New York Wineries Launch 'Cab Franc Forward' Initiative

No.46 | Regional Reporting

Many of the world’s most well-known and commercially successful wine growing regions have been defined by a signature white and/or red grape variety. In Europe, centuries of wine growing heritage and terroir have shaped what varieties have become synonymous with a given region. Outside of Europe, the journey towards defining a region’s signature grape(s) is often a long and complicated one. But it has proven to be a successful strategy for putting a region on the world wine map, as evidenced by success stories like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or Argentinian Malbec.

I have long thought that Cabernet Franc could eventually emerge as a signature grape for the state of New York. With over 638 acres (258 hectares) planted, it is the state’s #1 planted red vitis vinifera variety and the second most planted vinifera variety overall behind Riesling. With the exception of the coldest growing regions in the northern part of the state, namely the Upper Hudson and the Champlain Valley, Cabernet Franc is grown in every other region with the Finger Lakes and Long Island leading the way with plantings. Moreover, the grape’s cold hardiness, ability to ripen successfully even in less favourable vintages, and its versatility and adaptability make it an ideal candidate to put forward to consumers and professionals alike as a leading variety for the state.

With a mutual appreciation for the state’s track record with the variety and an unabashed enthusiasm for its future, a group of eight New York wineries from the Finger Lakes, Long Island and the Hudson Valley came together last month to officially launch Cab Franc Forward, a state-wide initiative that recognizes Cabernet Franc as THE signature red grape for New York. This makes New York State the first wine region outside of Europe to adopt Cabernet Franc as a signature variety.

The long term vision for the initiative will feature events, focused tastings, and educational seminars geared towards both wine professionals and consumers, and will kick-off with a Grand Tasting on February 4th, 2025 at Astor Center in New York City, which will bring together producers from across the state to showcase the quality and diversity of New York State Cabernet Franc. Hermann J Wiemer owner Oskar Bynke notes “an inclusive-natured approach is generally a good idea. Cabernet Franc is one of the few varieties bringing us together within the state.”

And indeed, collaboration and a collective will can be a remarkable thing in elevating any cause that is worth while. As cliché as they sound, the expressions “strength in numbers” and “a rising tide lifts all ships” are tried and true sayings for a reason. With producers from across the state coming together as champions for a single grape, it can only mean good things for the future of Cabernet Franc in New York with respect to all aspects of the industry, from viticulture and winemaking practices to marketing and communication strategies, and much more. And on the heels of some very strong vintages for the grape across the state, namely 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, I am extremely bullish on the long term outlook for Cabernet Franc in New York and firmly believe the best has yet to come. As Max Rohn, CEO of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, remarked “as the grape is becoming popular worldwide, we believe New York is the gold standard for new world Cab Franc.”

For Cabernet Franc lovers in the United States and beyond, the future is very bright.

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‘Cab Franc Forward’ founding wineries:

Long Island: Macari Vineyards, Old Sound Vineyard, Paumanok, Wölffer Estate Vineyard

Hudson Valley: Milea Estate Vineyard, Fjord Vineyards

Finger Lakes: Boundary Breaks Vineyard, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard

For more information, or if you are a winery interested in participating at the event on February 4th, please contact Victoria or Mary Anne at hello@cabfrancforward.com.

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From the Archives!

Since launching Cab Franc Chronicles, I have featured several wines and producers in videos and written posts, and I’m proud that New York State Cabernet Franc represents the majority of my coverage on the variety from the United States. I look forward to profiling more of the region’s wineries and following and reporting on the evolution of the grape’s presence in the state over the years to come.

Boundary Breaks, 2018 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes (video)

Hermann J. Wiemer, 2019 ‘Magdalena Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes (video)

Forge Cellars, 2019 Willow Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes (video)

Bedell Cellars, 2019 Cabernet Franc, North Fork of Long Island (video)

Heron Hill, 2020 Ingle Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes (video)

Forge Cellars: 2021 Cabernet Francs

Macari, 2021 'Lifeforce' Cabernet Franc, North Fork of Long Island (video)

Hermann J. Wiemer, 2014 Magdalena Vineyard Cabernet Franc

A First Look at Hudson Valley Cabernet Franc