Our Mission
Exceptional Riesling
We are on a mission to produce exceptional Riesling with minimal environmental impact, to future-proof our operations against the deleterious effects of climate change, and to contribute to the Finger Lakes AVA's reputation as a source of world-renown Riesling. Our formula includes cultivating healthy, well-balanced, Red Riesling (Roter Riesling) vines with open, sun-drenched canopies. Consequently, our grapevines are subject to large diurnal temperature ranges, benefit from maximum air circulation, and make the most efficient use of fungicides and premium farmland.
A truly unique vineyard
Cato Vineyards is the first vineyard in North America to cultivate Red Riesling (Roter Riesling) for wine production. Red Riesling (pictured right at the Hochschule Geisenheim vineyards in 2019) is a true Riesling. It's not a hybrid of white Riesling, and it is not a marketing campaign. Red Riesling is a centuries old Riesling clone essentially lost in obscurity until the end of the 20th century despite having a number of beneficial characteristics compared to its white-skinned progenitor. We are proud to be the first vineyard in North America to plant Red Riesling vines for wine production and to make it our specialty.
At home in the Finger Lakes
As Riesling is the signature grape of the Finger Lakes AVA, Red Riesling will surely be at home here. The AVA consists of 10,000 acres of vines and we are excited to contribute to New York's already thriving $7 Billion wine industry. Our vineyard is located in the Seneca Lake AVA (contained within the Finger Lakes AVA), on a wind-swept hilltop a half mile from the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. At an elevation of 1000 feet, our vineyard is one of the highest elevation vinifera vineyards in the Seneca Lake AVA. As a result, our vines are subject to reduced disease pressure, strong cooling breezes in the summer, and a bit of much needed extra warmth during the frigid winter months.