Spring Archives | Finger Lakes Wine Country

Here’s a season nobody puts on a brochure: mud season.

Late March into April in Finger Lakes Wine Country, the last frost has lost its grip and the first green is just beginning to push through the vineyard floor. The roads through wine country are quiet. The lakeshores smell like cold water and turned earth. The tasting rooms are open, warm, and almost entirely yours.

The crowds don’t come until May. They don’t know what they’re missing.

What Is Mud Season, and Why Is It Actually Great?

Mud season is the shoulder period between winter and spring — the six or so weeks when the snow has gone soft, the ground hasn’t quite firmed up, and the Finger Lakes are doing the quiet work of becoming themselves again. It’s not Instagram-perfect. The vines are bare sticks. The hillsides are brown and gold and getting greener by the day. The roads leading to hilltop wineries sometimes earn their reputation.

But here’s the thing: some of the most interesting moments in wine country happen in mud season. The winemakers are finishing their barrel work. New vintages are being bottled. The tasting room staff have time — real time — to talk about what’s in the glass, where it came from, and why this particular valley’s drainage produces Riesling with that particular character.

You won’t get that conversation in July.

Is the Finger Lakes Open During Mud Season?

Yes — and this is worth knowing, because a lot of people assume the wineries close down after the holidays and don’t wake up until Memorial Day. They don’t. The three wine trails — Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Keuka Lake Wine Trail, and Cayuga Lake Wine Trail (America’s oldest, established in 1983) — all have wineries open year-round, including during the shoulder season.

What changes in mud season: hours tend to be slightly reduced on weekdays, and calling ahead or checking a winery’s site before you go is smart. What doesn’t change: the wine is excellent, the views are extraordinary, and you’ll almost certainly get a more personal experience than any other time of year.

The Case for Mud Season: Five Reasons Worth Knowing

*The absolute best time to visit waterfalls!*

1. You get the winemakers. During peak season, tasting rooms run at full tilt. In mud season, you’re more likely to end up in conversation with the owner, the winemaker, or someone who has been farming this land for decades. That conversation is part of what people come back for — it just usually takes multiple visits to find it. In mud season, it finds you.

2. The value is real. Accommodations along the lakes — boutique inns, lakeside B&Bs, farmhouse rentals — are at their lowest rates of the year during the shoulder season. Wine country on a weekday in April is wine country without the weekend premium.

3. The waterfall timing is extraordinary. The gorges and waterfalls of the region — Watkins Glen State Park, Havana Glen, Eagle Cliff Falls near Montour Falls — run at their most dramatic in spring, fed by snowmelt and April rains. Watkins Glen’s famous gorge trail reopens in mid-May, but the overlooks are accessible year-round. Catching a Finger Lakes gorge in full spring flow, before the crowds arrive, is genuinely memorable.

4. New vintages are coming out. Late winter and early spring is when many Finger Lakes producers release the previous year’s wines. Being in the tasting room when a new vintage of dry Riesling or Cabernet Franc is making its debut — and being one of the first to taste it — is the kind of thing wine lovers specifically seek out. In mud season, that’s just what’s happening.

5. The landscape does something unusual. Late March and April in the Finger Lakes is the season of contrast: bare vines against pewter-colored lakes, the first green pushing through brown hillsides, the air carrying that particular combination of cold lake water and warming soil. It’s dramatic in a completely different way from autumn foliage. Photographers and painters have known about mud season for years.

Where to Go During Mud Season

Start on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, where you’ll find over 35 wineries running the length of the largest of the Finger Lakes. Watkins Glen, at the southern tip, makes an ideal home base — the village itself is compact, charming, and walkable, with good food options even in the off-season.

For a quieter, more intimate wine trail experience, the Keuka Lake Wine Trail — the Y-shaped lake tucked between Seneca and Canandaigua — has some of the most scenic winery drives in the region. Hammondsport at the lake’s southern tip is one of those small American towns that punches well above its size in character, dining, and historic architecture. And it’s worth noting: Hammondsport’s own Weis Vineyards is the reigning New York Wine Classic Winery of the Year — named the best winery in the state in both 2024 and 2025.

The Bigger Picture

The Finger Lakes was named Wine Enthusiast‘s 2025 American Wine Region of the Year — the highest profile recognition an American wine region can receive, awarded to a community of more than 140 wineries across 10,000 acres of vineyard. The judges called it a “hotbed of innovation,” praised its cool-climate Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and sparkling wines, and singled out the collaborative, family-owned culture that makes the region genuinely different from larger, more corporate wine destinations.

All of that is true in August. It’s also true in April — with 80% fewer people, open tables at your first choice of restaurant, and a winemaker sitting across from you with time to talk.

That’s mud season. Go anyway. You’ll be glad you did.

You’ve probably heard people talk about the Finger Lakes the same way they talk about that restaurant you keep meaning to try. It’s always on the list. Never quite happens. But here’s the thing: if you’re in New York City and you’ve been putting off this trip, spring 2026 is the season to stop procrastinating.

Four hours north of the city, tucked between eleven glacial lakes and rolling hills that look almost impossibly green when they wake up in April, Finger Lakes Wine Country offers something no weekend trip to the Hamptons or a flight to Napa can replicate: world-class wine, genuinely warm hospitality, stunning scenery, and a pace of life that actually lets you exhale. And the accolades have started to catch up with what locals have always known. In 2025, Wine Enthusiast awarded the Finger Lakes its prestigious Wine Star Award for American Wine Region of the Year — recognizing two centuries of innovation, sustainability, and cool-climate excellence. That honor landed on top of multiple USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice wins for Best Wine Region in America, a reader-voted title the Finger Lakes has claimed more than once against competition from regions with far bigger marketing budgets and far more name recognition. This is not a hidden gem anymore. It is a legitimately world-class wine destination. And spring is the best time to experience it before the summer crowds catch on.

Here’s how to do it right.

Start Where American Winemaking Began — Keuka Lake

*Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery’s 1886 Experience*

If you want to understand the Finger Lakes, start at Keuka Lake. It is where American winemaking was born. In 1860, Pleasant Valley Wine Company was established on its shores and became the first bonded winery in the United States. Nearly a century later, Dr. Konstantin Frank planted the first vinifera vines in the eastern United States, here, sparking what became known as the Vinifera Revolution — the moment the Finger Lakes stopped being a regional curiosity and started being taken seriously on the world stage. That history is still alive and pourable today.

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail is the most intimate of the region’s trails, and that’s its greatest strength. You can drive the entire lake circuit in just over an hour, so a full day of tasting feels leisurely rather than rushed. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is the essential first stop — their Rieslings set the benchmark for the entire region, and the tasting room overlooks some of the oldest vinifera vineyards in America. The 1886 Wine Experience pairing, consistently ranked among the best winery tours in the country, is worth booking in advance if you want to go deep. Heron Hill Winery, whose vaulted tasting hall was named one of the most spectacular tasting rooms in the world by Travel + Leisure, produces seven distinct styles of Riesling alongside a Cabernet Franc that rewards the patient taster. And Keuka Spring Vineyards, perched on a hillside with sweeping lake panoramas, has built four decades of quiet excellence into a welcome that feels like visiting a family who genuinely loves what they do. It’s precisely that cool-climate precision and generational commitment to craft that earned the region its Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award — and one afternoon on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail makes the case more convincingly than any award citation could.

Time Your Trip Around Keuka in Bloom

Spring on Keuka Lake has its own signature event, and it is one of the most charming things happening anywhere in New York State in May. Keuka in Bloom sends ticketholders on a self-guided tour of all the trail’s wineries, where each stop pairs herb-inspired food with a featured wine and sends you home with a flower and an herb in a 4-inch pot, ready to plant — from every winery you visit. By the time you’ve made the full circuit, you have a weekend’s worth of memories, a case’s worth of new favorite bottles, and enough plants to start a respectable garden. It sells out every year without exception. Buy tickets the moment they go on sale.

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail runs its own themed spring weekends through March and April — chocolate, cheese, and pasta pairings that turn a self-guided trail into something closer to a progressive dinner party. And March brings New York State Maple Weekends across the region, when local farms open their sugarhouses for tours and tastings. A Finger Lakes Gewürztraminer with fresh maple candy is one of those combinations that sound unlikely until you try them.

Don’t Skip the Museums — Seriously

This might be the most underrated part of a Finger Lakes spring trip, especially if you’re traveling with someone who isn’t a dedicated wine enthusiast.

