There are so many fantastic wineries in the Finger Lakes to explore this year, and now is the perfect time when the tasting rooms are a bit slower, so there will be fewer crowds and plenty of space to sip and swirl. These lakeside wineries in the Finger Lakes region might be most known for their incredible ice wines. However, there is a long list of cold weather varietals that give the classic dry white and red palate that wine aficionados often prefer. Trying these lesser-known grapes is a fun part of exploring Upstate New York!
With more than 150 wineries in the Finger Lakes, we’ll narrow the scope a bit and focus on a handful of some nearby establishments on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. There are nearly 30 wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, but we’ll highlight the destinations that are on the east side of the lake and are generally about 20 minutes from our luxurious bed and breakfast, which is your ideal home base for discovering this area and all it has to offer.
Our charming locally-owned and operated bed and breakfast in Upstate New York blends historic elegance with modern comforts, featuring beautifully appointed guest rooms, spa services, and a beautiful garden setting. Guests can indulge in a gourmet breakfast made with local ingredients before exploring nearby wineries in the Finger Lakes, hiking trails at Taughannock Falls State Park, and the vibrant culture of Trumansburg, Ithaca, and the surrounding region. State planning your next romantic getaway or friend’s trip, and book your room today!
Must-Visit Wineries in the Finger Lakes
First, we always like to point out that one of the best ways to explore the wineries in the Finger Lakes is with our local touring group, Experience! The Finger Lakes, for all-inclusive tours. This way, you have a designated driver, and they will pick you up and drop you off right at our Inn—it’s the perfect addition to a romantic getaway or girlfriend’s trip!
Experience! The Finger Lakes is a premier touring company based in Ithaca, New York, specializing in curated wine tours, culinary excursions, and natural history explorations throughout the Finger Lakes region. Founded in 2007 by Laura and Alan Falk, the company has become a top-rated attraction. TripAdvisor recognizes it as the #1 tour in the Finger Lakes, and USA Today lists it among the top ten wine tours in the United States.
Here are our favorite stops on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail:
- J.R. Dill Winery: Located only six miles north of Watkins Glen on the east side of Seneca Lake, it offers handcrafted wines made from 100% Seneca Lake grapes. Visitors can enjoy tastings without reservations, explore historic photographs, and experience the unique lake glass bar.
- Atwater Vineyards: Established in 1999, this family-owned winery is on eighty scenic acres on the eastern side of Seneca Lake in Burdett, New York. The winery cultivates nineteen white and red grape varieties, allowing them to produce diverse wines. Visitors can enjoy immersive wine tastings guided by experienced hosts, featuring a selection of five wines accompanied by local cheese and crackers.
- Red Newt Cellars: Head to this winery in Hector, NY, for wine tastings, flights, and wines by the glass or bottle. From Friday through Sunday, visitors can enjoy a hearty lunch menu featuring items like their classic grilled cheese sandwich. Reservations are recommended for seated experiences and can be made online.
- Leidenfrost Vineyards: Also a favorite in Hector of the wineries in the Finger Lakes, guests can enjoy a guided tasting of six wines for $12, accompanied by local cheeses and meats available for purchase. Outdoor seating is also offered, weather permitting, for those wishing to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle.
- Caywood Vineyards: This historic farm winery overlooks Seneca Lake and is steps away from the stunning Finger Lakes National Forest. The distinctive tasting room features a handcrafted redwood and oak bar made from recycled wine tanks and a three-story fireplace constructed from native stone.
The Best Finger Lakes Lodging for Your Getaway
You’ll be whisked away into luxurious relaxation when you choose our bed and breakfast in Upstate New York for your Finger Lakes lodging. Not only is every inch of our space designed with attention to detail, but everything has its place, which creates a sense of calm for the most restful romantic getaway. Our elegant guest rooms offer a welcome reprieve with architectural elements, antique and modern appointments, and stunning en suite baths.
On-site, you’ll have to plan ahead and make a reservation at the Spa at Gothic Eves, one of the highest-rated spas in the Finger Lakes for massage, facials, sauna sessions, and energy work. Heading to the spa is the perfect addition to any romantic getaway, especially when you can get a couple’s massage side-by-side, soak in a hot tub together, and share in this relaxation.
Each morning of your stay, you’ll be pampered with a delectable morning meal made with locally sourced ingredients and prepared with care by our innkeeper and culinary staff. You’ll love waking up to hot French press coffee and sweet and savory treats to start the day. It’s the best way to kick off your big day of adventure, heading out to explore the best wineries in the Finger Lakes. Book your lodging at our bed and breakfast today!
