Wine Country Information Station Wine Locator NY Gold Passport Corkboard Wine Line

The New York wine industry is probably the most diverse industry in the world. We have one of the world's largest wineries- Canandaigua Wine Company - and some very small "boutique" operations.

These diverse companies produce a highly diverse line of wines from all three different major categories of grape varieties - the so-called "Native" varietals (Vitis Labrusca), French and American Hybrids, and the European varietals or Vitis Vinifera. This diversity is considered to be one of the key strengths of our industry, both economically and environmentally.

Odds are that no matter what your taste preference, someone in New York produces a wine that you will like. All the curious consumer has to do is find a way to sample wines until they find the one they like. We consider the diversity to be an environmental bonus because it is the diversity of grape varieties and rootstocks that has allowed our vineyards to survive threats from pests down through the centuries. Decades ago New York rootstock was utilized in saving the vineyards of Europe when their Vitis Vinifera came under attack by the same pest, Phylloxera, that has been attacking the California vineyards over the last few years.

How would you go about sampling wines until you find the one you like? It does sound somewhat like fun - but it can also be a daunting task - and an expensive venture. Wouldn't it be great if you could taste a wine without having to first buy the whole bottle or travel several hours to the winery? Well, that is the point of the special events that wineries carry out with their "partners" in various regions. By attending in-store tastings at a wine shop or dining at a restaurant with New York Wines "By the Glass", the consumer has the opportunity to try a wine without investing in a whole bottle.

To find out where you can sample New York wines, check out the "Retailers" and "Restaurant" sections of this "Wine and Dine" section of the site. And never forget, the best wine is the wine you like best …

Participating Wineries


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Syracuse Summers
Some people feel that Syracuse sits at the cross roads of New York State – the intersection of the New York State Thruway and Interstate 81 – we view it as the cross roads of the Central New York & Lake Ontario winery region. While this is not an officially designated wine-growing region, there are a number of wineries that have popped up in the area of late and they will have special events going on through the summer. Many of these events will help you discover the beauty of the area and the fun things to do – such as the Renaissance Festival in Sterling or the Great New York State Fair just outside of Syracuse. So whether you are just passing through or stopping to visit some of the attractions in Syracuse, keep an eye out for New York wine labels when shopping at the local retailer or eating at some of the fine dining establishments in the area.