Since the 1300s lovers and friends have exchanged little and not-so-little nothings on February 14th in celebration of Valentine’s Day. But who needs jewelry or chocolate when you can create memories that last a lifetime? From snowshoeing to couples massages this time we’re focusing on the incredible activities, eateries, and romantic places to stay in the region with your love that will help ignite the spark!
Events + Activities
Savoring Sweets
The Keuka Lake Wine Trail brings you Savoring Sweets a unique, specially-prepared experience at wineries along Keuka Lake. You’ll have a custom itinerary that includes five wineries for the day where you’ll be treated to special tastings, wine samples, and light food pairings featuring items curated by a local chef with a sweet inspiration in mind.
Your ticket includes a unique tasting experience at five out of six participating member wineries with a custom itinerary including 4 wine samples at each stop and sweet and savory pairings. This is not just your average tasting! Experiences range from owner/winemaker-led tastings, behind-the-scenes discussions, vertical tastings, tasting unreleased wines, and more!
For tickets, select an itinerary that determines your desired starting winery below. If you’re looking to hire transportation, please view the transportation partners here.
When: Saturday, February 10th, 2024
Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
Where: Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Price: $110 pp
Learn more and purchase your tickets here.
Have a Heart for Valentine's Day
Show some love to your favorite piece at the Corning Museum of Glass on Valentine’s Day weekend. Museum guests who visit on February 11, 12, 13, or 14 will get a heart-shaped sticker to leave a real-life "like" next to your favorite piece in their collection. After all of the stickers have been collected, they will reveal the results in a “favorites” list.
When: February 10th - 14th, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: The Corning Museum of Glass, 1 Museum Way, Corning New York
Learn more here.
Galentine's Sip & Create Dessert Charcuterie Board Night at Montezuma
Gather your girls for a Galentine's Sip & Create Dessert Charcuterie Board Night at Montezuma Winery. Each ticket includes a heart-shaped charcuterie board, macaroons, chocolate fortune cookies, and more sweet treats. Of course, there will be a Galentine's cocktail and a great Galentine's playlist to jam to! So bring your bestie, sister, or mom to celebrate Galentine's at the Montezuma Winery.
When: February 13, 2024
Time: 6 PM
Location: Montezuma Winery
Price: $40 pp
Learn more and get tickets here.
Aphrodisiac Wine Dinner at Knapp Winery
Knapp Winery and Billsboro Winery come together for an Aphrodisiac Wine Dinner at Knapp Winery. Come celebrate the holiday of love with an aphrodisiac-inspired wine pairing. The delicious menu is curated by Knapp’s Executive Chef Benjamin Bird.
When: February 17, 2024
Time: 6:30 - 9 PM
Location: Knapp Winery
Price: $125 pp, including tax & gratuity.
Learn more and get tickets here.
Sweetheart Weekend
Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery is hosting a special guided tasting with delectable wine and dessert pairings to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day. Sweetheart Weekend features local desserts paired with Wagner's award-winning wines. This intimate guided tasting, away from the hustle and bustle of the tasting room, will allow you to relax and focus on the experience and the flavors in the wine and the desserts. Enjoy four made-from-scratch desserts from Laurabelle’s Cupcakery paired with Wagner wines. Gluten-free options are available. Please Contact before 5 PM on Friday, Feb 9th to let them know how many in your party would like GF desserts.
When: Saturday, February 17 & Sunday, February 18, 2024
Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
Location: Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery
Price: $25 per person
Learn more and purchase your tickets here.
Bubbles & Brunch
Lakewood Vineyards is partnering with Nickel’s Pit BBQ to bring you a decadent three-course brunch paired with delicious sparkling wines. Explore how these sparklers shine when paired with brunch foods. Reserve your seat now, tickets will go fast!
When: Sunday, February 18, 2024
Time: 11 AM - 5 PM
Location: Lakewood Vineyards
Price: $55 per person
Learn more and purchase your tickets here.
Romantic Activities
We previously shared a great list of Romantic Gift Ideas in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Here are some fun romantic activities to enjoy in the region.
