New York wine is a delightful surprise, stretching from the glacial lakes of the Finger Lakes to the sandy shores of Long Island. Riesling takes the spotlight here, offering crisp, aromatic wines that rival Europe’s best, but reds like Cabernet Franc and vibrant sparkling wines are earning fans fast. The vineyards thrive on ancient soils left behind by glaciers, lending wines a signature zing and purity of fruit. Cool nights preserve fresh acidity, giving the wines balance and finesse. Small, passionate producers blend Old World techniques with bold American spirit. Wine tourism is booming, with cozy tasting rooms and breathtaking vineyard views. Pop a cork, and discover how the Empire State turns diverse terroir and tough winters into bottles worth bragging about!

A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.