Wine Trails
The Finger Lakes – #1 Wine Region in the Nation
Not only is it beautiful, it has also been named America’s Best Wine Region by USA Today’s 10 Best. The Finger Lakes has over 200 wineries surrounding the lakes. Below are just a handful who have contributed to the Finger Lakes nomination as #1 wine region in the nation.
Winery Tasting Rooms
Dr. Konstantin Frank – Hammondsport, N.Y.
Dr. Konstantin Frank ignited the “Vinifera Revolution” a movement that forever changed the course of wine growing in the United States. Dr. Frank’s vision, knowledge and determination are credited with elevating the New York wine industry from a state of happy mediocrity to a level that today commands world attention. While guests enjoy tasting curated wines, the Dr. Konstantin Frank tasting room offers a captivating view of Keuka Lake. During tastings, guests will be led through five wines as wine educators relay the story of Dr. Konstantin. The tasting room is open year-round. For a unique experience reserve your seat at the 1886 Reserve Tasting Room on-site for an elevated wine and food pairing.
Fox Run Vineyards – Penn Yan, N.Y.
Taking seventh place for the best wine tasting room is Fox Run Vineyards, according to 10 Best, an affiliate of USA Today. Open year-round, Fox Run invites guests to visit their tasting room and explore all the different wines they have to produce.
Winery Restaurants
F.L.X. Table / Element Winery – Geneva, N.Y.
As the leading restaurant in the Finger Lakes, F.L.X. Table at Element Winery provides an intimate and interactive dining experience. With only fourteen seats available, slots fill quickly. Plan ahead to make your reservation at this one-of-a-kind venue.
Fox Run Cafe at Fox Run Vineyards – Penn Yan, N.Y.
The Fox Run Café strives to represent the Finger Lakes region whenever they can by serving high-quality foods that are in season. Offering a diverse menu, Fox Run staff pair wines with each menu item, carefully focusing on how the flavors complement each other. The café is open seasonally April-December.
Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars – Dundee, N.Y.
At Veraisons, everything is made from scratch and locally sourced. From the meats and cheese to the fruits, vegetables, sauces, and bread —everything is homegrown in the Finger Lakes region. In addition, Veraisons also pays particular attention to customers with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Always providing vegan and gluten-free dishes to give all customers a special experience.
Wine Festivals
Finger Lakes Wine Festival – Watkins Glen, N.Y.
Dedicated to showing off what New York has to offer for the wine industry, the Finger Lakes Wine Festival voted the Best Wine Festival in the USA by readers of the USA Today. The festival takes place each July in the heart of the Finger Lakes, where over 80 wineries offer tastings of their best vintages. Adding to the excitement, the festival also features live bands, fresh fare, craft vendors, and numerous opportunities to learn about and taste the best wine and culinary in the state.
Winery Tour
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard – Dundee, N.Y.
In the heart of the Finger Lakes, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard overlooks the largest of the lakes in the region—Seneca Lake. Known particularly for their Riesling wine, Wiemer employs meticulous viticulture and strict ecological standards to produce high-quality wines. This award-winning winery gives you a warm welcoming feel when you step foot in their historic barn complimented with field stone landscaping. Taste their wines amongst the towering wine barrels, learn about the different varietals and their operations process right from your tasting table. Take a tour the next time you are in the area.