Uncorking the Finger Lakes: Our Top Picks for Wineries to Visit
Looking for a wine getaway that offers more than just a good glass of vino?
Point your compass towards New York’s Finger Lakes. Here, every sip of wine is paired with a sweeping vista. With over 100 vineyards beckoning, dive into a world of flavors, from the tang of Rieslings to the rich notes of Cabernet Francs.
But the allure doesn’t stop at the wine glass. The Finger Lakes region tempts with its glistening waters, captivating trails, and towns brimming with character.
Whether you’re reveling in autumn’s splendor or seeking winter’s embrace, the region is a year-round haven. Here, every season uncorks new adventures.
Lace up for scenic hikes, dive into aquatic adventures, or meander through quaint towns that exude charm at every corner.
And the climate?
Mild and inviting all year.
Come autumn, the landscape dons a fiery robe of foliage, while winter whispers tales of snug activities amidst the chill.
Every season here has its own story to tell.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
This legendary winery is the brainchild of Dr. Konstantin Frank himself, who brought European grape varieties to the area back in the ’60s. And boy, did he leave a lasting impression! Today, the winery is still run by the family and churns out some of the tastiest Rieslings around. Want to see where the magic happens? Take a tour of the vineyards and production facilities and get an inside look at the winemaking process. And don’t forget to indulge in their food and wine pairing experiences – your taste buds will thank you!
You can never go wrong with their award-winning Rieslings, but don’t sleep on their Gewürztraminer or Grüner Veltliner. It’s all about the dry whites here.
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
If you’re a Riesling lover, you’ll feel right at home here. if you want to sip some truly top-notch wine in the Finger Lakes, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard is the place to be. These guys have been putting the region on the wine map for years, and it’s not hard to see why. They specialize in cool climate grapes like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer, and they’ve racked up more awards than a spelling bee champion. And don’t even get me started on the view from their tasting room – it’s so beautiful you might forget to drink your wine (but don’t worry, you won’t). And if you want to get up close and personal with the vines, they offer tours and private tastings that’ll make you feel like a grape-growing pro.
Wiemer is all about the cool climate wines, and their Dry Riesling is a standout. But don’t miss their Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc, both of which have earned critical acclaim.
Ravines Wine Cellars
This place is a hidden gem, like finding a piace of super aged pecorino cheese in your winter coat pocket. Their Cabernet Franc is the star of the show, but their Riesling and Chardonnay are no slouches either. Come for the wine, stay for the stunning view of Keuka Lake. Their 2018 Cabernet Franc is solid and glimmering.
Fox Run Vineyards
Variety is the spice of life at Fox Run, where you can taste everything from Riesling to Pinot Noir to Lemberger. Their Riesling is always lovely, clean and sharp, but don’t overlook their sparkling wines or the food-friendly Chardonnay.
Wagner Vineyards
When it comes to Finger Lakes wineries, Wagner Vineyards is an OG. They’ve been making wines since the 1970s, and they’ve got it down to a science. Their selection is extensive, with everything from Rieslings to Cab Francs to ales and spirits (yes, they’ve got a brewery and distillery on site!). The views of Seneca Lake from their tasting room are breathtaking, and they offer tours and private tastings. Make sure to try their 2019 Dry Riesling – it’s a comforting and rocky wine.
Sheldrake Point Winery
This winery is all about sustainability and the environment, so you can feel good about sipping on their award-winning dry Riesling or Cabernet Franc. The tasting room is cozy and rustic, with a stunning view of Cayuga Lake.
Lakewood Vineyards
If you’re searching for a winery that’s all about keeping it in the family and supporting the community, then Lakewood Vineyards is where it’s at! This family-owned winery is known for their award-winning wines, especially their top-notch Rieslings, Cab Francs, and Pinot Noirs. And get this, they even offer fruit wines made with locally-sourced berries! Their tasting room exudes a cozy, rustic vibe, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some vino. And trust us, you simply can’t leave without trying their 2017 Cab Franc – it’s a total game-changer.
Boundary Breaks Vineyard
If you thought all Rieslings were created equal, think again. Boundary Breaks’ Ice Wine is a game-changer, with flavors of honey, apricot, and citrus. But don’t miss their Dry Rieslings or Gewürztraminer either. Their 2018 Ice is pure, liquid gold.
Atwater Estate Vineyards
Atwater is all about experimentation, so you’ll find everything from sparkling wines to skin-fermented whites here. Their Riesling is a standout, but don’t miss their Cabernet Franc or Meritage blends.
Red Newt Cellars
If you’re all about that artisanal, small-batch life, then Red Newt Cellars is the winery for you. This boutique operation is all about quality over quantity, and it shows in their handcrafted wines. Their Rieslings are particularly impressive, with a range of styles from dry to sweet. They also offer Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, and Merlot, and their tasting room has a chic and modern feel. Bonus: they offer food and wine pairing experiences that are out of this world.
Heron Hill Winery
Looking for a winery that will leave you breathless – and not just because of the wine? Then Heron Hill Winery is a must-visit. With a tasting room that overlooks Keuka Lake, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning views in the Finger Lakes.
But let’s talk about the real reason we’re here: the wine. Heron Hill produces a range of award-winning wines that will make your taste buds sing, from delicious Rieslings and Chardonnays to bold Cab Francs. And with a laid-back tasting room atmosphere, you can savor every sip in style. Make sure to take a tour and indulge in a private tasting while you’re there.
And speaking of indulging, don’t even think about leaving without trying their 2018 Ingle Vineyard Riesling – it’s a total winner. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.
Boundary Breaks Vineyard
Looking for a new kid on the wine block that’s already making waves? Look no further than Boundary Breaks Vineyard! Despite being a newer winery, they’ve already established a reputation for producing top-notch Rieslings in a range of styles, from bone-dry to sweet and everything in between.
Their tasting room is a chill spot where you can soak in the laid-back vibes and enjoy tours and private tastings. And of course, we can’t forget about the bottle that’s making all the buzz – their 2019 Dry Riesling #198. It’s a must-try that’ll leave your taste buds tingling with delight. So why wait? Head on over to Boundary Breaks Vineyard and discover your new favorite wine!