Hey….Where’s all the snow I keep hearing about?
Our weather is less snowy than in Buffalo, Rochester, or northern Pennsylvania. This is due to several key geographic and climatic factors, including the region’s distance from the Great Lakes, its terrain, and the local weather patterns that influence snowfall.
1. Distance from the Great Lakes
Buffalo and Rochester, located along the eastern shores of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, are directly impacted by a weather phenomenon called lake-effect snow. This occurs when cold air moves over the relatively warmer waters of the lakes, causing moisture to evaporate, and when this moist air cools, it releases the moisture in the form of snow. This process produces heavy, localized snowfalls, particularly on the east sides of the lakes. Buffalo and Rochester are both in the direct path of these snow bands, which is why they often experience substantial snowfall in the winter.
In contrast, Finger Lakes Wine Country is located further inland, about 50 to 100 miles from the Great Lakes. While the region is still influenced by the lakes, it is far enough away that it does not experience the same intensity of lake-effect snow. The Finger Lakes still have a moderating effect on the climate, helping to keep temperatures milder, but they do not produce the heavy, persistent snowfalls that occur in cities like Buffalo and Rochester.
2. Topography of the finger lakes region
The terrain of Finger Lakes Wine Country plays a role in reducing snowfall. The region is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and deep lakes that create a more sheltered environment compared to the open flat areas near the Great Lakes. These hills can block or weaken the lake-effect snow bands before they reach the Finger Lakes, preventing the area from experiencing the heavy snowfalls seen in nearby cities.
Additionally, the mountain ranges and higher elevations of northern Pennsylvania also contribute to more snow. In these regions, the wind patterns are more conducive to lifting moist air, which results in heavier snow. The Finger Lakes, on the other hand, are not as prone to these elevated snow-producing processes.
3. Wind Patterns and Lake Effect
The winds that bring lake-effect snow are generally westerly or northwesterly, blowing across the Great Lakes and onto the land. While Buffalo and Rochester are directly in the path of these winds, the Finger Lakes region is positioned more to the south and east, meaning it is shielded from the most intense lake-effect snow. The terrain of the Finger Lakes, with its valleys and the protection offered by the surrounding hills, means that many of the snow bands lose strength before reaching the area.
4. Influence of Northern Pennsylvania
Northern Pennsylvania, particularly areas like Erie and the Appalachian Mountains, is more likely to experience significant snowfall due to both lake-effect snow from Lake Erie and the upslope snow effect. The higher elevation and proximity to the Great Lakes in this region allow for more consistent snowfall throughout the winter. As the wind pushes moisture-laden air from the lakes, the air is forced upwards by the mountains, causing more precipitation in the form of snow.
The Finger Lakes region, by comparison, is lower in elevation and more shielded from these upslope effects, resulting in less frequent and less intense snowfall. The Finger Lakes’ climate is more moderate, and although snow can still fall, it is generally less persistent or heavy than in northern Pennsylvania or along the lakeshores of Buffalo and Rochester.
ALL THIS METEOROLOGY MEANS….
Finger Lakes Wine Country gets less snow than Buffalo, Rochester, or northern Pennsylvania because of its inland location, further from the direct influence of lake-effect snow caused by the Great Lakes. The region’s rolling hills and valleys shield it from the worst of the lake-effect snow, and the milder temperatures due to the distance from the lakes further reduce snowfall. Additionally, northern Pennsylvania’s higher elevations and proximity to the Great Lakes make it more prone to consistent snowfall, while the Finger Lakes region experiences a more moderate winter climate overall.
So, even though our lakes—Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka—are “great,” they are not large enough to make a significant impact on snowfall amounts. So, if you hear about blizzards in upstate New York, they’re likely NOT referring to Finger Lakes Wine Country, so don’t let a few snow flurries keep you from visiting!
A Year-Round Destination
Finger Lakes Wine Country offers a distinctive climate that changes beautifully through each season, providing unique experiences year-round. Whether you are drawn to the bud break of spring, serene lakes and rivers in summer, the snowy charm of winter, or the vibrant foliage of autumn, you’ll find plenty to explore in this breathtaking corner of New York. Here’s what to expect from the weather and how to dress during each season.
Spring
(April – May)
Spring in the Finger Lakes is a time of renewal, where nature comes alive after the cold winter months. Average daytime temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F, but evenings can be quite chilly, often dipping into the 30s or 40s. It’s a time when the grapevines begin to bud, and the local flora—tulips, daffodils, and lilacs—brighten the landscape with color.
