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.
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.
The Rockwell Museum
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!
Corning Museum of Glass
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.
Juneteenth Celebration
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.
Owego. NY
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.
The Farm Sanctuary
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!
Seneca Mill Falls
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 – Adrenalinejunkies 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.
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