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”.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day Weekend at Red Tail Ridge Winery with an unforgettable caviar and sparkling wine experience. Join us as we welcome our new Chef Partner, Matt Hummel, and enjoy a thoughtfully crafted menu that places caviar service front and center.
Chef Matt Hummel designed this experience to invite exploration and indulgence. Your reservation includes a curated caviar and sparkling wine pairing, and when you arrive, you’ll select the caviar that best matches your taste. From there, your flavor journey expands with an optional menu of chef-driven accompaniments available for purchase.
Enhance your caviar experience with creative pairings such as totones and Chef Matt’s Red Tail Ridge–inspired fried chicken. Guests may also order additional caviar throughout the experience. Vegetarian guests can enjoy a delicious caviar alternative, thoughtfully prepared to deliver richness and depth without fish roe.
Paddlefish Caviar – $62*
Earthy and nutty with buttery richness and a silky finish. Harvested from wild-caught freshwater spoonbill from the Mississippi River.
Polish Osetra Caviar – $72*
Clean and refined with gentle salinity, toasted grain notes, and a creamy texture. Harvested from farm-raised Russian sturgeon in Poland.
Mountain Caviar (Vegetarian) – $36*
Crafted from Japanese cypress seeds with a mild, nutty profile and artichoke-like savor.
Each caviar service includes:
Chive crème fraîche
House-made Kennebec potato chips (potatoes sourced from Silver Queen Farms)
Bugles
One glass per person of Red Tail Ridge Method Champenoise sparkling wine
Together, these pairings showcase the balance of tradition and innovation that defines Red Tail Ridge Winery and Nancy Irelan’s winemaking philosophy.
* For single-guest reservations, we adjust pricing after purchase to remove the second glass of wine.
Raw Oysters Maine Oysters, marinated apple and kohlrabi
* mignonette available on the side
Potato Milk Buns Milk bun, egg yolk jam, cultured butter
Buckwheat Hoe Cakes Empire Syrups sorghum syrups
Sunchoke Tostones Poached, smashed, and pan fried sunchokes, lemon
Fried Chicken Buttermilk-brined chicken thighs, bugles coating
Fromage Blanc Ice Cream Cone Remembrance farms fromage blanc, buckwheat waffle cone
Celebrate a new chapter at Red Tail Ridge Winery with an elevated Valentine’s Day weekend experience designed to delight wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
📅 Reservations are limited
🍽️ Please share any dietary needs at the time of booking.
Reserve your spot and celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with us!