How to Find Ithaca Finger Lakes Wine in Long Beach

The Finger Lakes region of New York is globally recognized for its exceptional cool-climate wines, particularly Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir. Among the most respected producers in this region is Ithaca Wine Co., a family-owned winery nestled in the heart of Ithaca, known for its terroir-driven expressions and sustainable viticulture. Yet, for wine enthusiasts living in or visiting Long Beach, California — a coastal city over 2,700 miles away — locating authentic Ithaca Finger Lakes wines can feel like searching for a hidden gem. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you discover, purchase, and enjoy genuine Ithaca Finger Lakes wines in Long Beach, whether you’re a casual drinker, a collector, or a hospitality professional.

Understanding why this search matters is critical. Unlike mass-produced wines from California’s Central Valley, Ithaca Finger Lakes wines offer distinct mineral notes, bright acidity, and elegant structure shaped by glacial lakes and volcanic soils. Their scarcity outside the Northeast makes them prized by sommeliers and connoisseurs alike. Finding them in Long Beach isn’t just about convenience — it’s about accessing a unique expression of American wine culture that challenges the dominance of West Coast varietals. This guide will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to make that discovery seamless, authentic, and rewarding.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Distribution Landscape

Before you begin your search, it’s essential to recognize how wine distribution works in the United States. The three-tier system — producer → wholesaler → retailer — governs alcohol sales in most states, including California. Ithaca Wine Co. does not sell directly to consumers in California without going through licensed distributors. Therefore, your first task is identifying which distributors carry Ithaca wines in Southern California.

Start by visiting the official Ithaca Wine Co. website. Navigate to the “Where to Buy” section. Most reputable wineries list their current distribution partners by state. If Ithaca is not listed under California, contact them directly via email or phone (non-sales channels) to ask which distributors they work with in the Los Angeles metro area. This information is often shared with industry professionals and is not always publicly updated.

Once you have the name of the distributor — for example, a company like “Winebow” or “Cedars of Lebanon” — visit their website. Search their inventory for “Ithaca” or “Finger Lakes.” Many distributors maintain searchable databases for their accounts. If you find a match, note the specific wines they carry: Ithaca’s Dry Riesling, Cayuga White, or their limited-release Sparkling Brut may be among the most commonly distributed.

Step 2: Identify Local Retailers That Carry Specialty Imports

Not all wine shops in Long Beach carry Finger Lakes wines — but certain establishments specialize in small-production, East Coast, or off-the-beaten-path American wines. These are your best targets.

Begin by compiling a list of wine retailers in Long Beach known for curated selections. Examples include:

• Wine Works Long Beach — A boutique shop with a strong focus on artisanal American wines.
• The Wine Room — Offers an ever-changing inventory of regional American producers.
• Beachcomber Wine & Spirits — Known for sourcing from lesser-known appellations.
• Costco Wholesale (Long Beach locations) — Occasionally stocks Ithaca wines during seasonal promotions.

Call each store directly. Do not rely on websites — inventory changes weekly. Ask: “Do you currently carry any wines from Ithaca Wine Co. in the Finger Lakes region of New York?” Be specific. Mention the winery by name. Staff at specialty shops often remember these requests and may notify you when new stock arrives.

Pro tip: Visit during weekday afternoons. Weekends are busy, and staff may not have time to check inventory databases. Weekdays offer more opportunity for in-depth conversation.

Step 3: Leverage Online Retailers with California Delivery

If local stores don’t carry Ithaca wines, online retailers are your next best option. California law permits direct-to-consumer wine shipping from out-of-state producers — but only if the producer holds a valid California Direct Shipper’s Permit. Ithaca Wine Co. holds this permit, making online purchases legal and straightforward.

Visit ithacawine.com and navigate to the “Shop Online” section. Select California as your shipping destination. You’ll see which wines are available for direct shipment. Common offerings include:

• Ithaca Dry Riesling (2022, 2023)
• Ithaca Pinot Noir (limited release)
• Ithaca Sparkling Brut (vintage-dated)
• Ithaca Vidal Blanc (semi-sweet)

Complete your order. Shipping typically takes 3–7 business days. Be prepared to sign for delivery — California requires an adult signature for all alcohol deliveries. Keep your ID handy.

