New York State of Wine: The Sparkling Wines That Will Make You Forget Champagne (Almost)

Let me be honest with you for a second.

When most people think "New York wine," they picture... well, they don't picture wine at all. They picture a yellow cab, a slice of pizza, and maybe a very strong opinion about something. Wine? That's France's thing. Or California's. Or Italy's.

And that, my friend, is exactly the kind of thinking we're here to disrupt.

New York is quietly — and not so quietly — producing some of the most exciting, expressive, and downright fun wines in the country. And the sparkling wines? They're giving the big names a serious run for their money. We're talking bubbles with personality, made by women who are rewriting the rules of American winemaking one bottle at a time.

This is Part 1 of our three-part New York wine series, and we're starting with the good stuff: the fizz, the sparkle, the "wait, this is from New York?" wines that are about to become your new obsession.

Why New York Sparkling Wine Deserves Your Attention

New York has two major wine regions that are absolutely thriving: the Finger Lakes in the center of the state, and Long Island's North Fork stretching out toward the Atlantic. Both regions have something in common — cool climates, dramatic seasonal shifts, and winemakers who are deeply, almost stubbornly committed to making wines that reflect exactly where they come from.

For sparkling wine, cool climates are everything. The same reason Champagne works in northern France is the reason the Finger Lakes produces sparkling wines with that electric acidity, those fine persistent bubbles, and that gorgeous tension between fruit and minerality. It's not an accident. It's terroir doing its thing.

And then there's Brooklyn Oenology — a winery that started in Brooklyn (yes, that Brooklyn) and sources fruit from the North Fork of Long Island's Peconic Bay. They're doing something entirely different: canned wine spritzers that are low-alcohol, wildly flavorful, and made by a woman who has been championing New York wine for over two decades.

Meet the Makers

Brooklyn Oenology (BOE) was founded by Alie Shaper, a woman winemaker who has been making wine in New York since before it was cool to do so. Her CANette line is a love letter to accessibility — wine that doesn't take itself too seriously, that you can bring to a picnic or a rooftop without a second thought, and that still delivers real winemaking craft in every sip. BOE is woman-owned, and Alie's commitment to the North Fork terroir is evident in every can.

Red Tail Ridge Winery in the Finger Lakes is the project of winemaker Nancy Irelan, another woman who left a career in science to pursue her passion for wine. Her Extra Brut Sparkling is made in the traditional method — the same labor-intensive process used in Champagne — and it shows. This is a serious wine that happens to be made by someone who is serious about doing things right.

The Wines

Brooklyn Oenology CANette Pomegranate + Lime Rosé Spritzer — $8.41

This little can is a summer party in 350ml. Pomegranate brings a tart, jewel-toned depth; lime keeps it bright and refreshing; and the gentle sparkle makes it feel festive without the fuss. At 6% ABV, it's the wine you can sip all afternoon without losing the plot. Perfect for brunch, beach days, or honestly just a Tuesday when you deserve something pretty.

Pairs beautifully with: grilled shrimp, watermelon salad, light appetizers, or nothing at all — just drink it.

Brooklyn Oenology CANette Apple + Ginger White Wine Spritzer — $9.89

Apple and ginger is one of those flavor combinations that sounds simple until you taste it and realize it's actually genius. Crisp, slightly spicy, and endlessly refreshing. This one is for the person who thinks they don't like wine — because after one sip, they will.

Pairs beautifully with: Asian-inspired dishes, spicy food, cheese boards, or a good book on the porch.

Brooklyn Oenology CANette Orange + Cardamom Red Wine Spritzer — $8.41

Here's where things get interesting. A red wine spritzer with orange and cardamom? Yes. And it works. The cardamom adds this warm, aromatic spice that plays beautifully against the fruit of the red wine base. It's unexpected, it's sophisticated, and it's the conversation starter at every gathering.

Pairs beautifully with: charcuterie, dark chocolate, spiced dishes, or anything you'd normally pair with a light red.

2020 Red Tail Ridge Extra Brut Sparkling, Finger Lakes, New York — $36.00

This is the showstopper. Made from Riesling grapes in the Sekt style (a German sparkling wine tradition that translates beautifully to the Finger Lakes), this Extra Brut is bone-dry, intensely mineral, and absolutely electric. The bubbles are fine and persistent, the acidity is mouthwatering, and the finish goes on and on. This is the wine you open when you want to impress someone — including yourself.

Pairs beautifully with: oysters, sushi, delicate fish dishes, or as an aperitif before a special dinner.

Free Shipping on 6 Bottles or More

Here's a thought: mix and match your New York sparkling lineup. Three BOE CANettes plus the Red Tail Ridge plus two more from our collection = free shipping. Just saying. 📦✨

The Bigger Picture

What we love most about these wines isn't just how they taste — it's who made them. Every bottle and can in this lineup was crafted by a woman. In an industry that has historically centered men as the experts, the gatekeepers, the authorities, these winemakers are proof that the future of American wine looks different. And it tastes better for it.

When you buy these wines, you're not just buying a drink. You're voting with your dollars for a wine world that makes room for everyone.

Continue the Series

• 🍷 Part 2: New York White Wines — Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc & Beyond (coming soon)
• 🍷 Part 3: New York Red Wines — The Reds That Will Change Your Mind (coming soon)

Related Reading from The Wine Concierge

• Sparkling Wine Is Not Just for New Year's Eve
• The Hidden Gem of Sparkling Wine: Why Cap Classique Deserves a Place on Your Table
• Women Winemakers in Emerging Regions: Pioneering New Frontiers