Finger Lakes
As a New York City resident, it's often easy to overlook the adventure opportunities that lie beyond this bustling metropolis. I recently had the chance to explore the Finger Lakes region, which is named after its eleven long and narrow rivers. This area boasts a wide range of activities including hiking, boating, fishing, historical landmarks, museums, breweries, distilleries, and, most notably, wine tasting.
For my recent trip, I explored wineries near Seneca and Cayuga Lake, and below is my itinerary for five days of wine, exploration, and some great food!
Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Explore Steuben hosted this trip, but the commentary in this post is my own.
Itinerary
Day 1
Wine Tasting at Anthony Road Wine Company
1020 Anthony Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
This winery is run by the second generation of the Martini family, and offers tastings by appointment but does allow walk-in space permitted.
Dom’s Wine Pick: Rosé of Lemberger & White Bubbly
Dinner at Port’s Cafe
4432 W Lake Rd Geneva, NY 14456
Our first meal on the west side of Seneca Lake did not disappoint with its signature menu and seasonal items. Opened in 2000, this restaurant is a favorite of locals and visitors. A menu including mussels, pasta, perfectly medium rare rack of lamb can be paired with some well-known Finger Lakes wines.
Dom’s Pick: Mussels in a white wine sauce served alongside house-made focaccia, rack of lambs, and creme brulee.
Day 2
Breakfast at Monaco’s Coffee
115 Washington St #2822 Geneva, NY 14456
Monaco’s Coffee exists in the previous space of Monaco’s Market, which opened in 1917 and has provided many early Geneva residents memories until its closing in 2000. Monaco’s Coffee sources many ingredients locally and offers tea, coffee, and light fare for breakfast.
Dom’s Pick: A breakfast sandwich with bacon, avocado, and a maple latte.
Wine Tasting at Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
9224 NY-414, Lodi, NY 14860
With beautiful views from the east side of Seneca Lake, this winery practices sustainability by installing solar panels that provide 100% of its electrical energy needs. Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc make up most of Lamoreaux’s vineyards and grow Gewürztraminer, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
Dom’s Wine Pick: 2020 Yellow Dog Vineyard Riesling & 2021 Unoaked Chardonnay
Lunch at The Ginny Lee, Wagner Estate Winery
9322 St Rt 414 Winery Lodi, NY 14860
The perfect place to grab lunch with a view and a prominent spot for weddings in the Finger Lakes regions.
Dom’s Tip: Order French Onion Soup in the Finger Lakes region as it is typically prepared with red and white wines from the area.
Wine Tasting at Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery
9322 St Rt 414 Winery Lodi, NY 14860
Founded in 1979 by Bill Wagner, this winery was the first to open on the east side of Seneca Lake and is known for its world-class Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. In addition to wine, this facility also houses a brewery and is family-friendly!
Dom’s Wine Pick: 2021 Riesling Select & Vidal Ice
Wine Tasting and Tour at Three Brothers Wineries & Estates
623 Lerch Rd, Geneva, NY 14456
One of the newest wineries in the Finger Lakes region but also dubbed the ‘Disney Land for Adults’ by some. There is something for everyone in your group at this location: Stony Lonesome Wine Cellar, Passion Feet Wine Cellar, Bagg Dare Wine Co., or War Horse Brewing Co.
Dom’s Wine Pick: Get the wine slushie!
Dinner at Kindred Fare
512 Hamilton St, Geneva, NY 14456
This region offers plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, allowing them to source locally and provide patrons with daily and weekly specials and plenty of vegan entrees.
Dom’s Picks: Monday’s offering includes a prix-fixe menu and wine pairing.
Day 3
Breakfast at Glen Mountain Market Bakery & Deli
200 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
This fully functioning café, deli, and bakery is open Thursday through Monday and closes at 2 pm.
Dom’s Picks: Compton 2.0 breakfast sandwich - Farm fresh egg, ham, bacon, & Swiss cheese with chopped garlic and red onion on an everything bagel.
Hike at Watkins Glen State Park
1009 N Franklin St Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Once voted by USA TODAY's Best State Park in the US, and includes a Gorge Trail that is 1.5 miles in length and provides visitors access to view 19 waterfalls.
Dom’s Tip: Wear your MOST comfortable sneakers, and there are A GOOD AMOUNT of steps involved in the trails.
Wine Tasting at Lakewood Vineyards
4024 NY-14 Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Located just a few minutes away from the Watkins Glen State Park, this vineyard boasts of its third-generation grape growing expertise, spanning over 80 acres of vineyards and cultivating 14 different grape varieties. The Lakewood Vineyards' tasting room is a must-visit, offering stunning views of their picturesque grounds. What's more, the vineyard is known for its family-friendly and dog-friendly atmosphere.
Dom’s Wine Picks: 2021 Riesling & Long Stem Red
Lunch and Wine tasting at Tabora Farm and Winery
4978 Lakemont-Himrod Rd, Dundee, NY 14837
Experience something unique at this establishment: a winery, bakery, deli, and market converge in a space inspired by Cape Dutch architecture, reflecting Tabora's distinctive South African heritage.