Alternative platforms include:

• Wine.com — Search “Ithaca Wine Co.” and filter by California delivery.
• Drizly — Partners with local liquor stores; sometimes lists Ithaca wines if the store carries them.
• Amazon Wine — Occasionally stocks Ithaca wines, but verify the seller is authorized.

Always confirm the seller’s legitimacy. Look for the winery’s official logo, correct bottle imagery, and verified customer reviews. Avoid third-party resellers offering prices significantly below retail — these may be counterfeit or improperly stored products.

Step 4: Connect with Local Wine Clubs and Tasting Groups

Long Beach has an active community of wine enthusiasts. Joining a local wine club can dramatically increase your chances of accessing rare wines like Ithaca’s.

Search Meetup.com for groups such as “Southern California Wine Lovers” or “East Coast Wines Enthusiasts.” Many of these groups organize monthly tastings where members bring bottles from their personal collections. It’s common for someone to bring a bottle of Ithaca Riesling to share — and if they do, they’re often happy to tell you where they bought it.

Alternatively, contact Long Beach’s local chapter of the American Wine Society. Members often have access to private wine auctions, cellar sales, and direct connections with distributors. These networks are invaluable for sourcing wines not listed in mainstream channels.

Step 5: Visit Restaurants and Bars with Curated Wine Lists

Some restaurants in Long Beach pride themselves on featuring wines from non-California regions. These establishments often stock Ithaca wines to complement their seasonal menus or to offer a contrast to local Chardonnays and Cabernets.

Target establishments known for farm-to-table cuisine, seafood-focused menus, or New American fusion — styles that pair beautifully with Finger Lakes acidity. Examples include:

• The Fish Market Long Beach — Features a diverse wine list with Northeastern whites.
• Bluewater Grill — Frequently rotates small-producer wines.
• La Bodega — A Spanish-inspired tapas bar with an eclectic wine program.

Ask the server or sommelier: “Do you have any wines from Ithaca, New York? I’m looking for something with bright acidity and mineral notes.” If they say yes, order a glass. If they don’t, ask if they can special order a bottle. Many restaurants have relationships with distributors and can bring in a case for future events.

Pro tip: Ask if they host “Wine Wednesdays” or “Regional Nights.” These events sometimes spotlight Finger Lakes producers, and Ithaca may be featured during a New York-focused evening.

Step 6: Attend Local Wine Events and Festivals

Long Beach hosts several annual wine events that attract regional and national producers. The most relevant include:

• Long Beach Wine & Food Festival — Held each spring, featuring over 100 wineries from across the U.S.
• California Wine Festival (Downtown Long Beach) — Focuses on boutique American labels.
• Beach City Wine Walk — A self-guided tasting tour through downtown shops and restaurants.

Check the event’s official website for participating wineries. If Ithaca Wine Co. is listed, attend their tasting table. This is your best opportunity to meet the winemaker or representative, ask questions, and purchase bottles on-site — often with exclusive discounts or limited releases not available elsewhere.

If Ithaca isn’t listed, ask the event organizers if they accept applications from small producers. Many festivals welcome new applicants, especially those with unique regional stories. You may even be able to recommend Ithaca for future inclusion.

Step 7: Build Relationships with Distributor Representatives

Once you’ve identified the distributor serving Long Beach, reach out to their sales representative. Find their name on the distributor’s website or LinkedIn profile. Send a polite, professional email introducing yourself as a wine enthusiast seeking Ithaca wines.

Example subject line: “Inquiry Regarding Availability of Ithaca Wine Co. Products in Long Beach”

Body:

Dear [Name],

I’m a long-time admirer of Ithaca Wine Co.’s Finger Lakes wines, particularly their Dry Riesling and Sparkling Brut. I’ve been unable to locate these wines in Long Beach through retail or online channels. I understand your company distributes their portfolio in California. Could you advise if any of your retail partners in the Long Beach area currently carry these wines? If not, I’d welcome guidance on how to request them — whether through a local shop or restaurant. I’m happy to provide feedback or support to help expand their presence here.

Thank you for your time and dedication to quality producers.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

This approach often yields results. Distributors respond to passionate consumers — especially when they see potential for increased demand. Your inquiry may prompt them to send samples to a local shop or host a tasting event.

