EXCURSIONS OFF THE RIESLING TRAIL Jamal Rayyis · Tara Thomas · Lisa Granick MW Sunday 3:15–5:00 PM · Dr. Konstantin Frank
With a challenging climate, the Finger Lakes have long been a region of experimentation – whether through research on hybrids at Cornell’s Geneva Station, or relentless trials with vinifera dating back to Konstantin Frank’s work in the 1950s until the present day. While Riesling has emerged as the Finger Lake’s hallmark grape, other, less-known varieties have become unique references for the region. Georgian-origin Rkatsiteli and Saperavi are prominent among these, but others from Austria, Germany and northern Italy are showing their worth, too. And, in an ironic twist, there is revived appreciation for hybrid and labrusca grapes. We will explore some of the varieties and wine styles representing this current trend alongside their European inspirations and discuss how taking the road less-travelled can help Finger Lakes winemakers manage these uncertain times.
Flight 1 1.Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli, 2025Finger Lakes, NY 2.Casreli Marani “Amidasturi”, NVKakheti, Georgia 3.Standing Stone Saperavi, 2024Finger Lakes, NY 4.Mukado Saperavi, NVKartli, Georgia Flight 2 5.Fox Run Grüner Veltliner, 2025Finger Lakes, NY 6.Fritsch Ried Steinberg Grüner Veltliner, 2023Wagram, Austria 7.Heart & Hands Esoterra, 2023Finger Lakes, NY 8.Ambrositsch Gemischter Satz “Ringelspiel”, 2021Wien, Austria Flight 39.Keuka Lake Vineyards Skin-Fermented Vignoles, 2021Finger Lakes, NY 10.Fio Wines Mosel Glou Glou, 2024Mosel, Germany 11.Usonia Good Spirit, 2024Finger Lakes, NY 12.Vignoble du Rêveur “Rien ne Bouge”, 2023Vin de France Flight 4 13.Ravines Agricolae Keuka Red, 2022Finger Lakes, NY 14.Marcus Sara Schioppettino Friuli Colli Orientali, 2023Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy
A MASTERCLASS IN IGNORANCE: REGIONAL PROMINENCE TO GLOBAL RELEVANCE Clive Pursehouse · Jade Palmer DipWSET · Anna Katherine Mansfield · Erin McMurrough · Nova Cadamatre MW Sunday 1:00–2:45 PM · Heron Hill The Finger Lakes has spent a generation making the case for Riesling. Join moderator Clive Pursehouse and panelists Dr. Anna Katherine Mansfield (Cornell), Jade Palmer DipWSET, Erin McMurrough (Little Clover Wine Company), and Nova Cadamatre MW (Trestle 31) for a structured, unsentimental look at a region that has earned its place on the global wine map. Through fourteen wines placed in direct conversation with benchmarks from around the world, we'll examine what the Finger Lakes has actually built and hold it, without apology, against the best the world has to offer.
Flight 1 1.Little Clover Cayuga White Brut, 2023Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, NY 2.Peter Lauer Riesling Sekt Brut Nature, 2023Saar, Germany 3.Ravines Argetsinger Vineyard Riesling, 2021Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, NY 4.Knewitz Hundertgulden Riesling Grosses Gewächs, 2024Rheinhessen, Germany Flight 2 5.Trestle 31 Chardonnay, 2021Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, NY 6.Domaine Balland-Curtet Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Sous Le Puits, 2024Burgundy, France Flight 3 7.Ryan Williams Pinot Noir, 2017Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, NY 8.J. Hofstätter Pinot Nero Barthenau, 2021Alto Adige, Italy 9.Hosmer Cabernet Franc, 2024Cayuga Lake, Finger Lakes, NY 10.Philippe Alliet Chinon Vieilles Vignes, 2022Loire, France
Obsessed with sparkling wine! Also love spreading the good word about Wineries Without Walls, a loose collective of micro-producers in the Finger Lakes.
THE NEW WINE WORD: COMMS FOR AN EVOLVING AUDIENCE Maiah Johnson Dunn · Clive Pursehouse · Christina Pickard · Tyler Balliet · Maryam Ahmed Sunday 3:15–5:00 PM · Heron Hill
Consider this: The wine world doesn’t have an audience problem—it has a communication problem.
Wine drinkers are becoming more curious, diverse, and culturally engaged, while the language around wine still feels exclusive, outdated, and often disconnected from how people actually experience it. So, what needs to change, and who gets to lead that charge?
Join moderator Maiah Johnson Dunn (wine writer and educator) in conversation with Clive Pursehouse (Forbes Wine), Christina Pickard (Wine Enthusiast), Tyler Balliet (The Rebel School of Wine), and Maryam Ahmed (Maryam + Company, Field Blends) for an unfiltered take on the state of wine communication today.
