originally posted by Robert Dentice:
Wineries:
Bloomer Creek
Heart & Hands
Ravines
Red Newt
Silver Thread
Vineyard:
Argetsinger Vineyard
I like this list, though let me make a few comments and additions.
Silver Thread is under new ownership, though the general approach hasn't changed.
A number of producers are starting to bottle (pricey) single-vineyard wines that may help give an idea of terroir: Ravines has made a Riesling from the Argetsinger Vineyard since 2007, Red Newt is now bottling single-vineyard Rieslings, and Herman Wiemer (also under new management in the last few years) bottles Rieslings from the Herman J. Wiemer (HJW) and Magdelena vineyards. The last pair are quite distinct, though it may require an appointment with the winemaker to taste them. Oh, and the 2010 Cab Franc from Eminence Road is labeled as from a single Finger Lakes vineyard, but there are others here who can tell you a lot more about that (the bottle I drank was lovely, though, and not pricey).
Mark Veraguth, head winemaker at Dr. Frank, is an interesting guy who can tell you a lot about grape growing and wine making in the Finger Lakes. Morten Hallgren at Ravines is another good person to talk to. Rob Thomas at Shalestone produces only reds, mainly from estate grapes. I've always enjoyed talking to him in the tasting room.
There's a relatively new winery, Red Tail Ridge, which is run by a couple who came from California. The wife previously held a fairly high position at Gallo. They could certainly contrast California and the Finger Lakes.