In this Thursday, May 28, 2015 photo, Marquette grapes grow on a vine at Ledge Rock Hill Winery and Vineyard in Corinth. CORINTH >> The Marquette grapevines clinging to a steep, rocky hillside in the southeastern Adirondacks are among a host of new grape varieties that have enabled a boutique wine industry to take root in areas of the Northeast and Midwest that were previously inhospitable. There were about 2,000 wineries in the U.S. in 2000; today, there are more than 8,000, according to the industry publication Wines and Vines. “Across the country we’ve seen a huge expansion in wine and grape production and wine-related tourism,” said Bruce Reisch, who leads Cornell University’s wine and grape research and development program in New York’s Finger Lakes. And the new influx of tourism dollars can be traced to, among other places, Cornell and the University of Minnesota, which have developed these hybrid grapes that withstand brutal winters and disease — and provide the quality and consistency needed to produce fine wine in places like Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Ohio.

In New York, the number of wineries has grown from 35 in 1980 to nearly 500, with the third-highest production in the nation. “New York has had a bad reputation for red wines, mainly because of a lack of consistent quality,” said Gary Akrop, owner of Ledge Rock Hill Winery, a small winery and vineyard that was the first to release an award-winning dry red wine within the boundaries of the Adirondack Park. “But we grow grapes that are suited for cold regions and produce more consistent wine.” Ledge Rock Hill uses Marquette, a hybrid developed by the University of Minnesota and released for commercial production in 2006. “I believe Marquette could become the standard for New York red wines,” Akrop said. One of the Cornell program’s biggest successes is the Traminette, a cold-hardy white wine grape producing a floral, fragrant wine reminiscent of Gewurtztraminer. Since its release in 1996, Traminette has produced numerous award-winning wines and has been embraced by winemakers in the Midwest.

Indiana winemakers have even dubbed Traminette the state’s “signature wine” and have a website dedicated to it. New grape varieties are just one factor in the growth of the wine industry, of which California remains the leader with nearly 4,000 wineries producing 90 percent of the nation’s wine. glass of wine lunchOther factors include changing consumer tastes, promotion by state and private agriculture and tourism organizations, collaboration among growers and research on how to optimize production and quality, Reisch said.best french wine list nyc Beginning with New York’s Farm Winery Act in 1976, the state set forth a series of state government initiatives meant to ease regulations and stimulate the wine industry. buying wine online germany

It brought it back from the brink of collapse to the fastest-growing segment of agriculture, said James Trezise, president of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation.best wine crystal glasses The “locavore/locapour” movement emphasizing locally produced food and drink has also been helpful, Trezise said.best wine for black cake New York has five internationally recognized wine areas: Long Island, Hudson River Region, Finger Lakes, Niagara Escarpment and Lake Erie. buying wine for a partyBut more and more wineries are opening and joining together to form “wine trails” — up to a national-leading 19. And the industry received some major recognition when Wine Enthusiast chose the state over the Champagne, Sonoma and Chianti regions as the international Wine Region of the Year for 2014.

“It’s a sign that New York is really coming of age,” Reisch said.The seven family-owned wineries of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail are dedicated to producing wines of the highest quality and to making your visit to our area truly enjoyable and memorable. Our wineries have been in business for an average of 25 years and continue to receive critical acclaim, including Best Wine in America and Chairman’s Awards from prestigious wine competitions, multiple Governor’s Cups in New York State and 90-point ratings from Wine Spectator. Many of our owners’ families have committed themselves to quality viticulture for generations, and we are all devoted to preserving our vineyards and surrounding region for many more to come. - Winery established 1977 - Founding member of Keuka Lake Wine Trail (1985) 9301 County Route 76 Hammondsport, NY 14840 HOURS: Open year round: In 1972 John and Josephine Ingle first planted grapevines overlooking Canandaigua Lake, known today as Ingle Vineyard.

They established Heron Hill winery in 1977, and through perseverance and long-term dedication to excellence in winemaking, Heron Hill Winery has become a coveted destination within the world-class Finger Lakes region. Journey through the rolling hill and discover our full portfolio of elegant wines at one of the “10 Most Spectacular Tasting Rooms in the World’, named by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Heron Hill is among the leaders in recognizing Riesling as the region’s flagship varietal. Today Heron Hill makes 6 different cool-climate Rieslings- from dry, terroir-driven Reserves to our ethereal Icewines. All Heron Hill wines are crafted at our winery situated on a slate hill overlooking Keuka Lake. For the Ingles, practicing sustainability means giving respect. Respect for the land in how we farm our estate vineyards, and respect for the consumer by offering wines that reflect an authentic sense of place and by providing visitors with a friendly and informative experience.

We feel connected to the future viability of our farms and communities. For more than 35 years, Heron Hill winery remains family-owned. The Ingles enjoy drinking Heron Hill wines especially when sharing a glass with family and friends. That’s the way it should be with a wine you trust. Wine with a heritage. - Vinifera vineyard established 1971 - Winery established 1980 1 mile off State Route 54 For over forty years, the McGregors have grown the finest European wine grapes in the Finger Lakes. They are pioneers of dry red and white wines, and are home to the legendary Black Russian Red wine. Relaxing seated tastings, local food samples, expansive selection of red and white wines, gift shop. - Winery established 1981 4021 Italy Hill Road HOURS: Open daily year The Hunt family welcomes guests to relax at our sixth-generation farm and sample a broad range of rare and distinctive wines, including our ice wine, featured on NBC’s Today Show. 

Tour our winery and learn the basics of winemaking. Find great local foods and gifts in our extensive wine shop.  Relax on a porch overlooking the beautiful Keuka valley. - Winery established 1985 243 State Route 54 Penn Yan, NY 14527 HOURS: April-November:  Open Daily 10am–5pm, December, February & March: Open Weekends only 10am-5pm, Two-time winner of both the Governor’s Cup and Best White Wine in America, the Wiltberger family invites you to share their premium wines. They have earned countless accolades since 1985 and offer a wide selection of red and white wines and hosts seasonal events. Taste worldclass wines and enjoy the beautiful view overlooking Keuka Lake from their hillside tasting room, gift shop, and picnic area. - Winery established 2003 - Keuka Lake Wine Trail member since 2008 14630 State Route 54 Hammondsport, NY 14840 HOURS: Open daily: 10am– weekends open until 5:30; Closed Tues. & Wed. Dry wines are the focus at Ravines where Winemaker/Oenologist Morten Hallgren creates expressive wines with old-world balance and elegance using traditional methods of viticulture and winemaking he learned on his family’s winery in the South of France.

Co-owner Lisa Hallgren uses her French culinary training to create foods that perfectly complement their wines. for a schedule of food and wine events offered in the tasting room’s Ravinous Kitchen where warm and knowledgeable wine servers offer freshly baked wine crackers, farmstead cheeses, artisan chocolates and local specialty foods. - Winery established 2013 - Keuka Lake Wine Trail member since 2014 2971 Williams Hill Road Keuka Park, NY 14478 Dec.-March Saturdays and Sundays 12-5pm Vineyard View Winery is a fifth generation grape farm in the heart of the Finger Lakes, overlooking picturesque Keuka Lake. The focus of our winery is to create a great product and atmosphere for you to enjoy, from our wine and our deep rooted vineyards. Our quality product, family history, and breathtaking view, will leave you with a new appreciation of the Finger Lakes. - Vineyard established 2008 - Keuka Lake Wine Trail member since 2016 10489 County Road 76