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Finger Lakes Wineries

The Best Finger Lakes Wineries to Visit on Your Next Getaway

The Finger Lakes is one of the most celebrated wine regions in the country, and Inn at Gothic Eves sits right at the heart of it — midway between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, with dozens of world-class wineries just a short drive in either direction.

Whether you’re mapping out a full day on the wine trail or simply looking for a few favorite stops to weave into your visit, this is our guide to the wineries we know and love most.

Sip & Swirl at the Top Finger Lakes Wineries!

The Inn at Gothic Eves is centrally located between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, placing you right in the heart of upstate NY wine country. This prime setting makes it easy to explore renowned Finger Lakes wineries along the Cayuga and Seneca Wine Trails. Each lake brings its own character to the tasting experience. Seneca Lake wineries are known for crisp, dry styles. Cayuga Lake wineries often feature approachable, fruit-forward selections. While Keuka Lake is a bit further away, it offers a glimpse into the region’s early winemaking roots, with historic vineyards and long-standing family producers.

Many overnight guests plan their stay around visits to Finger Lakes wineries, and guided Finger Lakes wine tours make the experience simple and enjoyable. You choose the wine trail that fits your interests, then let local guides handle transportation and timing. These tours remove the guesswork and allow you to focus on tasting and learning. Planning ahead is smart, especially during peak seasons.
summer holidays, vacation and celebration - girl with wine

Partner With Local Wine Tours

We highly recommend Experience! The Finger Lakes, as this local touring group will pick you up right on the front stoop of our Boutique Hotel! The trusted tour operators provide insight into the best wineries in the Finger Lakes while sharing stories about the region, as they do all the driving for you. After your day of exploring, they will drop you back off at the warmth and comfort of the Inn. Let us know if we can help with arrangements.

Many Finger Lakes wineries offer food options ranging from full-service restaurants like Red Newt to casual bites and tasting plates. Some estates also include breweries or additional attractions, making it easy to spend an afternoon at one location. Tasting fees are usually modest, and wineries remain open year-round. When the weather allows, outdoor seating provides sweeping vineyard and lake views, so bring layers and enjoy fresh air paired with local wine.

Get to Know Finger Lakes Wine Country

The Finger Lakes Wine Region is best known for white wines, especially Riesling and Gewurztraminer, though red varieties like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir continue to gain attention. With more than 100 Finger Lakes wineries spread across the region, visitors can also explore breweries, cideries, and distilleries near the lakes. The deep waters help regulate temperatures, extending the growing season and protecting vines from early frost.

Established in 1982, the Finger Lakes AVA includes the Cayuga Lake AVA and the Seneca Lake AVA. The climate and soils draw frequent comparisons to German wine regions, which explains the focus on aromatic whites and cool-climate reds. Steep hillsides provide natural drainage and dramatic views, adding to the appeal of tasting rooms perched above the water.

On the tours of these Finger Lakes wineries, you’ll discover that many producers focus on sustainable farming, renewable energy, and careful land stewardship. Conversations with winemakers often feel personal, and tastings tend to move at a relaxed pace. Oftentimes, choosing where to start can be the hardest part of planning a visit to this wine region, but let us help with that. Read on to see our favorite Finger Lakes wineries to add to your itinerary.
Explore the Finger Lakes Wine Region

The Best Finger Lakes Wineries

Spending a day out in the countryside of Upstate New York exploring these Finger Lakes Wineries is truly an experience you won’t soon forget. You’ll taste some of the best wine our region has to offer in one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

For more information, there are two  Finger Lakes Wine Trails nearby:

Be sure to check websites or call ahead to these Finger Lakes wineries to get the most current operating hours. Allow us, or one of our accommodating staff members, to assist with reservations whenever possible.

Nearby Cayuga Lake Wineries

View from one of the Finger Lakes wineries on Cayuga Lake

Sheldrake Point Winery: Since 1997, this has been one of the Finger Lakes wineries on the Western shores of Cayuga Lake. Its location, tucked between two deep gorges, creates protection for the vines year-round. Don’t miss their flagship Cab Franc Rose and their unique ice wine. 

Americana Vineyards: Just about a five-minute drive from our boutique hotel in the Finger Lakes, you’ll find this winery fits perfectly into the renovated 1820s swing barn. Head here for lively wine tastings accompanied by local musicians. 

