A no-nonsense guide to all the best of the Finger Lakes region of New York. I will note that my FLX reviews are always growing and evolving, but you will see I have some favorites. As someone truly passionate about this great (and greatly underrated) wine region, I visit frequently and upon each visit, I'm seeking the next best of the region. These are all genuine recommendations of mine and I have personally visited all but one or two wineries on this list, and those additional few come from sources I truly trust. That said, if you see something missing on my list, I welcome you to reach out to me and share! I need to get there. (And yes, I know, Kemmeter. Already on my list!) Have fun with this list of great wines, tasting rooms, snacks, and more!
Best Riesling
This almost doesn't seem right to do. The Finger Lakes region is well known for great Riesling and while the climate naturally aids in producing great Riesling, there are a few that stand out for me. Here are my favorites:
Forge Cellars (Seneca Lake) - Incredible single vineyard Rieslings crafted with a true passion
Hermann J. Wiemer (Seneca Lake) - A pioneer of winemaking in the Finger Lakes and led by Wine Enthusiast's winemaker of the year, you can't go wrong
Weis Vineyards (Keuka Lake) - A clear favorite of mine specializing in German-style wines
Best Reds
We all know the Finger Lakes region is known for Riesling, but when you're ready for red check these out.
McGregor Vineyard (Keuka Lake) - Saperavi. Need I say more?
Shalestone Vineyards (Seneca Lake) - A rare Finger Lakes winery that only produces reds
Hermann J. Wiemer & Standing Stone Vineyards (Seneca Lake) - Standing Stone is the sister to Hermann Wiemer on the East side of the lake, and both wineries feature an excellent selection of reds
Weis Vineyards (Keuka Lake) - Another Keuka Lake winery with great red options including one of my favorites, Blaüfrankisch
Best Sparkling
As with Riesling, the Finger Lakes region's cool climate naturally produces grapes with high acidity which in turn produces great sparkling wine. Here are a few wineries with a nice selection of sparkling wines.
Hermann J. Wiemer (Seneca Lake)
Dr. Konstantine Frank (Keuka Lake)
McGregor Vineyard (Keuka Lake)
Best Value
Staying true to the roots of the Wino Next Door, I also have a few great budget-friendly recs. This list could honestly go on and on and the generally approachable price point you find in the Finger Lakes is one of my favorite things about it, but here are a few that come to mind first and come in under $20!
Best Tasting Room Atmosphere
This is what we're all here for, right? A great tasting room (warm and welcoming with vibrant energy) is exactly what I first fell in love with when visiting the Finger Lakes. These are a few of my favorites, which stand out as having given me that warm feeling immediately upon that first visit.
Barnstormer Winery (Seneca Lake) Such a cozy and inviting tasting room, you'll want to settle in by the fire and stay for a while
McGregor Vineyard (Keuka Lake) McGregor became a favorite upon first visit thanks to their comfortable space and friendly hosts
Forge Cellars (Seneca Lake) Enjoy a flight in The Salon which provides a comfortable, communal feeling and lovely views when the large barn doors are open
Best View
The best view category requires no introduction, but I will sum it up by saying the FLX is not lacking great views!
Boundary Breaks Winery (Seneca Lake)
Domaine LeSeurre Winery (Keuka Lake)
Heron Hill Winery (Keuka Lake)
Best Snacks
Snacks are commonly found at the area wineries, but you also can typically expect the same crackers, cheese curds, etc. Now, I love cheese curds as much as the next person, but for a little something more, make a stop at one of these:
Fox Run Vineyards (Seneca Lake) Full café featuring cheese plates, sandwiches, flatbreads, and more
Tabora Farm & Winery (Seneca Lake) Deli and bakery featuring tasty baked goods, sandwiches, and salads.
McGregor Vineyard (Keuka Lake) Selection of small bites including my favorite Spinach Pesto dip
Scout Vineyards (Seneca Lake) - This one is a bonus - No big snack options, but I loved the complimentary plate which included a little bread, butter, cheese, and jam!
Best Place to Stay
There's no shortage of Air BnB, etc in the Finger Lakes, and many are beautifully situated on the lakes. I'm lucky enough to often stay with family nearby, but here are a few I have stayed at and loved or which have come highly recommended!
Call of the Bluff (Hammondsport)
Glen Hollow (Naples)
Seneca Lake House (Dresden)
Hammondsport Farm House (Hammondsport)