To uncork a New York wine is easy and accessible on Long Island.  Ackerly Pond Vineyards is located on the northeastern end of Long Island. Ray and Jill Blum opened this vineyard in 1999 with the vision of this region becoming filled with fruitful vineyards to create some of the finest New York State wines. Ray has been growing grapes and producing fine wines in the North Fork Long Island region for over 30 years. Since retiring both have devoted they’re time to cultivating their own grapes on eighty-five acres of vineyards in Southold and Peconic. Their secret to producing a fine wine is to know when to harvest the grapes. This is done when the sugar and acid levels reach optimum levels generally in the cooler months of September and October. This is the philosophy behind Ackerly Pond Vineyard.

One of the New York wineries that is very well known is the Vinifera Wine Cellars which is New York State wine history itself. In 1962, Dr. Konstantin Frank founded Vinifera Wine Cellars. Dr. Frank’s research in the growing of grapes in a cold climate was essential to the establishment of the wine industry in the Finger Lakes region of New York. This family business is already in its third generation producing world-class wines that carry the traditions and quality that made this winery the cornerstone of the vineyard industry in America.

To uncork a wine from this New York winery, over 57 years of grape cultivation is unleashed. Frank Stamp first planted the vineyards on the old peach and apple orchard in 1951. The Lakewood Vineyard is situated on the west side of Seneca Lake was the ideal place for several varieties of grapes including the French-American hybrid and Labrusca. As time went on new hybrids were added along with Vinifera. The commercial grape industry was treating this grower well when Monty, son of Frank, decided in 1988 to press the grapes and create their first vintage. In 1989 the winery opened for tasting and sales. Now with 4 generations of wine making experience in the family, the secrets of the vines and earth are still in use but safe.  The time-honored techniques including small barrels fermentation and aging are still in use today. This quality can be tasted and enjoyed by all that uncork a bottle of their fine wine.

With the purchase of the old Golden Seal Vineyard by Tom and Marti Macinski, the Standing Stone Vineyard was created. They followed the history of the land and previous vineyard to create award-winning vintages in just a few short years. Their first vintage of 800 cases sold out in just 12 weeks. Today production is about 6500 cases but the time-honored traditions of old-world wine making are still employed. The white wines fermentation is temperature regulated while the reds are still aged in American Oak barrels.

This vineyard at  Chateau LaFayette Reneau Winery is where one can uncork New York wines in surroundings with the feel of yesteryear. The old 10-room brick house was built in 1911, which provides a wonderful view of the vineyards from each room. The renovated barn/winery also has that century old craftsmanship that can be tasted in the wine.

Nestled on the banks of Lake Seneca, the vineyards are fruitful and the harvest bountiful. For those that wish to extend their stay the Inn offers overnight accommodations. Cell phones and alarm clocks are discouraged so the guest and patrons of the winery can truly enjoy this peaceful setting.

When you Uncork NY at Wagner Vineyards you will be sipping four generations of history and dedication to the wine creating process of the Finger Lake region. This vineyard is located on the eastern slopes of Seneca Lake and was started back in 1978 by Bill Wagner. As a life long resident of the area and grower of grapes has made this one of the finer wines available in the industry.

Bill’s unique style is even shown when he designed and built an eight-sided building to house the winery. All of the wines produced by the Wagner family are cultivated and nurtured under their direct supervision. This controls the quality to ensure only the best are used in the wine making process.

This is one of many New York State Wineries that have made the Finger Lakes area recognized through out the country with their great wines. Uncork New York at Amberg Wine Cellars.  This family-owned and operated winery was established 20 years ago. This family has over 40 years experience nurturing grapes into delicate wines. Knowing the grapes, soil, and conditions of the local climate in the Finger Lakes community ensures the creation of the finest vintages.

The Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards might only have been selling wines for just over 12 years but has a history dating back to 1852. From this family is a great line of wineries including the Great Western Winery of years past. As time moves forward the original farm and vineyards have been pieced out among the family members. Another vineyard in the area that is owned by another part of this same family is the Sawmill Creek Vineyard. The family members that own Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard are Jerry and Elaine Hazlitt. The experience and dedication of this winery comes from six generations of nurturing grape vines and operating wineries. They even remember the old foot stomping press way of make wine.