Ria's Wines is a testament to the passion and dedication of its founders, Ria D’Aversa and Mike Penn, who with two children and a mutual adventurous spirit, moved from Sonoma CA to the Finger Lakes in 2021 in search of the best terroir in New York for growing wine grapes. Ria’s Wines was established in 2022 and is located on the banks of Seneca Lake where their estate vineyard is planted to vines that are up to forty years old with varieties like Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, Chardonnay, Cayuga and Baco Noir.  Their focus is nurtured by a deep appreciation for cool climate farming to create site-driven wines that are naturally produced, ecologically farmed and crafted on site at their winery.

Ria and Mike bring a wealth of expertise from wine regions worldwide.  Ria’s background in viticulture and organic farming are perfectly suited to the climate of the Finger Lakes, while Mike’s winemaking experience includes stints in France, Italy, New Zealand and most recently, California.  Ria is also a professor at Cornell University’s School of Viticulture. 2025 marks the first year of regenerative farming with the goal of being Regenified Certified by 2028.

Driven by a desire to create wines that are both approachable and expressive, Ria and Mike strive for transparency in their wines to allow the terroir of the vineyard to come singing through. As such, winemaking at Ria’s is done with what they refer to as “thoughtful gestures” that incorporate spontaneous fermentations, minimal use of new oak, no fining and no additions besides small doses of sulfur.  The whites see a touch pf skin contact with extended press cycles that allow for texture and minerality in the wines (without them being “orange wines”).  The reds are made with gentle foot troddening and some stem inclusion to allow for nuance and complexity.  Each wine is a reflection of their commitment to quality, from vineyard to bottle, and embodies the passion and dedication that Ria and Mike bring to their craft.