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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.

Uncorked New York wines are an American Vineyard tradition. The American Vineyard and Winery is located in the Finger Lake region of New York State next to Cayuga Lake. The creating of their fine wines follows the traditions and heritage of over 5000 years of wine making history.

Joe Gober is the host and owner for over twenty years. He originally picked this spot because of the fertile glacial deposits left by the last ice age that are ideal for cultivating vines. The nearby lake has a positive effect on the surrounding climate that provides milder changes in the temperature to help prevent the fruit from being damaged due to erratic weather patterns.

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.

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.

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.

Uncork a New York wine on the steep slopes of Torrey Ridge and step back in time with a view of Seneca Lake from a Civil War Era Barn. Scott Osborn purchased this old dairy farm and planted the first grape vines in 1984 then named his creation Fox Run Vineyards. Scott is not only a strong advocate of wine but also of garlic for a healthier life style. In 1993, the old barn was converted to a modern wine making facility. This was used until a building was erected up the slope in 1996 because of the need to expand.

Ted Marks established Atwater Estate Vineyards in 1999. The vineyard was already established in the 1970’s and had changed hands from Bill Moffitt to Ed and Joanne Grow. The Grows operated the vineyard and winery under the label Rolling Vineyards until its closure in 1991. The vineyards were still cultivated and sold to surrounding wineries being purchased by Ted Marks.

Since the beginning, this vineyard has produced consistently clean wines with a limited harvest. With an average production of 8,500 cases a year careful attention to quality is maintained vintage after vintage.

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.

For this New York Winery the eastern shores of Keuka Lake is the perfect location for the McGregor Vineyard. This is a family run Winery since 1980 that follows the European philosophy of wine making. The McGregor’s’ say their wines reflect the “voice of the grapes”. The Vineyards were established before the winery with the planting of 28 acres of Vinifera and hybrid grapes in 1971. With continuous commitment to the vines and hand tending, superior wines have been created. This small but personal touch to creating fine wines can be tasted in their creations.

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.

The Six Mile Creek Vineyard is not only the place to uncork New York wines but the best Ithaca has to offer. For over 20 years this vineyard has been producing some of the finest wines from the Finger Lake Region. To go along with the vineyard is an exclusive line of handcrafted Spirits by Battistella to pick from.

Yesterday I was on a business trip that took me out through many of the Finger Lakes Winery areas. Unfortunately it was not possible to stop and visit with our old friends because this was on a different matter and I did not have time to do anything for NYuncorked (dot com).

I was able to reflect on some of my years of travel and work throughout that region and the fine people with a strong work ethic that live there. Back in the late 1960′s and through the 70′s and 80′s I witnessed a transformation in the grape growing business and the expansion of many of the excellent wineries that you appreciate so much today.