National Grape Day: Celebrating the Sweet History of Grapes in the Finger Lakes
- May 27
- 10 min read
Hello, Sweet Friends!
May 27th is National Grape Day — the perfect time to celebrate one of the Finger Lakes region’s most beloved fruits! From vineyard-covered hillsides to homemade jams and family recipes, grapes have long been woven into the story of the Finger Lakes. Here at Fingerlakes Honey Company, grapes hold a special place in our hearts (and our pantry shelves). Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of grapes, sharing our own Concord grape story, highlighting our grape-inspired products, and exploring why the Finger Lakes region is one of the best grape-growing areas in the country.
A Brief History of Grapes
Grapes are one of the oldest cultivated fruits in human history, with evidence of grape growing dating back more than 8,000 years. Ancient civilizations used grapes not only for eating fresh, but also for making juice, jams, raisins, and wine. Over time, grape cultivation spread across Europe and eventually made its way to North America.
Today, grapes are grown all around the world in thousands of varieties. Some are sweet and juicy for snacking, some are tart and bold for juice and jelly, and others are carefully cultivated for wine making.
One of the most iconic American grape varieties is the Concord grape — deep purple, fragrant, sweet, and bursting with flavor. Concord grapes are famous for their unmistakable aroma and are commonly used in juices, jams, jellies, baked goods, and candies.
And here in the Finger Lakes? Concord grapes are part of the landscape, the culture, and the harvest season magic.
Why the Finger Lakes Region is Perfect for Growing Grapes
The Finger Lakes region of New York is internationally known for its grape growing and vineyards — and for good reason.
The long, narrow lakes help regulate temperatures throughout the year. During the summer, the lakes absorb heat, and during the colder months, they slowly release that warmth back into the surrounding area. This helps protect grape vines from extreme temperature swings and creates a unique “microclimate” ideal for growing grapes.
The rolling hills surrounding the lakes also provide excellent drainage and sun exposure, both of which are important for healthy grape vines.
The Finger Lakes region produces:
Concord grapes
Niagara grapes
Catawba grapes
Riesling wine grapes
Cabernet Franc grapes
Chardonnay grapes
Many other specialty varieties
In late summer and early fall, the vineyards and grape fields come alive with harvest season activity. The smell of fresh grapes fills the air, roadside grape stands appear across the region, and wineries become especially busy with visitors enjoying the beauty of the Finger Lakes.
There’s truly nothing quite like autumn in grape country.
A Deeper Look: The Finger Lakes Grapevine Legacy
As we celebrate National Grape Day, we find ourselves looking out over the misty hills and deep blue waters of the Finger Lakes in a slightly different way — the way only grape season can inspire. While today the region is best known for world-class Rieslings and scenic wine trails, the heart of its grape story began long before modern wine tourism.
A Landscape Made for Grapes
The Finger Lakes have a unique natural advantage often referred to as the “lake effect.” Formed by ancient glaciers, these long, deep lakes help moderate temperature swings throughout the year. In the fall, the lakes slowly release stored summer warmth, which can help reduce early frost risk and extend the growing season for nearby vineyards.
This creates especially favorable conditions for a range of grapes, including native North American varieties such as Vitis labrusca, which played an important role in the early agricultural history of the region.
Early Roots in the Region
One of the earliest documented vineyard plantings in the Finger Lakes is commonly cited as occurring in 1829, when Reverend William Bostwick planted grapes in a rectory garden in Hammondsport near the southern tip of Keuka Lake. While early grape growing in New York developed in several places over time, this is often referenced as one of the region’s notable early starting points.
The Concord Grape and Regional Growth
By the mid-1800s, growers across the region were experimenting with different grape varieties, and the Concord grape quickly became one of the most influential. Known for its deep purple color, distinctive aroma, and “slip-skin” texture, Concord grapes became a major part of New York’s early grape and juice industry.
As production expanded, the Finger Lakes gained growing recognition as an important grape-growing region. By the late 1800s, Keuka Lake was sometimes referred to in promotional materials as “The Rhine of America,” reflecting its early wine industry development.
Historic producers such as the Pleasant Valley Wine Company (known as U.S. Bonded Winery No. 1) and later the Taylor Wine Company played a significant role in expanding grape processing and wine production in the region. During harvest season, communities like Naples and Watkins Glen were known for the strong presence of Concord grapes moving from vineyards to presses and wineries.