If you’re basing yourself on Keuka Lake, the charming village of Hammondsport at the southern tip deserves at least a morning. It’s a beautifully preserved small town with lake views, independent shops, and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum — a world-class aviation and early motorsport collection that tells the story of the man the region’s own called the “Father of Aviation.” It’s an unexpectedly fascinating few hours and pairs well with lunch on the village square before an afternoon of tasting.

A short drive south, the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning is one of the genuinely great museums in the northeastern United States — full stop. It houses over 50,000 glass objects spanning 3,500 years of human history, and the live glassblowing demonstrations are mesmerizing in a way that’s difficult to explain until you’re standing there watching a molten gather transform into a vessel in under two minutes. Spring is an ideal time to visit because the museum is far less crowded than summer, and you can book a hands-on glassblowing class that makes for an unexpectedly memorable afternoon. Right around the corner, The Rockwell Museum — the only Smithsonian Affiliate in upstate New York — explores American art and identity through an exceptional permanent collection housed in a beautifully converted Victorian-era building.

Both museums sit in Corning’s Gaffer District, a walkable historic downtown full of independent shops, galleries, and restaurants that feels genuinely alive rather than tourist-groomed. Plan a full afternoon here.

Where to Eat Well

The farm-to-table movement didn’t arrive in the Finger Lakes as a trend — it’s just always been how people eat here, because the farms are right there.

In Hammondsport, The Switzerland Inn — known locally as “The Switz” — is a beloved casual spot with an irresistible waterfront deck on a warm spring evening. It’s the kind of place where you order something simple and leave wondering why you don’t live here. NOTE: It reopens for the season at the end of April.

For a genuinely special dinner, Stonecat Café in Hector on Seneca Lake is a must. Housed in a renovated farmstead with sweeping lake views and a menu built almost entirely on local sourcing, it’s the kind of restaurant that makes you understand why people move to the Finger Lakes. They carry an excellent regional wine list that puts the Wine Enthusiast’s award picks front and center. Book ahead. NOTE: It reopens for the season end of March.

In Watkins Glen, GRAFT Wine + Cider Bar has earned a devoted following for its rotating seasonal menu built around local producers. Chef and owner Orlando Rodriguez treats regional ingredients with genuine creativity, and the beverage program — local wines, ciders, and craft spirits — is one of the best curated lists in the region. Small enough that dinner there feels like an event rather than a transaction. (See our other Romantic Restaurants to Visit in FLWC!)

For a perfect Saturday morning before a day on the trail, visit a farmers market (most run on weekends starting in April!). Some recommendations are: The Windmill Farm & Craft Market (Penn Yan), which reopens for the season on the last Saturday in April. This is a massive market with 200+ vendors, including local produce, wineries, and baked goods. Indian Pines Farm Market (Penn Yan), which is a seasonal roadside stand that opens in early spring for produce, pies, and baked goods.

The Logistics That Make It Easy

The drive from New York City to Keuka Lake takes approximately four hours, making it a genuinely doable weekend without the stress of a flight. Hammondsport, at the southern tip of the lake, is the most historically significant and logistically convenient base — it puts you within walking distance of the village, minutes from the southern trail wineries, and an easy drive to Corning and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. For another scenic spot on the northern end of the lake, Penn Yan offers small-town charm, a Saturday farmers’ market, and easy access to the eastern shore wineries and the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, with waterfall views.

Spring weekends — particularly April and May — hit the sweet spot of mild weather, blooming hillside vineyards, and tasting rooms that are open and fully staffed but not overwhelmed. Accommodation prices are also meaningfully lower than the summer and fall peaks, which means you can justify staying somewhere considerably nicer.

The Bottom Line

Wine Enthusiast doesn’t hand out Wine Star Awards to regions that are merely fine. USA Today readers don’t vote the same destination Best Wine Region in America multiple times because the marketing is good. Finger Lakes Wine Country keeps earning its recognition the hard way — through exceptional wine, genuine hospitality, and a landscape that holds its own against any wine destination in the country. Start at Keuka Lake and let the rest of the region unfold from there. Spring 2026 is your window. Check out our other Itineraries and travel guides to help with your planning.

No matter the season, Finger Lakes Wine Country is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, whether for the weekend or more. Here are some ideas to help you plan a Lover’s Escape to wine country. For more information about our wine trails and the year-round events they host to enhance this experience, click here.

In Corning, NY

Start with our list of lodging, whether you’re looking for a cozy boutique stay or want a more resort-like feel.

The Hilton Garden Inn is steps from all the happenings in Corning, NY. Book one of their spacious rooms, relax in the hotel’s heated pool, or grab a drink and food at the hotel’s in-house restaurant and bar. Take a sunset stroll across the walking bridge into Centerway Square and explore the local shops, bars, and restaurants along Market St.

Reserve a table next to the window or a cozy corner booth at The Cellar for a romantic farm-to-table dinner, cocktails, or wine. Don’t miss out on dessert—it’s always a delightful treat!

For a casual, year-round brunch experience, visit Ella’s Acres Homestead, a popular breakfast spot with its locally sourced menu and espresso drinks. Note: There is often a longer wait time during weekend brunch.

A stroll up and down Market St. will introduce you to many more options for a complete day and night out.

Purchase a combination museum ticket at The Rockwell Museum, and take the free shuttle to the Corning Museum of Glass, just steps from your hotel. Reserve a make-your-own-glass experience for a personalized souvenir of your visit.

Pamper yourself at Safala Medical with a facial and massages. Take an easy hike through Spencer Crest Nature Center (2.3 miles) or Houghton Land Preserve (1.6 miles) for a leisurely outdoor bonding experience.

For more on what to do in Corning, NY, check out our small-town guide here.

IN ELMIRA, NY

Stay in a cozy vacation rental at Rye Bar and Restaurant. With three different room styles, you will surely find one that fits your vibe. Perks of staying here include the restaurant and bar right downstairs, offering big-city-style Sunday brunch, jazz night on Thursdays, and Happy Hour every night, Wednesday through Sunday, from 4-6 PM. The Garage, a favorite coffee shop in town, is located right next door and is open every day, Monday through Sunday, to get you started with a perfect cup of jo and freshly baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

For a more private and “regal” stay, book at the Castle by The Glen. Tucked in a hillside neighborhood in Elmira, NY, it offers all the comfort and aesthetics of a weekend of pampering.

Speaking of pampering, book a Couples Massage at Namaste Spa for a 60- or 90-minute relaxation experience.

Another romantic dining option is Hill Top Inn (open March through December), which, on warmer days, offers outdoor seating reservations overlooking the Elmira cityscape and Jerusalem Hill’s natural landscape.

Spend an afternoon exploring the Arnot Museum and hiking the trails of the Tanglewood Nature Center.

For more on what to do in Elmira, NY, check out our small-town guide here.

In Owego, NY

The Village of Owego makes for the perfect laid-back romantic getaway, starting with a stay at the historic Belva Lockwood Inn. This beautiful bed and breakfast has several beautifully decorated rooms and a delicious continental breakfast, and it is within walking distance of all the main sights in town.

The Cellar Restaurant and Lounge (not affiliated with the above-mentioned Cellar in Corning) is an excellent spot for a romantic dinner and drinks. The dark wood and leather decor create a warm, intimate dining experience, and their globally inspired menu makes for a perfect date night.

*Photo credit: The Cellar Lounge and Bar, Owego*

Other favorite local spots are Owego Beer and Donuts for the sweet tooth, Riverrow Bookshop for the curious bookworm, or Spellbound for those who prefer a fairytale, fantasy, and folk tale bookstore – that also serves coffee! Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar will surround you with paintings by local artists (for sale). Try your luck at the nearby Tioga Downs Casino, and then treat yourself to a massage at their Serenity Spa .

For a romantic time outdoors, stroll along the Owego Riverwalk or take a more committed hike along the Oakley Corners State Forest trails.

For more on what to do in Owego, NY, check out our small-town guide here.

In Penn Yan, NY

This lake town has so much to offer, from the long drives along scenic plains to afternoons spent on the Keuka Lake shores. It’s no wonder it is a popular spot for vacation travelers. But it also offers many cute, intimate experiences for a little love-fest getaway.

