Before Zoom became all the rage, I sat at my Arizona dining room table and zoomed with Hans Peter Weis, who was probably sitting in his cozy farmhouse overlooking Keuka Lake in western New York. In this article, the founder of Weis Vineyards Hammondsport discusses how he’s blending German winemaking traditions with the unique terroir of New York’s Finger Lakes region.
Soil: A Tale of Two Wine Regions
“There’s a wonderful acidity and minerality for each vineyard due to the diversity of soils found around Finger Lakes,” Hans Peter began, his eyes lighting up as he spoke about his adopted home. “There’s a different flavor from the claycious soil at the southern end of Seneca Lake, and that’s similar to here at Keuka Lake.”
Hans Peter, a native of Mosel (Zell), Germany, draws heavily from his family’s Rhineland winemaking traditions. “Our Riesling grapes are grown in locations where the slate content is high and similar to my Grandfather Peter’s vineyards back home,” explains the Weis Vineyards Hammondsport vintner.
Hans Peter Weis, a winemaker from the Mosel who now works in the Finger Lakes, notes the similarity, saying, “Both Mosel and Finger Lakes have microclimates with water bodies that reflect the sun and save heat during the night, and soil types with the slate that expresses in the wine.”
This combination of factors allows both regions to produce wines with similar characteristics of high acidity, minerality and aromatic complexity, particularly in their Rieslings.
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The Perfect Ingredients | Weis Vineyards Hammondsport
When asked about the similarities between his homeland and the Finger Lakes, Hans Peter’s passion was evident.
“Like cooking, if you have the right ingredients, you can make a good meal,” he said, referring to the region’s terroir. “Both Mosel and Finger Lakes have microclimates with water bodies that reflect the sun and save heat during the night, and soil types with the slate that expresses in the wine. You couldn’t get that in a warmer climate wine.”
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A Surprising Dry Riesling
As we move to tasting, I pour a glass of their dry Riesling. “Many people are hesitant to try dry Rieslings,” he noted, “but ours often surprises them.” Visitors would sip the dry Riesling in the Weis Vineyards Hammondsport tasting room, housed in what was once a one-room schoolhouse.
Indeed, the Weis Dry Riesling was a revelation. It lacked the heavy mouthfeel often associated with New World Rieslings, instead offering a crisp, mineral-driven experience that genuinely reflected the slate-rich soils of the region.
This dry Reisling and other wines, such as their 2018 Riesling Ice Wine, which was awarded the prestigious 2024 Governor’s Cup, make Weis Vineyards Hammondsport one of the best Finger Lakes wineries.
Indeed, the New York Wine Classic, organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, also presented the 2024 Winery of the Year award to Weis Vineyards Hammondsport.
Heart: A Home Away from Home
As our conversation drew to a close, Hans Peter spoke fondly of Hammondsport, the charming village near the winery. “Hammondsport is such a great little town with a square,” he said warmly. “To me, Hammondsport has a heart with that square. After wine tasting all day, it’s good to have dinner options.”
It’s clear that in the Finger Lakes, Hans Peter Weis has found not just a place to make wine but a true home away from home. His passion for winemaking and the region’s unique terroir has resulted in wines that beautifully bridge Old World traditions with New World innovation.
Portions of this interview with Hans Peter of Weis Vineyards Hammondsport originally appeared on UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel in December 2020.
Total Wine Delivers These Finger Lakes Wines to Your Home
What makes the terroir of the Finger Lakes similar to that of the Mosel region?
The terroir of the Finger Lakes shares several key similarities with Germany’s Mosel region:
Cool climate viticulture: Both regions have cool continental climates that are challenging for grape growing but allow for the production of crisp, high-acid wines.
Lake/river influence: The deep Finger Lakes moderate temperatures, similar to how the Mosel River influences the climate in that region. This helps extend the growing season and protect against extreme cold.
Slate soils: Many vineyards in both regions have slate-rich soils, contributing to minerality in the wines.
Steep slopes: The best vineyard sites in both areas are often on sloped terrain near water, which provides ideal drainage and sun exposure.
Riesling focus: Both regions excel at producing high-quality Riesling wines that showcase their terroir.
Microclimates: The varied topography creates numerous microclimates in both regions, allowing for diverse wine styles.
Cold winters: Both areas face harsh winter conditions that can threaten vines, requiring careful site selection and viticultural practices.
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Weis Vineyards Hammondsport New York USA
Location: 10014 Day Rd
Hammondsport, NY 14840
Phone: (607) 284-4011
Website: weisvineyards.com
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
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