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.
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.
February 2026 | Finger Lakes, New York
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.
Bowfin Caviar – $50*
Herbal, earthy, and briny with a firm texture. Harvested from American bowfin fish in Southern U.S. waters.
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.
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!