Stay at The Laurentide Inn right in the heart of the Village of Penn Yan. This bed and breakfast has stunning, comfortable rooms and little nooks in the public sitting areas for reading or enjoying a glass of wine after a day of exploring. The food served is top-notch, and the adjacent Laurentide Beer Co. is a great place to enjoy some brews and live music during the warmer months.

Walk along Penn Yan’s Main St. to explore antique stores, cafes like Amity, and cute shops and craft stores. Make a reservation for cocktails and dinner at 18th Amendment, or stop in for wine tasting and bites at Burnt Rose Wine Bar. For dining and drinks with lake views, head over to Main Deck, and for a more casual affair with views of the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, stop into Outlet 111.

Rent a bike or hike along the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail (7 miles), or take a dip into the lake and set up a romantic picnic at the Keuka Lake State Park. Want to make sure the picnic experience is unique and catered to your visit? Check out Finger Lakes Picnic Co..

For more on what to do in Penn Yan, NY, check out our small-town guide here.

In Hammondsport, NY

Designated the Coolest Small Town in America, Hammondsport is a postcard-perfect destination. With its sweet little gazebo in the park, where bands play live in the summer, and its pedestrian-friendly streets, it is the spot for lake-life lovers in the summer and quiet escape seekers in the colder months.

Stay at the Park Inn, which has snug rooms and a cozy ambiance. Make a reservation for the downstairs restaurant. Have breakfast (or ice cream!) at Crooked Lake Ice Cream, pastries at Vern’s Bakery, and coffee at the newly opened (in April of 2025!) Service Station cafe.

Plan leisurely strolls to Depot Park for quiet conversations by the lake. Set up a picnic, swim, or rent a boat to enjoy all Keuka Lake has to offer. Visit the historic, quaint public library, or go antiquing at the many shops in town.

For more on what to do in Hammondsport, NY, check out our small-town guide here.

In Watkins Glen, NY

Along the shores of Seneca Lake is the town of Watkins Glen. For many, this is where one comes for high-speed fun and water adventures, but it is also a place to rest your head before venturing along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail or to take in the views from Seneca Harbor during sunset. During the colder months, the town is especially calm, making it a wonderful romantic retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Stay at the luxurious Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, and if you can book a room with a lake view, that would be even better. The hotel offers services from an in-house bar, restaurant, and a newly installed workout facility, and often hosts events for the community and visitors.

Or reserve a room at the newly opened Benjamin Hotel for a more intimate stay.

Start your romantic evening with a stroll along Franklin St., with a stop for cocktails at J.R. Dill Wine Bar, downstairs from The Benjamin.

Then, walk further down the street for a romantic dinner at Graft Wine and Cider Bar. Walk-ins are only greeted by a friendly team of servers and a beautiful selection of local ciders and wines. The primarily farm-to-table menu is delightful, often complemented by the chef and owner’s Dominican heritage and its spices and flavors.

While the lower trails in Watkins Glen State Park are closed, the upper trails remain open, providing access to the park and waterfall views. For more winter fun for two, visit the ice skating rink at Clute Park during the winter months.

For more on what to do in Watkins Glen, NY, check out our small-town guide here.

In Dundee, NY

Dundee, NY, is not far from Watkins Glen but is more centered between the Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake Wine Trails. It is the perfect spot for those who want to spend their time traveling to the wineries and their surrounding restaurants.

Stay at the historic Victorian Manor, 1897 Beekman House Bed and Breakfast, for a truly intimate and romantic stay. This B&B offers five elegant guest rooms, each with a private bath, to choose from, and your stay comes with a gourmet, three-course breakfast served daily.

If you’d like to do more than explore the nearby wine trails and wineries, check out the Dundee and Himrod, NY Small Town Guide here.

There is no shortage of scenic views in Finger Lakes Wine Country and the best way to cover the most ground and enjoy many of our sweeping and stunning landscapes is by enjoying any of these 5 scenic drives through the region.

These scenic drives will take you past some of our region’s charming towns, antique shops, museums, our lakes, wine trails, breweries, cideries, distilleries and more.

Along the way pay attention to farm stops in the countryside, many of which offer U-Pick experiences, and roadside farm stands to pick up some of the best local ingredients to take home with you.

Seneca Lake Scenic Byway

One of the most well-known scenic drives in Finger Lakes Wine Country is the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway running along the east side of Seneca Lake. This is the perfect drive to get a taste of the Finger Lakes as you’ll be passing wineries, cideries, distilleries, breweries, restaurants, and farms. This makes for great stops along the way as well as many great places to catch one of our beautiful Finger Lakes sunsets overlooking Seneca Lake.

We recommend seeing our small town guide to Watkins Glen for ideas of what to see and explore here before starting off on your scenic adventure up the east side of Seneca Lake up to Lodi Marine State Park where you can picnic, watch a gorgeous sunset, and swim and enjoy the pebble beach in the warmer months. (Just note that you will have to pay an $8 per car parking fee at Lodi Marine State Park.)

You’ll be driving along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail which is dotted with wineries that offer more incredible views and passing by one of the best roadside attractions in New York State, Hector Falls, which cascades right along a bridge you’ll be driving on Route 414.

The wineries close at around 5:00 pm, so for a great sunset view we recommend stopping at Two Goats Brewing or Grist Iron Brewing for views and a drink.

Penn Yan to Dresden

A hidden gem and one of the most scenic drives in the Finger Lakes is the road that follows the Keuka Outlet Trail. This trail follows an outlet that connects Keuka Lake into Seneca Lake.

The Keuka Outlet Trail is a 7-mile path that is easily walkable and bike-friendly. You can drive along the Outlet Road for several different access points. But the drive itself is also pretty, especially during the fall foliage and spring months.

Starting in Penn Yan on East Elm Street which turns into Outlet Road, you will be leaving town and pass through a wooded road that has a few different stops where you can get out and enjoy a section of the Keuka Outlet Trail.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs, be sure to park and walk towards Seneca Mills Falls or Cascade Falls. There is a parking area that gives you access to the trail with signs that point you in the direction for both waterfalls. Seneca Mills is the quickest to access with a 5-7 minute walk.

Continuing the scenic drive towards Dresden you will pass beautiful farmscapes on Hopeton Road.

For more ideas on what to do while you’re in Penn Yan, be sure to read our small town guide to this charming Finger Lakes town.

Owego to Corning

Driving between the charming towns of Owego to Corning offers some picturesque countryside views. Be sure to read our small town guides to both Owego and Corning for ideas of what to do in each of these beautiful destinations. Not only are these great places to stop and stay a bit longer, there are also great opportunities to check out the shops, restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions.

Leaving Owego on Route 96 you will pass through the rural rolling hills driving along the Catatonk Creek passing some of the region’s most beautiful farmland.

Continuing on Route 96 through Spencer you will continue to pass more scenic farms on Route 223 before getting on the Interstate 86-West with breathtaking views of the Chemung River before arriving in Corning.

Elmira to Jerusalem Hill

One of the shorter scenic drives to enjoy starts in the city of Elmira and wanders up Jerusalem Hill Road where you will be rewarded with views of Elmira’s historic landscape along the Chemung River, continuing into more countryside farmscapes and wooded scenery headed towards Maple Hill State Forest.

For a breathtaking sunset experience with dinner, be sure to make a reservation at the Hill Top Inn which opens for dinner and has a large outdoor seating area and patio overlooking the valley and the town of Elmira and the Chemung River below.

The restaurant at Hill Top Inn doesn’t open until 5:00 pm, so this is only an evening experience. We recommend calling ahead and making a reservation to enjoy the breathtaking views from their prime location.

For more ideas for what to do in Elmira, be sure to read our small town guide for information and activities you can enjoy here.

Along Keuka Lake

Drive around the Crooked Lake for some of the most majestic scenery Finger Lakes Wine Country has to offer. We recommend seeing our small town guides to the villages of Hammondsport and Penn Yan for ideas of what to see and explore here before starting off on your scenic adventure.

Exploring the West side of Keuka Lake you have three different route options to choose from, The Lower Road (West Lake Road/ Route 54A) along the shores of the lake, Middle Road which connects to Route 76 and offers views of the lake and vineyards from a higher point, and The Upper Road (Greyton H. Taylor Memorial Drive).

Along the drive you can stop at many of the region’s spectacular wineries including Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Heron Hill Winery, and Ravines Wine Cellars. For beer fans there are stops like Keuka Brewing and Steuben Brewing Company.

