New York wines are stepping onto the world stage with growing momentum, capturing the attention of trade and consumers alike. While Finger Lakes Riesling has long been the region’s calling card, producers are now showcasing a broader range of cool-climate wines—Cabernet Franc, sparkling wines, and even hybrids—each with a distinctive sense of place.

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation (NYWGF) has been instrumental in driving this international growth, focusing on trade education, strategic partnerships, and immersive experiences for buyers and sommeliers. Meanwhile, industry voices like Dan Belmont of GWGP Trade are helping shape the narrative, using storytelling to connect audiences with New York’s small, family-owned wineries and their artisanal approach to winemaking. With targeted efforts in the UK, Scandinavia, and key European markets, the foundation is laying the groundwork for long-term success. But what’s next for New York wines? Where are the biggest opportunities, and how is the region defining itself in a crowded global landscape?

In this conversation with Dan Belmont from Good Wines Good People and Eleanor Standen, the UK Marketing Lead for New York Wines, we explore the strategies behind New York’s international expansion, the evolving perception of its wines, and why this cool-climate region is one to watch.

Image: Dan Belmont, Director & Wine Buyer @ Good Wine Good People & GWGP TRADE.

New York wines have been making impressive strides in key markets like the UK and Europe. From your perspective, what steps is the New York Wine & Grape Foundation taking to expand its presence in these important markets, and where do you see the most growth potential?

NYWGF: Over the last few years we’ve been working hard to raise awareness of New York wines in key markets across Europe and the UK through a series of virtual and in-person activities, initially targeting the trade and, more recently, consumers. A lot of the work has been education-based, using ambassadors to spread the word and inform about the region and the wines produced here via webinars and masterclasses, and developing the NYWGF’s reference guide. We have participated in Wine Paris for the last three years, which has been a great location to meet contacts across multiple countries. More recently, getting buyers and importers out to the region to meet the winemakers and taste wines in situ has been invaluable. 

Image: Hudson Valley Winemaker, Fjord Vineyards’ Matt Spaccarelli presenting at Wine Paris 2025.

Beyond the established markets, are there any emerging regions where New York wines are starting to gain interest? What strategies are being implemented to introduce and grow the category in these newer territories?

NYWGF: The key markets where we’re seeing a real appetite for wines from New York are the UK and Scandinavian countries. Because of this, we are trying to focus more activities in these locations to gain more traction.

Trade engagement is key to building long-term market success. What kind of activities or partnerships are you spearheading through GWGP TRADE to connect New York wineries with buyers, sommeliers, and retailers in international markets?

Dan: GWGP Trade's New York producers (Empire Estate & Fjord Vineyards) are members of the NYWGF Export Program, which drives exposure of our new-to-market products through key tastings, activations, and press. Our in-house efforts are fairly traditional with bi-annual portfolio tastings, and producer visits whenever possible.

Image: Last fall's Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London, in which New York Wines participated. The table was led by Apollo's Praise Winemaker Kelby James Russell and Wine Communicator Amelia Singer.

From a marketing and branding standpoint, how does New York differentiate itself on the global stage, especially in a landscape dominated by regions with centuries-old wine traditions?

Dan: New York will continue to establish itself in the minds of consumers as a destination for wine lovers – you're getting small, family owned producers crafting artisan products (no industrial sized producers here); you're getting amazing, specific, unique tasteable terroir, and proper cool climate wines boasting freshness and acidity, perfect for a wide range of occasions. 

You have a strong background in wine education and storytelling. How are you leveraging these skills to shape the narrative around New York wines, particularly for an audience that may not be as familiar with the region’s diversity?

Dan: Storytelling sits at the foundation of GWGP, and with the small producer production levels you have with New York Wines, there are a lot of great people's stories to tell! Our Meet the Maker video series celebrates several NY producers, and we're exploring a podcast-style format as another medium to spread the good New York wine word! 

Image: 'New York State of Wine: Live in London' - Event Link: https://goodwinegoodpeople.com/products/new-york-state-of-wine-tasting-tickets-saturday-17-may

At Wine Paris and beyond, what should buyers, importers, and sommeliers be paying attention to when it comes to New York wines? Are there any particular styles or producers that are making waves?

Dan: Finger Lakes Riesling has enjoyed much of the spotlight over the last 20 years, but our Cabernet Francs are vinified to great success statewide across all our major AVAs. Our cool climate regions have been producing exceptional quality sparkling wines from a variety of grapes and styles for over 150 years and they're only getting better. Our focus on sustainability, and improved winemaking and viticultural techniques are yielding exciting new wines from hybrid varieties that should be celebrated alongside our vinifera champions. The diversity of the grape varieties available in our cool climate context is unrivaled. 

Image: Finger Lakes AVA.

Conclusion:

As New York wines gain traction abroad, the region’s identity is becoming clearer: cool-climate precision, small-scale craftsmanship, and a dedication to both vinifera and hybrids that push the boundaries of tradition. While Riesling remains a flagship, Cabernet Franc, sparkling wines, and innovative varieties are proving just as compelling.

For NYWGF and producers like those at GWGP Trade, the focus is on long-term growth—deepening engagement with trade, elevating consumer awareness, and ensuring that New York wines are not just discovered but remembered. With the UK, Scandinavia, and Europe embracing their unique appeal, New York is no longer just an emerging region—it’s a serious player with a story worth telling.

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network

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Also Read:
Expanding the Table: How NY Wines is Growing Wine Engagement
Wine Made Personal: Dan Belmont’s Vision for Good Wine Good People
Sam Filler: Leading NY's Wine & Grape Excellence