What to Wear: Light layers are key. A light sweater or long-sleeved shirt under a jacket will keep you comfortable during the day, but don’t forget a heavier jacket or a warm sweater for the evening chill. Comfortable shoes for walking or exploring wineries are also recommended, as the terrain can be uneven, especially around the lake.
Summer
(June – August)
Summer in the Finger Lakes is a true highlight, with warm, pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities. Daytime highs typically range from 70°F to 80°F, with occasional hot spells pushing into the 90s. The area enjoys long, sunny days with cool, breezy evenings, especially near the water. The lakes sparkle under the summer sun, and outdoor festivals, boat tours, and wine tastings are in full swing.
What to Wear: During the day, lightweight clothing, such as shorts, breathable shirts, and a hat, is perfect for staying cool. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong, especially during midday. A light jacket or sweater might come in handy for cooler evenings by the lakes and rivers, and comfortable sandals or shoes are ideal for walking around festivals or the small towns, but don’t forget your hiking shoes and swimsuits for outdoor adventures!
Fall
(September – November)
Fall is an incredibly popular time to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country! The weather is crisp and cool, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 60s°F, and evenings can drop to the 30s or 40s. The region’s famous fall foliage reaches its peak, painting the hillsides with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. The harvest season brings an aroma of freshly picked grapes and the chance to explore apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and U-pick farms.
What to Wear: As temperatures fluctuate, dressing in layers is essential. A warm jacket, a scarf, and a pair of gloves will be useful, especially on chilly mornings or evenings. A sturdy pair of boots is also recommended, as you’ll likely want to explore the vineyards or hike the picturesque trails near the lake. A cozy sweater or fleece can help keep you warm as you enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery.
Winter
(December – March)
Winter in the Finger Lakes brings a tranquil beauty to Finger Lakes Wine Country, with snow-covered landscapes and a quiet ambiance. Temperatures can vary significantly, ranging from sub-zero conditions to highs near 40°F. The area sees plenty of snowfall, which creates perfect conditions for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other winter activities. While many of the area’s attractions slow down, it’s an ideal time for a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds. You can enjoy cozy firesides at local inns or indulge in winter wine tastings, including the special Ice Wine produced from frozen grapes.
What to Wear: Winter weather can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack heavy-duty cold-weather clothing. A thick, insulated coat, gloves, a scarf, and a warm hat are essential for staying comfortable outside. Thermal layers and waterproof boots will help you stay warm and dry during outdoor activities, especially if you plan to hike or snowshoe around the lake. A pair of wool socks and a cozy sweater will also keep you comfortable when you head indoors to enjoy a glass of wine by the fire.
No matter when you choose to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country, each season offers its own charm and opportunities to experience the region’s natural beauty and unique culture. From spring’s fresh blooms to winter’s snowy peace, the climate in this region makes it a year-round destination for those looking to enjoy outdoor adventures, local products, and breathtaking landscapes. Be sure to pack accordingly and get ready to explore New York’s most stunning region!
While Finger Lakes Wine Country is renowned for its award-winning wines there are many breweries, cideries, and distilleries in the region worth bragging about. This is why we created the Finger Lakes Wine Country Breweries, Cideries, and Distilleries Guide.
Craft brewing has exploded so much in the region in the last decade that there are a variety of breweries offering an array of experiences. Some of our breweries even offer lodging. One of them even has a pet-friendly suite. In this guide you will visit town to town to take a sip at the best breweries, cideries, and distilleries in each area.
Penn Yan
The quaint and beautiful Village of Penn Yan, NY was named after its early Pennsylvania and Yankee settlers. This is where you can find independently- and locally- owned cafés, shops, restaurants, and taverns along Main Street’s historic early 19th century buildings.
The Laurentide Inn is the result of transforming a 200-year-old private residence and carriage house barn into five guest suites. In the back of the house, you’ll find their brewery and the pub.
Two other Penn Yan breweries to visit are Abandon Brewing Co. and Climbing Bines Hop Farm & Craft Ale Company. Abandon Brewing Co. is a geothermal-powered craft brewery located in a reused farmhouse overlooking Keuka Lake. You can enjoy tastings in the taproom, a pint in the beer hall, or out on the deck overlooking the grapes, apples, and hops of Abandon Acres. Climbing Bines Craft Ale Company is one of New York State’s first farm breweries. They specialize in small-batch, hand-crafted ales brewed on-site with the freshest estate-grown hops and locally-harvested barley.
If you’d rather sip cider head to WortHog Cidery in Penn Yan. Where they use a special blend of New York Apples to make their ciders and lightly carbonate them for a finishing touch and unique taste.
