Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York is home to more than 100 wineries, breweries and distilleries centered around Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lakes. In addition, many of the beverage producers are also members of their respective wine and beers trails which host year-round wine and food weekend events.
The Finger Lakes is a world-class wine producing region that specializes in aromatic white varieties like Riesling and Gewurztraminer. The region is also finding exciting success with cool-climate reds like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. The terroir of the Finger Lakes is special because of the microclimate created by the lakes – extreme cold weather in the winter is avoided and warm, breezy days during the summer help ripen the grapes. The lakes serve as a natural, air temperature-regulating system – the steady water temperature of the lakes helps prevent extreme air temperature swings in the surrounding hillside vineyards. This allows grapes to have a longer growing season and mitigates early frost exposure.
Wine tasting in Finger Lakes Wine Country is a world-class experience in a quaint and charming atmosphere. Most wineries have a small tasting fee—averaging at $2 - $5 per person—which is often refunded with a purchase of wine. Wineries are open year-round, though during the winter some do close for the season or have limited visiting hours. Unlike in other wine destinations, like Napa Valley, tasting appointments are not needed though more wineries are beginning to offer vineyard and winery tours that do require advance reservation. It is always helpful to check ahead with the wineries you plan on visiting for special events and promotions.
In the past few years there has been a strong surgence of micro-breweries and distillers opening in the Finger Lakes. Discover more >
