Finger Lakes Wine Trail Updates
The wine trails throughout the Finger Lakes are committed to providing a safe and clean space for you to enjoy, and ask that you also make the commitment to adhere to the policies put in place at each winery! Many of the requirements the wineries have in place are mandated by the New York State Liquor Authority and the State of New York in order to be open.
It’s important to know that things may look different, but that same feeling of being in Finger Lakes Wine Country will persist. We truly believe these changes have made room for many positive experiences. All tastings are seated where you are able to select a flight or receive a tasting experience with a server. Wineries are also required by the state to serve food with any alcohol consumption. This is typically a light snack such as crackers, pretzels or cheese for example. (Which we think is great anyway while you’re sipping on wine!)
Explore the Finger Lakes Wine Region
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the many wineries in the Finger Lakes, there’s an easy solution. Visit the wineries on a Finger Lakes wine trail! Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lake all have their own wine trails.
Keuka Lake Wine Trail
The Keuka Lake Wine Trail. While this trail may not be the longest running, Keuka Lake was home to the first bonded winery. This region specializes in Vinifera wines, as this area was where they were first planted.
“The Keuka Lake Wine Trail is a great option if you’re looking to slow down, immerse yourself in the local wine scene and enjoy the unique and breathtaking views Keuka Lake has to offer.
There are six wineries a part of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail who all have something different to offer with their own style, but all share important commonalities you’ll certainly appreciate. Our wineries put a strong focus on:
- Customer service.
- Education.
- Approachable experiences.
- Safe and comfortable environment to enjoy.
We look forward to welcoming visitors this year to the tasting rooms and are happy to be a resource for those who have questions to help you prepare for a memorable, safe experience to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail” said Chelsea Race, Marketing Manager of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.
For tips, resources and information about the wineries visit www.keukawinetrail.com/reopening. Here you’ll find everything you would want to know before visiting, current winery hours and offerings and who requires a reservation.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Explore the largest wine trail in the state of New York! The Seneca Lake Wine Trail, formed in 1986, features 35 wineries, a distillery, two cider producers, two breweries, and a meadery on its path. This trail is known for its hearty grapes, though the wineries on the list have won plenty of awards for the delicate Rieslings.
“The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is planning to host two wine and food pairing events this spring. The first is Pasta and Wine on Friday, March 19 (This Friday!). The second is Spring Wine and Cheese on Friday, April 16. Of course, these dates are tentative and subject to change, but we are eager to get back to welcoming visitors to sample our fabulous wines with delicious food.
In terms of visiting our wineries, each winery on the Trail sets their own policies, but by and large, you either make a reservation or visit as a walk-in. About half of our member wineries require reservations and half simply take visitors on a walk-in basis. It’s important to do some research in advance of a visit and we provide a handy one-page guide on our website to help visitors do just that: https://senecalakewine.com/wineries-respond-to-covid19/.” Said Brittany Gibson, Executive Director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
The key things to remember are:
- Masks are required any time you’re not seated.
- Please make reservations where recommended or required.
- Keep it small. Traveling in large groups is discouraged for now. Most wineries cannot accommodate groups beyond 4 or 6 people. Please preview each winery’s policy on our website.