Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1119418
22 | OHCC LIVING | JUNE 2019 | We all know that California is the leading wine producing state in the USA, with around 85 percent of the total production. However, how many know that the third leading state is not even on the West Coast? It is true – New York is the third leading wine producer in the USA, although it produces a small fraction of California's production. Wine has been produced in New York since it was New Amsterdam, and it flourished in the Finger Lakes region until wiped out by Prohibition in 1920. Traditionally, New York wines were produced from vitis labrusca grapes that produced a fruity and sweet wine, but in the early 60s the first wines from vinifera grapes were grown. Today nearly all the production is vinifera. About 90 percent of cultivated grapes in the world are Vitis vinifera. Vitis vinifera is commonly called The European grapevine that has ancestral roots in Iran. It includes wine grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and table grapes like Red Globe grapes. There are four major grape growing regions: • Long Island, both the North and South Forks but more famously the North. It has a long growing season and is tempered by the Gulf Stream. Both red and white are produced and some are good. • The Finger Lakes, upstate New York. The climate there resembles that of Germany and the wines produced are very similar to German wine. • The Hudson Valley, north of New York City, produces a smaller quantity of French style wines, white and red. • The Lake Erie region grows mostly Concord grapes (remember grape soda?) but some European style wine. One type grown in New York that you do not see everywhere is Cabernet Franc. It is originally from southwest France and has a softer feel than the usual Cabernet. For our club to taste New York wines we would have to order well ahead of the tasting and have it shipped. Very few shops in San Diego sell New York wines (North County Wine sometimes has a bottle or two.) If you like wine or want to learn more about it, the OHCC Wine Tasting Club could be for you. You can have any level of knowledge about wine to join this club – it is open to everyone! The club is comprised of several groups who get together once a month to taste a variety of wines, enjoy delicious appetizers while learning about wine and having lots of fun. Wine group gatherings include presentations and information about wines from around the globe. For more information about the Wine Tasting Club, please visit the club website on the OHCC website under "Recreation," "Clubs," "Wine Tasting." Annual dues are $14. Wine Tasting Club