Across journalism, education, marketing, and community-building, each is challenging the entrenched norms and rewriting the rules: from how stories are told to who gets invited into the conversation. Together, they’ll dig into what’s broken, what’s worth preserving, and what it actually takes to connect with audiences in ways that feel honest, compelling, and relevant to now.
Expect strong opinions and practical takeaways for anyone ready to rethink how wine is talked about, sold, and shared.
Flight 1 1.Sheldrake Point Beta Series Blanc de Franc, 2023Cayuga Lake, Finger Lakes, NY 2.Cristom Vineyards Eileen Vineyard Chardonnay, 2023Eola-Amity Hills, OR 3.Ria’s Wines Viva Riesling, 2024Finger Lakes, NY 4.Maryam + Company × Massican, 2023Napa, CA Flight 2 5.B. Stuyvesant Brut Rosé Champagne, NVChampagne, France 6.(Blind #1) 7.(Blind #2) 8.(Blind #3)
WINE, WELLNESS, AND OTHER MODERN CONTRADICTIONS Maryam Ahmed · Samantha Cole-Johnson · Jon Ross · Dr. Max Wallace Monday 10:00–11:45 AM · Anthony Road
The prevailing narrative places wine and wellness on opposite ends of the spectrum. One is framed as indulgence, the other as discipline. One promises pleasure, the other control. But as rates of loneliness climb, burnout becomes commonplace, and hospitality grapples with how to care for both guests and workers, perhaps we're asking the wrong (or at least insufficient) questions. Join moderator Maryam Ahmed (Maryam + Company) and panelists Samantha Cole-Johnson (Senior Editor US, JancisRobinson.com), Jon Ross (Co-founder, Legend Imports), and Dr. Max Wallace (Clinical Psychologist and Certified Sommelier/WSET 3) for a conversation that goes beyond supplements, step counts, and hangover discourse. Through a tasting of exceptional wines, we'll interrogate connection, mental health, labor, community, and the role of pleasure in a meaningful life. Because if wellness is only about what we eliminate, we’re missing the point entirely.
Flight 1 1.Mt. Yengo Brut, NVAdelaide Hills, South Australia 2.Fio ‘Teppo’ Riesling Trocken, 2020Mosel, Germany 3.A.J. Adam Häs’chen Riesling GG, 2023Mosel, Germany 4.Chalmers Greco, 2021Heathcote, Victoria, Australia Flight 2 5.Frog’s Leap La Grenouille Rouganté Rosé, 2025Redwood Valley, CA 6.Dr. Lippold ANTE Ürziger Würzgarten-Neuberg, 2018Mosel, Germany 7.Commonwealth Crush Ghost in the Scene, 2025Virginia, USA 8.Hermann Wiemer Josef Vineyard Noble Select, 2014Finger Lakes, NY
Sam has been writing for JancisRobinson.com since her Diary of a Willamette cellar rat series in 2019. Since then, she has worked five harvests (bouncing hemispheres), collected her DipWSET, been shortlisted once for a Roederer International Wine Writers Award and twice for the IWSC... Read More →
THE CULT RIESLINGS OF AUSTRALASIA An Exploration of Fine & Rare Rieslings from Australia and New Zealand Christina Pickard · Simon Buck · Sebastian Hardy · Colleen Hardy · Gordon Little Monday 10:00–11:45 AM · Keuka Spring
A tasting of over a dozen of Australia and New Zealand's finest—and rarely seen Stateside—Rieslings, hand-chosen and presented by Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large and Reviewer, Christina, who has covered these countries for over a decade. She'll be joined by Aussie-Finger Lakes winemaking couple, Sebastian and Colleen Hardy of Living Roots, Simon Buck of New Zealand's Te Mata Estate, and Gordon Little, of Little Peacock, an Australian specialist importer. Join them for a deep dive into the diverse regions and styles of these important and overlooked Southern Hemisphere winemaking nations.
