18 Top Finger Lakes Wineries to Visit

In case you take pleasure in wine – particularly white wine – a go to to the Finger Lakes is so as. The area, which spans 11 lakes in New York, makes the perfect escape from New York City and different locales within the Mid-Atlantic and New England for a weekend or perhaps a week – although the Finger Lakes are additionally worthy of a cross-country flight.

New York state is America’s third-largest wine producer due to the standard vintages of the Finger Lakes, the place ice age glaciers left an excellent terroir and microclimate for rising riesling and funky weather-tolerant grapes. Riesling is the signature wine of the Finger Lakes, carefully adopted by gewurztraminer. Many wineries additionally produce scrumptious chardonnay and pinot gris; you may seemingly discover ice wine, a candy wine constituted of frozen grapes nonetheless on the vine. In case you like pink wine, strive the varietals comparable to pinot noir and cabernet franc for which the area can also be identified.

Search for wineries on Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga lakes. Thought of the center of Finger Lakes wine nation, these lakes every have a delegated wine path – although new progress and wine tasting rooms are popping up elsewhere within the area too. Word that wineries pay to be members of their respective path(s) and seem on public maps and guides; loads of wonderful wineries usually are not members of those official trails and should not be ignored.

One of the best Finger Lakes wineries are positioned each on and off the official wine trails in Finger Lakes wine nation.

Add these Finger Lakes wineries to your trip itinerary for an opportunity to tour bucolic vineyards, meet native winemakers, and sip award-winning whites and reds whilst you take within the surroundings.

Boundary Breaks’ dry riesling No. 239 has been named one of many world’s high wines by Wine Spectator Journal twice, most just lately in 2021; No. 239 has additionally been acknowledged by Wine Fanatic and the Wall Avenue Journal. The winemakers attribute the success of this wine and others to a late harvest, which permits extra time for the fruit to ripen, leading to a tropical high quality and style.

You’ll be able to sip a number of the award-winning wine in a seated tasting (accessible on a first-come, first-served foundation) that features 5 samples. Be sure you strive a gewurztraminer and cabernet franc, different specialties by the vineyard. Guests may also order wine by the glass or bottle, greatest loved within the vineyard’s Adirondack chairs that overlook Seneca Lake. Many latest guests tout Boundary Breaks as their favourite vineyard within the Finger Lakes – and bonus: It is dog-friendly.

Handle: 1568 Porter Covert Street, Lodi, NY 14860

In 1958, a Ukrainian viticulturist named Dr. Konstantin Frank planted the primary European grape varieties within the jap U.S., establishing what would change into often known as the “vinifera revolution” amid the cool local weather of New York. His experience launched the Finger Lakes area’s repute for riesling and different vinifera varieties. A long time later, the late winemaker’s namesake vineyard stays family-run and extra well-liked than ever.

Positioned on Keuka Lake – with a further winery on Seneca Lake – Dr. Konstantin Frank Vineyard attracts crowds to an array of tasting experiences, together with a seated sampling of 5 wines for which reservations are beneficial. In the summertime, walk-in company are welcome to order wine by the glass, flight or bottle in Eugenia’s Backyard. Additionally from Could to October (however by reservation solely), guests can benefit from the 1886 Meals & Wine Expertise, which options an in-depth have a look at the vineyards or winemaking course of and pairs wines with small plates.

The vineyard has earned innumerable awards and accolades for its wines. Of particular word is its rising deal with saperavi, an historical pink grape with a pigmented pulp – and one of many first varietals Dr. Frank planted when he started his winemaking journey. The vineyard’s saperavi is mild and stylish, with notes of contemporary berries, licorice, violets, tobacco, grilled spices and chocolate.

Handle: 9749 Center Street, Hammondsport, NY 14840

Head to Hemlock Lake in Conesus to find two distinct vineyards in a single place: O-Neh-Da and Eagle Crest.

