When it comes to wine lovers’ getaways, there’s a lovely selection of the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes to add to your itinerary. This region of upstate New York is defined by 11 long, narrow lakes, many of which are home to some beautiful wineries. The area is known for cold winters, and the deep lakes act as natural regulators, creating ideal conditions for vineyards to thrive. Cayuga and Seneca are two popular destinations for grape growing in the region.
The Cayuga and Seneca Lake Wine Trails make it easy to sample an array of varietals from the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes. For added ease, pair your tastings with a guided wine tour that provides safe and convenient transportation from your lodging to some of the best wineries. Along the way, your guide will share local knowledge and can offer personalized recommendations to help you discover new favorites and hidden gems. We recommend Experience! The Finger Lakes for pick up to and from the Inn!
As you start planning your visits to the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes, you’ll want to secure your lodging. The Inn at Gothic Eves, a luxury Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca, has romantic guest rooms that are the perfect pairing to your wine-tasting getaway. You may notice that some of our rooms are named for varietals, a nod to the region’s wine-making culture. Book your stay today!
Enjoy Wine Tastings at the Best Vineyards in the Finger Lakes
There are many great places for wine tasting in this region. One of the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes, which we like to recommend to our guests, is Sheldrake Point Winery on Cayuga Lake. Renowned for quality, an immersive experience, and producing more than 15,000 cases of wine each year, this award-winning winery has been recognized three times as a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits magazine.
At Sheldrake Point, guests can enjoy a wide range of wines, from dry and classic vintages to late-harvest selections and exquisite ice wines. The Lake View Tasting Room offers a stunning backdrop for sampling, while the Vintage Tasting Room is set in a beautifully restored 19th-century horse barn, highlighting Sheldrake Point’s unique charm. The winery and Vintage Tasting Room are also home to one of the most impressive wine libraries in the Finger Lakes, making it a must-visit for serious wine enthusiasts.
It’s important to plan your tastings strategically. Drive times between the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes can be substantial, so it’s smart to cluster your visits around one lake, or even one side of a lake, for the most enjoyable experience. Alongside Cayuga Lake, the east side of Seneca Lake remains home to many of the most acclaimed vineyards.
Here are some of the must-visit stops among the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes:
- Hosmer Winery is one of the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes and one of the closest to our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca. It produces incredible wines and takes pride in its sustainable practices.
- Buttonwood Grove Winery is known for award-winning Rieslings and live music. Stroll through its vineyards before tasting the lovely wines in the rustic yet elegant tasting room, which has views of the lake.
- The Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery is known for its wonderful selections, sure to please every palate. This winery is committed to sustainable practices while creating fine table wines.
- Sample aromatic whites and unique reds in a beautiful tasting room at Thirsty Owl Wine Company. This winery produces some of the Finger Lakes’ only Malbecs and Syrahs.
- Knapp Winery has been producing wines for over 40 years. Visit this pioneer vineyard in the Finger Lakes for beloved Cabernet Franc to signature Rieslings. At their tasting room, you can choose your own six wines or enjoy a curated flight while enjoying local cheese pairings sourced by Knapp’s winemaker.
- Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard produces award-winning and world-class Rieslings on the west side of Seneca Lake.
- Standing Stone Vineyards relies on indigenous yeasts in its fermentation process. Their modern tasting room has a stunning view of the east side of Seneca Lake.
- Damiani Wine Cellars, situated on the east side of Seneca Lake, produces New World wines and distinctive blends, including Sole e Terra, a blend of Pinot Noir, Lemberger, and Saperavi.
- Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, on the east side, is consistently top-rated. Its catalog includes more than 90 varieties of wine, and its sustainable practices produce some unique cold-weather varietals.
- Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars and Nathan K. Wines are located on the west side of Seneca Lake. Nathan Kendall is one of the region’s most renowned young winemakers, having garnered numerous accolades.
Want to relax and focus on the wine instead of the road? Consider these convenient ways to explore several of the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes:
- Experience! The Finger Lakes is TripAdvisor’s #1 Food and drink experience in Ithaca, known for outstanding service, personalized recommendations, and a genuine commitment to providing guest satisfaction. They’re our top recommendation for Finger Lakes wine tours, offering convenient pick-up and drop-off right at our Inn.
- Finger Lakes Winery Tours allows you to create your own winery tour itinerary or provides a route for you.
- Sip Back and Relax Tours will take care of all the planning, from transportation to making tasting appointments for your customized tour.
Stay at one of the Best Bed and Breakfasts near Ithaca
After exploring the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes, retreat to our romantic Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca for well-deserved relaxation. Our Inn is a welcoming property with romantic, comfortable lodging, making it the perfect match for your wine country adventure. Add a trip to our Finger Lakes Spa either before or after your day exploring the lovely wineries nearby.
Mornings at our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca start on a delicious note with homemade breakfasts made from fresh local ingredients to power your day of exploring. Our meats come from Autumn’s Harvest Farm, a grass-fed, hormone-free, and certified humane farm. Any produce we don’t grow ourselves is sourced from nearby organic, you-pick farms or the Trumansburg Farmers Market, when possible, ensuring every bite is local, sustainable, and flavorful.
Each guest room at our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca has been designed with comfort and style in mind, creating a cozy and romantic retreat after a day of tastings. Staying at our Inn means you’ll experience not only the region’s incredible wines but also genuine hospitality and a peaceful night’s sleep. Reserve your room now! Discover more about our experience at our Inn on our social media channels: Facebook & Instagram.
