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, and several trusted tour operators provide insight into the best wineries in the Finger Lakes while sharing stories about the region.
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.
Touring Finger Lakes wineries offers more than great wine. 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.
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.
Here are our top Finger Lakes wineries to visit any time of year:
- 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.
- 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 Brother 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 is a popular wedding destination.
- 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.
- McGregor Vineyards: Further west on Keuka Lake, the McGregor family welcomes you to join their casual, sit-down wine tastings. One mile above the shore of the lake, you’ll drink some amazing local wine while enjoying a world-class view.
- Keuka Lake Vineyards: For an intimate wine-tasting experience, head to this small family-owned winery along the steep cliffs of Keuka Lake. The 14 seats are on a first-come, first-served basis for flights of their organic wines. Don’t skip the Riesling!
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.
Finger Lakes Breweries, Cideries, & Distilleries in the Area
As you’ll have your pick of Finger Lakes wineries for touring and tasting during your stay at Wine Country Hotel and Spa, there are also a host of nearby Finger Lakes breweries, cideries, and distilleries for lovely days exploring the flavors of our region. You’ll be quick to see that we’re so much more than just wine!
Here are some of our favorite Finger Lakes breweries, cideries, and distilleries to check out:
- Garrett’s Brewing: Minutes from our Inn, this local brewery is a casual spot to drop in for fresh-brewed double IPAs, pale ales, or wild hop stouts.
- Liquid State Brewing: This Finger Lakes brewery has two locations, one in downtown Ithaca and a newly opened outpost on the North shore of Cayuga Lake. It offers beer styles ranging from dark to light, Belgian to sour.
- Lake House Brewing: Visit this brewery by car or boat on the shore of Cayuga Lake for house-brewed ales with local ingredients. They share the lakefront property with Goose Watch Winery, so you’ll have the best of both worlds in one stop.
- Black Diamond Farm and Cider: The focus here is on hand-crafted ciders made from heirloom and European bittersweet apple varietals. Make an appointment to taste these bright and refreshing drinks at the Cider Shack on the farm.
- Bellwether Hard Cider: Since 1999, this cidery has created French-style apple-based ciders in the Finger Lakes region. It offers ten varieties of hard cider, from very dry to semi-sweet.
- Finger Lakes Cider House: Along the scenic Route 89 on Cayuga Lake, this cidery is partnered with Good Life Farm to produce fresh and complex hard apple ciders—head on in for tasting flights and pours, as well as farm-to-table dining options.
- Myer Farm Distilling: This Finger Lakes distillery makes vodka, gin, and whiskey with grain from its organic farm. Enjoy a spirits tasting or a cocktail at its distillery, which is modeled after a Scottish-style malt house.
- Finger Lakes Distilling: Visit this Seneca Lake distillery, home to the McKenzie Brand spirits label, known for its whiskey, rye, gin, and vodka. From the tasting bar, you can observe the production room and sip some hand-crafted spirits made from local grains and produce.
- Alder Creek Distilling: Find a cozy spot by the fire or out in the fresh air on the deck for a tasting of spirits distilled on-site. If wine is more your speed, they have that too, from their label, Idol Ridge Winery.
Book our Boutique Hotel in Finger Lakes Wine Country
As a guest at the Inn at Gothic Eves, you’ll enjoy easy access to the best wineries, breweries, and distilleries while staying at one of the most welcoming boutique hotels in the Finger Lakes. After a day of tastings, return to your guest suite and open a bottle from your favorite stop. If you choose to head out on a guided Finger Lakes Wine Tour, you’ll be picked up and dropped off right at our front door. By far, the best and easiest way to enjoy a tasting tour through the region!
Many of our guest rooms are named after classic wine varietals, reflecting the Inn’s deep connection to the region. This wine country hotel and spa offers eight thoughtfully designed guest suites across the main house and the Potter House. Each room features high-thread-count linens, updated fixtures, and inviting design details. The on-site spa and hot tub provide a restorative way to unwind between wine tastings.
Mornings begin with the aroma of fresh-baked goods and hot coffee. A farm-to-table breakfast highlights seasonal ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. We purchase our fruits and veggies from the local Trumansburg Farmers Market when they’re in season, whenever we can. And we even harvest from our very own garden on site! Starting your morning at the Inn is an ideal start to another day exploring Seneca Lake wineries, Cayuga Lake wineries, and beyond. Check our availability and book your next amazing vacation with us today!