Clute Park's Ice Skating Rink
If snowshoeing and cross-country skiing sound a bit extreme, opt for ice skating at Clute Park’s Ice Skating Rink next to the Seneca Lake Event Center in Watkins Glen. For only $7 you can glide over the ice with someone special before a romantic meal. Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday 4 PM - 8 PM, Friday 4 PM - 9 PM, Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM, and Sunday 11 AM - 7 PM.
Namaste Spa
Self-care is a worthwhile activity as well and a couple’s massage at Namaste Spa could be exactly what you two need to reconnect. Their Love at the Spa Package includes an hour massage, facials for two, and 45 Minute Infrared Sauna Session. There’s no better way to pamper your lover and yourself this Valentine’s Day. Find even more ways to relax here.
Romantic Stays
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
Named “Best Waterfront Hotel in the Nation” by USA Today, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen is the area's only AAA Four Diamond property. Nestled on the shores of Seneca Lake in the picturesque town of Watkins Glen this hotel sets the standard for luxury accommodations and is the perfect place to call home when exploring the area.
Many of the 104 spacious guest rooms and suites have panoramic lake views and balconies. Guests have access to their indoor swimming pool and hot tub, a fully-equipped fitness center, and knowledgeable a concierge to help you plan your stay. Too tired to go out to dinner after a day of exploring? Enjoy upscale dining and cocktails at Blue Pointe Grille and Coldwater Bar, loved by hotel guests and local residents.
Magnolia Place Bed & Breakfast
Magnolia Place in Hector, New York is a renovated farmhouse property from 1837 with 5 rooms, 3 suites, and stunning views of Seneca Lake. The perfect blend of historic charm and modern elegance, here you’ll find stylishly decorated rooms and toiletries prepared from a nearby lavender farm for a local experience. A country breakfast is served every morning in our spacious kitchen. Before you turn in for the night, return to the kitchen for freshly baked goodies and seasonal beverages to enjoy next to the cozy fireplace.
Beekman House B&B
Experience graciousness and hospitality at 1897 Beekman House Bed & Breakfast in Dundee, New York. Conveniently located in the heart of wine country between Seneca and Keuka Lakes. This elegantly restored Victorian home dates to 1897 and has 5 lovely rooms. All of the rooms have private baths en suite and king or queen-size beds. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast prepared by chef and owner Chuck France to fuel your day of relaxing or exploring the region.
Best Western Vineyard Inn & Suites
The sweetest Treat for your Valentine and Galantines is a special weekend at the Best Western Vineyard Inn & Suites. For the weekends of February 9th – 11th and February 16th – 18th get the Sweetheart Package for just $170 and enjoy a complete getaway package in wine country. Which includes a gift for your partner, a bottle of wine, and a sweet treat to share. Explore Wine Country during the day and in the evening, snuggle up by the fireplace, or take a dip in the heated indoor pool and hot tub.
The Park Inn
Above the restaurant are the five beautifully restored room suites of Park Inn. Mixing modern-day luxuries and the building’s historic architecture. Each suite has a king or queen bed with luxury linens, a private bathroom with a shower, TV, wifi, bottled water, and a coffeemaker. Most rooms also include a sitting room with a pull-out couch. Due to the historic nature of the Inn, only children 13 and over are allowed.
The Restaurant at The Park Inn is seasonally focused, with an emphasis on locally produced and sourced ingredients. To complement the locally focused cuisine is a 200+ selection wine list. The Park Inn’s wine list splits its focus between both the Finger Lakes and international regions renowned for the cool climate wines our region emulates.
The bar at The Park Inn is a piece of Hammondsport history, showcasing original crafted woodwork, inlays, and style. The craft cocktail menu focuses on well-executed classics and house specialties that incorporate locally sourced seasonal ingredients such as fruits, herbs, and purees. The full dining menu is also available at the bar, offering the perfect chance for a more social dining environment or just a quick bite before bed.
