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Some of the country's oldest vineyards can be found in New York State.

The French Hugenots planted the first vines in the Hudson River Valley in New Paltz (now part of Ulster County) in 1677 -- 100 years before any vines were planted in California territory.

Since then, wineries have sprung up in every part of the state. Some of the most visited in the New York City area include Hudson River Valleu wineries and Long Island wineries. Upstate, the Catskill Mountains, Lake Erie and the Finger Lakes wine region also provide wine trails and other wine tourism attractions for a leisurely afternoon or weekend getaway.

Finger Lakes Wine Region

photo credit: Finger Lakes Wine Country

Among these, the Finger Lakes wine region is on par with some of the best wine regions in the country. The steep lakesides carved by ancient glaciers generate the unique microclimate for growing the grape in the Finger Lakes.The region's main attraction is the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the largest and most visited in New York State. Among its top wineries are The Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellar, and Fulkerson Wine Cellars.

North Fork, Long Island Wine Region

photo credit: Long Island Wine Country

New York also boasts another of America's traditional 'Top Ten' wine regions -- situated on Long Island. Just a two-hour ride from New York City lies the thin strip of prime wine real estate known as the North Fork, and a world away from the famous hubbub of Hampton Beaches to the south. In little over four decades, Long Island wine country has grown from one small vineyard to 2,500 acres of vines producing award-winning wines. Today, 1.3 million visitors flock to the region to sit and sip in an area described as "a cross between Tuscany and Cape Cod."

The entire range of wines made in New York include Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling wines -- produced in more than 200 wineries located in some of the most scenic areas of the state (like the Whitecliff Vineyards in Gardiner, NY, above.)

Just up ahead, find out more about wine trails, tours, tastings and events throughout the Empire State on the web:

More information about New York wine around the Web:

Uncork New York! - The state's major clearinghouse for updates, wine events, and complete guides to wine regions statewide including photos, maps, and a free newsletter.

New York Wine & Table - The online home to the public television series, providing a complete multimedia experience including video clips, interactive maps, and related information on wineries and vineyards throughout New York State.

New York Wineries - Use the interactive map or browse the list of New York wineries with information on tasting rooms, locations, and hours of operation.