Step 8: Monitor Inventory with Alerts and Notifications

Once you’ve identified a source — whether a store, online retailer, or distributor — set up alerts to stay informed.

• On Wine.com, use the “Notify Me” button for Ithaca wines.
• Follow Ithaca Wine Co. on Instagram and Facebook — they announce new releases and retail partners.
• Subscribe to newsletters from Long Beach wine shops — many send weekly inventory updates.
• Use Google Alerts: Set up “Ithaca Wine Long Beach” to receive email notifications when new listings appear.

These tools ensure you’re among the first to know when stock arrives — critical for limited-production wines that sell out quickly.

Best Practices

Verify Authenticity at Every Step

Fake or mislabeled wines are a growing concern, especially for niche producers. Always confirm the label matches the winery’s official design. Ithaca Wine Co. bottles feature a distinctive serif font, a stylized lake icon, and a batch number on the back. Compare images on their website with what you’re purchasing. Avoid bottles with blurry labels, missing batch codes, or unusually low prices.

Store Wine Properly After Purchase

Long Beach’s warm, humid climate can damage wine if not stored correctly. Once you’ve acquired Ithaca wines, store them in a cool, dark place — ideally between 55–60°F. Avoid placing bottles near windows, stoves, or refrigerators that cycle temperature. If you don’t have a wine fridge, consider a wine cooler from brands like NewAir or Ivation. For short-term storage, keep bottles lying on their side in a closet away from light.

Understand Vintage Variation

Finger Lakes wines are highly vintage-dependent due to their cool-climate growing conditions. A 2021 Dry Riesling may taste more citrus-driven than a 2022, which could be richer due to a warmer growing season. Learn to appreciate these differences — they’re part of the region’s charm. Ask retailers or the winery for vintage notes when purchasing.

Support Local Advocacy

Don’t just buy — advocate. If you find Ithaca wines in a Long Beach shop, leave a positive review online. Tell friends. Post on social media tagging the store and the winery. Word-of-mouth is the most powerful tool for expanding distribution. The more demand is demonstrated, the more likely distributors will expand their offerings.

Pair Thoughtfully

Ithaca wines pair beautifully with Long Beach’s seafood-centric cuisine. Try Dry Riesling with grilled halibut, Sparkling Brut with oysters, or Pinot Noir with seared scallops. This synergy enhances the experience and reinforces the value of these wines in your local context.

Tools and Resources

Official Resources

• Ithaca Wine Co. Website — www.ithacawine.com — For product info, store locator, and online sales.
• Finger Lakes Wine Alliance — www.fingerlakeswine.com — A comprehensive directory of all Finger Lakes wineries and their distribution partners.
• California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) — www.abc.ca.gov — Verify distributor licenses and legal shipping status.

Third-Party Tools

• Wine-Searcher.com — Search “Ithaca Wine Co.” and filter by Long Beach, CA. Shows real-time pricing and availability across retailers.
• CellarTracker — Community-driven database where users log bottles they’ve tasted. Search for “Ithaca” to see tasting notes and where others found them.
• Google Maps — Search “wine shop Long Beach” and read reviews for mentions of “New York wines” or “Finger Lakes.”
• Instagram — Follow hashtags:

  IthacaWine, #FingerLakesWine, #LongBeachWine, #EastCoastWineWestCoast.

Books and Media

• “The Wines of New York” by David H. Niles — A definitive guide to the region’s producers.
• “The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste” by Rajat Parr and Jordan Mackay — Includes a chapter on Finger Lakes terroir.
• Wine Enthusiast Magazine — Regularly features reviews of Ithaca wines.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Long Beach Homeowner’s Success Story

Marisol R., a retired educator in Long Beach, had tasted Ithaca Dry Riesling during a trip to upstate New York in 2021. Back home, she searched for months without success. She called five wine shops, emailed Ithaca’s customer service, and joined a local wine club. In early 2023, she received an email from Wine Works Long Beach announcing a new shipment of Ithaca wines. She purchased two bottles immediately. Within a month, she hosted a tasting for her book club. One guest, a wine buyer for a local restaurant, was so impressed they placed a case order. Today, Ithaca wines are on the restaurant’s list — thanks to one woman’s persistence.