Established in 1872 by Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid, O-Neh-Da Winery derives its identify from what the Seneca individuals known as Hemlock Lake, the one Finger Lake that did not hold its unique Indigenous identify. In the present day O-Neh-Da considers itself the oldest genuine producer of premium sacramental wine; it additionally produces conventional Finger Lakes wines comparable to a cabernet franc, rieslings and a unoaked chardonnay. Eagle Crest Vineyards, then again, makes proprietary mix desk wines with playful names comparable to Yummy or Queen of the Vine, a high vendor.

Vacationers respect the historic setting and educated employees of the vineyard, which runs on solar energy. O-Neh-Da and Eagle Crest’s two tasting choices every embrace 5 wines, with a selection of 1-ounce or 2-ounce pours. When deciding on wines to pattern, make sure to strive the cabernet franc. What’s extra is the property’s FLX Glamping websites, with kayaks, bicycles, pontoon boat rides and guided hikes accessible to in a single day company.

Handle: 7107 Winery Street, Conesus, NY 14435

Oenophiles will need to pattern a classy riesling by grasp sommelier Christopher Bates, whose world coaching and technical abilities have made him an illustrious winemaker. To take care of all-natural flavors and aromas, Bates’ wines are made solely with hand-picked grapes and with out the usage of components or oak barrels.

Aspect Vineyard’s tasting room may be discovered on the Geneva location of F.L.X. Provisions, the place you may strive Bates’ world-class wines plus dozens of different Finger Lakes vintages. Earlier guests say the expertise and employees are excellent, with some commenting that it is an important place get a style of varied Finger Lakes wines for those who’re brief on time.

After stopping for a wine tasting in Geneva, take a journey 25 miles south to Dundee to take pleasure in one other ardour challenge co-founded by Bates: FLX Wienery, an informal restaurant that pairs artisanal brats and fast-casual meals with beer and wine.

Handle: 16 Linden St., Geneva, NY 14456

In case you’re visiting the Finger Lakes with children and/or canine in tow, try Fox Run Vineyards. Along with its well-liked semi-dry riesling, unoaked chardonnay, dry rose and lemberger, the vineyard affords academic winery excursions, a seasonal cafe, a wine barn (the place you may take pleasure in wine by self-guided flight, glass or bottle on Saturdays in the summertime), stay leisure, festivals and different occasions, all of that are family-friendly. Leashed canine are welcome at Fox Run’s tasting bar, again patio and yard.

As a part of its mission to cut back environmental affect, Fox Run Vineyards’ follow of “dry farming” means the crops usually are not watered by synthetic means. Fox Run additionally absolutely operates on solar energy and maintains a 4-acre monarch butterfly and bee sanctuary close by to help the native pollinator inhabitants, amongst quite a lot of different sustainability efforts.

For conventional tastings, select your flight – dry, candy or riesling – for a sampling of 5 wines, or go for the Style Buds Flight, which pairs 5 preselected wines with 5 artisanal bites. Fox Run doesn’t take reservations for tastings. Elevate your expertise additional with a VIP Tour, through which you can discover the property with co-owner Scott Osborn, adopted by a non-public wine tasting paired with charcuterie and cheese within the barrel room, a restored 1800s dairy barn. This expertise have to be reserved a minimum of two weeks upfront. Latest guests say they completely loved the vineyard and its choices, particularly the meals from the cafe.

Handle: 670 state Route 14, Penn Yan, NY 14527

Glenora Wine Cellars is the right place to flee for a romantic weekend in upstate New York (with or with out Fido). This vineyard’s high-quality choices embrace glowing wines, rieslings, pink and white vinifera wines, blends, and dessert and fruit wines. Yr-round tastings can help you pattern a six-wine flight on a walk-in foundation (or by reservation in case your group exceeds eight individuals). Guests may also make an appointment for a cellar tour or a wine tasting paired with chocolate truffles. Latest guests loved their wine tasting at Glenora, with some saying they appreciated the number of cheeses accessible to buy.

