ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – If you want the best wine in the country, look no further than the Finger Lakes.
Last week, Wine Enthusiast named the Finger Lakes the 2025 American Wine Region of the Year.
The Finger Lakes are home to over 140 wineries, by far the largest wine-producing region in the state. Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the recognition, highlighting the region’s unique geography and microclimates, which have fostered a large and growing community of family-owned and operated wineries.
“From the lakeside vineyards to family-run wineries, the Finger Lakes region continues to produce world-class wines and welcome visitors from around the world,” said Hochul. “Working together with the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, the state continues to support its winemakers and vineyards, encouraging the industry to grow and flourish. To have the Finger Lakes named Wine Enthusiast’s American Wine Region of the Year is not only a testament to the talent and passion of New York’s winemakers – it’s a win for our state’s economy and our reputation as a global wine destination.”
The sentiment was echoed by top state officials, including the CEO, President, and Commissioner of Empire State Development, Hope Knight.
“The Finger Lakes wine industry’s global recognition reflects the incredible partnership between growers, winemakers, and communities that continue to help elevate New York’s statewide wine industry,” said Knight. “This family of wineries and vineyards supports good-paying local jobs in rural communities and regional economic growth and drives tourism as visitors from around the globe travel to experience the region’s bounty. This award is the result of decades of hard work, vision, and creativity, and we congratulate the dedicated teams who take the grapes from vine to wine.”
Wine Enthusiast pointed to the region’s mom-and-pop operations, which don’t have access to the “deep corporate pockets enjoyed in other wine regions,” saying the success feels like “even more of a David vs. Goliath situation.”
“The Finger Lakes have been a beacon of innovation, resilience, and quality within American wine,” said Wine Enthusiast Media President Jacqueline Strum. “The region’s winemakers combine deep respect for tradition with a forward-looking commitment to sustainability and community, producing wines that consistently stand among the world’s best. We recognize the Finger Lakes with a Wine Star Award as the 2025 American Wine Region of the Year for its exceptional wines, people and sense of place that make the region truly special.”
The region last won the award in 2014. Read more from Wine Enthusiast here.
In related news, Weis Vineyards, of Hammondsport, was named New York’s 2025 best winery for the third time in July. Weis also took home honors for best white and best pink.
