Best Finger Lakes Wineries and What You Should Drink There

 

The glacial-fed waters of the Finger Lakes region of New York create the perfect micro-climate for grape cultivation. And, with grapes comes wine! 

While Finger Lakes wine country is known for Riesling and Cabernet Franc, there are varieties for every palate. The Finger Lakes include fourteen counties and more than 150 wineries! I’ve visited twice and have not come close to exploring all the flavors. Though, dry reds are my favorite! 

Here’s a look at the best Finger Lakes wineries in upstate New York with sweet wines, dry wines, reds, whites, and everything in between!

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How Big are the Finger Lakes? 

The Finger Lakes is a 9,000-square-mile area including 14 counties and 11 lakes. Located in west-central New York State, the area stretches approximately 50 miles south and 80 miles west. Everything is in driving range, but if you’re visiting for a weekend, it would be hard to explore everything in this expansive area. 

The Finger Lakes run north to south, surrounded by quaint towns, wineries, and beautiful nature views. Visitors will find Ithaca and Watkins Glen to the south, Geneva, Seneca Falls, and Canandaigua to the north, Auburn, Cortland, and Syracuse to the east, and Hammondsport and Genesso to the west. 

These maps can be really helpful when planning your trip! And, if you’re visiting with kids, be sure to check out this guide to a Finger Lakes family vacation! 

 

Why Choose the Finger Lakes for Wine?

The Finger Lakes rarely freeze with warm winters and cool summers moderated by the air coming across the lakes. Everything from the nutrients and drainage of the soil to the bedrock that allows grape vines to take hold supports the growth of grape varieties prized for winemaking in locations worldwide. 

The 9,000+ acres of grapes in the region, paired with the gorgeous scenery of lakes, rolling hillsides, and national forests, make the area well worth a visit. There are also several Finger Lakes wine trails, each with more than a dozen wineries that make it easy to sample each area’s offerings. 

 

Best Wineries Near Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake Wine Trail is the longest in New York State. Of the 35 best wineries on the trail, here are our favorites. 

 

Red Newt Cellars

Red Newt Cellars holds Winemaker Wednesdays, an intimate tasting session hosted by a winemaker who answers all your questions about wine varieties, pairings, and grape cultivation. It’s only $20 per person (as of publication) – plus there are snacks! 

For wine enthusiasts who prefer a sweeter Reisling, try the 2020 Newt Riesling. The apple, pineapple, and peach notes have a delicate honey finish that is smooth on the palate. 

 

 

Hermann J. Weimer Vinyard & Winery

Hermann J. Weimer Winery is always bustling with special events and winemaking activities, from grape cultivation and sorting to fermenting the wines Weimer is known for. Set in a beautiful architectural space with views of the many vineyards, guests find high levels of hospitality, history, and education. 

HJW has many award-winning wines. We recommend trying the 2017 Cuvee Brut. It is a champagne-style wine made with fruits harvested during early ripeness for more acidity, bringing together the flavors of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 

 

Things to Do Around Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake is the deepest and second-longest of the Finger Lakes. Take a sunset cruise on the lake or head north for a day trip to the charming town of Geneva, filled with quaint shops and restaurants. To the South, hike the many trails and waterfalls of Watkins Glen State Park.  

 

 

Where to Stay in Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake has unique lodgings. We loved staying at Belhurst Castle and Winery, a real castle built in the 1880s! Plum Point Lodge on Seneca is another beautiful place to sta, with views of the lake and charming decor. 

 

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Best Wineries Near Cayuga Lake 

Established in 1983, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the longest-running in the country. Plus, many of the stops along the trail are dog-friendly! 

 

Sheldrake Point Winery

Stand outside of Sheldrake Point Winery to view Cayuga Lake on one side and scenic vineyards on the other. Visitors access the tasting room, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens, by boat! 

 

 

Visitors to Sheldrake Point Winery can enjoy Riesling, Cabernet Franc, dessert wines, and ice wines. Try Sheldrake’s Point Dry Rose, the best-selling wine in the Finger Lakes. It is incredibly fresh with undertones of candied strawberry, watermelon, and floral notes to start and a prickly, acidic finish. 

 

Goose Watch Winery

Find Goose Watch Winery in a refurbished barn on Cayuga Lake, with the option to travel to the tasting room by boat in the summer. The barn features a picnic area, wrap-around deck, surrounding chestnut groves, and incredible views of Cayuga Lake. The hexagonal bar is also especially charming!

This is a great place for visitors to Finger Lakes interested in more unique wine flavors. Try wines like Traminette, made from a grape developed at Cornell University, or Villiard Blanc, which cannot be found anywhere except in New York.

