NA wine in the Finger Lakes

Rochester resident Chris Clemens spends a lot of time in the Finger Lakes and has even more reason to visit these days: Several wineries are producing non-alcoholic wine. At last!
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Clemens, founder of the website NonROCaholic, has been shining the light on alcohol-free beverage options in the region for more than a decade. He’s featured grape juices made from wine grapes, spirit-free cocktails, and refreshing drinks like root beer and switchel, an old-school thirst quencher.

What’s different this year? “I can actually visit a winery AND have a glass of nonalcoholic wine,’’ Clemens noted recently on his social media platforms.
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The percentage of Americans who consume alcohol is on the decline (according to Gallup and other surveys). And wine producers in the Finger Lakes region, home to more than 130 wineries, are starting to cater to those who don’t drink, are drinking less (and less often), or are “sober curious.’’

Four Finger Lakes wineries are producing dealcoholized wines – and more are getting on board, according to Clemens. Each of these wines is just 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). 

Tabora Farm & Winery (Seneca Lake west): Tabora is known for its estate-grown wines, and that includes its recently introduced Cuvee Sans, a dealcoholized version of its semi-dry Cuveé Blanc. Cuvee Sans is a blend of Aurore, Cayuga White and Riesling grapes. It’s available for purchase at the winery (which also has a nice bakery and cafe).

Wagner Vineyards (Seneca Lake east): Wagner’s alternative to traditional wine is Enaye (pronounced NA), a dealcoholized Riesling introduced this year. Enaye is described as a bright, off-dry Riesling (not too sweet, not too dry). Look for it at the winery and in the online store.
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Weis Vineyards (Keuka Lake East): Weis introduced Ohne (pronounced OWN), a dealcoholized sparkling wine made from Gewürztraminer grapes, in July. The semi-dry wine is described as bright, crisp and lightly carbonated. Ohne, which means without in German, is available by the glass and bottle at the winery and can be purchased online.

​Fulkerson Winery and Farm (Seneca Lake West): This family-owned winery recently introduced two NA wines, a semi-dry Riesling and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Stop in the tasting room to give them a try.

Learn more: I wrote about alcohol-free options in the Finger Lakes for the 2024 edition of CNY Summer Guide, and Clemens was a big help. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook.