Upper New York State’s Finger Lakes region, a pastoral landscape of 11 narrow lakes shaped like fingers, is home to roughly 120 wineries and some of the best Riesling produced in the United States. Yet, apart from a few larger producers along the bigger lakes, much of this wine country remains little known beyond state borders. Even less familiar are the smaller “little finger” lakes and the compact, family-run wineries that dot their shores.
In this intimate setting, Eagle Crest Vineyards stands out as one of the region’s finest and, at 141 years, one of the oldest. Originally established as O-Neh-Da to produce sacramental wines, it continues that tradition while also crafting varietals for a broader audience. Notable offerings include an unoaked Chardonnay, both Dry and Semi-Dry Rieslings, and a Cabernet Franc labeled under the younger Eagle Crest brand. These wines impressed for their balance and clarity, and they are available through the winery’s website.
Diane and Timothy Moore operate Inspire Moore, a six-year-old winery whose labels carry uplifting names. Highlights from their lineup include Gratitude, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio; Peace, a straightforward Pinot Grigio; Joy, a Dry Riesling; and Truth, a Bordeaux-style blend. Their wines are distributed nationally and can also be purchased online.
Casa Larga offers several takes on Chardonnay, each aged for 15 months in a different oak: French, American and Hungarian. The French-oak version is the most refined and silky, the Hungarian shows well-integrated oak character, while the American-oak bottling leans heavily into pronounced oak flavors. Casa Larga benefits from national distribution and a reputation for consistency.
Most wineries in the Finger Lakes, however, operate on a much smaller scale. These family-owned estates are tucked into a scenic landscape of lakes, waterfalls, gorges and expansive state parks, where winemaking is often as much a way of life as a business.
Thorpe Vineyard is run by Fumie Thorpe, who emigrated from Tokyo 30 years ago to study meteorology and ultimately stayed to build a life in the region. Her father purchased this small vineyard, and Fumie trained herself in both viticulture and winemaking. Recent tastings highlighted her unoaked Chardonnay and a well-made Semi-Dry Riesling.
At Young Sommer Winery, a husband-and-wife team craft a distinctive Gewürztraminer, a pleasant Semi-Dry Riesling and a robust red Lemberger, all of which reflect the small-scale attention to detail common in the area.
John Brahm represents a multigenerational involvement in winemaking. At Arbor Hill Grapery, he produces an agreeable Semi-Dry Riesling and Traminette, a French-American hybrid whose principal parent is Gewürztraminer. These wines demonstrate the region’s ability to produce both classic European styles and hybrids suited to local growing conditions.
Exploring the Finger Lakes beyond the better-known estates reveals a network of small, passionate producers. Many focus on Riesling and cool-climate varieties that thrive in the glacial soils and moderated temperatures of the lakeshore. Visiting these family-run wineries offers not only a chance to taste well-crafted wines but also to experience the tranquil scenery and personal stories that shape this distinctive New York wine region.