Wine & Spirits August edition found lots of New York wines to love, starting with Hermann J. Wiemer 2011 Seneca Lake Cuvee Brut (94, the highest score of any of the "Year's Best Summer Sparklers") joined by Atwater 2010 Finger Lakes Cuvee Brut (91).  Brooklyn Winery 2012 Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc received 90.

                  But once again it was the Rieslings which dominated, starting with 94 each for Hermann J. Wiemer 2014 Seneca Lake Late Harvest Riesling and 2013 Tierce Finger Lakes Dry Riesling, the unique collaborative wine made by three winemakers of which the 2010 vintage was the only white wine served at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration luncheon.

                  Anthony Road 2014 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling, Sheldrake Point 2013 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling, and Standing Stone 2014 Finger Lakes Riesling Ice each received 93, with scores of 92 going to Dr. Frank 2014 Semi-Dry Riesling; Lamoreaux Landing 2014 Finger Lakes Riesling Ice; Hermann J. Wiemer 2014 Seneca Lake HJW Vineyard Riesling, 2014 Seneca Lake Josef Vineyard Riesling, 2013 Seneca Lake Magdalena Vineyard Riesling, and 2013 Seneca Lake HJW Vineyard Riesling.  That winery also received 91 for its 2014 Seneca Lake Magdalena Vineyard Riesling, and 2013 Seneca Lake Late Harvest Riesling, and 90 for 2014 Seneca Lake Dry Riesling.  Bellangelo 2014 Seneca Lake Late Harvest Riesling also received 90.

                   These were all part of a feature, "Year's Best US Riesling", based on blind tastings by W&S tasters of 193 Rieslings.  Of ratings 90 and above, 2 were from California, 2 from Oregon, 3 from Washington--and 15 from the Finger Lakes.

                    In three weeks, the awesome Riesling Rendezvous will take place at Chateau Ste. Michelle and downtown Seattle, and happily there will be a strong Finger Lake presence.

                    Elsewhere, the Great Lakes Wine Competition yielded more New York medals, starting with Double Golds for Johnson Estate 2015 Liebestropfchen and Wagner 2012 Cabernet Franc.  Gold medals were awarded to 21 Brix 2014 Marquis; Johnson Estate 2013 Chambourcin, 2015 Concord, 2014 Founders Red, 2014 Marechal Foch, Port, 2014 Seyval, and 2014 Traminette; Lamoreaux Landing 2015 Moscato, and 2015 Vidal Ice Wine; and Wagner 2013 Semi-Dry Riesling.

                    Results from the great San Francisco International will be in next weekend's Wine Press.

                   Last Sunday, a dozen people from New York City flew into ROC, boarded a small van, and made their way to the New York Wine & Culinary Center in Canandaigua for a Welcome Luncheon to kick off a three-day visit to Finger Lakes wine country.

                   They were the latest wave of young sommeliers, wine store managers, and media representative to discover the fabulous wine country right in their own backyard.  None of them had ever been to the Finger Lakes before.

                   They toured the region, visited wineries, sipped Rose and sparkling wines during a boat tour of Seneca Lake, dined with winemakers, and sampled the exquisite local cuisine.  They were stunned by the beauty of the region, the friendliness of the people, and the quality of the wine and food. Some said they want to move here!  All went back to New York City as new ambassadors for the Finger Lakes.

                   These tours, including one each year to Long Island, are a key part of the "exchange program" we call NY Drinks NY.  The other part is having winery representatives go to the Big Apple each March to learn about and work the market there by conducting in-store tastings, winemakers' dinners, and participating in our Grand Tasting.

                   Over the years, we've hosted over 200 people on these trips, which means we now have 200 ambassadors spreading the word among their colleagues in the ultra-competitive New York City market. It's magic.

                       New York Maple Syrup production in 2016 increased by 18%, breaking last year's 70-year production record by over 100,000 gallons.

                       More than 700,000 gallons were produced, thanks to unusually warm temperatures causing an extended season, and keeping New York by far the second largest maple syrup producer in the country after neighboring Vermont.  New York accounts for about one-sixth of all US maple syrup, and the number of taps (now around 2.5 million) continues to climb.

                        Our friends in the maple industry do a great job and provide us with high-quality syrup, candies, and other products.  We always welcome them as a key partner at New York Farm Day in Washington, which this year will be September 14.

                        Rooftop Reds is the brand of a unique enterprise in Brooklyn--a rooftop vineyard at the Brooklyn Naval Yard.

                         Inspired by Brooklyn Grange, which produces fresh herbs, vegetables, and honey on New York City rooftops, some young entrepreneurs worked with a Finger Lakes winery to establish a small vineyard on the roof where Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are grown.

                         So far, so good, and they're hoping to release their first wine next year.  We'll be eager to try it.