Discover New York's premier Riesling region and the wineries worth cellaring
The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York has quietly become one of North America's most exciting wine destinations. While California dominates headlines, serious collectors are increasingly turning their attention to the cool-climate elegance of Finger Lakes Riesling, the region's flagship varietal that rivals anything from Germany or Alsace.
With over 130 wineries scattered across 11 glacially-carved lakes, the Finger Lakes offers everything from world-class dry Rieslings to exceptional sparkling wines, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and even some surprising Pinot Noirs. The region's dramatically steep slopes, deep glacial lakes that moderate temperatures, and shale-limestone soils create ideal conditions for producing wines with remarkable acidity, minerality, and age-worthiness.
If you're building a serious wine collection, you'll want to visit these 12 Finger Lakes wineries—and make sure you have proper wine storage ready when you get home, because Riesling needs consistent cool temperatures to develop those complex petrol and honey notes that emerge with age.
The 12 Best Finger Lakes Wineries for Serious Collectors
These wineries represent the pinnacle of Finger Lakes winemaking, with track records of producing age-worthy wines that appreciate in value and complexity over time.
1. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard (Dundee, Seneca Lake)
Why collectors love it: Founded by a Mosel-trained winemaker in 1979, Hermann J. Wiemer is arguably the Finger Lakes' most prestigious estate. Their single-vineyard Rieslings (particularly the Magdalena Vineyard) are benchmarks for the region and age beautifully for 15-20+ years. The estate also produces exceptional sparkling wines using traditional Champagne methods.
What to buy: Magdalena Vineyard Dry Riesling ($45-65), HJW Vineyard Riesling ($35-45), Blanc de Blancs sparkling ($50-70). Library releases when available.
Tasting experience: $20-30 per person, reservations required. Beautiful hilltop tasting room with lake views. Expect 45-60 minutes. Wine club members get allocation access to limited-production wines.
Collector's tip: Their dry Rieslings develop extraordinary complexity after 5-7 years. Buy verticals when possible—this is one of the few Finger Lakes producers with genuine aging track record.
2. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, Keuka Lake)
Why collectors love it: The legendary pioneer who proved vinifera grapes could survive Finger Lakes winters. Dr. Frank's estate remains the region's most iconic name, producing world-class Rieslings, Gewürztraminer, and sparkling wines since 1962. Third and fourth generations now run the operation, maintaining uncompromising standards.
What to buy: Rkatsiteli (rare Georgian varietal, $30-40), Old Vines Riesling ($40-50), Eugenia sparkling ($60-80), any single-vineyard bottlings. Their Port-style dessert wines are also exceptional.
Tasting experience: $15-35 depending on tier, walk-ins usually accepted but reservations recommended for premium tastings. The historic tasting room showcases Dr. Frank's original equipment and awards.
Collector's tip: Join their wine club for allocation access to limited-production wines. The Rkatsiteli is virtually unique in North America and ages remarkably well.
3. Red Newt Cellars (Hector, Seneca Lake)
Why collectors love it: Red Newt combines serious winemaking with an outstanding restaurant, making it a destination experience. Winemaker Kelby Russell produces some of the region's most elegant Rieslings and Gewürztraminers, along with surprisingly good Cabernet Franc and Merlot from their warmest sites.
What to buy: Circle Riesling ($35-45), Glacier Ridge Riesling ($30-40), Tango Oaks Gewürztraminer ($28-35), reserve Cabernet Franc ($40-55).
Tasting experience: $20-30 per person. Reservations strongly recommended, especially if dining at their bistro. Pair your tasting with lunch for the full experience.
Collector's tip: Their Gewürztraminer is outstanding and underappreciated. Stock up—it's perfect for collectors who want something different from Riesling.
4. Ravines Wine Cellars (Geneva, Keuka Lake & Seneca Lake)
Why collectors love it: French-born winemaker Morten Hallgren brings Old World sensibility to Finger Lakes fruit, producing Rieslings and Cabernet Francs with remarkable restraint and finesse. Ravines has won more awards than virtually any other Finger Lakes producer, with consistent critical acclaim.
What to buy: Argetsinger Vineyard Dry Riesling ($32-42), White Springs Dry Riesling ($28-38), Cabernet Franc ($35-45), Meritage red blend ($45-60).
Tasting experience: $15-25 per person. Two tasting room locations (Keuka and Geneva). Reservations recommended for weekend visits. The Dry Riesling Club offers allocation access.
Collector's tip: Ravines' Cabernet Franc rivals Loire Valley standards and ages beautifully. Buy 6+ bottles and cellar for 5-8 years minimum.