After you have loved a cellar tour or a tasting overlooking Seneca Lake, retreat to The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars, the place you may keep in one of many Vintner’s visitor rooms – a few of which function fireplaces and whirlpool tubs – or the GSE Winery Cottage, full with a completely geared up kitchen and sleeping area for as much as six company. You may also dine on-site at Veraisons Restaurant, which receives reward for each its meals and its quick, pleasant service.

Handle: 5435 state Route 14, Dundee, NY 14837

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is not simply any vineyard; it is a ceremony of passage within the Finger Lakes. The historic farm-turned-winery affords wines, exhausting ciders and wine seltzers, all of which you’ll strive in a daily tasting or perhaps a personal tasting. Accessible to teams of between seven and 12 individuals with advance reservations, the personal tasting features a pairing with domestically sourced cheeses and meats.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is very well-known for its award-winning Pink Cat wine. Dubbed the “Authentic Sizzling Tub Wine,” this candy pink wine has a narrative (ask your wine tasting information) and a chant (which you may seemingly hear and/or be singing by the point you permit). The vineyard’s second location – Hazlitt Pink Cat Cellars, in Naples, New York – is called for the wine, which can also be a complete line of merchandise together with Pink Cat Sangria, Pink Cat Fizz (a bubbly wine) and White Cat (a candy white wine).

As a result of common wine tastings can accommodate teams of as much as 18 individuals on a first-come, first-served foundation, the vineyard can get busy. If it’s important to look ahead to a tasting (and even for those who do not), pull up a seat at The Oasis, an on-site outside bar serving wine by the glass, wine slushies, native craft beers, exhausting cider, nonalcoholic drinks and lightweight bites. Each Hazlitt places are wheelchair-accessible and kid- and dog-friendly.

Handle: 5712 state Route 414, Hector, NY 14841

A pioneer of winemaking within the Finger Lakes, now-retired Hermann J. Wiemer comes from a protracted line of winemakers from one of many world’s high riesling-producing areas in Germany. Wiemer’s vine nursery, which opened in 1974, helped populate the area’s vineyards and at this time supplies tailor-made options to farmers and their vineyards nationwide; his namesake vineyard, which opened in 1979, has received numerous awards for its dry rieslings. Head winemaker Fred Merwath, named Winemaker of the Yr by Wine Fanatic in 2021, was significantly praised for his biodynamic farming of riesling and chardonnay.

Earlier guests extremely suggest making a wine tasting reservation nicely upfront of your go to. Wine is obtainable by the glass, bottle or in 2.5-ounce pours so you may design your individual flight of wines by Hermann J. Wiemer Winery – and by Standing Stone Vineyards, which was acquired by the vineyard in 2017. Specialty tastings and customized flights could also be accessible with advance request; children and leashed pets are welcome.

Handle: 3962 state Route 14, Dundee, NY 14837

Heron Hill affords seven distinct rieslings – which span dry varietals to ice wines – and two places: Its unique Heron Hill Vineyard and tasting corridor on Keuka Lake opened in 1977, whereas the Heron Hill Tasting Room on Canandaigua Lake opened in 2010. Each are worthy of a go to, however the latter is very pretty. Heron Hill Tasting Room is located in a renovated century-old barn overlooking the riesling and cabernet franc vineyards. It affords each indoor and outside seating plus wood-fired pizza in the summertime months and stay music on choose days. Reservations are required for tastings, which embrace 5 wines.

Handle: 5323 Seneca Level Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Patrons of Keuka Spring Vineyards reward the beautiful views of Keuka Lake, the stress-free ambiance, the hospitality and, after all, the wine. Latest accolades embrace profitable Better of Class for the 2020 Wiltberger Winery riesling on the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competitors, in addition to excessive scores by Wine Fanatic for 2 of its different rieslings.