Opening 1.Living Roots Rizz Fizz, 2021Adelaide Hills, South Australia New Zealand 2.Prophet’s Rock Dry Riesling, 2022Central Otago, New Zealand 3.Rippon “Mature Vine” Riesling, 2023Central Otago, New Zealand 4.Dry River Craighall Riesling, 2014Martinborough, New Zealand 5.Pegasus Bay Aria, 2008Waipara, Canterbury, New Zealand Australia: Clare Valley & Eden Valley 6.Grosset Polish Hill, 2025Clare Valley, South Australia 7.Koerner, 2023Clare Valley, South Australia 8.Jim Barry LoosenBarry “Wolta Wolta”, 2017Clare Valley, South Australia 9.Henschke “Julius”, 2025Eden Valley, South Australia Australia: Great Southern & Tasmania 10.Forrest Hill Block 2 Riesling, 2025Great Southern, Western Australia 11.Alkoomi, 2022Great Southern, Western Australia 12.Stargazer Estate, 2023Tasmania, Australia 13.Small Wonder, 2025Tasmania, Australia Closing 14.Te Mata Bullnose SyrahHawke’s Bay, New Zealand
THIS SESSION CONTAINS SULFITES How the FLX and Beyond Uses Sulfur Dioxide in Winemaking Dr. Jamie Goode · Dr. Gavin Sacks · Dr. Rachel Allison Monday 10:00–11:45 AM · Fox Run
Flight 1 1.Montezuma Winery Voleur Dry, 2024Finger Lakes, NY 2.Fox Run Dry Riesling, 2025Finger Lakes, NY 3.Glenora Wine Cellars Dry Riesling, 2024Finger Lakes, NY Flight 2 4.Hillick & Hobbs Estate Riesling, 2023Finger Lakes, NY 5.Anthony Road Art Series Riesling, 2019Finger Lakes, NY 6.Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Ruppertsberg Riesling [Trocken], 2023Pfalz, Germany Flight 3 7.Glow Glow Nahe Riesling, 2024Nahe, Germany 8.Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Riesling, 2023Alsace, France 9.Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese, 2023Mosel, Germany
We are thrilled to host an exciting evening seminar at the Smith Opera House with Valerie Kathawala and Paula Redes Sidore, the brilliant duo behind TRINK Magazine, the only English-language publication devoted to the wines of Alsace, Austria, Germany, South Tyrol, and Switzerland. Trink Magazine presents TRINK: UNBOUND, a live podcast format bringing Valerie Kathawala and Paula Redes Sidore’s sharp, thoughtful perspective to FLXcursion for a dynamic conversation on how historic wine identities are evolving in real time. Together, Valerie and Paula will explore the tension between tradition and modernity, from climate change and shifting bureaucracy to Germany’s 2026 classification rollout and the Finger Lakes’ movement toward single-vineyard delineation. The conversation will also examine the stylistic shift beyond rigid categories, including the pivot from Prädikat to Landwein in Germany and parallel conversations taking place in the United States. Finally, the seminar will look at wine through the lens of structure, phenolics, and texture, considering what white wine producers are learning from red wine techniques and how these evolving practices are reshaping the way we understand style, place, and identity.
A conversation with growers from Germany, Austria, and the FLX.
1st Hour / Panel 1: Rewriting the Rules. An exploration of evolving wine laws and classification in Germany/Austria, how growers work within and outside these rules, and how FLX is developing in this context.
2nd Hour / Panel 2: The Style Shift. A look at Riesling’s evolution in structure, texture, and phenolics — from skin ferments to traditional method Sekt — and what’s driving this shift in farming, climate, and cellar technique.
WHAT DOES RIESLING WANT? A Conversation with Growers from Germany, Austria, and the Finger Lakes Valerie Kathawala · Paula Sidore 3:00-5:00pm · The Smith
1.A.J. Adam Dhroner Hofberg Riesling, 2024Mosel, Germany 2.Koehler-Ruprecht Kallstadter Saumagen Riesling, 2021Pfalz, Germany 3.Weingut Heinrich Spindler Kirchenstück Riesling Trocken Grosse Lage, 2023Pfalz, Germany 4.Weingut Heinrich Spindler Kirchenstück Riesling Trocken Grosse Lage, 2021Pfalz, Germany 5.Nikolaihof Steiner Hund Riesling, 2019Kremstal, Austria 6.Apollo's Praise Dry Riesling, 2025Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, NY 7.Apollo's Praise Riesling [Kabinett], 2025Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, NY 8.Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett, 2024Mosel, Germany 9.Weingut Sommer Handwerk Riesling, 2021Leithaberg, Austria 10.Jurtschitsch Heiligenstein Riesling, 2023Kamptal, Austria 11.Jurtschitsch Heiligenstein Riesling, 2016Kamptal, Austria 12.Lukas Hammelmann Riesling Klostergarten Trocken, 2023Pfalz, Germany 13.Hermann J. Wiemer Bio Riesling, 2023Finger Lakes, NY 14.Dr. Lippold Signature Brut Nature, 2014Finger Lakes, NY 15.Dr. Frank Riesling Nature Sparkling, 2021Finger Lakes, NY
Co-publisher, German regional editor jancisrobinson.com, TRINK Magazine
Writing, hiking, literature, old Riesling and young Scheurebe, the absurdity of the German language, intriguing anecdotes.For the boring details, see more here: https://trinkmag.com/writers/p-sidore/
