The Vineyard

The Finger Lakes wine appellation is often compared to the German wine regions along the Rhine River. Riesling, one of the most important commercial wine grape varieties, also serves as the most prominent varietal on our vineyard, comprising over half of the 28 acres of plantings. The vineyard has significant plantings of other popular German varietals such as Gewurztraminer and Blaufrankisch, although the grapes of Burgundy and Bordeaux play an important role in our production as well.

The deep waters of the Finger Lakes help to moderate the local microclimate. Stored heat is released from the lakes during the winter, keeping the local climate relatively mild compared to surrounding areas and preventing early season frost. Viticulture on Skaneateles Lake is not without its challenges though. Being the highest of the Finger Lakes, at nearly 900 feet in elevation, Skaneateles is sometimes called the “Roof Garden of the Finger Lakes.” The colder temperatures due to elevation require extra care for the vines, but produce a one of a kind character expressed in the wines.

Here at White Birch, we employ earth-friendly farming techniques to the greatest extent that the local climate will permit. With green farming techniques, such as hoeing instead of herbicides and pest control using pheromones, White Birch helps foster cohabitation with and preservation of the local flora and fauna.