Exploring the East Side of Keuka Lake you are rewarded with incredible panoramic views from more of the wineries along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail including Keuka Spring Vineyards, McGregor Vineyards, and Hunt Country Vineyards.

For a bite to eat, try stopping at Seneca Farms (open seasonally from the first Friday in March through the end of October) in Penn Yan to take to Keuka Lake State Park where you can picnic with waterfront views.

Did you know that our region boasts some of the best farmland in the state? This means that food and handicraft products are direct from the farmer or artisan to the customer, easily accessible at our various farm stores and stands.

This also means finding the freshest produce of the season, local ingredients, and pantry items like meats, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, and seasonings is easy to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

When planning a trip to our region, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try some of our best local, quality ingredients and maybe even bring some of your food finds back home to use in your kitchen.

Note: It’s always best to double-check hours of operation during the specific dates of your visit by calling ahead or visiting each of these farm stores and farmers’ markets’ websites to help you plan your visit.

FARM STORES

Many farm stores in Finger Lakes Wine Country are open throughout the year, making bringing home farm fresh ingredients convenient–even if you miss out on the farmers’ markets season. Here are some of our favorites:

Apple Barrel Orchards in Penn Yan is a family-owned fruit farm that offers U-pick apples and grapes, as well as their small farm store that sells local produce like pears, apples, and grapes. They have a cidery on-site, and often host live music to enjoy while enjoying the cider from their orchard and other fresh fruits from the farm. They are open seasonally from September through February.

The Burdett Exchange, located in the sweet town of Burdett, is a fairly new market to open in the area. They have local produce, crafts, meats, dairy goods, and some home goods. Our favorite is the salted bread and other bakeries!

Indian Pines Farm Market is a roadside market in Penn Yan that sells locally grown produce and products like baked pies, bread, cookies, and other seasonal goodies. As the seasons change, so does the selection. This seasonal stand is open from spring through mid-December, ending its season with Christmas trees, greenery, and poinsettias.

Yesterday’s Roots is a farm market offering a great selection of local produce, meats, dairy products, pantry items, baked goods, gifts, and more. They also have a coffee bar and cafe!!!!

Tomion’s Farm Market in Penn Yan is a family-owned and operated farm market that has been growing strawberries for over 60 years. When in season, it offers U-Pick berries, rhubarb, and tomatoes. The market has a rustic atmosphere and sells home-grown fresh produce, baked goodies, and even gifts. It is open seasonally and will kick off its season in mid-May.

Dave’s Produce Greenhouse and Farmstand in Bath, NY, offers seasonal produce, locally grown meats, and other products. It’s a fun stop for holiday photos and fall goodies. Bonus: they are located next to Emmie’s Ice Cream & Grill!

Stewart’s Family Farm and Creamery in Hornell offers a farm store that is open 4 days a week year-round, selling their dairy products like milk, goat cheese, and ice cream in addition to bulk food and pantry items, including baking ingredients and seasoning, to fresh baked goods and soft serve ice cream. If you’re not able to make it to their farm store on your visit, you have an opportunity to try or buy their products from the Corning Farmers Market in the summer season.

Oak Hill Bulk Foods in Penn Yan offers a store filled with local products, ingredients, staple bulk food items, and a deli that is open year-round. Additionally, they serve freshly made breakfast and lunch items at Oak Leaf Cafe & Bakery. Everything from hearty soups to sandwiches and wraps is served here, as well as fruit smoothies made from their fresh ingredients. And take home a pie!

Photo credit: Oak Hill Bulk Food

Stoney Acres Country Market in Bath is a farm store open year-round offering everything from in-season produce and products like eggs, honey, and maple syrup from local farmers, kitchen ingredients like spices, jams, and pickled products, to crafts and plants, including hanging baskets to Christmas trees around the holidays.

Bradley Farms in Elmira is a seasonal farm and flower store that opens each spring in May, kicking off the season with spring flowers, hanging baskets, and bedding plants. You can also find fresh, in-season produce from their commercial vegetable farm to bring back home to your kitchen, as well as family-friendly activities in the fall, including a corn maze, haunted attractions, and Twinkle Town during the winter holiday season.

Engelbert Farms in Nichols is the first certified organic dairy farm in the United States since 1984 and offers certified organic products in their farm store and kitchen located in a historic creamery building. Here you can find farm-raised organic meats, cheese, and produce, including eggs, raw honey, maple syrup, and fruit bitters, open year-round, Thursday through Saturday.

Sunset View Creamery in Odessa offers a selection of artisan cheeses made using fresh milk from their family-owned and operated dairy farm, fresh raw milk, and other locally-produced food items in their farm store open year-round, five days a week. They also offer tours, and now they allow visitors to cuddle cows!

The Keuka Trail Farm Market in Branchport offers freshly made baked goods and other locally made products like honey, essential oils, and spices.

FARMERS MARKETS

Photo credit: Elmira Downtown Development

When visiting our small towns, make sure to take part in the fun around our seasonal farmers’ markets. Local vendors sell produce, farm products, baked goods, artisan crafts, gifts, and more, providing visitors and the community with wholesome food and goods to bring home.

It’s best to check each farmer’s market’s social media or website for up-to-date information during your visit, including their hours, as these sometimes change. Most of these markets are seasonal and are held throughout the week; however, the markets that have both summer and winter farmers’ markets usually have different hours once the season changes.

Corning Farmers Market is located at the Riverfront Centennial Park every Thursday from June through October, offering a variety of vendors selling fresh local produce, flowers, baked goodies, handmade gifts, local wine, and a changing selection of goods each week.

Wisner Market in Elmira, NY takes place every Wednesday with more vendors every year. With everything from produce to flowers, popcorn, and goodies from local food trucks, it makes for a lovely afternoon surrounded by local community residents.

Painted Post Farmers Market, located outside the Painted Post-Erwin Museum, is a weekly Saturday market featuring local vendors who sell farm-fresh produce, naturally raised meats, eggs, homemade maple syrup, raw honey, and baked goods. In November through March, you can enjoy their winter market at the Ramada Inn in Painted Post on the first and third Saturdays of every month.

Bath Farmers Market at Pulteney Square Park in Bath during July through October on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering a variety of local meats and cheeses, produce, handicrafts, and artisanal items by local crafters and businesses, and even food trucks.

Point of The Bluff Farmers Market, in Hammondsport, brings together wine-tasting, live music, and farm fresh produce from Glenn Scott Farm every Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm, from June through the end of September.

The Windmill Farm & Craft Market is the largest of the farmers markets in Finger Lakes Wine Country, with over 200 vendors in Penn Yan, offering a wide range of products, including local produce, fresh baked goods, wine and spirits, artisan crafts and goods, plus an array of dining options at their indoor and outdoor set up. You can visit on Saturdays only from late April through the end of November.

Penn Yan Farmers Market runs from late May through mid-October, offering in-season and rotating produce directly from local farmers on Saturdays from 8 to 1:30 pm, on the sidewalk along central Main Street in the village of Penn Yan, rain or shine!

Chamberlain Acres Farmers Market in Elmira is a garden center open year-round to the public for their flowers, seeds, and planting needs for home gardens. Every Sunday, they host a weekly farmers market with fresh produce, local meats, baked goods, and other locally made food products like honey, artisanal cheeses, maple syrup, and more.

Owego Farmers Market is held on Tuesdays and Fridays from June through October at the Walgreens parking lot in Owego, selling in-season fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers.

During your visit to Finger Lakes Wine Country, we want to ensure you take in everything our wine trails, small towns, and lakes have to offer. We would be remiss if we didn’t also suggest a unique farm experience to complement your visit. Here are some of our favorites:

Every fall, Apple Barrel Orchard in Penn Yan opens its rows and rows of orchards to residents and visitors looking for a day of apple picking. From Gala to Northern Spy and so many other favorites, you are sure to find the perfect fruit. But apple-picking is not the only reason to visit. They also have their very own cidery where they produce cider from apples that are grown, harvested, and fermented here on the farm! Enjoy a glass in their tasting room, where you can select from 11 different ciders on tap. Other u-pick experiences include cherries and grapes. Visit their website for a full list of events.

