This is the first of a two-part series on wineries in the Finger Lakes region of New York state.

New York wine is often overlooked for the bounty of bottles coming out of the West Coast.

In recent years, however, as a compounding result of consumer preferences, climate change, education about the region, and some industry giants establishing roots on the East Coast, New York wine’s scene is more popular than ever.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is thrilled to unveil its latest creation, the Dr. Konstantin Frank 2023 Dry Rosé of Saperavi (SRP, $24.99). This exceptional rosé, available exclusively from the winery, marks the family’s inaugural venture into crafting a rosé from the storied Saperavi grape.

More and more wine enthusiasts are seeking out Rieslings from New York’s Finger Lakes AVA, and discovering the delights of these cool-climate wines.

For a grape that is planted in so many countries worldwide, few wine lovers rank Riesling as among their favorite varietals, instead naming whites like Chardonnay, even Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc ahead of it. Once appreciated for the very qualities that distinguished Riesling—its sweetness, richness and acid—today the sale of sweet wines (usually for dessert), even French Sauternes, has decreased in favor of what many perceive as more sophisticated dry varietals.

The preferred grape for amateur vintners was one that wasn’t particularly popular with the professionals: alicante bouschet, described in one 1883 wine guide as lacking “elegance, force and delicacy.” It’s what’s known as a teinturier variety, meaning that, unlike most red grapes, its pulp as well as its skin are deeply colored, resulting in wines so dark that they’re almost black.