A few miles away in Keuka Park, NY you’ll find LyonSmith Brewing Co. This brewery has a mission “to make beer that is worth drinking, a company that is worth working for, and a community that is worth living in.”
Dundee
Enjoy a soft pretzel or a meat and cheese board at Keg & Barrel Brewing Co.
while sipping on one of the 20 craft beers, ciders, and sours on-tap. Relax in the newly remodeled tasting room or unwind on the deck for live performances weekly.
If you’re looking for a classic whiskey look no further than Dundee’s O’Begley Distillery. Which produces Traditional Irish Style Whiskey, using a small-batch pot still process.
There is a new brewery that just opened (in the building that used to be Starkey’s Lookout) called Tin Barn Brewing. It’s a brewery based in the Hudson Valley that just opened their first Finger Lakes Wine Country location.
Hammondsport
The picturesque village of Hammondsport, NY is home to Pleasant Valley Wine Company the oldest winery in Finger Lakes Wine Country. They survived the prohibition years by selling sacramental and medicinal wine while sitting on an inventory of 70,000 cases that couldn’t be sold.
At The Brewery of Broken Dreams, their ales are traditionally inspired and uniquely rendered from a combination of resources provided by the naturally abundant farmland, and the desire, knowledge, and skill of local farmers and our brewers.
Finger Lakes Beer Company is a New York State Farm Brewery offering tasting flights, half-pints, pints, and pitchers of a dozen styles of ales all brewed on-site. Be sure to try their Vanilla Porter which won the 2015 Best Craft Beer in New York State at the TAP New York.
The family-run Keuka Brewing Company was the first microbrewery on Keuka Lake. They pride themselves on producing unique small artisan batches of great beer by experimenting in different styles and tastes.
Steuben Brewing Company is a farm brewery that produces New York State-labeled beer. They strive to make great beer that supports local farmers by utilizing ingredients that are grown and produced in New York State.
Krooked Tusker Distillery is a small batch, farm distillery on Keuka Lake that produces handcrafted libations made from locally-sourced materials.
Watkins Glen
From the 19 waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park to “The Glen”, Grand Prix Festival, and International Motor Racing Research Center there are so many reasons to visit Watkins Glen, NY. Beer is also a big deal in this area. Offering two unique lodging options and more breweries, cideries, and distilleries than any other area.
Watkins Brewery Vacation Rentals is located in a historic building that once housed several businesses including a couple of different breweries. The refurbished building now houses seven vacation rental homes. Pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and bikes are also available for rent on-site for fun Seneca Lake water activities!
Head six minutes north to travel back in time and across the pond to a traditional British Pub. Seneca Lake Brewing Company & The Beerocracy in Rock Stream, NY is the states only dedicated Cask Ale brewery. Adding to the authenticity of the turn of the century British Pub, the Beerocracy Pub offers a cell phone-free bar environment enabling people to truly enjoy the atmosphere and environment. Secure Cubbie’s are available behind the bar to store mobile devices whilst in the bar area and there is a $10 fine if you are caught with your mobile device. All fines are donated to a local charity quarterly.
You can find both Rock Stream Brewery and Rock Stream Distilling on Rock Stream Vineyards which is Seneca Lake’s only licensed Grappa and Grape Brandy distillery. Owner and operator Dr. Mark Karasz Spent three years in Italy learning wine and Grappa production. After returning from Italy, he founded Rock Stream Vineyards and began growing his own grapes, making and bottling wine, brandy, Grappa, and ports.
Head 15-minutes north to Miles Craft Ales at Miles Wine Cellars in Himrod, NY where they are pouring: Calisto Pale Ale, Scottish Lure Ale, Bonfire Brew Ale, and Io Milk Stout.
If you like a historic stay with a theme look no further than the Seneca Lodge Craft Brewing in Watkins Glen. The main lodge was built for the first Grand Prix in The Glen, in 1948. This racing theme can be seen throughout the venue. Suspended from the ceiling in the Tavern Room are Tires from NASCAR champions. Behind the bar, laurel wreaths from the Formula 1 races of the 1970s.
Not only are there cabins, a-frames, and motel rooms on the property there is also a restaurant.
Nearby you’ll find Rooster Fish Brewing Pub, one of New York’s first official farm breweries offering passionately brewed, uniquely world-class craft ale from locally-sourced ingredients. There are at least five craft-style small batch beers and up to four seasonal and special brews. Sample, order a pint, and even take some home with you.
