New York's Finger Lakes region is home to approximately 130 wineries (according to the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance but y'all, I don't believe that. There has to be more!) and in 2018 was named the number 1 wine region in the United States by USA Today. Bet you wouldn't have guessed that! There are 11 finger lakes in total, but you'll find most of the wineries around the four largest lakes - Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga. In this cool climate, you can expect to find incredible Riesling as well as Gewürztraminer and Cabernet Franc in most tasting rooms, but the list won't stop there.
Let's get right to the point - I'm going to give you a guide to a 3-day stay, but if this doesn't match your interest, keep reading for reviews of several other places totally worthy of a stop. Also, be sure to check below for a list of places to stay - or skip the scrolling and click here for a super cute farmhouse that is also convenient to your Keuka Lake stops.
Here we go!
Day 1:
We're not getting too crazy since you just arrived but there are definitely a couple of spots to hit once you are settled or even on your way in.
First up is Old School Café in Naples, to the south of Canandaigua Lake. This 150-year-old schoolhouse turned café and yes, bar! is a great place to start your trip. Have a cocktail and salad or sandwich before you're off to your first winery.
Right across the street you'll find Inspire Moore Winery and no, you won't miss it - the house is blue and purple! Inspire Moore offers a variety of wines you can find in the Finger Lakes, making this a great first stop.
You may consider stopping at Plenty the Bakery to grab some cinnamon rolls for the morning (or cookies later tonight!) and for the sake of keeping your first day easy and relaxed, grab some pizza at Neopolitan Brick Oven Pizzeria where they have great thin crust specialty pizzas and head back home for a relaxing night. This is already screaming *girls trip* so I suspect you'll be firing up Netflix for a viewing of Wine Country!
Day 2:
If you've taken my suggestion and are settled in at the Farmhouse on Keuka today will be an easy travel day allowing you to easily hit three wineries and check my list below if you're looking to add another! (Let me go ahead and suggest Domaine LeSeurre as an added stop, just a stone's throw from Weis!)
Your first stop of course will be Weis Vineyards, the love of my life (don't tell my husband)! Take a quick walk across the street to start your first tasting and don't skip the Riesling! There are sweeter styles if that's your thing, but I would highly recommend the Riesling Terroir Slate or Winzer Select K. Without a doubt, you'll receive great service and likely learn something new about some German-style wines before you head on to your next stop.
Stop number 2 is French-influenced Ravines Wine Cellars. I highly recommend the chocolate and wine pairing and definitely grab one of the pastries they offer from Blue Heron Bakery. Seriously drooling thinking about it. The outside seating is charming and provides a view of the lake.
Close out your afternoon of tasting at McGregor Vineyard. You'll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere here for your last stop. If you need another snack, definitely try the Spinach Parmesan Cream Cheese spread. And if you do not need a snack take some home for later. At some point, you will need a snack, and you will thank me.
After your day of tastings, you'll certainly be ready for some grub before heading back to the farmhouse. Try the Switzerland Inn (directly across from Ravines, stop #2) for a casual dinner on the water or Union Block in Hammondsport for tasty Italian.
Day 3:
Head up to Penn Yan or a few minutes further to Geneva for coffee and breakfast before you start your day of tasting. Then make your way down the west side of Seneca, starting at Billsboro Winery. Billsboro was the big surprise of my most recent trip and now I won't return to the region without making a stop. Here you can also grab small bites in case you are like me and like to pick all day or if you missed the alarm for breakfast!
Stop 2 is just about 15 minutes south at Anthony Road Wine Company. The setting here is beautiful, the service is top-notch, and the wines will not disappoint. After your tasting, sit outside and enjoy a glass or take a walk through their beautiful garden.
Your next stop will be Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars. A small tasting room and deck, but a lovely view of the vineyard and awesome service. Definitely try the Gewürztraminer, but you also want all the reds here.
When it comes time to make a dinner reservation, check my list of recommendations below. I can't personally vouch for many beyond what I listed above on Keuka Lake because our family tends to grab a pizza or make dinner at home, allowing our little one to unwind. This is, however, a list of places that have been recommended to me or that I think look delicious. Definitely send me your report if you try any of them or have more to add to the list!
With three days in the Finger Lakes, you can hit so many wineries, but just how many depends on the type of schedule you like to keep. For a good time, I don't recommend more than 3 or 4 in a day. This way you aren't pressured for time and can stay in one spot to enjoy an extra glass if you're feeling the vibe.
Check my full list below for wining, dining, and adventuring if you stay longer or look for more options! Note that while I have not visited all of these, they all come with a great reputation or I have them on my list to visit.
Wine on Keuka Lake (my heart):
Weis Vineyards German-style wines • Exceptional service • Riesling • Grüner Veltliner
McGregor Vineyard Comfortable atmosphere • Rosé d'Cabernet Franc • Saperavi
Ravines Wine Cellars Keuka and Seneca • French influence • Rieslings, Reds, Bubbly
Domaine LeSeurre French-inspired • Tasting room views
Heron Hill Winery A Finger Lakes destination • Reputation for excellence • Baco Noir
Dr. Konstantine Frank Revolutionized Finger Lakes wine in the 1950s • Reds, Whites, Bubbly
Wine on Seneca Lake:
Billsboro Winery - Inviting outdoor tasting room • Solar • Excellent Service • Dry Rosé
Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars/Nathan Kendall Wine Two wine labels • Great reds
Anthony Road Wine Company Tasting room view • Beautiful Garden • Riesling • Cabernet Franc
Hermann J. Wiemer German-inspired • Rieslings • Bubbly
Fox Run Vineyards Vineyard tours • Café • Large variety of wines • Canned wines
Boundary Breaks Riesling • Sunday lunch
Lakewood Vineyards Vineyard tours • Variety of wines
Once Finger Lakes Represents many wineries from the region • Food pairings • Views
Wine on other lakes:
Inspire Moore (Canandaigua)
Buttonwood Grove (Cayuga)
Hosmer (Cayuga)
Hazlitt's Red Cat Cellars (Canandaigua)
If you get tired of wine (is that a thing?)
When you need someone else to drive:
Where to sleep:
Keuka Lake Farmhouse (Airbnb)
The Yurt at Finger Lakes (Airbnb)
When you need to eat: The Finger Lakes region is not overly saturated with restaurant options. The focus here is definitely on the wine. That being said, below is a list of several places I have tried and a few more that have been recommended to me.
Blue Heron Bakery (Facebook and Instagram @blueheronpennyan)
Plenty the Bakery
When you need nature:
Watkins Glen State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Boat and kayak rentals can also be found through a quick google search!
When you have to bring your kids:
Geneva Community Lakefront Playground - a great stopping point for the kids to get out with a great playground. Bonus, the ice cream stand has wine slushies. You're welcome.
Stewart Park - kayak rentals, sprinklers, and carousel!
And if you're willing to make the drive to Rochester, I highly recommend the Strong Museum. It's been a few years since we went, but we still talk about how much we loved this children's museum!
There's so much to do in the Finger Lakes and this 3-day itinerary is just the tip of the iceberg. Subscribe to my and be the first to receive my next Finger Lakes guide!