Tastings function six wines and are supplied on a walk-in foundation to teams of six individuals or much less. Bigger events should buy wine by the glass or bottle to take pleasure in with meals – both their very own picnic or one thing delivered from a Penn Yan eatery. Native cheeses, crackers and different snacks are additionally accessible for buy on-site.

Handle: 243 state Route 54, East Lake Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527

Beware the spirits at this early Nineteenth-century Greek Revival mansion on Seneca Lake. Miles Wine Cellars’ best-known providing is the “Ghost” wine, a mix of chardonnay and cayuga grapes that commemorates the departed amongst us. The vineyard affords beer, wine and reserve spirits tastings; teams of lower than 10 individuals don’t want a reservation.

Talking of spirits, ghosts are stated to hang-out the property’s historic inn, which options two newly furnished suites for in a single day stays. If visiting in the summertime, you may arrive by boat (a well-liked mode of transportation within the Finger Lakes) and have an ice-cold beer or a glass of wine at The Boathouse, a small dockside cafe that is sometimes open seasonally from Memorial Day via Labor Day.

Handle: 168 Randall Crossing Street, Himrod, NY 14842

Because the Finger Lakes’ oldest vineyard, Nice Valley Wine Firm has eight landmarked stone buildings courting again to 1860 which can be listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. On the Nice Western Customer Heart on-site, you may uncover the vineyard’s shocking accomplishments, which embrace an honorable point out on the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle for its glowing catawba wine, the primary American glowing wine to win such a award in Europe. That was solely the start: The vineyard gained such a repute for its glowing wines that Nice Valley got here to be often known as the “Rheims of America.”

Tastings and informative guided excursions of the historic buildings are supplied year-round. In summer time and fall you may have to make a reservation for a tour. Except for the principle location in Hammondsport, you too can style Nice Valley wines at Caywood Vineyards in Lodi and Seneca Harbor Wine Heart in Watkins Glen.

Handle: 8260 Nice Valley Street, Hammondsport, NY 14840

House owners Morten and Lisa Hallgren discovered a lot of what they learn about wine within the Provence area of France earlier than settling at Ravines Wine Cellars. Collectively, they produce wonderful, largely dry rieslings, chardonnays, pinot noirs, a pink meritage mix and extra. Ravines’ wines have been listed within the high 100 on this planet by Wine Spectator Journal, amongst different accolades. These wines may be sampled at two places: the principle one in Geneva or the Keuka Tasting Room in Hammondsport.

Conventional wine tastings in Geneva, which embrace 5 pours, can be found for teams of as much as six individuals by appointment solely, although bigger teams of as much as 14 individuals can request tastings. You will need to make your reservation on-line. A tasting right here is also paired with seasonal bites from the favored Ravinous Kitchen. In case you’re planning to go to the Keuka location, reservations are beneficial however not required.

Handle: 400 Barracks Street, Geneva, NY 14456

Not solely will you discover good wine at Wagner Vineyards, however you may additionally discover craft beer at Wagner Valley Brewing Co and lunch at The Ginny Lee Café. Wagner is one of some wineries within the so-called “Banana Belt,” a hotter microclimate on Seneca Lake’s jap shores. The 250-acre property grows quite a lot of grapes, a number of of which have received wine competitions yr after yr.

Guided wine tastings embrace 5 wines of your selection and have to be reserved upfront; you may set these up on the vineyard’s web site. Extra informal tastings can be found on a walk-in foundation as nicely. You may also take pleasure in wine – and beer – flights on the Vantage Level on Seneca (an enclosed deck) or on the picnic tables outdoors, climate allowing. Except for the wine and beer, guests rave in regards to the property’s informative and attentive employees.