Sunset View Farms in Odessa, NY, is an artisan cheese farmstead and production facility. Their on-site creamery doesn’t just serve up some of the most delicious ice cream in the region; they also have 12 varieties of raw and pasteurized milk cheese, thirteen varieties of cheese curd, Cream on Top milk, raw milk, locally sourced beef, pork, and chicken, free-range eggs, and so much more! And if that isn’t special enough, how about cow-cuddling? Hug, rest against, and hang out with the ladies – and in the process, learn something new! Visit their website for more information on this and other farm experiences.

If you are interested in learning more about the conservation efforts happening across the region, an experience at Sweet Farm, a non-profit animal sanctuary in Himrod, NY, gives visitors insight into how they are working towards those efforts. You can book a tour to meet the different animals they have rescued and learn more about their educational programs, which cover topics such as plant-based living and sustainable regenerative agriculture. Want to rest after walking through the farm? Be sure to visit Vineyard View Winery right next door! Tip: You can purchase a wine tasting ticket with your farm tour. Also, for more farm animal rescue goodness, visit the Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY.

For a winter farm experience that you won’t forget, visit the Highland Tree Farm in Branchport, NY! If you are celebrating a holiday stay in wine country, this sweet little farm has gorgeous Christmas trees to choose from. But, if you are simply looking to envelop yourself in holiday joy and visit a Christmas market, with some views of Highland cows for extra cuteness, this is the place to be! They are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday starting November 29 to December 21. Visit their website for more information.

As any Upstate New Yorker knows, the weather in February is always a gamble. Nancy Tisch and Kit Kalfs, co-owners of Bet The Farm Winery, decided to roll the dice and host a ticketed event celebrating a small group of wineries without walls.

“I was surprised anyone showed up,” laughed Tisch. It was a wintry Sunday afternoon on Cayuga Lake, and the weather brought snow and the continuation of a cold snap. “It was just one of those days, and our parking lot was covered in ice.”

She came up with the idea while on vacation with her husband, Kalfs, during the slower months. It’s their annual tradition to brainstorm new ideas for the upcoming season. “I kept seeing pop-ups for all of these independent winemakers and thought, wouldn’t it be cool to host a whole bunch of them together here.”

Bet The Farm Winery. Photo provided.

She and Kalfs got to planning. They invited five up-and-coming microwineries, including Little Clover Wine Company, Echelon Wine Farm, Vagabond Wines, Barry Family Cellars, and Entelecheia Wine Cellars.

Despite the weather, ticket holders packed the space, with over 75 guests meeting the new producers, enjoying samples, and purchasing bottles. Initially planned as part of the Ithaca Loves Teachers weekend, the event grew into a fundraiser for the victims of the devastating Ovid Fire, which hit especially close to home for Tisch. They donated the majority of the proceeds.

“The energy was great – things just sort of clicked,” remembers Erin McMurrough of Little Clover. She called the event serendipitous. “We were all meeting new people and making sales, which is so important for small producers, especially in the slower months.” McMurrough released her first selection of méthode champenoise wines in 2023.

McMurrough pouring wines at a pop-up on Seneca Lake. Photo provided.

Matt Denci of Entelecheia agrees. “Doing something on your own can feel a little lonely,” he explains. As a new producer in a popular region with many flagship wineries at the forefront, pop-up experiences are key to Denci’s success. “The level of enthusiasm was really encouraging for a lot of us. It was nice to feel like people cared.”

McMurrough looked around the room and thought this event could expand beyond one snowy Sunday in February. She reached out to the group of microproducers and suggested a summer tasting. The response was a resounding ‘yes’.

UPLIFTING COMMUNITY

There isn’t a sole organizer of Wineries Without Walls, but their efforts have become a shared lift between the microproducers involved, each bringing something unique. Their goal is to pop up at least monthly in different spaces across all the lakes, removing location as a barrier to entry. In July, they’ll pop up at Apollo’s Praise and the Finger Lakes Welcome Center.

Denci harvesting Riesling. Photo provided.

“I think they found out they did better when they worked together,” smiles Tisch, who says this might be her favorite takeaway from the event. She’s experienced the collegiality of the Finger Lakes wine industry firsthand, calling Damiani Wine Cellars integral to the development of Bet The Farm. “It’s part of the Finger Lakes wine culture that people work together instead of against one another.”

Tisch is eager to pay it forward to other small businesses. She and Kalfs are especially excited about the future: “We’ve come full circle and will have a tenant winery of our own, which is how we got started.”

She’s in good company. Each Winery Without Walls is driven by an entrepreneur busy making ends meet while chasing their dreams. For example, Denci is cutting his teeth as the winemaker at Treleavan Wines. McMurrough worked for years at Lakewood Vineyards before jumping into Little Clover full-time. Dillon Buckley and Theresa Kelley of Echelon honed their skills at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard. And Ian Barry runs his namesake label, Barry Family Cellars, when he’s not crafting the wines at Six Eighty.

In the past, Barry served tastings out of a small historical house in Burdett, stocking wines from microproducers like Nine-Four and Osmote alongside his own. Barry may have been ahead of his time, but his work underscored the importance of collaboration in the industry.

“I think that there’s something to be said for the bigger and more established wineries supporting and making space for the little ones,” says Alex Bond of Vagabond Wines.

Bond making her popular sparkling red wine. Photo provided.

Bond worked at Hector Wine Company and Forge Cellars for 10 years before starting her brand in 2022. She currently makes her wines at Damiani. “I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without them.”

AN OPEN INVITATION

McMurrough says fostering community amongst each other is essential. “It speaks volumes to take the time to learn what your peers are making and what drives them,” she says. “If we can collaborate in a way that allows us to learn each other’s stories and support each other’s strengths, Wineries Without Walls could become so much more than just tastings.”

John Monnier agrees. At Denci’s encouragement, Monnier became a recent addition to the group after launching John Albert Wines earlier this year. He is the Assistant Winemaker at Ravines Wine Cellars and uses his personal brand for creative exploration. “For little guys like us, it’s slightly harder to find where we fit in,” he explains. “This group is an invaluable opportunity as a microwinemaker.”

Since February, the group has expanded from five to nine microproducers, including what McMurrough calls a “cidery without ceilings” in the queer-owned Sylvan Farm & Cidery.

Co-owners and husbands, Josh Jenkins and Charlie Treichler, aren’t strangers to popping up around the lakes. When not making cider, they’re slinging 100% NY organic beef smash burgers through their other company, Yummy Burger. This group of microproducers contains multitudes.

McMurrough hopes Wineries Without Walls continues to expand. “I’m sure there’s even more that we don’t know about, and we would love to welcome them into the fold,” she says. “The more the merrier! There’s no walls here – come on in.”

Live, work, play, and enjoy! The Southern Finger Lakes is ideally situated for those who wish to be close to metropolitan areas, yet live a life made far richer by connecting to nature and community, making a difference in the lives of their neighbors, and enjoying a fulfilling work/life balance that ideally suits who they are.

Innovative career opportunities abound near picturesque towns, lakes, and waterfalls in upstate New York. Outside of work, engage with nature, indulge in destination experiences, take part in cultural activities, and build your community. Enjoy the pace of life away from traffic jams and frenzied crowds, while retaining access to high-quality healthcare and education to ensure you and your family thrive.

Discover your next move

Celebrate the season with the perfect wine, beer, and non-alcoholic pairings for your holiday favorites. Whether you’re serving roast lamb on Easter Sunday, matzah at your Passover seder, or nibbling on jellybeans and chocolate bunnies, we’ve got you covered.

🐣 Traditional Easter Foods

🍳 Deviled Eggs

Wine: Prosecco or Champagne – Bubbles cut through the rich yolk and refresh the palate. (Try: Dr. Konstantin Frank Blanc de Blancs)

Beer: West Coast IPA – The hoppy bitterness balances the creamy filling. (Try: Lucky Hare Brewing Co. Who Runs the Word West Coast IPA—all-women brewed)

Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling lemonade or citrus seltzer – Bright acidity works like bubbles to cleanse your palate.

🥗 Spring Salad with Vinaigrette

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris – High acidity complements the tang of vinaigrette and freshness of greens. (Try: J.R. Dill Winery Pinot Gris)

Beer: Witbier – Citrusy and herbal to match fresh veggies. (Try: Lucky Hare Conan the Barvarian Hefeweizen)

Non-Alcoholic: Cucumber or lime-infused water – Crisp and hydrating, perfect with fresh produce.

