By Blake Jackson
New York’s wine history stretches back hundreds of years, beginning with early grape plantings by Dutch settlers in the mid-1600s. While those first efforts struggled, successful vineyards took hold in the Hudson Valley by the 1670s.
Commercial wine production gained momentum in 1829 in the Finger Lakes, setting the stage for a statewide industry now known for vibrant Rieslings, expressive cool-climate styles, and distinctive regional character from Long Island to Lake Erie.
Despite its reputation, New York remains a relatively small producer, with just under 30,000 acres of grapes compared with California’s nearly half a million. Even so, the state’s wine scene has grown rapidly. Over the past decade, the number of licensed wineries has climbed from 285 to more than 500, and many are now looking beyond U.S. borders.
That global momentum is being supported by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF), which recently expanded its Export Program to the Caribbean, adding to existing markets in Western Europe, Asia, and Canada. The move follows rising international interest, fueled in part by accolades such as Wine Enthusiast naming the Finger Lakes its Wine Region of the Year.
Producers like Mazza Brands are adapting their domestic strategies for overseas markets. “We are distributed across several U.S. markets. We focus on regional partnerships, consumer outreach, and education," said Mario Mazza, VP and general manager at Mazza Brands. "We pursued exports to explore additional sales channels,” noting that global consumers are seeking wines with fresh styles and compelling stories.
Mazza also emphasizes recognition abroad, saying, ““One of our proudest achievements has been the recognition of our Perfect Rosé, which was listed as the top-scoring Rosé in the U.S. by the Decanter World Wine Awards for two consecutive years."
Finger Lakes wineries Buttonwood Grove and Six Eighty Cellars share that outlook. ““We believe the differing styles of wine we produce between our brands, as well as our philosophies behind production, grant us space on a larger stage and a broader scope of reach than just to domestic consumers,” said sales manager Jenna Coppola.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-willhowecreative
Categories: New York, General