Demand grows for NY sparkling wines

My Latest in The Drinks Business:

Demand grows for New York sparkling wines

by L.M. Archer

New York’s Long Island and Finger Lakes regions offer some surprisingly affordable – and sustainable – sparkling wines.

Long Island and the Finger Lakes may differ in proximity, but not in philosophy as both lead the way in sustainable vineyard practices.

In terms of certifying bodies, New York Sustainable Winegrowing (NYSW) offers third-party verified certification statewide, while Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing (LISW) offers the same to Long Island winegrowers specifically.

“Sparkling wines require a meticulous approach to vineyard management to ensure that grapes retain the right acidity and freshness,” explains Richard Olsen-Harbich of Bedell Cellars, founder of LISW.

“LISW guidelines emphasise soil health, pest management, and water use efficiency—key factors for the production of high-quality sparkling wine. Sustainable practices contribute to healthier, more resilient vines, helping sparkling wine producers achieve the desired balance of ripeness and acidity essential for this style of wine.”

Nonprofit
Established in 2012, LISW ranks as the East Coast’s earliest sustainability certification programme. Currently, 22 of Long Island’s 57 vineyards participate in the nonprofit scheme.

“Sustainability is the best path forward for eco-friendly winegrowing in our region, and LISW’s certification is uniquely tailored to address our local conditions, making it a highly effective approach,” says Olsen-Harbich, Long Island’s longest tenured winemaker.

“Unlike operations like the National Organic Program (NOP), which is primarily designed around West Coast conditions, and often proves problematic for East Coast growers, or the Demeter biodynamic (BD) programme, which lacks scientific validation, LISW focuses on research- driven practices that work specifically for us,” he says.

“LISW is not just a set of farming practices; it’s a philosophy that prioritises sustainability, ensuring that wineries and vineyards operate in harmony with the environment while respecting the needs of future generations,” underscores Gilles Martin, veteran bubble maker at Sparking Pointe Winery on North Fork. READ MORE HERE.

I’m delighted to share my feature on New York’s sustainable sparkling wines with you here.

Read more of my work here.