Launched in 1997 on-site at Wagner Vineyards in Lodi, NY, Wagner Valley Brewing Company provides beer-lovers with a variety of award-winning craft-brewed beers. Wagner Valley Brewing Company currently has 9 draft lines with styles rotating often and ranging from light to dark, bitter to sweet. They also produce an all-natural, non-alcoholic, real Draft Root Beer.
Nearby in Hector, NY is Scale House Brewery where you’ll find quality craft beer and delicious gourmet pizza. Along with Lucky Hare Brewing Company which creates handcrafted beer that reflects their passion for great beer and the Finger Lakes and its community. Choose from two locations, their taproom in Hector and Lucky Hare Brewing Bar & Grill located in the Watkins Glen Village Marina, right next to beautiful Seneca Lake.
The Inn at Grist Iron in Burdett, NY is the only lodging in the region to feature an onsite craft brewery (Grist Iron Brewing Company) with house-brewed beer, BBQ, live music, as well as easy access to local wineries, breweries, restaurants, and hiking/nature trails. Choose from 4 rooms in their traditional-style 1860s Farmhouse or stay in one of 10 spacious suites in The Lodge, which offers rustic, yet modern accommodations including their Dog-Friendly King Room.
You’ll also find Two Goats Brewing and Finger Lakes Distilling in Burdett, NY. Two Goats Brewing is an easy-going gathering place to drink stellar beer, listen to live original music, and enjoy time with friends. It was also built in a renovated 19th-century barn with a sweeping view of Seneca Lake and is powered by solar. Finger Lakes Distilling is the premier New York craft distillery, creating high-quality whiskey, gin, brandy, grappa, and liqueurs. They hand-craft their products using local grains, farm-fresh fruits, and time-honored techniques to produce artisan spirits.
Corning
Corning, New York is a small town with a big reputation. Known for its glass, it is home to 169-year-old Corning Incorporated which has been creating glass cookware since CorningWare (1958), and Pyrex (1915) and is now a center of innovation developing everything from the glass on your cell phone to the glass used in vaccine vials. The town is now known for the Corning Museum of Glass which has been featured on Netflix’s Blown Away, a competition series featuring the art of glassmaking.
Carey’s Brew House is a two-story Brewery Restaurant with a wide range of local and international beers on tap, including in-house brewing of our own recipes, occasional guest brewers, and featured local breweries.
Iron Flamingo Brewery is Corning’s first brewery to bottle beer for distribution. They support local businesses by allowing food to be ordered in and hosting local food vendors regularly. Iron Flamingo Brewery uses local farmers for their hops and malt, helping to sustain the rich agriculture of the region. They are proud to utilize solar power for the brewing process.
Liquid Shoes Brewing is a small batch brewery located in the heart of Corning’s Gaffer District.
Paying homage to the industry that defined Hornell, New York is RailHead Brewing Company. Located where hundreds of rail cars once stood eager for far-off places visit this brewery to be transported to another time.
Cider Creek Hard Cider is made on a family farm nestled in the hills of Canisteo, NY. The company was created in 2013 and turned a family recipe and home brewing passion into a mission to produce high-quality, craft cider. Every batch is handmade with the finest blend of 100% New York State apples.
Elmira
Also known as Mark Twain Country, the American author spent his summers in Elmira, New York for more than 20 years. You can even visit the Mark Twain Study and Exhibit on the beautiful campus of Elmira College. Where he penned some of his most famous pieces of literature including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Life on the Mississippi, and more.
Upstate Brewing Company in Elmira, NY is a production micro-brewery that produces fresh, local, and unique beers. Which are currently on tap and in cans at restaurants, bars, and stores in the majority of the counties in New York state.
Eight minutes away in Horseheads, NY is Horseheads Brewing. This family-owned local brewery has the goal to hand-craft the highest quality beer with the finest ingredients, then deliver it at affordable prices. Check out their satellite location located on the marina in Watkins Glen this summer.
Head south to Diversion Brewing Co. a small 3-barrel craft brewery in Chemung, NY with a wide variety of beers available to please any palate.
The second cidery on our list is Eve’s Cidery in Van Etten, NY. Eve’s is an orchard-based cidery producing Traditional Method ciders. With two orchard sites perched on either side of the geological divide between the Southern Finger Lakes and the Northern Appalachian Plateau. The primary impulse behind their cider making is to find an answer to the question: Can you taste a place?
Owego
In Owego, New York you’ll find stately Victorian homes and 19th-century architecture, impressive bookstores, and some of the best antique shops in the region.
10 minutes away in Apalachin, NY is Waterman’s Distillery, an innovative producer of all-natural grain-neutral spirits and whiskeys. This distillery is part of America’s original moonshine trail established by bootleggers traveling east and west during the prohibition era.