A Turning Point for Growers
For much of the 20th century, large-scale production shaped much of the region’s grape industry. In 1976, the New York Farm Winery Act marked a major shift by allowing small growers and producers to sell wine directly to consumers. This change is widely credited with helping encourage diversification in the region’s vineyards and supporting the growth of smaller wineries.
Growers began experimenting more broadly with different grape varieties, including European Vitis vinifera and hybrid grapes, helping shape the modern Finger Lakes wine and grape industry.
A Living Harvest Today
Today, grape season in the Finger Lakes is a blend of tradition and modern agriculture. You’ll still find Concord grapes at roadside stands, carefully managed vineyard rows across rolling hills, and a strong culture of seasonal harvest throughout late summer and fall.
The region’s grape story continues to evolve with each season — rooted in history, shaped by climate, and carried forward by the growers, makers, and families who work the land.
Whether enjoyed as a glass of wine, a spoonful of grape jam, or a fresh cluster of Concord grapes, the Finger Lakes continues to celebrate its long connection to the vine in every form.
Our Fingerlakes Honey Company Grape Story
For us, Concord grapes are more than just a fruit — they’re part of our family memories and our connection to the Finger Lakes.
Growing Concord grapes takes patience, care, and a little trust in the weather. Each season brings its own challenges and rewards. Watching the vines wake up in spring, grow heavy with fruit through summer, and finally reach harvest season is something special every single year.
Concord grapes have a beautiful deep purple color and a bold, unmistakable aroma that instantly brings back memories of homemade jelly, fresh juice, and autumn harvest days.
There’s something nostalgic about Concord grapes. One smell and suddenly you’re standing in a kitchen where grape juice is simmering on the stove and someone’s carefully pouring jam into jars while purple-stained towels mysteriously multiply across the counters. (If you know, you know.)
Our love for grapes inspired us to create several grape-themed products that celebrate both the Finger Lakes region and the sweet flavor of Concord grapes.
Featured Fingerlakes Honey Company Grape Products
Honey Grape Jam
Our Honey Grape Jam combines the bold flavor of grapes with the natural sweetness of honey for a rich, fruity spread that tastes wonderful on toast, biscuits, pastries, charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and more.
It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavor of the Finger Lakes year-round.
Delicious Ways to Use Honey Grape Jam
Spread on warm toast or English muffins
Paired with peanut butter for sandwiches
Served over cream cheese with crackers
Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal
Used as a glaze for meats
Added to baked goods
Layered into thumbprint cookies
Honey Grape Jalapeño Jam
Sweet meets heat in our Honey Grape Jalapeño Jam.
This unique flavor combination balances juicy grape sweetness with a gentle jalapeño kick, creating an unforgettable sweet-and-spicy spread.
Delicious Ways to Use Honey Grape Jalapeño Jam
Served over cream cheese with crackers
Glazed on chicken or pork
Added to burgers or sandwiches
Paired with sharp cheeses
Used in appetizers
Brushed onto grilled meats
Added to charcuterie boards
It’s one of those flavors people try once and then immediately start brainstorming recipes for.
NEW! SWEET MEMORIES OF THE FINGER LAKES Ornament
We are so excited to introduce our new Finger Lakes Grapes Beeswax Keepsake Ornament.
Inspired by the beauty of vineyard country and handcrafted with care, this keepsake celebrates the charm of the Finger Lakes region and the grapes that make the area so special.
Whether displayed year-round, gifted to a wine lover, or added to a holiday tree, this ornament is a sweet little reminder of Finger Lakes harvest season.
It’s rustic, charming, and full of Finger Lakes character.
NEW! Finger Lakes Grapes Greeting Card
We’re also introducing our new Finger Lakes Grapes Greeting Card — a beautiful card inspired by vineyard country and the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes.
Perfect for:
Wine lovers
Finger Lakes visitors
Thank you cards
Thinking of you notes
Gifts and care packages
Autumn celebrations
Pair it with one of our grape jams or keepsake ornaments for a thoughtful Finger Lakes-themed gift.
A NEW Recipe: Honey Grape Jalapeño Flatbread
Looking for a delicious new way to enjoy our grape jams? Try this sweet-and-savory flatbread recipe featuring our Honey Grape Jalapeño Jam. The sweet grape flavor, creamy cheese, and slight jalapeño heat make this a perfect appetizer, lunch, or party dish.
