New York State Wines to Bring to Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Not many people think of New York State as a wine destination, but did you know that it’s one of America’s largest wine producers (behind California and Washington State)? It’s even home to America’s oldest winery! There are over 400 wineries in New York, and two of the more popular wine areas can be found in the Finger Lakes and on Long Island’s North and South Fork. The cool climates deliver world-class wines such as riesling, chardonnay, merlot, and cabernet francs.

If you’re heading to your Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving dinner this week and want to dazzle everyone with your excellent taste and knowledge of local wines but are wondering where to start, don’t worry. We’ve put together a wine guide that matches your Aussie tastes with the best New York State has to offer.

With all that coma-inducing turkey and stuffing (not to mention that weird-looking “salad” your Midwestern cousins bought, because what is a salad if it doesn’t have marshmallows in it?), it’s good to keep things light and acidic when picking your wines. This will give your palate (and spirits!) a bit of a lift when the sofa starts to look inviting mid-meal.

Don’t worry about matching your wines with every dish or course, because there will be SO much food it will be impossible to get it right. It’s best to focus on versatility.

If you know what you like in an Aussie wine, here’s a list of New York-produced wines that will tickle your taste buds (and hopefully impress your nearest and dearest).

The Sparklings

New York State’s sparkling wines are for fans of traditional champagne. These have a fresh, vibrant, acid-forward taste and are a fabulous option to kick off the party.

Dr Konstanitin Blanc De Blanc (“Bartlet pear, lemon curd, and minerality with a long crisp apple finish”)
Hermann J. Wiemer Cuvee Brut (“Fresh acidity complemented by a lean mineral crunch”)
Empire Estate Blanc De Blancs (“Fruit tones of green apple, golden peach, baked lemon, toasted brioche, mineral aromas of gravel and limestone”)

The Whites

Riesling is the jewel in the crown of New York’s wine region. If you like dry rieslings from the Clare or Barossa Valley, these wines are for you.

Dr Konstanitin Dry Riesling (“Delicate and elegant, lime zest, granny smith apples, mineral stoniness with fresh citrus and nectarine”)
Heart and Hands Dry Riesling (“Green anjou pears, tangerines and chalk, fresh apricots, mangoes, and lychee”)
Domaine LeSeurre Dry Riesling (“Elegant nose with aromas of ripe lemon, green apple, tangerine and pretty white floral notes. The acidity is bright with a long, refreshing finish”)

Or for something a little different, try Paumanok North Fork of Long Island Minimalist Chenin Blanc (“Fresh and light with subtle yeast notes”).

The Reds

Cabernet Franc is the star of New York’s red wines. It’s lighter and more herbaceous than Australian shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, so these options will be good companions for your Thanksgiving feast.

Red Newt Cellars Glacier Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Franc (“Raspberry and violet notes, all tied together by the smokiness that is typical of the Glacier Ridge Vineyard”)
Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc (“Generous raspberry and plum aromas combines bramble fruit, soft tannins, and a black pepper finish”)
Domaine LeSeurre Cabernet Franc Barrel Select (“Savory flavors and peppery aromas, acidity will balance out the fat in the meat, herbal undertones”)

Or for something a little different try Forge Cellars Classique Pinot Noir (“Garrigue, marasca cherry”).