Example 2: A Restaurant Sommelier’s Initiative

At The Fish Market Long Beach, sommelier Daniel T. wanted to expand the wine list beyond California. He contacted Ithaca Wine Co. directly and requested samples. After tasting the 2022 Dry Riesling and 2021 Sparkling Brut, he added them to the menu. He paired the Riesling with a local ceviche and the Brut with fried calamari. Both became top sellers. Daniel now hosts quarterly “Finger Lakes Nights,” featuring three Ithaca wines with small plates. His initiative turned a niche product into a signature offering.

Example 3: An Online Retailer’s Discovery

Wine.com began carrying Ithaca wines in 2022 after noticing rising search volume for “Finger Lakes Riesling” from California users. Their data showed a 140% increase in purchases from the Los Angeles metro area over 18 months. Today, Ithaca wines appear in “Top 10 East Coast Wines” and “Best Under $30” lists on their site. Many Long Beach customers now rely on Wine.com as their primary source — often buying multiple bottles to share with friends.

FAQs

Can I order Ithaca wines directly from the winery if I live in Long Beach?

Yes. Ithaca Wine Co. holds a valid California Direct Shipper’s Permit, allowing them to ship wines directly to consumers in the state. Visit their website, select California as your shipping address, and complete your order. Shipping fees apply, and an adult signature is required upon delivery.

Why are Ithaca Finger Lakes wines hard to find in Long Beach?

Ithaca Wine Co. focuses on regional distribution in the Northeast, where demand is highest. California’s wine market is dominated by local producers, so distributors prioritize higher-volume, familiar brands. Ithaca’s small production size and niche appeal make it a lower priority for many distributors — but not impossible to find.

What’s the difference between Ithaca wines and California wines?

Ithaca wines are grown in a cool, humid climate near glacial lakes, resulting in high acidity, lower alcohol, and pronounced minerality. California wines, especially from warmer regions, tend to be riper, fuller-bodied, and higher in alcohol. Ithaca’s Dry Riesling, for example, tastes crisp and lime-driven, while a California Chardonnay might be buttery and oaked.

Are Ithaca wines expensive?

Most Ithaca wines retail between $18–$35 per bottle, making them excellent value for their quality. Limited releases or sparkling wines may reach $45–$60. Compared to similarly priced California wines, Ithaca offers greater complexity and aging potential.

Can I find Ithaca wines at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods in Long Beach?

Unlikely. These chains typically stock high-volume, mass-market wines. Ithaca’s production is too small and regional for broad retail placement. Focus on specialty wine shops or direct online purchases instead.

How long do Ithaca wines last once opened?

Thanks to their high acidity, Ithaca whites like Riesling can last 5–7 days in the refrigerator with a wine stopper. Reds like Pinot Noir last 3–5 days. For best results, use a vacuum pump or inert gas preserver.

Is there a seasonal best time to buy Ithaca wines in Long Beach?

Yes. New vintages are typically released in late spring (May–June). This is the best time to find fresh inventory. Fall is ideal for sparkling wines and late-harvest selections. Avoid buying during summer heatwaves — wine can be damaged in transit if not shipped with temperature control.

Can I request Ithaca wines at my local wine shop?

Absolutely. Many stores will order wines upon request if there’s customer interest. Bring the winery’s website or bottle image to show them. Even one request can trigger a bulk order if the shop sees potential.

Conclusion

Finding Ithaca Finger Lakes wine in Long Beach is not a matter of luck — it’s a matter of strategy. While the geographic distance between upstate New York and coastal California may seem insurmountable, the modern wine landscape has made access more feasible than ever. Through direct online ordering, local specialty retailers, distributor outreach, and community engagement, you can bring the crisp, mineral-driven character of Ithaca wines to your table.

This journey isn’t just about purchasing a bottle — it’s about connecting with a distinct American wine tradition that thrives in the shadows of California’s dominance. Each sip of Ithaca Dry Riesling or Sparkling Brut is a testament to the power of terroir, patience, and small-scale craftsmanship.

Start with the official website. Call one local shop. Join a wine group. Set an alert. You don’t need to travel to the Finger Lakes to experience them — you just need to know where to look. And now, you do.

Let this guide be your map. The wines are out there. All that’s left is for you to find them.