Empire Estate

Although many New York residents don’t realize it, the best region for Riesling is right in their backyard. Nestled in the heart of New York State, the Finger Lakes region has quietly emerged as a premier area for Riesling, challenging the notion that the best examples of this varietal are exclusively European. The region, a four-hour drive northwest of New York City, features 11 deep lakes, some of the most profound in the United States. These natural basins create a unique microclimate that moderates temperatures, providing an ideal environment for growing Riesling. The region’s glacial history has left behind a rich tapestry of soils, including gravels, limestone, clays, and shale, contributing to the complexity of the wines produced here.

Empire Estate was founded to harness the potential of this remarkable terroir and bring it to a broader audience. The winery is a collaboration between Thomas Pastuszak, the wine director at The Nomad Hotel in Manhattan, and Kelby James Russell, winemaker at Red Newt Cellars. Their shared vision was to create a wine that showcases the distinct qualities of the Finger Lakes, emphasizing a dry style of Riesling that is often overshadowed by its sweeter counterparts. Empire Estate’s Dry Riesling is crafted to highlight the nuanced characteristics of the grape and the region.

The vineyard sites selected for Empire Estate’s Dry Riesling are carefully chosen to represent the diverse characteristics of the Finger Lakes. The region’s varied soil composition and the influence of the deep lake basins allow the Riesling vines to thrive, producing grapes with a balance of acidity and minerality. The winery employs sustainable farming practices to maintain the health of the vineyards and ensure the quality of the fruit. These practices include minimal intervention in the vineyard, promoting biodiversity, and using cover crops to improve soil health and prevent erosion.
Empire Estate is committed to environmental stewardship, understanding that the long-term health of their vineyards depends on sustainable farming practices. The winery minimizes chemical use, opting for organic and biodynamic methods whenever possible. By fostering a balanced ecosystem, they ensure the vitality of their vines and the quality of their wines.

Fermentation is carried out in stainless steel tanks to retain the fresh, vibrant qualities of the Riesling. The wines undergo a slow, cool fermentation to enhance aromatic complexity and maintain a crisp, clean profile. Aging on the lees adds texture and depth, resulting in a wine that is both expressive and refined.