Ria's Wines, Rose of Cabernet Franc, Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, New York 2024

Mike Penn and Ria d'Aversa met while studying Enology at UC Davis. After graduating, they honed their craft in Napa Valley and Sonoma County before moving to the Finger Lakes to start Ria's Wines.

Mike's passion and dedication to winemaking were clear early on; he graduated at the top of his class. While he focused on Enology and winemaking, Ria took a greater interest in the viticultural aspects of the business.

This is an outstanding rosé in a category that has been saturated over the years. Mike and Ria have masterfully used Bordeaux varieties—Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon—along with the up-and-coming Finger Lakes favorite, Blaufränkisch, to produce a delicious and utterly drinkable rosé.

The grapes were whole cluster pressed with minimal skin contact—just enough to achieve richness and weight while maintaining freshness and lightness.