Basic Info

New York’s Finger Lakes is ready to take the stage as one of the New World’s great wine regions. To that end, Empire Estate was created to showcase this incredible piece of wine country. Empire Estate's goal is to present their Dry Riesling to the world and give everyone another reason to love New York. The Finger Lakes are located in the heart of New York State, about a four hour drive northwest of New York City. There are 11 individual lakes in the region, some of which are the deepest in the United States. The deep lake basins moderate the temperatures of the vineyards planted on their steep banks allowing vines to thrive in a protected cool microclimate ideal for Riesling. This project is the joint venture of Thomas Pastuszak (Eleven Madison Park, Nomad) and Finger Lakes producers and farmers. The winemaker is Kelby Russell (of Red Newt).