Buttonwood Grove Winery: Take in gorgeous sweeping views of Cayuga Lake and the garden grounds from a multi-level deck and tasting area. You’ll find traditional European varietals here; their Cab Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are both showstoppers. 

Goose Watch Winery: This is one of the Finger Lakes Wineries that’s been cultivating new grape varieties that thrive in the cooler climate of the area. For example, the 2020 La Crescent is a semi-dry white with notes of peach and spice.

Six Mile Creek Vineyard: This is one of the oldest Cayuga Lake wineries and distilleries. It is located in a restored 19th-century Dutch Colonial barn and offers a diverse selection of wines and spirits, including award-winning varieties like its 2016 Cabernet Franc, which won the prestigious Governor’s Cup in 2019.

Lucas Vineyards: Always a standout among Cayuga wineries, for over four decades, the friendly staff, lush vineyards, and beautiful views of Cayuga Lake set the tone for a memorable tasting. Expect estate-grown vinifera, méthode champenoise sparkling wines, iced wines, sangria, and their famous nautical-inspired “Tug Boat” and “Nautie” wines. 

Top 5 Seneca Lake Wineries

Ventosa Vineyards: On 23 acres overlooking Seneca Lake, this Tuscan-esque winery produces 100 percent of its Italian-style wines with estate-grown grapes. Flights, lunch at Cafe Toscana, and intimate vineyard tours are a must on a stop at this Finger Lakes winery. 

Three Brothers Wineries and Estates: Find a unique tasting experience at this estate, which hosts three Finger Lakes wineries, as well as a microbrewery and a cafe for sharing plates, sandwiches, and flatbreads. You could easily spend the majority of the day at this Seneca Lake stop. 

Wagner Vineyards Estate: This Finger Lakes winery was named Winery of the Year in 2019 in the New York Wine Classic. Along the eastern edge of Seneca Lake, you’ll find indoor and outdoor seating for flights of their award-winning wines. 

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards: The 153-acre farm and vineyard were in the Hazlitt family for six generations, and in 1985, the winery was founded, though the vines are much older than that. Check out the open-air tropical-themed pavilion for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting in the sun. 

Atwater Vineyards: Make a reservation ahead of time for a tasting on the eastern side of Seneca Lake. The eighty acres of rolling vineyards and green lawns with the blue water backdrop are a popular wedding destination.

More Seneca Lake Wine Trail Stops

Castel Grisch Winery: An elegant tasting room awaits at this Finger Lakes winery with dry to dessert wines and everything on the spectrum. They also offer tasty wine parfaits and sangrias for those who have an adventurous palate.

Red Newt Cellars: Located in Hector, NY, about 20 minutes from our Inn, this is one of the Finger Lakes wineries to hit with an appetite. Along with tasting flights including their fantastic Riesling, you’ll find elegant fare that pairs perfectly with their pours. 

Standing Stone Vineyards: This winery is home to some of the oldest Riesling and Chardonnay vines in the region, planted in the early 1970s on the shores of Seneca Lake. Make sure to book a reservation to taste at this stalwart winery. 

 Shalestone Vineyards: For those of us who prefer the darker varietals, you’re in luck, as this is one of the only Finger Lakes wineries dedicated exclusively to red hues. Make a reservation to taste through the lineup of everything from Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir to more unique red varietals.

Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars: This gorgeous estate in Lodi, NY, overlooks the hilltop vineyards as they cascade towards the shores of Seneca Lake. The winemakers here pride themselves on using sustainable farming practices and renewable energy.

A little jewel in the Finger Lakes

We stayed at the Inn to celebrate our anniversary. We were greeted with a local bottle of bubbly and enjoyed a fantastic weekend. Rose and Ron were amazing hosts providing great suggestions and very tasty breakfasts made from local, fresh ingredients. Our spacious room was beautifully decorated, and we enjoyed the jacuzzi. The Inn was in a great location near Taughannock Falls. We enjoyed hiking, wine tasting, the local farmers market, and a visit to the nearby Corning Glass Museum. There were great farm-to-table restaurants nearby as well. We felt as if we truly experienced the region and we will definitely come back! Thank you to our hosts for an amazing, memorable stay!!

— TripAdvisor Review