5. Heart & Hands Wine Company (Union Springs, Cayuga Lake)
Why collectors love it: This small estate focuses exclusively on Pinot Noir and Riesling, producing wines with remarkable sophistication. Winemaker Tom Higgins (former surgeon) brings scientific precision to minimal-intervention winemaking. Production is tiny—less than 2,000 cases annually.
What to buy: Barrel-Fermented Riesling ($40-50), any Pinot Noir bottling ($45-60). These wines sell out quickly—buy on release or join the mailing list.
Tasting experience: $25-40 per person, reservations required. Intimate, educational experience with owners Tom and Susan. Expect to spend 60-90 minutes learning about their philosophy.
Collector's tip: Heart & Hands Pinot Noir is the closest you'll find to Burgundy in the Finger Lakes. Buy everything you can—these are allocation wines that rarely make it to retail.
6. Fox Run Vineyards (Penn Yan, Seneca Lake)
Why collectors love it: One of the larger estate wineries (100+ acres of vines), Fox Run produces consistently excellent wines across multiple varietals at accessible price points. Their reserve wines punch well above their cost, making them perfect for collectors building volume without breaking the bank.
What to buy: Reserve Dry Riesling ($28-35), Lemberger ($30-40), Cabernet Franc Reserve ($35-45), any dessert Rieslings for special occasions.
Tasting experience: $15-25 per person, walk-ins welcome but reservations recommended. Beautiful views, large tasting room, often live music on weekends.
Collector's tip: Fox Run's Lemberger (also called Blaufränkisch) is outstanding and rare outside Austria. Stock up—it's perfect for collectors who want something unique.
7. Forge Cellars (Burdett, Seneca Lake)
Why collectors love it: Founded by a partnership including Burgundy négociant Louis Barruol, Forge represents the intersection of Finger Lakes terroir and Old World technique. Their minimalist approach produces Rieslings and Pinot Noirs of stunning purity and precision.
What to buy: Classique Riesling ($35-45), single-vineyard Rieslings ($50-75), Pinot Noir ($55-75). All wines are estate-grown and meticulously farmed.
Tasting experience: $30-50 per person, reservations required. Serious, no-frills tasting room focused entirely on the wine. This is for collectors, not casual tourists.
Collector's tip: Forge wines are built for the cellar. Buy young vintages and put them away for 5-10 years minimum. Their single-vineyard bottlings are particularly age-worthy.
8. Anthony Road Wine Company (Penn Yan, Seneca Lake)
Why collectors love it: Family-owned since 1973, Anthony Road has been producing outstanding dry Rieslings longer than most Finger Lakes wineries have existed. Their Martini-Reinhardt Selection Dry Riesling is a collector's benchmark—affordable, age-worthy, and consistently excellent.
What to buy: Martini-Reinhardt Selection Dry Riesling ($32-40), Reserve Dry Riesling ($25-32), Gewürztraminer ($22-28), dessert Rieslings for cellaring.
Tasting experience: $12-20 per person, walk-ins welcome. Casual, friendly atmosphere. Good for bringing friends who aren't wine geeks.
Collector's tip: Anthony Road's sweet Rieslings (late harvest, ice wine) are exceptional values and age for decades. Buy a case to open over 20 years.
9. Boundary Breaks Vineyard (Lodi, Seneca Lake)
Why collectors love it: Boundary Breaks manages over 150 acres of estate vineyards on steep, south-facing slopes—some of the best terroir in the region. Winemaker Bruce Murray produces Rieslings with remarkable depth and complexity, from bone-dry to late harvest styles.
What to buy: No. 198 Dry Riesling ($28-35), Reserve Riesling ($35-45), #239 Ovid Vineyard Riesling ($40-50). Their vineyard-designate wines showcase individual terroir beautifully.
Tasting experience: $20-30 per person, reservations required. Beautiful modern tasting room with panoramic lake views. Expect 45-60 minutes.
Collector's tip: Boundary Breaks' numbered vineyard bottlings allow you to explore micro-terroir differences. Buy multiple bottles of different vineyards from the same vintage for comparison aging.
10. Element Winery (Geneva, Seneca Lake)
Why collectors love it: Element focuses on single-vineyard Rieslings and Pinot Noirs from some of Seneca Lake's best sites. Winemaker Christopher Bates takes a hands-off approach, letting the vineyards speak for themselves. The results are transparent, terroir-driven wines that reward patience.
What to buy: Single-vineyard Rieslings ($35-50), Pinot Noir ($45-60). Small production—buy on release or risk missing out.