Looking for even more romantic accommodation options? This list of Charming B&Bs for Your Next Romantic Getaway includes a location that offers a gift package with couples massages, a private candlelit farm-to-table dinner, and more.
Romantic Eateries
Valentine's Dining at Veraisons Restaurant
If you're looking for Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day plans visit Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars for a special 3-course meal. Treat yourself and your special someone to an extra special experience and book a room at the on-site hotel and explore the Wine Trials for the weekend! To make a reservation call: 800-243-5513
When: February 10th - 12th, 2024 and February 17th - 19th, 2024
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Veraisons Restaurant, 5435 State Route 14, Dundee New York
Price: $65 per person plus tax and gratuity
GRAFT Wine + Cider Bar
If you’re looking to be wined and dined head to GRAFT Wine + Cider Bar in Watkins Glen. The only wine and cider bar in the area exclusively serving a variety of New York State hand-crafted wines, ciders, and beer. GRAFT Wine + Cider Bar highlights premium Finger Lakes producers on a rotating, seasonally focused bar and kitchen menu thoughtfully prepared by popular regional chef, Orlando Rodriguez.
Rye Bar and Restaurant
The people, food, and renovated location make Rye Bar and Restaurant in Elmira, New York the perfect place for friends & family to come together and have a great time. The bar and restaurant have been designed with individual touches unique to the local area. The menu has been created for all ages to enjoy. Whether it’s Saturday Prime Rib or Sunday Brunch Rye Bar and Restaurant has great options for your romantic weekend.
Outlet 111
Discover Penn Yan, New York's hidden gem, Outlet 111. Located under the charming bridge on Liberty Street, Outlet 111 is a celebration of Finger Lakes wines and New York State's finest products. Named after its unique spot on the outlet trail connecting Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake, this restaurant takes pride in curating a wine list that showcases the Finger Lakes region and highlights the talent of women producers. Currently serving an upscale pub fare-style menu, Outlet 111 prides itself on serving only the freshest ingredients for a culinary journey that promises to deliver.
The Cellar
Enjoy the hip & trendy vibe of The Cellar, Corning's premier wine and martini bar. Here you’ll find a unique fine dining experience extending their casual and relaxed lounge atmosphere in an upscale restaurant. Chef Michael Lanahan has crafted a menu focused on modern fusion cuisine. Featuring unique dishes that blend global culinary traditions and stylings, incorporating locally farmed produce as available.
Romantic Wine Tasting
Once Finger Lakes
Once Finger Lakes in Penn Yan offers a curated selection of wines from the region paired with a menu of food sourced using local ingredients. Enjoy a romantic tasting with sweeping views of Seneca Lake from their outdoor deck.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant, successfully developed a method for growing Vinifera, or European wine grapes, in Upstate New York. This winery located near Hammondsport is responsible for revolutionizing winemaking in the United States and is one of the oldest wineries in the region. Situated in a building that once housed a pre-Prohibition wine company, The Terrace at 1886 is an outpost that offers a chance to try the winery’s full lineup.
Weis Vineyards
At Weis Vineyards you can get a taste of Germany, in the heart of the Finger Lakes! Power couple Hans Peter, hailing from Germany, and Ashlee, a proud Finger Lakes native founded this enchanting boutique winery in Hammondsport, New York. Weis Vineyards beautifully merges their shared passion for winemaking. Visit and discover why they were named New York State’s Winery of the Year in 2022.
Boundary Breaks
Boundary Breaks in Lodi, New York has a strong commitment and love for Riesling. Which is evident from the moment your lips touch this liquid gold. But even more so in conversation with Bruce Murray and Diane Lyttle, owners of this beautiful Seneca Lake-front vineyard. During your romantic weekend enjoy the Boundary Breaks Vineyard Winter Wine Exploration Series. On this wine-centric adventure, you'll discover the unique elements and the construction of what is being poured into your glass. Exploration will take place two weekends a month from January 2024 to March 2024. Sessions are available on Saturdays and Sundays and cost $35 per session per person. Book your session here.
