The New York Times Highlights Our Riesling 🍾 | November 2025
We’re proud to share some exciting news. The New York Times recently highlighted our Riesling, shining a national spotlight on both the wine and the Finger Lakes region.
👉 Read the New York Times feature here!
Our Riesling reflects the cool climate and unique soils of the Finger Lakes. Bright acidity leads the way. Crisp citrus flavors follow. Notes of green apple and stone fruit add balance and depth.
The New York Times recognized what we aim for in every bottle—precision, freshness, and a strong sense of place. This mention reinforces our commitment to crafting expressive Riesling that speaks clearly of our vineyard and our region.
We believe great Riesling should feel vibrant and alive. It should pair effortlessly with food. It should also stand confidently on its own. This recognition affirms that vision.
If you haven’t tried our Riesling yet, now is the perfect time. Taste the wine that caught the attention of one of the world’s most trusted voices in wine and culture.
We’re proud to share that Red Tail Ridge Winery appears in “Fresh and Franc: Finger Lakes’ Post-Riesling Rise,” a recent tasting report published by JamesSuckling.com.
To read the full report, visit JamesSuckling.com.
First and foremost, the report highlights a turning point for the Finger Lakes. For years, the region built its reputation on world-class riesling. Now, however, it continues to gain recognition for cool-climate red varieties. In particular, cabernet franc stands out.
As a result, wineries across the region are redefining what Finger Lakes wine can be.
In the report, James Suckling’s tasting team places a strong emphasis on cabernet franc. The variety thrives in a cool climate. It reflects site and vintage clearly. Most importantly, it delivers freshness, balance, and restraint.
During the tastings, Red Tail Ridge’s Cabernet Franc Seneca Lake RTR Estate Vineyard captured attention. The wine showed vibrancy and precision. It also expressed a clear sense of place. That recognition speaks directly to our estate vineyard and our hands-on approach in the cellar.
At the same time, the report makes something else clear. The Finger Lakes no longer tells a one-grape story. Instead, it continues to evolve.
Across the region, winemakers now focus on thoughtful farming. They make intentional varietal choices. They emphasize balance over excess. Consequently, the Finger Lakes continues to earn respect on the world stage.
At Red Tail Ridge, we share that vision. We farm with purpose. We work closely with our vineyards. Then, we let the wines speak for themselves. Whether through cabernet franc, riesling, or other cool-climate varieties, our goal remains the same: honest expression of Seneca Lake.
Finally, we invite you to experience these wines firsthand. Visit our tasting room overlooking Seneca Lake. Or, explore our current releases online.
For more insight into the region’s evolution, you can read the complete James Suckling article here:
Fresh and Franc: Finger Lakes’ Post-Riesling Rise.
Being featured by James Suckling marks an exciting milestone. More importantly, it reflects the direction of our region. The Finger Lakes continues to grow, evolve, and impress—and we’re proud to be part of that story.
Learning New Words, But Make It Blaufränkisch…and by Heather “Coolidge”.
While the winters in the Finger Lakes are icy, the warmth of our neighbors keeps us in good spirits. It’s only fitting that we warm everyone up with this spicy 5 course dinner in collaboration with Imelda & Johannes of Kemmeter Wines. While her dumplings are famed, we are excited to see Imelda’s full culinary talents on display. Nancy and Johannes, meanwhile, will each take a course to pair with one of their wines. It’s going to be an evening to remember.
Please note that we can accomodate some food restrictions, but you must be able to handle spicy dishes. We cannot modify the level of heat for this dinner. Please contact us prior to ticket purchase if you have a food restriction.
Join us at Red Tail Ridge for this tasting event that provides our Wine Club Members the exclusive opportunity to taste through three vintages of Dry Riesling and 3 of Blaufränkisch. You can select whether you would like to enjoy this vertical tasting as a seated experience with a cheese board, or as a standing experience.
Red Tail Ridge Nominated for a Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award
Deep in winter here in the Finger Lakes brings a desire for the deeply comforting food that Jamie Davis creates. His unique take on the cuisine of North Carolina has garnered him the distinction of being a James Beard Award Finalist. His restaurant, The Hackney, in Washington, NC is a much beloved fine dining destination for Carolinians. We hope that you will join us as we welcome Chef Jamie to the Finger Lakes.
As the sun sets over the Riesling block ridge at Red Tail Ridge, our celebration of the Day of the Dead with our FLX neighbor and friend, La Monarka will be in full swing! Come in costume for this traditional Dia de los Muertos fiesta. We will have traditional small bites with paired tastes of Red Tail Ridge wine; cellar tours; a costume contest; music; a Piñata contest, and much more. If the weather is nice, bring your furry friends dressed in costume. We will have the Pavilion open until the temperatures drop. Also, bring a memento of a loved one to remember in community on the alter. After all, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of our lives and the one of our ancestors.
Tickets are available by clicking on the image above. The Fiesta happens from 4pm-7pm on November 7, 2025.
If you are a longtime FLX Fan, you may very well know Chef Christina McKeough, a Finger Lakes native, who is now the Executive Chef of High Street Hospitality in Philadelphia. She is coming back to visit us at Red Tail Ridge on November 1st for a fabulous dinner as part of our Visiting Chef Series. We are excited to showcase her distinctive culinary style with dishes using the flavors of the season to pair with our wines.