Tasting experience: $25-35 per person, reservations required. Small, intimate tasting room. Christopher often pours himself and loves discussing vineyard sites with serious collectors.
Collector's tip: Element's wines are made in tiny quantities. If you love a wine, buy a case immediately—they sell out fast and rarely reappear.
11. Shaw Vineyard (Himrod, Seneca Lake)
Why collectors love it: One of the newer estates making serious waves, Shaw Vineyard produces tiny quantities of meticulously crafted Rieslings and sparkling wines. Their focus on quality over quantity has earned them cult status among Finger Lakes collectors.
What to buy: Estate Dry Riesling ($35-45), Limestone Dry Riesling ($40-50), Blanc de Blancs ($55-70). Join their allocation list immediately.
Tasting experience: $30-40 per person, reservations required. Very small operation—expect personal attention from the winemaker.
Collector's tip: Shaw's sparkling wines are exceptional and improve dramatically with 5+ years on cork. Buy on release and forget about them.
12. Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars (Lodi, Seneca Lake)
Why collectors love it: Lamoreaux Landing combines impressive architecture with serious winemaking. Their Greek Revival-style tasting room is iconic, but it's the wines that keep collectors coming back. Strong across multiple varietals, from crisp Rieslings to structured Cabernet Francs.
What to buy: Estate Dry Riesling ($28-35), Yellow Dog White blend ($25-32), Reserve Cabernet Franc ($38-48), dessert Rieslings.
Tasting experience: $15-25 per person, walk-ins welcome but reservations recommended for groups. Beautiful setting, especially at sunset.
Collector's tip: Lamoreaux Landing's Yellow Dog White (Gewürztraminer-Riesling blend) is a hidden gem that ages surprisingly well. Stock up for near-term drinking and long-term cellaring.
After the Tasting: Storing Your Finger Lakes Collection
You've visited these incredible wineries, tasted world-class Rieslings, and probably bought more wine than you planned. Now comes the critical part: protecting your investment with proper storage.
Finger Lakes wines—especially Riesling—are built to age, but only if stored correctly. These wines need:
Consistent cool temperatures: 55-58°F is ideal for long-term aging. Riesling is particularly sensitive to heat fluctuation—a basement that swings from 60°F in winter to 75°F in summer will destroy those delicate aromatics over time.
Proper humidity: 60-70% humidity keeps corks from drying out. Many Finger Lakes wines use screw caps, but traditional cork closures still dominate at premium producers.
UV protection: Riesling is especially vulnerable to light damage. Even a few months near a window can ruin a beautiful wine.
Minimal vibration: Wine needs stillness to develop properly. Don't store your Hermann J. Wiemer next to the washing machine.
Choosing the Right Wine Storage Solution
For serious Finger Lakes collectors, a dedicated wine cooler isn't optional—it's essential. Here's what to consider:
Collection size: If you're visiting multiple wineries and joining wine clubs, you'll easily accumulate 50-100+ bottles. Start with at least a 100-bottle capacity unit, or consider a modular system you can expand.
Single vs. dual-zone: If you're collecting primarily Riesling and white wines, a single-zone cooler set to 55°F works perfectly. If you're also storing Cabernet Franc and red wines, invest in a dual-zone unit with separate temperature controls.
Compressor vs. thermoelectric: Compressor units handle larger collections and ambient temperature fluctuations better. Thermoelectric coolers are quieter but struggle in hot rooms.
UV-resistant glass: Non-negotiable for protecting Riesling. Make sure your cooler has tinted or UV-blocking glass doors.
Browse our selection of premium wine coolers designed specifically for serious collectors. Whether you're storing 50 bottles or 500, we'll help you find the perfect solution to protect your Finger Lakes investment.
Planning Your Finger Lakes Wine Country Visit
Best Time to Visit
Harvest season (September-October): Peak activity at wineries, beautiful fall foliage, and you'll witness crush in action. This is the busiest time—book accommodations and tastings months in advance. Expect crowds but incredible energy.
Summer (July-August): Tourist season brings warm weather, long days, and full tasting rooms. Great for lake swimming and outdoor activities, but some wineries get overwhelmed with casual visitors. Book ahead.
Winter-Spring (November-May): Insider's secret. Tasting rooms are quiet, winemakers have time to talk, and you'll get more personal attention. Winter can be cold and snowy, but many wineries are cozy with fireplaces. Spring is beautiful as vineyards wake up.
Which Lake Should You Focus On?
Seneca Lake: The deepest and most prestigious. Home to Hermann J. Wiemer, Dr. Frank, Red Newt, Boundary Breaks, and dozens of top producers. This is where serious collectors should spend most of their time.