Handle: 9322 state Route 414, Lodi, NY 14860

Regardless of the Finger Lakes’ repute as a largely white-wine vacation spot, Chateau LaFayette Reneau manages to supply some scrumptious dry reds together with cabernet sauvignon and merlot, in addition to the realm’s signature cabernet franc. One other vineyard within the Banana Belt, this one sits about 5 miles north of Watkins Glen and affords tastings that embrace 5 pours and front-row views of Seneca Lake from each the indoor tasting room and outside deck. Reservations are extremely beneficial for teams with lower than six individuals and are required for bigger events. Wine can also be accessible by the glass. Extra choices embrace the Winery Picnic Expertise, with seasonal fare and a baguette to pair with a bottle of chilled pinot noir rose, and a five-room guesthouse for in a single day stays. Earlier guests say they love the wine and respect that the vineyard welcomes canine.

Handle: 5081 state Route 414, Hector, NY 14841

Select one among six preselected tasting flights to pattern dry roses, ice wines, wines from the small-lot Beta Collection (in any other case often known as trial wines) and extra at Sheldrake Level Vineyard, top-of-the-line Finger Lakes wineries. Seated tastings, restricted to teams of as much as six, will can help you style 5 wines plus a bonus “welcome wine,” which incorporates your selection of the favored dry rose or cabernet franc. Get pleasure from them within the tasting room or outdoors within the backyard. Reservations are recommended, however Sheldrake Level does welcome walk-ins. For a novel expertise, make a reservation within the Classic Room, Sheldrake’s in depth wine library and a uncommon providing within the Finger Lakes. Right here you may style the vineyard’s aged wines, which date again to its inception in 1997, accompanied by cheese and crostini. Reviewers word that this sustainable vineyard is barely off the crushed path, and that whereas it is not positioned proper on the water, it affords lovely views of Cayuga Lake. If touring by boat, you may park in one of many vineyard’s eight boat slips.

Handle: 7448 County Street 153, Ovid, NY 14521

Bully Hill Vineyards is a necessary Finger Lakes vineyard for anybody who enjoys candy wine. Positioned in Hammondsport, this vineyard is understood for its candy blush and fruit wines. The latter kind constitutes a complete line known as Candy Walter – named for the vineyard’s founder, Walter S. Taylor – with flavors together with peach and pineapple.

Get pleasure from a tasting with 5 preselected wines and get a complimentary wine glass as a memento, or take a free tour of the vineyard if the climate permits. You may also go to Bully Hill’s restaurant for lunch or Sunday brunch; earlier guests rave in regards to the meals. An on-site museum tells the story of Bully Hill Vineyards via vintage gear, historic artifacts and extra. The vineyard additionally welcomes leashed pets.

Handle: 8843 Greyton H. Taylor Memorial Drive, Hammondsport, NY 14840

In case you like pinot noir, cease at Coronary heart & Fingers Wine Firm, a sustainably farmed winery whose pink varietal is aged in French oak barrels. The pinot noir comes extremely beneficial by vacationers, as does the riesling. Tucked right into a peaceable location overlooking Cayuga Lake, Coronary heart & Fingers Wine Firm encompasses a cozy tasting room and cellar, the place attentive employees present guided flights with 5 wines. The nice and cozy environment matches the vineyard’s emblem: an Irish Claddagh, which represents friendship, love and loyalty. Tastings can be found primarily by appointment and are restricted to 4 company.

Handle: 4162 state Route 90, Union Springs, NY 13160

Since most of the wineries are shut collectively, it is simple to go to a number of in in the future. That stated, it is also simple to get tipsy after only one vineyard or two, which makes guided excursions or private drivers a well-liked possibility for visiting the wineries. Discover a number of the high transportation choices compiled by New York’s Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.

Although most wineries on this area supply tastings year-round, contemplate visiting between Could and September for the most effective climate.

Irrespective of the place you keep within the Finger Lakes, you will not be removed from a vineyard or a number of. In reality, some wineries supply their very own lodging for a novel expertise, and you may even spend the evening in a fortress with its personal vineyard and brewery at Belhurst in Geneva. Different lodging choices embrace glamping, bed-and-breakfasts, trip leases, conventional accommodations and lakefront resorts. In case you’re searching for the most effective Finger Lakes accommodations close to wineries, start your search here.