These 5 Small Producers Make the Best Fall Wines in NYC

These 5 Small Producers Make the Best Fall Wines in NYC

When fall arrives in New York, the city takes on a new rhythm. Rooftops turn into cozy dinner spots, farmers’ markets overflow with squash and apples, and suddenly, everyone’s craving wines that feel a little more layered and comforting. It’s the season for bottles that can handle rich meals, crisp evenings, and long conversations with friends.

At Vino Fine Wine & Spirits, we’re proud to fill our shelves with wines from small producers who care deeply about their craft. These aren’t mass-market labels. They’re thoughtful, small batch wines made by people who know their land and let it speak through the bottle. This fall, here are five producers we believe are making some of the best wines you can drink in NYC.


Macari Vineyards – North Fork, Long Island

Owned and operated by three generations of the Macari family, this 500-acre vineyard and farm in Mattituck has become one of the cornerstones of Long Island winemaking. Their approach is rooted in sustainability, from composting with manure from their Longhorn cattle to avoiding pesticides and herbicides. The wines lean into balance and finesse, with natural acidity and freshness at their core. Their Meadowlark label highlights small-production and experimental wines, offering everything from wild-ferment Sauvignon Blanc to pét-nats.

 

Photo Courtesy: macariwines.com

Why It Fits the Season: Macari’s reds, especially Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, bring spice and freshness that pair beautifully with roasted vegetables and braised meats. Even their Chardonnays, with lively acidity and texture, feel right at home next to fall seafood dishes or creamy risottos. These are wines that come alive in cooler weather, perfect for your NYC fall wine collection.

These wines are on our shelves and ready for you to try:


Ravines Wine Cellars – Finger Lakes

Founded by Morten and Lisa Hallgren, Ravines is a love story between food and wine. Morten, born in France and trained at top European wineries including Cos d’Estournel, saw the potential of Finger Lakes terroir to make world-class dry Riesling. Since their first vintage in 2002, Ravines has become one of the most respected producers in the region, with estate vineyards like White Springs, Argetsinger, and 16 Falls. Their Rieslings are bone-dry and mineral-driven, while their reds, like Pinot Noir and Bordeaux-style blends, bring elegance and finesse.

 

Photo Courtesy: @ravineswine

Why It Fits the Season: Ravines wines are layered and versatile, making them perfect for autumn tables. Their Rieslings mirror the season with bright acidity and mineral depth, pairing effortlessly with roast chicken, apple-based dishes, and hearty grains. Their reds bring a savory elegance that’s tailor-made for cool evenings.

We’ve got a few bottles from Ravines Wine Cellars at the store, including:


Wild Arc Farm – Hudson Valley

Wild Arc Farm is one of the most exciting names in New York’s wine scene. Todd Cavallo and Crystal Cornish, former Brooklynites, founded this Pine Bush farm with the vision of creating a sustainable, regenerative ecosystem. Today, they produce small-batch wines, piquette, cider, and more from a mix of hybrids and vinifera grapes, including Marquette, Traminette, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc. Known for their playful and experimental spirit, Wild Arc’s wines are vibrant, refreshing, and brimming with character.

 

Photo Courtesy: @wildarcfarm

Why It Fits the Season: Wild Arc is playful, energetic, and a little unexpected, just like autumn in New York. Their pét-nats bring a festive sparkle to gatherings, while their lighter reds and hybrids have the acidity to cut through richer seasonal fare. These are wines that feel at home at Friendsgiving tables or around a backyard fire.

You can find these Wild Arc Farm wines at our shop:


Forge Cellars – Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes

Forge Cellars is a collaborative project between Louis Barruol of Château Saint Cosme in France, Rick Rainey, and Justin Boyette. Situated on the southeast side of Seneca Lake, Forge is all about small-batch precision and terroir-driven wines. They specialize in bone-dry Riesling and cool-climate Pinot Noir, alongside Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Everything is done by hand, from harvest to sorting to fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Their Rieslings are racy and mineral-packed, while their reds offer elegance and texture.

 

Photo Courtesy: forgecellars.com

Why It Fits the Season: Forge wines are tailor-made for sweater weather. Their bone-dry Rieslings are crisp and precise, offering a refreshing counterpoint to richer fall dishes, while their Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc deliver silky texture and spice that feel like autumn in a glass. These bottles bring comfort without heaviness.

One bottle from Forge Cellars that’s in store right now:


Onabay Vineyards – North Fork, Long Island

Onabay Vineyards may be relatively new as a label, but the Anderson family has farmed this historic 180-acre property for decades. Today, 19 acres are planted with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Chardonnay, grown in soils of sand, loam, clay, and gravel moderated by Peconic Bay. The wines are crafted by a talented team and winemaker, with labels designed by Francesca Anderson and poetry from Mia Anderson. These wines are thoughtful, elegant, and deeply connected to the land.

 

Photo Courtesy: onabayvineyards.com

Why It Fits the Season: Onabay’s Merlot-based blends have the structure to pair with roast meats and hearty stews, while their whites maintain the freshness needed for seafood or lighter fare. There is something grounding about Onabay wines, the kind of bottles that invite you to slow down, savor, and enjoy the season.

We have a bottle from Onabay Vineyards on our shelves:


Why Small Producers Make Fall Drinking Better

Fall wines should be about more than weight, they should bring comfort, character, and a sense of place. Small producers like these deliver exactly that. Their bottles pair with the foods we crave this time of year, reflect the shifting season, and offer something soulful to share around the table. Their reds offer a savory elegance that’s perfect for cool evenings and the crisp nights you’ll enjoy with wine in NYC.

So whether you are hosting a dinner, planning a weekend getaway, or just curling up with a good book and a glass in hand, these five producers offer bottles that feel tailor-made for fall. At Vino Fine Wine & Spirits, we’re proud to feature wines that showcase the best of these small, artisanal producers. Add them to your fall wine collection today and experience the essence of the season right in the heart of NYC wine.

Back to blog

Leave a comment