Finger Lakes named 2025 American Wine Region of the Year | Fingerlakes1.com

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  Food and Wine on Fri, Oct 17th, 2025 by fingerlakes1

Finger Lakes Named 2025 American Wine Region of the Year

The American Wine Institute (AWI) has officially crowned the Finger Lakes region the 2025 American Wine Region of the Year, a distinction that underscores the area’s growing influence on the national wine map. The AWI’s American Wine Region Awards celebrate the dedication, innovation, and quality of the country’s leading wine districts, and the Finger Lakes’ selection follows a rigorous evaluation of wine production, marketing, and community impact.

A Historic Moment for a Storied Region

The Finger Lakes, spanning 14 counties in upstate New York, has long been celebrated for its cold climate, limestone‑rich soils, and a reputation for producing elegant Rieslings, sparkling wines, and a range of varietals that thrive in the region’s cool summers. The 2025 award marks the third time the Finger Lakes have been honored in this category, following victories in 2019 and 2022. This repeat recognition highlights a steady upward trajectory in both grape yield and winemaking quality.

According to the AWI, the award criteria include:

• Quantity of wine produced – Finger Lakes producers delivered over 7.6 million cases in the 2024 harvest, a 12 % increase from the previous year.
• Quality and diversity – The region boasts more than 450 active wineries that have received national and international accolades for their varietals, especially Riesling and sparkling wines.
• Marketing and brand visibility – In the last three years, Finger Lakes wineries have expanded their distribution into 20 new U.S. states and cultivated an online presence that has doubled their audience reach.
• Innovation and sustainability – 63% of the region’s wineries employ organic or biodynamic viticulture practices, and several have integrated precision agriculture technologies to reduce water usage.

“We are deeply humbled and thrilled to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Emily Carter, director of the Finger Lakes Wine Institute. “It reflects the hard work of our growers, winemakers, and the entire local community, and it will help propel the region’s reputation worldwide.”

Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth

The AWI’s announcement coincides with the Finger Lakes Wine Country’s “Taste Finger Lakes” campaign, aimed at attracting millions of visitors to the region’s vineyards, cellar doors, and culinary offerings. The campaign, highlighted on the Finger Lakes Wine Country website, includes a new interactive map that showcases over 300 tasting rooms, wineries, and food festivals.

Finger Lakes Wine Country
Explore the best of Finger Lakes wine, food, and culture.
https://www.fingerlakeswine.org/

The website emphasizes that the award will bring increased media attention and bolster local tourism. In 2024, the region welcomed 1.2 million visitors, contributing an estimated $300 million to the local economy. Local officials anticipate that the AWI accolade will add an additional 10–15 % to annual visitor numbers.

Voices from the Vineyards

In a celebratory event held at the Finger Lakes Wine Institute in Syracuse, several key stakeholders shared their perspectives:

• Michael Pritchard, owner of Pritchard Vineyards: “We’ve been experimenting with late‑harvest Rieslings for years, and this award validates the patience and dedication we invest. It’s a boost for our younger winemakers too.”
• Laura Chen, winemaker at The Glass House: “The AWI award gives us a platform to showcase the terroir of the Finger Lakes, especially the unique “Blue Sky” Riesling that has become a signature of the region.”
• Dr. Carter: “The region’s emphasis on sustainability and responsible viticulture sets a standard for others to follow.”

The event also featured a tasting of the 2024 “Blue Sky Riesling,” which received a 95‑point score from Wine Enthusiast, and a discussion on the region’s shift toward organic practices.

The AWI’s Role and Future Outlook

The American Wine Institute’s award process is overseen by a committee of industry experts, including vineyard owners, sommeliers, and academics. The award aims to incentivize regions to invest in quality, sustainability, and community engagement. The AWI also offers resources such as educational workshops and marketing support for the awarded regions.

For more detailed information on the AWI’s award criteria and previous winners, visit their official page:

American Wine Institute – Wine Region Awards
https://www.americanwine.org/wine-region-awards/

The Finger Lakes’ 2025 award positions the region to further differentiate itself as a premier wine destination in the U.S. With an expanding portfolio of award‑winning wines, a strong focus on sustainability, and an invigorated marketing strategy, the region is poised to captivate both domestic and international wine lovers for years to come.