Sharing my latest on grapecollective.com since New York’s Cabernet Franc is a must-try for anyone looking to explore new wines and sip something delicious!

In the article, winemakers share how Cabernet Franc thrives across New York, with each region shaping its own style. Experts also weigh in on how better plant material and a growing appreciation for Cab Franc’s range of styles—sparkling, rosé, light and fruity, or bolder reds—have helped cement its status as New York’s defining red grape.

Here’s an excerpt from the article, followed by a short list of New York producers making excellent Cab Franc. I hope you’ll seek out a bottle and let me know what you think.

"Cab Franc is an immigrant success story," says John Leo of Onabay Vineyards on Long Island’s North Fork, describing how this classic European variety has thrived in its New York home.

Recognizing this success, a group of New York wineries has formed Cab Franc Forward NY to champion the grape as the state's signature red variety. The inaugural Grand Tasting in Manhattan on February 4, 2025, brought together thirty-five wineries and over 500 attendees, including 280 wine professionals. The unprecedented event displayed Cabernet Franc's rising status—it's now New York's most planted red vinifera grape, with 638 acres under vine.
In attendance was Kevin Zraly, wine educator and author of Windows on the World Wine Course, who stated, “New York is undoubtedly the best wine region in the U.S. for Cabernet Franc.”
Cabernet Franc has traveled far from its French origins to find new stomping grounds. The grape's journey has taken a particularly successful turn in New York, fueled by its winter-hardiness, expressive nature, and growing enthusiasm from winemakers and consumers.

You can read the full article here.

Look For Cab Franc From These New York State Producers

From the Finger Lakes: Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, Boundary Breaks Vineyard, Apollo’s Praise, Damiani Wine Cellars, Dr Konstantin Frank, Ravines Wine Cellars, Sheldrake Point, Wagner Vineyards.

From Long Island: Old Sound Vineyard, Paumanok Vineyards, Wolffer Estate Vineyard, Bedell Cellars, Onabay Vineyards, Macari Vineyards, RGNY, Wolffer Estate. Suhru & Lieb.

From the Hudson Valley: Fjord Vineyards, Milea Estate Vineyard, Whitecliff Vineyard.