When asking about Hermann J Wiemer, HJW, you hear of nothing but respect and comments like “legendary” and “visionary” are just a few of the many superlatives attached to the winery.

Hermann J Wiemer, the man behind the wines, started the winery in the late 1960s planting Riesling – being German it was all he knew. With his knowledge and love of Riesling came the all-knowing German technique of perfection – a tradition that has been passed on to this current day. Only the best grapes are used, everything is hand-picked and it isn’t abnormal for the vintage team to be in the vineyard from dusk to dawn to ensure that only the best are sourced. Oskar, the viticulturist and sales manager, notes “we use only the best to create only the best”.

It is a recipe that is working – as they are claimed to be the best producer of Riesling in all of the states. They have appeared in Wine Spectators Top 100 wines (2010) and have been in Wine and Spirits Top 100 wineries 5 years in a row. Top wine critics such as Robert Parker, Stuart Pigott, Jancis Robinson all agree that this is a world-class estate.

Their Rieslings are particularly fantastic but alongside Chateau Frank, of Dr Frank winery, they are revolutionary in their methode traditionelle bubbles, thanks to both of the wineries now New York State is one of the leading regions worldwide for quality sparkling wine. Their Gewurztraminer also uses some of the odldest vines in New York State – planted in the late 1960s.

Check out their website