Over the last few decades, the Finger Lakes region of New York has quietly transformed from an underdog into one of the most respected cool-climate wine regions in the United States. Known for its stunning lakes, glacier-carved soils, and long growing seasons, the region has become especially renowned for producing world-class Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.
Behind this rise in quality is not only better wine-making, but also better branding thanks in part to Works Design Group. As Finger Lakes wines continue to impress critics and consumers alike, standout wineries like Boundary Breaks and Keuka Spring has recognized the need to evolve their visual identities to match the refinement in their bottles, and they’ve placed their trust in our team to help make it a reality.
Finger Lakes Wineries: A Brief History
In the early 2000s, Finger Lakes wines were still struggling to gain national recognition. Over time, however, better vineyard practices, climate adaptations, and a surge of talented winemakers began to reshape the narrative. Slowly but surely, Riesling became the region’s flagship varietal, with expressions ranging from dry and mineral-driven to beautifully off-dry and age-worthy. As the area’s Riesling wines surged in popularity, other varieties began to take shape as well.
Pinot Noir, long considered difficult to grow, began to show elegant structure, subtle earthiness, and vibrant red fruit, rivaling those from Burgundy or Oregon. Additionally, Cabernet Franc—perhaps one of the region’s most exciting red grape—developed a distinctive profile with bright, herbal, and expressive notes that reflected its Finger Lakes terroir. As the wines matures, so too did the need to communicate quality through carefully curated brand identity. That’s where Works Design Group stepped in.
Precision, Purity & Storytelling: How Works Design Group Reshaped the Branding for Boundary Breaks
Laser-focused on Riesling excellence, Boundary Breaks is a winery located on the east side of Seneca Lake, renowned for producing some of the finest single-vineyard Rieslings in the country. As the need to evolve their brand became more apparent, Words Design Group helped craft a new visual language that reflected the precision and purity of their wines.
The design approach emphasized clean lines, strong typography, and a modern aesthetic that still honors the tradition and craftsmanship behind every bottle. Through our branding efforts, we helped establish an identity that’s as meticulous and thoughtful as the winemaking process itself, helping Boundary Breaks stand tall on the national stage.
Family Legacy Meets Forward Thinking with the Keuka Spring Winery Rebrand
Perched above Keuka Lake, Keuka Spring Winery has long been celebrated for its hospitality and award-winning wines, particularly its Cabernet Franc and Riesling. As the next generation stepped into leadership, the winery sought to refresh its brand without losing its deep sense of place and family history.
Works Design Group partnered with the winery, guiding the brand through this evolution by developing a visual identity that’s equal parts inviting and sophisticated. Relying on our expertise in CPG packaging, we refreshed the labels, updated the branding, and developed consistent brand storytelling to more effectively communicate Keuka Spring’s warmth, quality, and generational dedication to the Finger Lakes region.
Branding for the Next Era of Finger Lakes Wine
The Finger Lakes wine region is no longer a secret. With prestigious awards, national distribution, and increasing tourism, the spotlight is here to stay. But, as many local vineyards have learned, great wine isn’t enough; it needs to be supported by branding that captures the experience inside the bottle.
Works Design Group understands that wine branding isn’t just about looking good on the shelf; it’s about telling a story. Whether it’s the minerality of a Seneca Lake Riesling or the savory depth of a Keuka-grown Cab Franc, each bottle deserves a voice that matches its character. Through close collaboration, thoughtful design, and a respect for each winery’s individual history, we helped Boundary Breaks and Keuka Spring not just keep up but lead the way in the Finger Lakes’ ongoing evolution.
As Finger Lakes wines continue to rise in reputation and complexity, so must the branding behind them. Thanks to our help, wineries like Boundary Breaks and Keuka Spring are now just as compelling visually as they are on the palate.