Cayuga Lake: More spread out, fewer "name" wineries, but gems like Heart & Hands make it worth visiting. Good for a second day if you have time.
Keuka Lake: Dr. Konstantin Frank is the main draw. Smaller lake, fewer wineries, but worth including if you're doing a comprehensive tour.
Other lakes: Canandaigua, Skaneateles, and the smaller lakes have wineries but aren't essential for collectors focused on world-class wines.
Shipping vs. Traveling with Wine
Most Finger Lakes wineries ship to 40+ states, though New York residents can buy and transport freely. If you're flying home, shipping is usually safer than checking wine in luggage—airlines are rough on bottles, and summer heat at baggage claim can damage wine in minutes.
Important: Many wineries won't ship during summer months (June-August) due to heat concerns. If visiting in July, ask about fall shipping holds or plan to transport wine yourself with proper protection.
How Many Wineries Can You Visit in a Day?
Realistically, 3-4 wineries per day is the maximum for serious collectors who want meaningful conversations with winemakers and time to evaluate wines properly. Many top producers require reservations and allocate 45-90 minutes per group. Don't try to cram in 8 wineries—you'll be exhausted and won't remember what you tasted.
Where to Stay
Geneva (Seneca Lake): Central location, good restaurants, easy access to both Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Best home base for serious collectors.
Watkins Glen (Seneca Lake): Southern end of Seneca Lake, near many top wineries. Smaller town but convenient for wine touring.
Ithaca (Cayuga Lake): Bigger city with Cornell University, more dining/entertainment options. Good if combining wine touring with other activities.
Joining Finger Lakes Wine Clubs
Almost every winery on this list offers a wine club with benefits like:
• Allocation access to limited-production wines (critical at places like Heart & Hands, Forge, Element)
• 15-25% discounts on purchases
• Complimentary or discounted tastings
• Early release notifications
• Special library wine offerings
Wine club commitments typically range from: 2 shipments/year (spring and fall) of 6-12 bottles each, costing $150-400 per shipment depending on the winery. For serious collectors, joining 2-3 clubs from top producers is standard.
Pro tip: If you're joining multiple wine clubs, make sure you have adequate storage ready. A single year's worth of club shipments from three wineries could easily be 50-75 bottles. That Hermann J. Wiemer Magdalena Vineyard Riesling deserves better than sitting in a basement closet.
Why Finger Lakes Wines Deserve a Place in Your Collection
For decades, serious collectors overlooked the Finger Lakes in favor of California, France, and Germany. That's changing rapidly as the region's best producers prove their wines can compete globally.
Here's why Finger Lakes wines deserve serious consideration:
1. Value proposition: A $40 Finger Lakes Riesling often rivals a $60-80 German Kabinett or Alsace Grand Cru. You're getting world-class quality at regional pricing because the Finger Lakes hasn't achieved the prestige (and price inflation) of established regions.
2. Age-worthiness: Top Finger Lakes Rieslings develop beautifully over 10-20 years, showing the petrol, honey, and mineral complexity that defines mature German wine. The best producers use minimal intervention and high acidity levels that preserve wines through decades of cellaring.
3. Stylistic range: From bone-dry to lusciously sweet, the Finger Lakes offers every Riesling style. Most producers also make compelling sparkling wines, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and even Pinot Noir. It's a collector's playground.
4. Terroir diversity: The dramatically steep slopes, varied soil types (shale, limestone, gravel), and microclimates created by deep glacial lakes produce wines with genuine sense of place. Single-vineyard bottlings from producers like Boundary Breaks and Hermann J. Wiemer showcase this diversity.
5. Access to winemakers: Unlike Napa or Burgundy, you can still have meaningful conversations with actual winemakers at Finger Lakes estates. This personal connection matters when you're investing in someone's wine for your cellar.
Start Building Your Finger Lakes Collection
The Finger Lakes represents one of the most exciting opportunities in wine collecting today. World-class Rieslings at accessible prices, passionate small-scale producers, and wines built for the cellar—what's not to love?
Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to your favorite producers, remember that great wine deserves great storage. Those Hermann J. Wiemer and Dr. Frank bottles you're bringing home need consistent temperature, proper humidity, and protection from light to reach their full potential.
Explore our wine storage solutions to find the perfect home for your growing Finger Lakes collection. From compact 50-bottle units to large-format coolers for serious collectors, we'll help you protect your investment for decades to come.
About the Author
Dan DeRubertis is a wine storage consultant who specializes in helping collectors protect their investments. He focuses on matching collection size and style with optimal storage solutions for wine enthusiasts building cellars of age-worthy wines.