🍖 Roast Leg of Lamb

Wine: Lemberger or Cabernet Franc – Full-bodied reds with tannins that cut through the fattiness of lamb. (Try: Fox Run Vineyards Lemberger or Lucas Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc)

Beer: Scotch Ale or Syrah-inspired brews – Malty depth balances the gamey richness. (Try: Grist Iron Brewing Co. Scotch Ale)

Non-Alcoholic: Blackberry or cherry juice spritzer – Bold flavors mimic a red wine experience.

🍯 Honey-Glazed Ham

Wine: Off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer – Sweetness echoes the glaze while acidity refreshes. (Try: Boundary Breaks Off-Dry Riesling or Wagner Vineyards Gewürztraminer)

Beer: Saison – Earthy and dry, a perfect foil to the ham’s salt and sweetness. (Try: Brewery of Broken Dreams Change of Saisons)

Non-Alcoholic: Apple cider or pear juice – Natural sweetness and a touch of tartness play well with salty meat.

🍗 Herb-Roasted Chicken

Wine: Chardonnay or Viognier – Medium body and floral/herbal notes enhance the seasoning. (Try: Heron Hill Ingle Vineyard Unoaked Chardonnay)

Beer: Pilsner – Clean profile lets the herbs shine. (Try: Steuben Brewing Barva Pilsner)

Non-Alcoholic: Herbal iced tea (chamomile or mint) – Light and botanical to match the chicken’s herbal profile.

🥦 Asparagus with Hollandaise

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner – Herbaceous and crisp to match the vegetal notes and creamy sauce. (Try: Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Grüner Veltliner)

Beer: Pilsner – Clean and bubbly enough to refresh the palate. (Try: Steuben Brewing Co. Pedersen Pilsner)

Non-Alcoholic: Lemon-infused sparkling water – Citrus brings brightness without overpowering the sauce.

🥕 Roasted Root Vegetables

Wine: Pinot Noir or Grenache – Earthy reds to match the caramelized sweetness of the roots. (Try: Dr. Konstantin Frank Old Vines Pinot Noir)

Beer: Amber Ale – Toasty malt flavors mirror roasted veggies. (Try: Wagner Valley Brewing Amber Lager)

Non-Alcoholic: Pomegranate juice or unsweetened cranberry blend – Earthy and tart to balance sweet veggies.

✡️ Traditional Passover Foods

Although the suggested Passover pairings are not certified Kosher, they are thoughtfully intended to honor the spirit of the holiday by offering flavor profiles that complement the traditional foods of the Seder and during Passover.

🌿 Karpas (Greens in Salt Water)

Wine: Dry Rosé – Light and refreshing, just like the veggies. (Try: Anthony Road Wine Company Dry Rosé of Cabernet Franc or Dry Rosé of Lemberger)

Beer: Berliner Weisse (for non-observant guests) – Tart and delicate. (Try: Wagner Valley Brewing Company Franc-in-Weizen)

Non-Alcoholic: Strawberry basil sparkling water – Crisp and light with a subtle herbal twist.

🔥 Maror (Bitter Herbs)

Wine: Sweeter style wine – Softens the intensity of horseradish or romaine. (Try: Lakewood Vineyards Abby Rose or Swedish Hill Winery Cayuga White)

Beer: Fruited wheat beer – Mild sweetness tames bitterness. (Try: Finger Lakes Beer Company Watermelon Wheat)

Non-Alcoholic: Sweet grape juice or peach nectar – Cools down the spice and bitterness.

🍲 Chicken Soup (with Matzah Balls)

Wine: Chardonnay – Full-bodied enough to complement the warmth and herbs. (Try: Glenora Wine Cellars Chardonnay)

Beer: Golden Ale – Clean and mild with a soft malt profile. (Try: Brewery Ardennes Belgian Golden Ale)

Non-Alcoholic: Ginger tea or sparkling apple juice – Warmth and spice enhance the broth.

🍖 Main Courses (Brisket, Chicken, Lamb)

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot – Rich and tannic wines stand up to meaty, hearty dishes. (Try: Lucas Vineyards Cabernet Franc or Idol Ridge Merlot)

Beer: Porter or Bock – Dark beers echo the depth of flavor in roasted meats. (Try: Keuka Brewing Company Imperial Bock)

Non-Alcoholic: Spiced plum juice or pomegranate molasses spritz – Adds depth and richness without alcohol.

🐟 Fish Dishes

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris – Acidic whites cut through the richness of oilier fish. (Try: Lamoreaux Landing Pinot Gris or Hosmer Sauvignon Blanc)

Beer: Blonde Ale or Kölsch – Crisp and not overpowering. (Try: Grist Iron Brewing Blonde Ale)

Non-Alcoholic: Citrus seltzer or coconut water with lime – Bright and palate-cleansing.

🍰 Passover Desserts (Macaroons, Apple Cake, Chocolate Matzah)

Wine: Late-harvest Riesling or Muscat – Sweet and aromatic wines enhance coconut and chocolate. (Try: Weis Vineyards Riesling Ice Wine)

Beer: Chocolate Stout or Milk Stout – Perfect with rich or chocolatey desserts. (Try: Wagner Valley Brewing “Sugar House” Maple Porter)

Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling grape juice or cinnamon apple tea – Adds warm spice and sweetness.

🍬 Easter & Springtime Desserts & Candy Pairings

🥕 Carrot Cake

Wine: Sweeter-style bubbly or late-harvest Riesling – Sweet and lightly sparkling to mirror the spices and sweetness. (Try: Atwater Vineyards Bubble Riesling or Lakewood Vineyards Glaciovinum)

Beer: Barleywine – Rich, complex maltiness enhances the spiced cake. (Try: Ithaca Beer Co. Old Habit)

Non-Alcoholic: Chai or spiced orange tea – Warms the palate and complements the nutmeg and cinnamon.

🐰 Milk Chocolate Bunny

Wine: Bubbly Rosé – Light and fizzy to balance the creaminess. (Try Heron Hill Winery Bubbly Blaufrankisch Rosé Dancing Bear)

Beer: Cream Ale – Soft and smooth to match milk chocolate’s texture. (Try: Scale House Brewing Cream Ale)

Non-Alcoholic: Chocolate almond milk or strawberry soda – Rich and sweet with a playful twist.

🍫 Dark Chocolate Bunnies

Wine: Port or Cabernet Franc – Deep and rich enough to meet the cocoa intensity. (Try: Glenora Wine Cellars Port or Keuka Spring Vineyards Cabernet Franc)

Beer: Imperial Stout – Roasted malt flavors blend with bitter chocolate. (Try: Two Goats Brewing Goatmeal Stout)

Non-Alcoholic: Espresso with vanilla syrup or dark chocolate almond milk – Bitterness and body match dark chocolate.

🍬 Jelly Beans

Wine: Sauvignon Blanc – Acid cuts through the sugar; fruity notes mirror candy. (Try: J. R. Dill Winery Sauvignon Blanc)

Beer: New England IPA – Juicy hops complement fruity jellybean flavors. (Try: Two Goats Brewing Golden Crush)

Non-Alcoholic: Fruit punch or mango sparkling water – Matches sweetness while keeping things fizzy.

🥚 Cadbury Creme Eggs

Wine: Oaked Chardonnay – Creamy texture complements the sweet filling. (Try: Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay)

Beer: Brown Ale – Nutty and rich, it balances the gooey sweetness. (Try: Steuben Brewing Co. Brown Ale)

Non-Alcoholic: Vanilla cream soda – Echoes the filling’s creamy nature.

🟣 Whoppers Robin Eggs

Wine: Light and Fruity Red – Fruity and playful to match the malt. (Try: Weis Vineyards Schulhaus Red)

Beer: Bock or Doppelbock – Malt meets malt in this perfect candy pairing. (Try: Wagner Valley Brewing Doppelbock)

Non-Alcoholic: Malta Goya or chocolate oat milk – Sweet, malty, and rich like the candy center.

🐣 Peeps

Wine: Sweet sparkling wine or Moscato – Sugar meets sugar in a light bubbly treat. (Try: Lakewood Vineyards Bubbly Catawba)

Beer: Tart Gose or fruity sour – Contrasts the sugar with tangy brightness. (Try: Scale House Brewing Das Fruity Kettle Sour)

Non-Alcoholic: Strawberry lemonade or pink soda – Sweet and colorful to match the candy.

