FLX Wines Go Global: Europe Tour wraps, California Festival and More

FLX Goes to Europe

The New York Wine & Grape Foundation just wrapped an 8 day trade mission to Europe designed to build meaningful connections with wine communities around the world. Representing the FLX were producers Buttonwood Grove, Apollo’s Praise, Ria’s Wines, Six Eighty Cellars and Hosmer Winery.

Beginning on February 5, the New York delegation took part in a trade tasting at Sjømagasinet in Oslo, then on to a tasting and dinner at Cirkel Ordenen Selskabslokaler in Copenhagen. The NYWGF said that “the energy around these NY bottles was undeniable. Further proof that New York wines aren't emerging — they've arrived."

The next stop was the Wine Paris Expo, the world's largest wine trade show with more than 6,000 exhibitors from 60 countries. Strengthening transatlantic ties, Buttonwood’s Dave Pittard connected with their Norwegian distributor at the Wine Paris winemaker’s dinner. Just three weeks after officially accepting Wine Enthusiast’s Region of the Year award at the Wine Star Awards, the New York delegation brought FLX wines to a truly global stage in Paris.

The final stop on the Grand Tour was London for an industry tasting at The Light Bar. In attendance was the legendary Oz Clarke, author of The History of Wine in 100 Bottles and many other great wine books. Apollo’s Praise also took part in a Valentine’s Day pouring at Doppo Soho in London, featuring bottles of Scheurebe and The Knoll both from their Lahoma Vineyard.

FLX Goes to California

Several FLX wines were poured at the International White Wine Festival this weekend in California’s Anderson Valley. The FLX Wine Alliance presented bottles from Trestle Thirty One, Six Eighty Cellars, Living Roots, Knapp, Buttonwood Grove, Dr. Konstantin Frank, and Apollo’s Praise.

The presentation focused on Riesling, showing the diversity of styles produced in the FLX. Bottles of Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Siegerrebe were also on hand. “The wines were met with tremendous enthusiasm, sparking thoughtful conversations and generous compliments throughout the weekend. Love was truly in the air,” said the FLX Wine Alliance.

New Fellowship to Bring in Underrepresented Voices

Point of the Bluff Vineyards recently announced a new fellowship opportunity. “This isn’t a typical internship — it’s a paid, hands-on path into wine leadership, complete with mentorship and the opportunity to launch your own funded wine label,” the Keuka Lake winery posted. “We created this role to help grow underrepresented voices and build the next generation of Finger Lakes wine leaders.”

The fellowship is part of Point of the Bluff Hospitality's new FLX Crush start up. "FLX Crush is a new custom crush and incubator program that brings in viticulturalists, winemakers, sommeliers, restaurants, wine afficionados or even other wineries that need a home to produce their own small label or smaller lot productions that may not work at existing larger wineries."

Describing the role as a paid intern-proprietor position, the opportunity includes up to 200 cases fully financed, real ownership and mentorship, and will run from May to December 2026. Diversity builds strength and it’s wonderful to see an FLX winery leading the way with a program like this. Interested applicants can send a cover letter and resume to jordan@pointofthebluff.com.

Sustainability Week in NYC

From February 23 – March 1 several FLX wines will be served as part of a series of restaurant events in the city to showcase wines pressed from grapes that are good for the environment. “Sustainability Week is a unique opportunity to sample a variety of sustainably produced offerings from wineries across our great state,” says the NYWGF.

Anthony Road and Damiani will be served at The Marshal on February 23, Dr. Frank and Lakewood will be at Tourmaline on February 25, Boundary Breaks and Hermann J Wiemer will be at Flatiron Wines & Spirits on February 26, and rounding out the week Lamoreaux Landing and Knapp will be at De Gustibus Cooking School on February 28.

Also Happening in the FLX

Bully Hill announced on February 9 that Keuka Lake had fully frozen from Penn Yan to Hammondsport. "A rare sight you don't see every year!" the winery posted.

Hosmer Winery proudly announced the 1-year anniversary of their beloved GAI 1701. The sparger, filler and corker machine is equipped with screw capping technology. “You’ll start seeing more of your favorite Hosmer wines finished with screw caps!” the winery posted. “It’s not just about convenience. Screw caps help reduce cork waste and also support consistent quality.” A trend that we fully support and a fresh twist on packaging.

Lastly, multiple FLX wines featured on recent VinePair rankings. Apollo’s Praise received the particular honor of Best Splurge Riesling, and the full list is clear affirmation of the region’s excellent QPR offerings.

• VinePair's Best Rieslings 2026 List
• VinePair's Best White Wines 2026 List
• VinePair's Best Red Wines 2026 List