Servings
4–6 servings
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12–15 minutes
Ingredients
1 flatbread or naan
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles
Thinly sliced red onion
Cooked shredded chicken (optional)
Fresh arugula
Olive oil
Optional Fingerlakes Honey Company honey or Sting Honey drizzle
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Place flatbread on a baking sheet.
Spread Honey Grape Jalapeño Jam evenly across the flatbread.
Top with mozzarella cheese, goat cheese, red onion, and chicken if using.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and top with fresh arugula.
Finish with a light honey drizzle if desired.
Slice and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
Add prosciutto or crispy bacon for extra savory flavor.
Try feta instead of goat cheese for a tangier twist.
This recipe works beautifully as an appetizer board centerpiece for parties or wine nights.
For extra heat, add fresh jalapeño slices before baking.
Other Grape-Inspired Recipe Ideas
Our grape jams can be used in so many creative ways.
Recipe Ideas Using Honey Grape Jam
Recipe Ideas Using Honey Grape Jalapeño Jam
The Grape Harvest Season in the Finger Lakes
Grape harvest season in the Finger Lakes typically begins in late summer and continues through fall.
Harvest timing depends on:
Grape variety
Weather conditions
Sugar levels
Intended use
Ripeness
Many vineyards carefully monitor sugar content and acidity before harvesting. Some grapes are hand-picked, while others are harvested using specialized equipment.
During harvest season, the Finger Lakes region becomes especially beautiful:
Vineyards glow with autumn colors
Farm stands overflow with fresh produce
Wineries host tastings and events
Scenic drives become breathtaking
Local shops fill with seasonal products
The smell of grapes during harvest season is unforgettable.
Sweet, earthy, fruity, and rich — it’s basically autumn perfume for grape lovers.
Fun Facts About Grapes
🍇Grapes grow in clusters on vines.
🍇There are more than 10,000 grape varieties worldwide.
🍇Concord grapes are native to North America.
🍇Grapes are technically berries.
🍇Raisins are simply dried grapes.
🍇New York is one of the top grape-producing states in the United States.
🍇The Finger Lakes region is famous for both juice grapes and wine grapes.
🍇Grapevines can live and produce fruit for decades.
Visiting the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region is known for:
Scenic lakes
Vineyards and wineries
Waterfalls
Small towns
Farm markets
Seasonal festivals
Hiking trails
Local food and artisan products
Whether you’re visiting for wine trails, autumn scenery, lake adventures, or local shopping, the Finger Lakes has something special in every season.
If you’re planning a trip to the region, be sure to visit our Finger Lakes page here:
FINGER LAKES SLIDESHOW
Why is National Grape Day in May?
One question people often ask is: why is National Grape Day celebrated in May when grape harvest season happens in late summer and fall?
While there doesn’t appear to be an official historical reason connected specifically to harvest timing, many national food days were created simply as fun ways to celebrate favorite foods and regional traditions.
Still, May actually makes perfect sense in many ways for grape growers. During spring, grapevines are waking up after winter dormancy and beginning a brand new growing season. Tiny grape clusters begin forming, vineyard work ramps up, and growers start preparing for the busy months ahead.
In the Finger Lakes, Concord grape harvest season typically takes place later in the year during late summer and fall, when vineyards become especially beautiful and the smell of fresh grapes fills the air.
So while National Grape Day may not happen during harvest season itself, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the start of another grape-growing season and look forward to the harvest months ahead.
Celebrate National Grape Day With Us
National Grape Day is a wonderful reminder of how much history, tradition, flavor, and beauty can come from something as simple as a grape.
From Concord grape memories to vineyard landscapes, homemade jams, and Finger Lakes traditions, grapes are deeply connected to our region and our story.
We’re proud to celebrate the Finger Lakes, Concord grapes, and all the sweet inspiration they bring.
Whether you’re enjoying a spoonful of jam, visiting vineyard country, trying a new recipe, or decorating with one of our keepsake ornaments, we hope this season brings a little extra sweetness your way.
Happy National Grape Day from Fingerlakes Honey Company!
We’d love to hear from you — share your favorite Finger Lakes travels, grape recipes, or grape-inspired creations in the comments below!
Until Next Time- Stay Sweet!
Tom and Stacie
Tom and Stacie, are co-owners of Fingerlakes Honey Company located in the bee-utiful Finger Lakes region of New York State. When they are not tending to all things bees, they enjoy spending time with their grown children, their dog, and lots of chickens on their homestead. They love learning more about the bees they foster and helping others to learn more about them as well.
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