vineyards, Long Island

Macari Vineyards Sparkling Horses Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, this wine presents a pale raspberry hue and offers aromas of white peaches and mixed berries, along with a touch of fresh rosemary and thyme. It features delicate effervescence and high, crisp acidity against the bright fruit backdrop. They are deeply inspired by biodynamics and employ many of its practices with the intention to further the process.

Heron Hill Winery, Finger Lakes

Heron Hill Winery P-Three Heron Hill’s commitment to sustainability and biodynamic-style farming shines in its P-Three white blend. This blend of 45% Pinot Blanc, 45% Pinot Gris, and 10% Pinot Noir celebrates the three Pinot varieties that thrive in this cool-climate. The nose reveals notes of pear, violets, flint, marzipan, and lemon curd. On the palate, it offers a medium body with balanced acidity, abundant fruit, and subtle hints of cedar and floral notes.

Wild Arc Farms, Hudson Valley

Wild Arc Farms Concord Cans Nestled in the Hudson Valley, Wild Arc Farms practices biodynamic-focused permaculture to produce unique, often funky wines. Their Concord Cans are a delightful twist on a classic grape, offering a fresh and fizzy experience with flavors of dark berries and a touch of earthiness. Think adult grape soda.

dear native grapes, Catskills

dear native grapes, Summer Lovers This Catskills winery embraces biodynamic practices modeled after holistic and regenerative methods to create wines that reflect its terroir. Its ethos is a love letter to forgotten and less-embraced grape varieties. Summer Lovers comes in two styles—a sparkling Delaware that is zesty with apricot and pink lady apple, and a sparkling Catawba that intrigues with earthy pine notes and bright orange zest.

As New York State’s wine industry continues to evolve, these wines stand out as examples of the region’s commitment to sustainability. So lower your carbon footprint by sitting your butt down on your porch and enjoying these fresh and summery New York State wines.