Largest AVA area in New York State south of Lake Ontario. The geographical area includes a total of eleven glacial lakes, but the vineyards are mainly located on the two lakes Canandaigua and Keuka (after which a grape variety is named). The Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake areas are separate AVA's within the large area. A first mention of viticulture dates back to 1829, and by the end of the 19th century the area under vines had grown to about 25,000 hectares, but this was greatly reduced by phylloxera, prohibition (1020-1933) and strong competition from California. The Russian-born and viticulture pioneer Dr. Konstantin Frank (1897-1985) worked at the Viticulture Station of Cornell University. He founded the "Vinifera Wine Cellars" winery in Keuka Lake and paved the way for the successful cultivation of European noble varieties. The area became known primarily for its sparkling and sweet wines.
Today the vineyards cover only just under 4,500 hectares. The "Wine Farmery Act" in the mid-1970s led to a large wave of new foundations, even of small businesses. These are managed by around one hundred producers. The climate is relatively cool with sufficient rainfall for wine-growing, with the heat-storing lakes having a mitigating effect. The hilly region with its many lakes and streams is also a popular excursion area. A large number of hybrids are cultivated, mostly with Vitis labrusca genes and European noble varieties, especially from France (see New York). Well-known wineries are Bully Hill, Four Chimneys Farm, Fox Run, Glenora, Heron Hill, Knapp, Swedish Hills, Treleaven, Vinifera Wine Cellars, Wagner, Widmer (with Manischewitz wines) and Wiemer.
Card: From Michael J, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
