Over 600 Trade, Media, and Consumer Attendees Gather for Landmark Tasting
February 4, 2026 (New York, NY) — Cab Franc Forward NY returned to Manhattan yesterday for its second annual Grand Tasting at the Prince George Ballroom, bringing together more than 600 trade professionals, media, influencers, and consumers to celebrate New York’s flagship red grape. The event reaffirmed Cabernet Franc’s growing prominence and highlighted the collaborative spirit of the state’s wine industry.
Organized by Cab Franc Forward NY, a grassroots initiative led by New York wineries, the tasting
continues to position Cabernet Franc as the state’s signature red variety and elevate its global reputation. Forty wineries from Long Island, the Hudson River Region, the Finger Lakes, and the Niagara Escarpment poured current releases and library selections, showcasing the breadth, balance, and age-worthiness that define New York Cabernet Franc.
The event received official recognition from New York State, including a letter of support from Governor Kathy Hochul. In the letter, the Governor praised the initiative, noting that “New York is fortunate to have a robust and thriving wine industry…Cab Franc Forward NY demonstrates this leadership by celebrating New York’s wine regions, family-owned farms, and multigenerational heritage.” The acknowledgment underscored the initiative’s growing cultural and economic significance statewide.
“Today marks a meaningful milestone for New York wine,” said Gabriella Macari, Co-Founder of Cab Franc Forward NY. “I have always believed that what we cultivate here deserves global recognition. Cabernet Franc expresses the balance, complexity, and character that define the state’s winegrowing regions. Seeing our wineries united around a shared vision reflects the strength and pride of New York’s wine community.”
“Cab Franc Forward NY was created by people who believe deeply in the future of New York wine,” said Max Rohn, Co-Founder of Cab Franc Forward NY. “This grassroots movement brings growers, winemakers, and advocates together to champion Cabernet Franc as a defining expression of our state. These wines capture New York’s energy and authenticity, and our collective ambition is to elevate them in the global wine conversation.”
Renowned wine educator Kevin Zraly hosted a sold-out masterclass on the evolution of New York Cabernet Franc, joined by an expert panel featuring Keith Beavers of VinePair, Kimberly Prokoshyn of Dunn & Sons, and Josh Nadel, MS of NoHo Hospitality. The conversation highlighted the grape’s versatility, its natural fit for New York’s climate and soils, and the growing national attention on the category.
Participating wineries represented a wide cross-section of the state’s wine regions and styles, showcasing everything from bright, aromatic expressions to structured, age-worthy bottlings. Throughout the day, discussions centered on sustainability, multigenerational stewardship, and the continued rise of New York Cabernet Franc as a benchmark variety.
ABOUT CAB FRANC FORWARD NY
Cab Franc Forward NY is a collective of New York wineries united in championing Cabernet Franc as the state’s flagship red grape. Co-founded by Gabriella Macari of Macari Vineyards and Max Rohn of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, the initiative brings together pioneering producers from the Finger Lakes, Hudson River Region, and Long Island to advance a shared vision through collaboration and education. The group highlights the diversity, quality, and global potential of New York Cabernet Franc while fostering a unified identity for the category. The Cab Franc Forward NY core committee includes Boundary Breaks Vineyard (Finger Lakes), Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Finger Lakes), Fjord Vineyards (Hudson River Region), Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard (Finger Lakes), Macari Vineyards (North Fork, Long Island), Milea Estate Vineyard (Hudson River Region), Paumanok Vineyards (North Fork, Long Island), and Wölffer Estate Vineyard (Long Island).