🥜 Peanut Butter Eggs

Wine: Red Blend – Bold enough to hold its own with chocolate and peanut butter. (Try: 3 Brothers Winery Red Wine Field Blend)

Beer: Chocolate Porter or Peanut Butter Stout – Classic pairing that mirrors candy’s richness. (Try: Abandon Brewing Chocolate Porter)

Non-Alcoholic: Café Mocha – All the flavor, none of the booze.

🧁 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re observing sacred traditions or just enjoying the sweets of the season, don’t overthink your drink. The best rule is to enjoy what you love. But when you’re ready to elevate the table? These pairings will make your springtime meals a celebration to remember.

🥂 L’chaim, Cheers, and Happy Spring! 🌼

Thinking about a trip to Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York? Good news — it’s super easy to get here! Whether you’re coming from a big city like New York or a smaller one like Harrisburg, there are major highways and interstates that lead straight to beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Here’s how you can get here:

From Boston (Approx. 6 hours)

Route: Take I-90 West (Massachusetts Turnpike) across Massachusetts into New York State.

· Stay on I-90 West (New York State Thruway) until you reach an exit near Syracuse or Rochester, depending on which lake or town you want to visit.

From New York City (Approx. 4 hours)

Route: Take I-80 West across New Jersey.

· Merge onto I-380 North toward Scranton, PA.

· Continue onto I-81 North toward Binghamton, NY.

· From Binghamton, head west on NY-17/I-86 West into eastern Tioga County — perfect for starting your journey to Finger Lakes Wine Country!

From Philadelphia (Approx. 4.5 hours)

Route: Take I-476 North (Northeast Extension) toward Scranton.

· Connect briefly to I-81 North near Scranton.

· Stay on I-81 North into New York.

· Near Binghamton, merge onto NY-17/I-86 West.

· Take the exit for Owego, NY — a great starting point for your trip!

From Washington, D.C. (Approx. 6 hours)

Route: Take I-270 North to I-70 West.

· Then hop onto I-76 West (Pennsylvania Turnpike).

· Near Harrisburg, pick up US-15/I-99 North.

· Stay on I-99 North into Corning, and you’ve arrived!

From Harrisburg (Approx. 3 hours)

Route: Take US-15/I-99 North straight into New York.

· You’ll pass through beautiful countryside and end up in Corning, right at the doorstep of Finger Lakes Wine Country.

From Pittsburgh (Approx 4.5 hours)

Route: Take I-376 East to connect to I-76 East (Pennsylvania Turnpike).

· Exit onto I-99 North near Bedford.

· Stay on I-99 North into New York, where it becomes US-15.

· Continue north to Corning — you made it!

From Cleveland (Approx. 4.5 hours)

Route: Take I-90 East across Ohio toward Erie, PA.

· Near Erie, switch to I-86 East.

· Follow I-86 East into New York, arriving in western Steuben County.

· Get off at exits for Hornell, Bath, Hammondsport, or Corning, depending on where you want to start your adventure.

From Buffalo (Approx. 2 hours)

Route: Take I-90 East toward Rochester.

· Then head south into the Finger Lakes region, using local highways to reach towns like Penn Yan, Watkins Glen, Corning, and Elmira.

No matter where you’re coming from, it’s mostly major highways and easy drives. Once you’re here, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views, charming small towns, and, of course, amazing wineries!

Pack a bag, cue up your favorite road trip playlist, and come enjoy Finger Lakes Wine Country!

There are so many reasons why we love Finger Lakes Wine Country and even more reasons to visit. Here are 25 reasons to put this perfect road trip destination at the top of your year’s travel list.

1- Finger Lakes Wine Country isn’t just an “upstate” getaway. It is a state of mind. Here, you immerse yourself in nature, meet friendly and welcoming locals, relax, breathe, raise a glass, and repeat. Slow your pace and enjoy.

2 – It’s the perfect road trip destination. We’re closer than you think! Finger Lakes Wine Country is only 4 to 5 hours from Toronto, NYC, and Philadelphia, so pack up the car and hit the road!

3 – Our wine trails are as unique as our lakes. New visitors to our region always find that a single visit is never enough. We are a small destination with much to offer, much ground to cover, and great wine to taste! Our wineries each provide a unique experience and view. Book a tasting and learn about our wine history and culture.

4 – We’re the largest wine-producing region on the East Coast and have wine to please every palate. Our region specializes in aromatic white varietals like Riesling and Gewürztraminer and has succeeded with cool-climate reds like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. Dig deeper by booking a dinner with the winemaker or a vineyard tour when available. Those who would rather not partake in wine and spirits drinking will find that wine country has a lot to offer them, too! Read our Non-Drinking Travel Guide here!

5 – We’re perfect for a family or romantic getaway. Some might not consider a wine destination their first choice for a family getaway, but with everything to do – from hiking to camping to museums and some of the best ice cream on the planet – we’re confident that kids will think we’re great, too. And we reserve our most special sunsets, cozy stays, lakefront dinners, and wine tastings for those in love.

6 – We have more than just wine! Our scenic roadways and small towns are also home to some incredible breweries, like Wagner Valley Brewing and War Horse Brewing at Three Brothers Winery & Estates, and distilleries, like Finger Lakes Distilling. Sample an ice-cold beer brewed from the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Try distilled vodka, whiskey, brandy, and liqueurs made from locally-harvested grains, grapes, and other fruits. Read more here.

7 – Arts and culture thrive here. We’re very proud of the ever-growing artist community in our region. There is no shortage of cultural entertainment and activities, from art galleries like West End Gallery to museums like The Rockwell Museum and the Arnot Art Museum, to live theatrical performances at the Clemens Center. Visit during the summer for community events featuring our artists through mural festivals and outdoor concerts.

8 – We are home to many pioneers. The first 13 national soaring contests were held in Chemung County from 1930 to 1946, and the glider port where the contests were held is still active, with its runway directly in front of the National Soaring Museum. Chemung County is also where Mark Twain wrote many of his most famous books and where his study is located. The Belva Lockwood Inn in Owego is the namesake of its previous owner and the first woman to run for president of the United States in 1884 and 1888. Glenn Curtiss is the founder of the U.S. aviation industry. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is in his hometown of Hammondsport, NY. Our region also has strong ties to the Underground Railroad system, and we are proud to honor some of its leaders, such as John Jones, a formerly-enslaved man who found success and wealth in Elmira, NY, and whose home is now a museum. Watkins Glen is the birthplace of American Road Racing and home to the famed road course race track, Watkins Glen International.

9 – We are the home of glass. We are indeed the home to The Corning Museum of Glass, named one of the top glass museums in the U.S. and featured on Netflix’s Blown Away. Innovation began here with Dr. Eugene Sullivan, who arrived in Corning in 1908 and established one of the first industrial research departments in the United States. Under his leadership, Corning would become synonymous with glass research and innovation. Today, guests can visit The Corning Museum of Glass to see live hot glass demos, explore art galleries and exhibits focused on glass history and innovation, and even make a glass souvenir!

10 – We are an antique treasure hunter’s paradise. If you love antiquing, bring enough room in the trunk for all the treasure finds! All across wine country, there are shops, barns, and even trails dedicated to antique fans and treasure hunters!

11 – We are an outdoor lover’s dream. Our lakes and rivers are perfect for swimming, boating, and kayaking. We have miles of trails for hikers and horseback riders to explore, including more than thirty miles in the Finger Lakes National Forest, the only national forest in New York State. Want to take it at a slower pace? Find a peaceful spot and enjoy a picnic of Finger Lakes wine and locally made cheese. Our dreamy landscape is perfect for any outdoor activity.

12 – A popular checklist destination for athletes. Athletes looking for fun races to check off their lists will find many competitive opportunities in the area and delight in the scenic and challenging terrains to race on. From the Keuka Gravel Classic where riders traverse the challenging and scenic dirt roads around Keuka Lake to the Tour de Keuka, a supported bike ride around Keuka Lake to benefit United Way of the Southern Tier with three rides — 45-, 60-, or 100-miles to choose from, to the Wineglass Marathon, a must-do destination race with a full marathon, a half marathon, and a 5K, to the slightly less challenging, Paddle Keuka 5k, to name a few, there are many chances to challenge the athlete in you!

13 – Our food scene is something to brag about…and growing! Our access to local and natural resources is displayed on the menus around the region. Many restaurants, such as Quincy Exchange, RYE, Veraisons, Sapalta, GRAFT, Stone Cat Cafe, 18th Amendment, The Park Inn, and The Cellar, offer a wonderful dining experience, and in some cases, brunch! Looking for hidden gems? Visit our smaller eateries with a strong local fanbase, such as Elf in The Oak, Johnny’s Kitchen, Union Block, the restaurant at Tabora Winery, and brunch at Ryan Williams Vineyard.