 

 

Things to Do Around Cayuga Lake

Cayuga Lake is great for fishing. Cast a line near the southern part of the lake in April and May to catch Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Atlantic Salmon. Fish for perch, bass, pike, and bullhead throughout the year. 

 

 

With so many state parks in the area, there are also plenty of opportunities for swimming and watersports. Stop by the scenic trails at Taughannock Falls State Park, Robert Treman State Park, and Cayuga Nature Center, or visit Marunda Cheese Company.

 

Where to Stay in Cayuga Lake

We recommend one of the many inns or bed and breakfasts with views of Cayuga Lake. Popular options include the Inn at Taughhannock Falls and Glass Magnolia Bed and Breakfast. 

 

Best Wineries Near Keuka Lake

Keuka Lake’s Wine Trail hasn’t been open as long, but visitors will find the first bonded winery in the United States, Pleasant Valley Winery. The region is also known for Vinifera grapes, which typically grow in the Mediterranean and are used for wine varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

 

 

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

Famous winemakers sometimes rely on their name to sell bottles, but that isn’t the case here. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has won several prestigious awards and is known for world-class wine – for good reason. 

 

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Enjoy a seated tasting, schedule a tour and tasting, or buy by the glass, flight, or bottle with beautiful views and live music in Eugenia’s Garden. There are more than 40 wines to try. My favorite was the 2017 Old Vines Pinot Noir, which features tart cherry flavors with peppery and earthy undertones and a smooth finish.  

 

Weis Vineyards

Weis Vineyards has an intimate, boutique-style tasting room that is the perfect place for visitors traveling in a smaller group who appreciate the wine experience. Founded by German-born Hans Peter and his wife and Finger Lakes native, Ashlee Weis, Weis Vineyards offers the perfect balance of old-world wine cultivation with modern-day techniques.

 

 

One of Wise Vineyards’ best wines is Riesling Ice Wine. This variety is made by grapes harvested once they reach a temperature of 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a bright, acidic taste with finishing notes of apricot, honey, and spiced apples.

 

Things to Do Around Keuka Lake

Enjoy the Keuka Outlet Trail, open year-round, with run-down windmills and gorgeous flowing waterfalls. The 7-mile trail connects Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake, popular for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, as well as snowmobiling in the winter. 

While in the area, stop by the Windmill Farm & Craft Market, visit the Botsford Nature Preserve, or explore the Glenn H. Curtiss or Boating Museum. 

 

Where to Stay in Keuka Lake

For a cozy, romantic setting, couples should stay at Moon Shadow Bed and Breakfast. Keuka Lakeside Inn is also cozy and offers a big lawn for activities and views of Keuka Lake. 

 

Best Wineries Near Canandaigua Lake

The Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail stretches 30 miles along the rolling hills of Canandaigua Lake.

 

 

Heron Hill Winery

Stop by the satellite tasting room at Heron Hill Winery. Guests enjoy tastings in a 100-year-old barn with views of the vineyards growing grapes for Riesling and Cabernet Franc and Canandaigua Lake. 

Enjoy red wines, white wines, sparkling wines, rosé, and blended varieties. Heron Hill is known for its Eclipse varieties. The Eclipse Red combines intense flavors with red and black fruits, including raspberries and blackberries, while the Eclipse White is a light, balanced wine that combines Riesling, Chardonnay, Valvin Muscat, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. 

 

 

Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars

Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars is located in the former Widmer Winery facility. They specialize in traditional grape cultivation and wine-making practices in Naples, perfect for people who enjoy more classic wines. We also love that there is a beautiful 0.7-mile hiking trail to enjoy behind the winery!

Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars specializes in sweet wines, though they also have a delicious Riesling! Of the sweet wines, the Bramble Berry was my favorite! 

 

Things to Do Around Canandaigua Lake

There is plenty to do in the area aside from a Canandaigua Lake wine tour including walking through the Sonnenburg Gardens & Mansion State Historical Park, Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum, or Canandaigua Farmer’s Market. 

Bristol Mountain is another popular attraction year-round. Enjoy a gondola ride on the lake or hit the slopes! 

 

Where to Stay in Canandaigua Lake

The Lake House on Canandaigua offers comfortable lodgings and an upscale feel with an onsite restaurant. For a more unique experience, stay at Sutherland House Victorian B & B, based on an authentic Victorian-era home. 

 

When You Go

 

 

Traveling to the Finger Lakes Wine Region from LA

Los Angeles wine enthusiasts can take flights across the United States from LAX into one of the four airports near the Finger Lakes, including Canandaigua Airport (20-40 minutes away), Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (45 minutes away), Syracuse Hancock International Airport (1 hr. 15 min. away), and Buffalo Niagara International Airport (1 hr. 30 min. away). Families can fly through Spirit, United, American, Delta, and JetBlue. Most flights have at least one connection and take 8+ hours. 

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