The Finger Lakes region in New York is renowned for its dessert wine production, including ice wine, late-harvest, and off-dry Rieslings. Visitors to the area can explore a variety of wineries that specialize in these styles. While dry styles of wine are more mainstream, when ice wines are made with skill, the balance of sweet, floral, and tannins is the perfect after-dinner treat.
What is ice wine? It’s a type of dessert wine produced from grapes that are left to freeze on the vine. This natural freezing process concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, resulting in a sweet, rich wine with balanced acidity. Typical grape varieties used for ice wine include Riesling, Vidal Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. Due to the specific climatic conditions required for production, ice wine is primarily made in regions with reliably cold winters, such as Canada, Germany, and the Finger Lakes in New York.
Learning more about these beautiful ice wines from the Finger Lakes is such a lovely addition to any getaway to Upstate New York, especially when you can make it a long weekend or extended vacation. Our romantic bed and breakfast is the ultimate haven of relaxation! We’re located in a central area near Cayuga Lake and the wine trail, so you can quickly head out and taste these deliscous wines. Start planning your next trip, which will be full of fun and pampering, and book our bed and breakfast today!
Finger Lakes Wineries: Best Places for Ice Wine
The Finger Lakes is one of the best places to learn more and taste these delicate ice wines. Due to the climate and terroir of this region, there are many unusual cold-weather varietals to try as well—many of which you won’t find in the more traditional wine regions of the US. These Finger Lake wineries are also known for their welcoming staff and knowledgeable winemakers eager to share their craft.
Here are five wineries in the Finger Lakes known for their delicious ice wines:
- Established in 1998 by David and Debra Whiting, Red Newt Cellars is a distinguished winery located on the east side of Seneca Lake in Hector, New York. The winery is renowned for producing wines that embody balance and elegance. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, including traditional tastings, flights, and wines by the glass or bottle. They produce a delicate and soft Riesling ice wine.
- Situated on the western shore of Cayuga Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Sheldrake Point Winery spans 60 acres of estate vineyards, cultivating ten Vitis vinifera grape varieties. This winery has been recognized as New York State Winery of the Year twice and has appeared on Wine & Spirits magazine’s Top 100 Wineries list three times. The 2020 Estate Bottled Riesling Ice Wine received a 90-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, noted for its vibrant buttercup color and intense aromas of melted butter, butterscotch, and crème caramel.
- Goose Watch Winery, established in 1997 by the Peterson family, is located on the western shore of Cayuga Lake in Romulus, New York. The winery is renowned for producing distinctive and lesser-known grape varieties, offering a diverse selection of wines that appeal to a wide range of palates. They make a Cabernet Franc Ice Wine, crafted from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine, resulting in a sweet and concentrated flavor profile.
- Hosmer Estate Winery, established in 1985 by Cameron and Maren Hosmer, is a family-owned winery located on the western shore of Cayuga Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region. They are known for their Riesling Ice wine, which makes a wonderful gift from this region.
- Established in 2002, Thirsty Owl Wine Company is a family-owned winery located on the western shore of Cayuga Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region. The estate spans 150 acres, including 41 acres of vineyards and over 2,000 feet of lakefrontage, providing a picturesque setting for visitors. Thirsty Owl is known for its award-winning cold-climate varietals.
Book your Lodging in Upstate New York
Wine tasting in the Finger Lakes is a lovely addition to any getaway to Upstate New York, especially when you make our romantic bed and breakfast your homebase. Enjoying the unique ice wines of this region will be a memorable part of your trip. Be sure to grab a few bottles for your upcoming holiday parties or gifts. After a fun day exploring the nearby wineries, you’ll be ready to relax and unwind in your cozy guest room at the Inn at Gothic Eves. Be sure to book a spa treatment during your stay!
The guest rooms at our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast are a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, offering a variety of luxurious accommodations to suit any traveler’s needs. Each room is thoughtfully designed with its unique character, featuring high-end amenities such as luxurious bedding, private en-suite bathrooms, and modern conveniences like air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Seneca and Cayuga Suites provide spacious layouts and additional touches like private entrances and serene garden views for those seeking ultimate privacy. Whether planning a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat, these thoughtfully curated rooms promise a memorable stay in the heart of the Finger Lakes.
We’ll treat you to a beautiful and homemade breakfast each morning of your stay with French press coffee and sweet and savory options. It’s the best way to start your day with adventure in the Finger Lakes. Whether you’re heading out or staying close by, our charming small town of Trumansburg offers plenty of fun things to explore. Start planning your next getaway to the Finger Lakes, and book your lodging today!
