[Geneva, NY] October 16, 2025 — The Finger Lakes has been named Wine Enthusiast’s 2025 American Wine Region of the Year, honoring two centuries of innovation, sustainability, and cool-climate leadership.
This recognition celebrates the winemakers, growers, and partners who have shaped the Finger Lakes into one of America’s most respected wine regions. For the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance (FLWA) and its 35+ member wineries, working in collaboration with the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF), the award underscores the region’s growing national visibility and the shared momentum behind its rise as a premier cool-climate destination. The region’s wine trails- with the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, America’s oldest, and those on Keuka and Seneca have long connected visitors to the diversity of Finger Lakes terroir and hospitality, helping shape the region’s identity and experience.
Carved by glaciers and sustained by deep lakes, the Finger Lakes spans over 10,000 vineyard acres where eleven lakes create ideal conditions for slow, balanced ripening. The region’s legacy in sparkling wine production endures alongside its acclaimed Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and expressive heirloom varieties that reflect both heritage and innovation.
“The Finger Lakes stands as a testament to resilience and collaboration, where generations of growers and new wineries work together to craft exceptional cool-climate wines,” said Amy Navor, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. “This recognition from Wine Enthusiast highlights our community’s shared success and innovation, proving that when the Finger Lakes grows, the entire New York wine industry grows. We’re honored to work alongside the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and our peers to showcase the region’s authentic story to the world.”
The award is expected to amplify awareness for the Finger Lakes AVA, driving renewed attention from national trade, media, and travelers. For Alliance members, it opens the door to expanded marketing opportunities and stronger engagement with distributors, sommeliers, and consumers seeking authentic, site-driven wines.
“This honor from Wine Enthusiast celebrates not only the Finger Lakes, but the strength and evolution of New York’s entire wine community,” said Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation. “The American Wine Region of the Year title affirms what generations of growers and winemakers have known: the Finger Lakes is an essential wine region. With a foundation built on two centuries of perseverance, innovation, and pride of place, the Finger Lakes continue to define what cool-climate excellence looks like in America.”
The Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards Gala will take place on January 26, 2026, at The Glasshouse in New York City, celebrating excellence, innovation, and community across the global wine industry.
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About the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance
The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance (FLWA) is the regional organization dedicated to elevating the visibility and prominence of the Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area (AVA), its wines, and its wineries. Established in 2004, the Alliance unites more than 35 member wineries through trade engagement, education, marketing, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the region’s voice and amplify the people, wines, and vision shaping one of America’s leading cool-climate wine regions. For more information, visit fingerlakeswinealliance.com.
About the New York Wine & Grape Foundation
The mission of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation is to promote the world-class image of New York grapes and wines from our diverse regions to responsibly benefit farmers, producers, and consumers through innovative marketing, research, communication, and advocacy. Learn more at newyorkwines.org.
CONTACT:
Finger Lakes Wine Alliance
Amy Navor, Executive Director
(315) 563-1480
amy@fingerlakeswinealliance.com