Hermann J. Wiemer is one of the most influential and respected wineries in New York’s Finger Lakes, often credited with helping establish the region as a serious contender in the world of fine wine. Founded in the late 1970s by Hermann Wiemer, a German-born winemaker from the Mosel Valley, the estate brought centuries of European viticultural knowledge to the cool-climate terroir of Seneca Lake. Wiemer was convinced that the Finger Lakes’ glacial soils, steep slopes, and moderating lake effect made it an ideal place for Riesling—a belief that proved correct and helped transform the region’s reputation.

The winery became a pioneer in several key areas. Wiemer was among the first to plant European vinifera varieties, especially Riesling, at a time when much of New York still relied on native and hybrid grapes. He also introduced meticulous vineyard practices, clonal selection, and a focus on sustainability long before they became widespread. Today, the estate farms its vineyards organically, using careful canopy management and low yields to ensure concentration and purity.

Stylistically, Hermann J. Wiemer wines emphasize precision, balance, and terroir expression. Riesling is the flagship, produced in multiple styles ranging from bone-dry to late-harvest and ice wine, all showing clarity and elegance. The winery also produces excellent sparkling wines, as well as Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc, each crafted with the same attention to detail.

Even after Hermann Wiemer retired, the winery has continued to thrive under the stewardship of winemaker Fred Merwarth and agronomist Oskar Bynke, who have carried forward the founder’s philosophy while expanding the estate’s influence. Today, Hermann J. Wiemer stands as a benchmark for cool-climate winemaking in the United States.

As a brand, Hermann J. Wiemer represents heritage, innovation, and authenticity. It is a symbol of the Finger Lakes’ potential, a bridge between Old World expertise and New World terroir, and a name that has become synonymous with some of the finest Rieslings made outside Germany.