Wine Enthusiast recently released its NY Wines Guide, an insider look at the regions and wineries shaping the future of New York wine. We are proud to see Red Tail Ridge Winery included in this guide. The article highlights producers who continue to raise the quality of wine across the state.
In the NY Wines Guide, Wine Enthusiast explains why New York has become one of the most exciting wine areas in the country. The magazine points to the Finger Lakes as a leader in cool-climate winemaking. Because of deep lakes, glacial soils, and long growing seasons, the region can produce wines with strong acidity and clear structure.
At Red Tail Ridge, we focus on showing the character of Seneca Lake in every vintage. We farm with care, and we make wine with balance in mind. As a result, our wines reflect both the vineyard and the season. The NY Wines Guiderecognizes wineries that follow this same approach, and we are honored to be part of that group.
The Finger Lakes continues to gain national attention. For example, Riesling, Blaufränkisch, and sparkling wines from this region now appear on wine lists across the country. In addition, more writers and critics now look to New York when they search for wines with freshness and aging potential.
You can explore some of our current releases here:
https://redtailridgewinery.com/product/2023-blaufrankisch/
You can also plan a visit to the winery here:
https://redtailridgewinery.com/visit/
The NY Wines Guide shows how much the region has grown. At the same time, it reminds readers that success comes from hard work in the vineyard and careful decisions in the cellar. We are grateful to stand alongside the many Finger Lakes producers who continue to move New York wine forward.
Read the full Insider’s Guide here:
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/new-york-state-wine/
Published in February 2026.
Red Tail Ridge Wine Club Members are invited to an exclusive Barrel Tasting of the 2025 Vintage inside our working cellar. This guided experience offers early access to our 2025 Vintage wines while they develop in barrel.
During this Wine Club member exclusive, Co-owner and Winemaker Nancy Irelan and Associate Winemaker Meagz Goodwin will lead a guided walk through the Red Tail Ridge cellar. Members will taste wines directly from barrel and explore how the 2025 Vintage is evolving. You will learn how oak influences structure, texture, aromatics, and aging potential. This is a rare opportunity to taste the vintage long before bottling.
Barrel tasting gives members a behind-the-scenes look at our winemaking process. You will experience the personality of the 2025 Vintage in its earliest stage and gain insight into blending decisions, vineyard expression, and cellar technique.
After the guided cellar tasting, members are welcome to continue the experience with an additional tasting in the Main Tasting Room.
On the 22nd from 11:30am to 4pm, we will offer a preview of our new food program launching in April. Wine Club Members can pair their tasting experience with select offerings from this upcoming menu.
If you are visiting from out of town for the Barrel Tasting of the 2025 Vintage, your membership includes exclusive travel benefits.
Members receive room discounts at:
1897 Beekman House
FLX Treehouses (please contact us to activate this discount)
Members also receive a transportation discount with Grapevine Country Tours if you prefer not to drive.
This Barrel Tasting of the 2025 Vintage is available exclusively to Red Tail Ridge Wine Club Members. Please log in to reserve your spot.
The New York Times highlighted New York Cabernet Franc in a dining and drinks feature that explores how this varietal continues to elevate New York’s wine reputation. The article focuses on producers who shape the future of cool-climate red wine across the state. Red Tail Ridge Winery earned recognition among the wineries driving quality and character in New York Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Franc thrives in New York’s cool climate, where long growing seasons and glacial soils create wines with freshness, structure, and aromatic depth. In the Finger Lakes, Red Tail Ridge crafts Cabernet Franc that emphasizes balance, precision, and site expression.
Vineyard and cellar decisions at Red Tail Ridge focus on clarity and varietal character. Each vintage reflects the season and highlights the grape’s natural vibrancy, savory spice, and refined tannin profile.
National media attention strengthens the Finger Lakes’ reputation as a serious cool-climate wine region. Recognition from The New York Times places Red Tail Ridge Winery within a broader conversation about the rise of high-quality American Cabernet Franc and New York’s growing influence on the national wine stage.
Published on March 13th, 2025
Finger Lakes Libations highlighted Red Tail Ridge Winery in its Spring/Summer issue, placing the winery among producers shaping the Finger Lakes beverage scene. The publication focuses on makers who define quality, creativity, and a strong sense of place across the region.
Finger Lakes Libations spotlights wineries that push the region forward while staying grounded in terroir and craftsmanship. The feature recognizes Red Tail Ridge for its expressive cool-climate wines and its role in the evolving Finger Lakes wine conversation.
Red Tail Ridge Winery crafts wines that reflect the land, the vintage, and the winemaker’s vision. Estate vineyards overlook Seneca Lake, where glacial soils and a cool climate shape wines with energy, structure, and precision.
Our approach sets us apart:
Distinctive cool-climate wines
We produce vibrant sparkling wines, elegant whites, and character-driven reds that highlight Finger Lakes terroir.
