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Like wine regions in the United States, New Zealand is a relative newcomer to the world of wine-growing.  The New Zealand wine industry didn’t get any traction until the 1970s, but it’s been steadily on the rise ever since.  Beyond the up-and-comer stage, Marlborough wines have earned a solid, international reputation.

Marlborough wine country is the largest and most renowned wine region in New Zealand.  This region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters that make it perfect for growing all kinds of grape.  The Sauvignon Blanc wines from this area are celebrated internationally, while Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes also grow well.

When New Yorkers uncork a Pinot Gris they are literally uncorking a pinecone grey wine. The Pinot Gris is vitis vinifera species of the white grape variety. This grape has long been a favorite of European aristocrats and has gone through many name changes from Fromenteau to Szurkebarat then Rulander before the final name as we know today. This is also sometimes referred to as the “other white wine”.

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.

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.

This vineyard has a deep history of growing a bountiful harvest from the land. Situated on an old dairy and corn farm, this land has been fruitful for many centuries. With the vineyards reaching near the beach, the setting is referred to as the Sheldrake effect. With glacial sedimentary soil and the proximity near a deep body of water for a slower temperature change, this point of land has its own microclimate. This has lengthened the growing season by a full two week as compared to the surrounding counties.  Being on the eastern side of the lake also allows this piece of land to warm up faster than the west side which helps lessen the effect of frost.

When a New York uncorked wine is experienced on the scenic hillside overlooking Keuka Lake, the quality and adventure in taste is truly rewarding. The Wiltberger family created the Keuka Spring Winery and vineyards over 20 years ago in the Finger Lake region of the state of New York. This business started with a family dream and has flourished into award winning creations in taste. With the original plan to keep production down to only 2000 cases each year. The demand for their fine wines grew and faced with the constant situation of being sold out of wine, production has been increased to 8500 cases without a decrease in quality.

This family owned vineyard was established after high school sweet hearts, Art and Joyce Hunt, moved to the Hunt family farm in 1973. After a few years of research and planning a small-scale winery, the Finger Lakes Wine Cellar was started in 1981. With the personal guidance of the Hunt’s, this small winery flourished and in 1987 they formed Hunt Country Vineyards.

The first national recognition was for their Vidal Blanc Ice Wine in the 1990”s. Of the three children of these wine masters one has joined in the family business. This makes six generations of farming this same soil. With a degree from Cornell and internships in California and New Zealand, his contribution is having a positive influence in the family business.