New York’s Cabernet Franc is making waves in the wine world, thanks to a growing movement among the state’s winemakers to elevate its profile. Northforker recently reported on the success of Cab Franc Forward, a grassroots collective of Empire State wine producers who believe the grape deserves a place on the national stage. Their inaugural public tasting event, held at Manhattan’s Prince George Ballroom, drew more than 500 attendees, including sommeliers, buyers, critics, and consumers eager to explore the potential of New York-grown Cabernet Franc. The event showcased Cabernet Franc from 35 wineries spanning Long Island, the Hudson River Valley, and the Finger Lakes—each region bringing its own expression of the grape. The gathering was a statement of unity, demonstrating the strength of New York’s wine industry when its regions work together. Northforker highlighted the sentiment among winemakers that Cabernet Franc could be the signature varietal New York has been searching for—one that sets it apart from other American wine regions.
Roman Roth of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, a founding member of Cab Franc Forward, expressed his excitement about the movement’s momentum and the grape’s potential to boost state pride. “I think cab franc can be that wine that makes New Yorkers confident to say, hey, I’m in New York, I want to share [a New York wine] with my friends! Or if I’m a visitor from overseas, I want to taste the New York cab franc,” Roth told Northforker.
Winemakers and industry professionals believe the grape’s bright acidity, moderate tannins, and ability to thrive in New York’s climate make it a natural choice for a flagship wine. Unlike the more widely known Cabernet Sauvignon, which often requires a warmer growing season, Cabernet Franc adapts well to New York’s varied terroirs, from the maritime influences of the North Fork to the cool-climate vineyards of the Finger Lakes. Cab Franc Forward’s tasting event marks a pivotal moment for the industry, demonstrating that New York’s winemakers are ready to champion a grape that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the great wines of the world. With increasing recognition and a growing consumer base, New York’s Cabernet Franc is no longer just a regional secret—it’s a rising star in the American wine scene.
(Source: Northforker, “New York Cabernet Franc Makes a Splash,” February 2025)