Intentional winemaking
Every decision in the cellar supports balance, freshness, and varietal character. Each vintage tells a clear story.
Immersive tasting experiences
Guests enjoy wines in a welcoming tasting room with sweeping vineyard and lake views.
Strong connection to our community
We actively support the Finger Lakes wine region and contribute to its continued growth and recognition.
This feature reinforces Red Tail Ridge Winery’s place within the Finger Lakes wine landscape. Recognition from Finger Lakes Libations reflects a continued focus on quality, precision, and wines that speak clearly of place.
Published in Spring/Summer 2025
The New York Times Highlights Our Riesling 🍾 | November 2025
Our Finger Lakes Riesling recently caught the attention of the New York Times, earning national recognition for its quality and sense of place. This feature highlights both our Riesling and the strength of Finger Lakes wine on a global stage.
👉 Read the New York Times article here
Our Finger Lakes Riesling reflects the region’s cool climate and distinctive soils. Bright acidity drives the wine. Citrus notes lead. Green apple and stone fruit add balance and clarity.
The New York Times highlighted what defines our Riesling style. We focus on precision. We value freshness. We let the vineyard speak first. This recognition reinforces our commitment to crafting expressive Finger Lakes Riesling with depth and energy.
Great Riesling should feel vibrant. It should pair easily with food. It should also shine on its own. Our Finger Lakes Riesling delivers on all three.
If you haven’t tasted it yet, now is the time. Experience the Finger Lakes Riesling that earned attention from one of the world’s most trusted voices in wine.
Published on November 13, 2025
The Red Tail Ridge James Suckling Report highlights our Cabernet Franc in James Suckling’s Finger Lakes tasting feature, “Fresh and Franc: Finger Lakes’ Post-Riesling Rise.” The report captures a pivotal moment for the region as it gains recognition for cool-climate red wines alongside its world-class Riesling.
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.
Published on January 12, 2026
The piece situates Red Tail Ridge Winery’s 2023 Blaufränkisch in the context of the Finger Lakes’ continued exploration of cool-climate red varieties.
Learning New Words, But Make It Blaufränkisch…and by Heather “Coolidge”.
Cold weather may have tightened its grip outside, but inside Red Tail Ridge Winery, the mood was anything but chilly.
Our recent winter dinner brought serious heat, heart, and hospitality. Guest chef Jamie Davis, joined by his wife and sous chef Jennifer Davis, created a menu driven by passion and soul. Each course leaned into comfort and creativity, making the evening feel both elevated and deeply personal.
Those flavors met their match with stunning wines from Nancy Irelan, whose bottles brought elegance, depth, and just the right amount of winter warmth to the table. Together, the food and wine sparked conversation, laughter, and that unmistakable glow that only a shared meal can create.
Despite the cold snap outside, our tasting room stayed cozy and full of life. Guests lingered, glasses clinked, and the energy in the room reminded us why these nights matter so much. None of this would have been possible without everyone who braved the weather to join us and show love to our incredible collaborators.
📽️ Be sure to watch the recap video below to relive the evening’s highlights, from the plates to the pours.
If you missed this one, don’t worry. More unforgettable experiences are on the way. Check out our upcoming events and join us for the next gathering around the table.
Blaufränkisch continues to gain attention as one of the most compelling red wine grapes shaping the future of cool-climate regions, including New York’s Finger Lakes. In a recent feature published by GuildSomm, the grape’s Central European origins, versatility, and rising global relevance take center stage. The article highlights why Blaufränkisch matters now and why producers such as Red Tail Ridge Winery play a role in that conversation.
Traditionally rooted in Austria and neighboring regions, Blaufränkisch thrives in cooler climates with extended growing seasons. It delivers vibrant acidity, savory spice, and layered fruit without excessive weight. These qualities make the grape a natural fit for the Finger Lakes, where climate, soils, and thoughtful vineyard practices allow Blaufränkisch to show clarity and balance.
At Red Tail Ridge Winery, Blaufränkisch reflects both place and intention. The grape responds well to the winery’s sustainable farming approach and precise cellar work. The resulting wines show freshness, structure, and age-worthy potential. These traits mirror the characteristics described in the GuildSomm feature, reinforcing why Blaufränkisch continues to gain credibility among sommeliers, educators, and wine professionals.
The article also places Blaufränkisch within a broader global context. Wine drinkers now seek expressive varieties that deliver authenticity rather than excess. Blaufränkisch answers that call. Its adaptability allows winemakers to highlight terroir while offering food-friendly structure and complexity. In the Finger Lakes, that expression feels especially compelling.
To explore how Blaufränkisch fits into Red Tail Ridge Winery’s portfolio, visit our dedicated Blaufränkisch page.
Published on October 6, 2025