Late spring and early summer are ideal times to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country. The region is bursting with blooms. There are fewer crowds and just as many wineries and waterfalls to visit. Here are some of the wines, cider, and cocktails you should drink this summer in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Depending on your state, you may be able to order these items online to enjoy at home.
Wine
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a summer staple and Finger Lakes Wine Country has some unique offerings. This classic, elegant red has a historic lineage at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. It is made from some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Finger Lakes. The Old Vines Pinot Noir 2021 is a light-bodied wine with fruity and earthy flavors.
You can’t miss the Pinot Noir Blanc 2021, a partnership with Barry Family Cellars and Buttonwood Grove. This delicate dry white wine is made from hand-picked grapes from two vineyards in the Finger Lakes.
Rosé
Rosé is one of the most versatile wines for pairing and a spring and summer staple. So this year, you may rosé at these suggested Finger Lakes wineries.
Choose between a Zweigelt/Pinot Noir Dry Rosé and the Dry Rosé at Weis Vineyards on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Try the 70% Zweigelt and 30% Pinot Noir with cherry & cranberry notes. Or opt for their vintage 2022 Dry Rosé with peach & strawberry notes.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail member, Fox Run Vineyards has a fruit-forward Dry Rosé that will keep you happy all spring and summer.
The Dry Rosé of Cabernet Franc from Hosmer Winery has a juicy finish and notes of strawberries, red raspberries, and mulberry. Visit Hosmer Winery on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is a rosy and aromatic white wine that’s notorious for its high alcohol and low acidity. Gewürztraminer is best served chilled and tends to have the aromas and flavors of lychee and stone fruit. Making it the perfect wine for warm weather.
You’ll find plenty of Gewürztraminer options at Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Their Gewürztraminer Semi Dry has vibrant floral and spice aromas with a touch of citrus on the nose. The Gewürztraminer Dry is full-bodied, dry, and bursting with Lychee fruit and white peach on the nose.
The Fathom 107 is a dry blend of Riesling and Gewurztraminer and is named after the deepest point of Seneca Lake. Located directly in front of the vineyard and measures 107 Fathoms deep.
At the women-owned Lucas Vineyards on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, you can enjoy the flavors of lychee and grapefruit with their 2020 Gewurztraminer. This wine should be paired with your favorite spicy foods.
Cider
Bombshell Hard Cider
If you’re looking for variety you’ll find it at Three Brothers Wineries & Estates in Geneva, New York. Here you’ll find three unique wineries, a microbrewery, and a cafe all on one estate. At their War Horse Brewing Co., you can order one of their Paloma Bombshell Hard Cider. This unique spin on this iconic Mexican cocktail is made with 100% New York State-grown apples and a subtle hint of jalapeno.
Cocktails
While the region is known for its award-winning wine, there are plenty of Breweries, Cideries, and Distilleries in the area to choose from.
Finger Lakes Distilling
Finger Lakes Distilling in Burdett, NY is the premier New York craft distillery, creating high-quality whiskey, gin, brandy, grappa, and liqueurs. You can try one of their signature drinks during your visit and bring back the items needed to make it at home.
Please remember to check if any of these items can be shipped to your state.