14 – We’re a growing hub for entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovators. Because of the affordability and lifestyle of our region, over the years, our area has welcomed an increasing number of visionaries and entrepreneurs, many of whom have found pursuing their passions easier and more accessible than in larger cities. What that means for visitors and residents is an increasing access to more creative foods, an engaging art scene, and communities that represent diverse ideas, visions, voices, and lifestyles…changing what it means and looks like to visit a “rural town”. Enjoy a growing coffee shop scene, art and music festivals, Pride in June, and diverse cultural festivals, from India Day to Juneteenth.

15 -We are pet-friendly. We understand that family includes our four-legged furbabies. This is why many of our wineries and outdoor eateries welcome well-behaved dogs and why pets love visiting Finger Lakes Wine Country, too. We have an entire travel guide to help you plan. We encourage you to call ahead of time to confirm pet regulations.

16 – We are open year-round. Summer in Wine Country is no secret—it is beautiful and full of fun outdoor activities, yet there are plenty of reasons to visit throughout the year. Winter offers a calmer pace and a coziness best paired with red wine, sipped fireside. Up for an adventure? Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures, perfect for leisurely picnics and hikes. No matter the weather, you’ll never be disappointed by days spent in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

17 – We are multiple destinations in one. Ask a local, and they will tell you they have their lake or town, of which they are very proud. That is because no two lakes or towns are alike. Each has its vibe and feel, and eventually, even frequent visitors find that their hearts settle on one, too, though we love them all!

18 – Small town charm wherever you go. From Owego to Penn Yan, small-town charm is everywhere. Visit in the summer and mingle with locals during one of the open-air concerts or farmers markets, and during the holiday months, visit our postcard-perfect towns with lights aglow.

19 – The creameries! Agriculture is such an essential part of our region that it’s no surprise that agritourism is a growing trend here, too. Cheese and ice cream lovers will be delighted to know that we have a long list of creameries where visitors can shop for artisan cheeses and their favorite iced treats. Check out Sunset View Creamery or Side Hill Acres Goat Farm for amazing cheeses and Spotted Duck for scrumptious frozen custard.

20 – Animal lovers can visit the farm. The Farm Sanctuary is 271 acres of rolling green pastures that shelter more than 500 rescued farm animals. Ready for your Green Acres moment? Check out this list of unforgettable farm stays. Sweet Farm is the world’s first nonprofit sanctuary to address the devastating impact that factory farming has on climate change. Sweet Farm is redefining sanctuary by joining climate education, regenerative agriculture, farm animal rescue, and the sustainable technology that is disrupting agriculture and food production.

21 – We’re the perfect vacation spot for every traveler. Whether you are visiting with friends, family, or planning a romantic getaway, our region caters to every traveler. Our lodging options range from full-service hotels to quaint and historic B&Bs. We even have camping and glamping options for those enjoying evenings under the stars.

22 – We offer many ways to connect with locals. Spend your mornings in our local coffee shops and bakeries, browse our many locally-owned shops and boutiques, enjoy lunch and dinner in our restaurants, grab an ice cream cone, and stroll our downtown streets. However you spend your time during your visit, we appreciate your support of our many locally-owned businesses around the region. Say hello to the many friendly faces you meet along the way.

23 – Waterfalls galore! The region is renowned for being GORGE-ous and having more than 50 waterfalls! In Watkins Glen State Park alone, visitors can hike among 19 of them. Visit in the early Spring and during the rainy season to experience raging falls, come deep in the winter and witness this majestic landscape frozen in time. No matter the season, exploring the waterfalls is a worthy getaway experience!

24 – We’re a quiet retreat. Cozy up in a private glamping site, go for long, picturesque drives, with no set itinerary. Get lost in the woods, or relax by a lake till the sun sets. There’s no need to hurry here, no traffic to navigate, and no crowds to haggle with.

25 – Adrenaline junkies welcome! But if a moment of rush and excitement is your thing, we have a bit of that too! Go soaring through the skies at Harris Hill. Feel the rush of a car race at Watkins Glen International (and check out their list of concerts and festivals too!). Take in the beautiful landscape from a hot air balloon! The choice of adventure is yours!

*Watkins Glen International (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)*

Bonus – Access to affordable luxury. While there are opportunities to go rustic during your vacation to wine country, we also feature many experiences of luxury and pampering that won’t break the bank. In addition to lake-front home rentals, many hotels and bed and breakfasts cater to the more discerning traveler. The Belva Lockwood, 1897 Beekman House, and The Laurentide Inn are beautiful and historic bed and breakfasts that cater to comfort and style. Smaller boutique stays, such as The Benjamin and The Park Inn, offer a more intimate experience, and larger hotels such as Belhurst Castle and Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel offer the full-service hotel experience some prefer most.

As a farming community, we appreciate rainy days, but we understand rain may dampen your plans. Here is a little inspo for days better suited for indoor activities. We’ve shared the Finger Lakes museums to visit on a rainy day. Here are even more fun ideas that help you stay warm, dry, and entertained when raindrops fall over Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Attend a Workshop Series or Class

There is no better way to connect with locals and have fun than by joining a class at one of the region’s maker spaces. Here are some fun ways to get creative and even learn something new.

Rabbit Row Yarns & Haberdashery in Corning, NY, is the region’s only sustainably sourced needle and fiber craft product shop. It is tailored for knitters, crocheters, weavers, dyers, spinners, felters, and stitchers. They offer one-on-one and small group lessons for knitting, crocheting, embroidery, mending, darning, and felting.

FLX Studio and Maker’s Space in Montour Falls, NY, offers a variety of classes and workshops throughout the year for all ages and skill sets. Their courses, from fiber arts, drawing, and painting to jewelry and mixed media, are designed to help you express your unique creative voice.

Pixie Moss Meadows in Corning, NY, offers a variety of workshops featuring a new set of classes monthly designed to inspire creativity and community. They also host a unique DIY garden bar with beautiful succulents, decorative pots, dirt, moss, gravel, and sand.

Tioga Arts Council in Owego, NY, presents various artist series throughout the year and workshops on multiple skills, from writing to metalsmithing. They also often showcase artists’ exhibitions and sales. Equally, the Arts Center of Yates County hosts exhibitions, workshops, and a series of classes for those looking to do something creative on a rainy day.

Attend a Winery Event

Rainy days are a perfect backdrop for winery events and gatherings. Follow the Seneca, Keuka, and Cayuga Lake Wine Trails for all the happenings, from holiday-focused events and markets to wine pairing events, private dinners, and live music. Winery events are an excellent opportunity to meet the region’s winemakers and tastemakers and explore the wines that continue to elevate the Finger Lakes as a premier wine destination.

Enjoy a Concert or Theatrical Production

You don’t have to be in a big city to enjoy the performing arts. The Clemens Center in Elmira, NY, hosts a Broadway Series featuring many blockbuster theater productions, concerts, and other family entertainment. A visit to Powers Theater, one of two theater performance spaces, is an experience. The architecturally stunning space has been restored to its vaudevillian-era grandeur, displaying magnificent murals, gold-leaf details, and reconstructed opera boxes, reviving its 1925 glory.

The Civic Music Association has hosted performances in the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) Auditorium since 1951. Visit their website for information on concerts in jazz, choral, and other popular music genres.

A Little Something For the History Lovers

On warmer, sunnier days, the Schuyler County Historical Society hosts free walking tours around Watkins Glen’s prominent landmarks. But for days when it’s best to stay inside, definitely check out their open houses hosted at various locations, including the Brick Tavern Museum, Wickham Rural Life Center, and the Lawrence Chapel. The Chemung County Historical Society not only hosts a series of exhibits to walk through, but they also host a variety of programs for adults throughout the year, including book talks, art workshops, and other events.

Visit a Local Library

The Southern Tier Library System is comprised of 48 member libraries, each with its own unique feel and look. Some are large, contemporary buildings, while others are in historic buildings with refined details—such as Tiffany stained glass windows! You can find the complete list of libraries here and check out what family-friendly events they are hosting throughout the year.

Finger Lakes Mud Season

The least glamorous season in wine country is quietly the best one.