A Starter Guide To Wine Tasting In The Finger Lakes Of Upstate New York

The Finger Lakes may not have the name recognition of Napa, but its wines are earning serious attention. This upstate New York region, shaped by deep glacial lakes and a cool climate, produces wines unlike those from California or Oregon. Riesling leads, but winemakers also produce a great amount of pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling wines.

Over the last several decades, the Finger Lakes region has quietly become New York’s most prestigious wine area. It also contributes overwhelmingly to the state’s wine production output. New York ranks third in U.S. wine production, following California and Washington.

The Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area (AVA) is the largest wine-producing region in New York, encompassing 11,000 acres of vineyards with more than 140 wineries. Many are small, family-run and focused on high-acid, expressive wines. Tasting rooms range from rustic farmhouses to sleek, modern spaces. Many wineries specialize in dry, European-style wines—especially when it comes to riesling—while some cater to visitors seeking sweeter options.

For much of the 20th century, the region was known for hybrid grapes and mass-produced wines. That changed in the 1970s when state law made room for small wineries. Growers planted vinifera grapes, the same varieties found in Europe. Riesling, suited to cold weather, became the region’s signature.

Tasting here differs from other U.S. wine regions. Many wineries emphasize education, with guided tastings focused on climate and soil. Some still allow walk-ins, but reservations are now common. Most charge for tastings, though fees are often waived with a purchase.

The Finger Lakes also covers a vast area, so first-time visitors should plan ahead. Each lake has its own wineries and character, making it tough to see everything in a single trip. Picking one lake or wine trail for the day—or even the weekend—allows for a more relaxed experience. With so many styles and producers, a little research helps in finding the right spots. A focused approach makes it easier to appreciate what makes the region unique.

How to Get Here

The Finger Lakes region is accessible by car, train and air, though driving remains the most convenient option. From New York City, the trip takes about five hours by car, and travelers from Boston or Philadelphia can expect a similar drive time. While the drive up is long, it allows for greater accessibility while you’re in the region given public transportation is limited up here.

Flights from New York City, however, are much shorter. The average flight time between LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) are only about 45 minutes to an hour.

Rochester along with Syracuse and Ithaca serve as the main gateway cities, each with regional airports offering flights from major hubs like Chicago and Washington, D.C. as well as New York City. Amtrak’s Empire Service runs from New York City to Rochester and Syracuse.

Once in the region, driving is the easiest way to explore. Ride-sharing services are available in larger towns, but availability can be inconsistent in rural areas. Several companies offer guided wine tours, including private car services, small group tours and hop-on, hop-off bus routes. These allow visitors to sample wines without worrying about driving. Some lakes, like Cayuga and Seneca, have organized wine trails that help structure visits, making it easier to plan a day of tastings.

The Wine Trails

There are 11 total lakes in the region and four primary wine trails in the Finger Lakes, each of which serve as a good starting point for planning a visit. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is the largest and most well-known in the Finger Lakes, with more than 30 wineries lining its shores. The lake’s depth creates a moderating effect, allowing vineyards to produce a wide range of styles, from riesling to bold cabernet franc. Many of the region’s most established producers are based here, offering both traditional and experimental wines. The trail is well-organized, with tasting rooms spaced closely enough for a full day of visits but spread out enough to feel uncrowded. Several wineries have on-site restaurants, making it easy to plan a day without leaving the lakefront. And the town of Watkins Glen at the southern end of the lake would serve as a good home base with a number of boutique hotels in the area.

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the oldest in the U.S., home to a mix of historic estates and newer, small-scale producers. The wineries here are known for their scenic views and approachable tasting experiences, with many emphasizing sustainability and organic farming. Riesling and gewürztraminer thrive in the region’s cool climate, but the trail also features standout sparkling wines and barrel-aged reds. Some wineries host live music and food pairings, creating a more relaxed, social atmosphere. The proximity to Ithaca, in particular, makes this trail a popular stop for visitors coming from Cornell University or exploring the nearby waterfalls and state parks, like Taughannock Falls State Park.

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail offers a more intimate experience, with fewer but highly regarded wineries. This was the birthplace of the Finger Lakes wine industry, where some of the region’s first vinifera plantings took hold. Many of the wineries are small, family-run operations, known for hands-on hospitality and limited-production wines. The steep slopes around the lake provide ideal growing conditions for high-acid whites and structured reds, making it a destination for those seeking serious winemaking. The scenic drive around Keuka’s Y-shaped lake is a highlight in itself, with winding roads that showcase the area’s dramatic natural beauty.

The Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail is the smallest of the Finger Lakes wine trails, and the best place to start is the town that shares its name with the lake (and wine trail) at the northern end of the lake. The closest of the lakes to Rochester, it’s an easy day trip for those coming from western New York or anyone flying in from within the Northeast. The wineries here focus on both classic Finger Lakes varietals, like riesling and chardonnay, and more experimental styles, including barrel-aged whites and unique red blends. Some offer expansive lake views, while others provide a more rustic, vineyard-focused experience. The trail also features craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants, making it a good option for those looking to mix wine tasting with local food and other beverages. With fewer stops than the larger trails, it’s well-suited for a relaxed, unhurried visit.

Can’t Miss Wineries

Bully Hill Vineyards: Bully Hill Vineyards offers one of the most extensive wine selections in the Finger Lakes, with over 40 wines ranging from dry reds to sweet fruit-based varieties. Located on the southern end of Keuka Lake, the winery provides tastings with lake views and a casual atmosphere. Guests can opt for an à la carte tasting at the main bar or a guided tasting of five wines in the Cellar Room. The on-site restaurant is a local favorite, serving dishes like Maryland-style crab cakes with scallops on a deck overlooking the water. Complimentary winery tours run from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, covering vineyard practices and winemaking techniques. The property also hosts a small museum and an eclectic gift shop featuring quirky wine-related items, artisanal food goods and glassware.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery: This one is not just a pioneer in Finger Lakes winemaking, but winemaking in the United States as we know it today. The original Dr. Konstantin Frank is credited with introducing vinifera grapes to the region in 1958. Located on the southwestern slopes of Keuka Lake, today the winery produces riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and grüner veltliner, along with traditional champagne method-style sparkling wines. The winery offers a seated tasting experience, with wines grouped by educational themes, and was named one of the top five wine tasting rooms in America by USA Today in 2023. Guests can also visit Eugenia’s Garden, where wines are served by the glass or flight in an informal, self-paced setting. The winery is a short drive from Hammondsport.

Fox Run Vineyards: Once a dairy farm, Fox Run Vineyards has been producing estate wines since 1989, with 50 acres of vineyards overlooking Seneca Lake. The winery focuses on dry, food-friendly wines, including riesling, cabernet Franc and chardonnay. Tastings include a choice of four themed flights—sweet, dry, red or just various glasses of riesling—served at a casual tasting bar. Visitors can also take guided vineyard and winery tours, which run hourly and cover the winemaking process from grape to bottle. The on-site café serves house-made dishes, making it a good stop for those pairing wine with a meal.

Heron Hill Winery: Heron Hill Winery has been a fixture in the Finger Lakes for nearly 50 years, specializing in cool-climate vinifera varieties such as riesling and chardonnay. Its Keuka Lake tasting room, housed in a dramatic vaulted structure, offers sweeping vineyard and lake views. The winery produces a range of styles, from dry reserves to late-harvest and ice wines. It also has a second tasting room on Canandaigua Lake, located in a renovated 100-year-old barn. Heron Hill practices sustainable viticulture and emphasizes hand-harvesting techniques. The winery is very welcoming of large groups and has a spacious patio for outdoor tastings. It’s also pet-friendly.

Kemmeter Wines: There are probably few wineries in the world that serve both wine and dumplings, but here is one. Kemmeter Wines is a small, vineyard-focused producer known for riesling and pinot noir, with occasional vintage releases of gewürztraminer. Founded on the philosophy that wine should express the land where it’s grown, the winery exclusively uses estate-grown fruit. Tasting appointments are required and offer a personalized experience with a focus on the details of each vintage. The property is also home to Sans Dumplings, a takeout kitchen serving handmade Asian dumplings. While the dumpling shop does not serve alcohol, visitors can enjoy food at picnic tables overlooking the vineyard.

Ravines Wine Cellars: Ravines Wine Cellars is a small, family-run winery focused on classical, dry-style wines that reflect the Finger Lakes’ distinct terroir. It has estate vineyards with both limestone and shale soils, allowing for layered and complex wines. The winery was among the first to participate in the Finger Lakes’ sustainable vineyard certification program, and its 2023 vintage was the first to qualify under the program’s guidelines. Ravines operates two tasting rooms—one in Geneva, housed in a historic barn overlooking the vineyards, and another on Keuka Lake with a large patio and lake views.