Dom’s Wine Picks: 2021 Sparkel & 2021 Cayuga White
Attend the Saperavi Festival
9683 Middle Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Recently, we had the pleasure of attending the 2nd annual Saperavi Festival hosted by non-profit organization, Saperica, at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. Saperica's mission is to promote Georgian grape varieties, including Saperavi, alongside Georgian cuisine and culture through educational programming for culinary and wine professionals in the Finger Lakes, NY, and throughout the U.S. We had the opportunity to taste various Saperavi wines and enjoy a delectable dinner from the renowned NYC restaurant, Chama Mama, during our visit to Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery.
Grab a Beer and Dinner at Steuben Brewing Co.
10286 Judson Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
In 2014, Steuben Brewing commenced its operations on farmland situated on the west side of Keuka Lake. It is a family-operated and brewer-owned establishment that shares the region's emphasis on procuring top-notch local ingredients and building strong relationships with the farmers who grow our grain and hops.
Dom’s Picks: Rosé Cider
Day 4
Breakfast at Crooked Lake Ice Cream Co.
35 Shethar St, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Far more than just an ice cream shop - it's a beloved meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Over three days, I found myself visiting once a day. Their menu includes breakfast, lunch, coffee, and ice cream.
Dom’s Picks: Buttermilk pancakes, omelets, and any breakfast sandwich.
Horseback Riding At Mountain Rose Horse Farm
7417 Velie Road Savona, NY 14879
Mountain Rose Horse Farm is a business owned by sisters. It spans 92 acres and provides horseback rides for all skill levels along with cottages available for short-term rental.
Lunch and Wine Tasting at Bully Hill Vineyards
8843 Greyton H Taylor Memorial Dr, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Located on the very land where the Taylor Wine Company was founded in the late 1800s by Walter S. Taylor's grandfather, Bully Hill Vineyards offers stunning views of Keuka Lake. A visit to this area is not complete without experiencing the wine history museum, which boasts an impressive art exhibit featuring several of Walter S. Taylor's pieces. In his art, he expresses his opinions on big government and the evolving wine industry.
Dom’s Wine Picks: Le Goat Blush & Love My Goat
Dom’s Lunch Picks: Fried Chicken Sandwich & Loganberry Lemonade ( Loganberry wine slushie + lemonade)
Wine Tasting at Point of the Bluff Vineyards
10489 Co Rd 76, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Have you had the chance to visit the only rooftop vineyard in Brooklyn, Rooftop Reds? You may also be familiar with Point of the Bluff Vineyard, as they are connected. The vineyard's tasting room is situated in a renovated 1800s schoolhouse, featuring a cozy indoor bar and various outdoor areas where you can relax and savor their acclaimed wines.
Dom’s Wine Picks: 2022 Rooftop Reds Dry Rosé & 2022 POBV Unoaked Chardonnay
Wine Tasting at Krooked Tusker Distillery
10303 Country Route 76 Hammondsport, NY 14840
Krooked Tusker is a small-batch producer of vodka, gin, and bourbon that offers a lively and dog-friendly experience for both novice and seasoned spirits enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails while listening to live music events.
Dom’s Pick: The QKA Navy Gin
Dinner at The Park Inn
37 Shethar St Hammondsport, NY 14840
If you're planning a visit to Hammondsport, consider checking out the Park Inn for both lodging and dining options. The restaurant features a menu that changes seasonally and is curated by Chef Dan Eaton and Sommelier Jason Ferris, who have almost 50 years of combined experience in the industry and have worked at Michelin-starred locations.
Day 5
Breakfast at Vern’s Bakery
49 Shethar St, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Meet Vern, the latest addition to the Hammondsport bakery scene. With decades of experience in the pastry industry, Vern previously served as the chef at Shethar Street Patisserie before starting his own bakery. Early birds are in luck at Vern's, as his pastries and breakfast sandwiches sell out quickly. If you're a fan of both cinnamon rolls and cheese Danishes, you'll love Vern's cheese pastry - it's like a delicious combination of both.
Visit the Corning Museum of Glass
1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830
This museum boasts the world's largest and most diverse collection of glass, along with a top-tier glassworking school and a renowned library dedicated to the subject. Visitors can participate in engaging, hands-on activities that are ideal for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Lunch at The Quincy Exchange
2 E Market St, Corning, NY 14830
Under the FLX Hospitality umbrella, owned by Master Sommelier/Chef Christopher Bates and his wife Isabel, you can have an unforgettable dining experience guided by some of the finest hospitality and wine professionals in the Finger Lakes region. I highly recommend making reservations for brunch or dinner.
Dom’s Top Picks: Steak and eggs & oysters
Wine Tasting at Weis Vineyards
10014 Day Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Recently, Weis Vineyards was recognized as the Winery of the Year 2022 by the New York Wine Classic. The founders, husband and wife duo Hans (originally from Zell Mosel, Germany) and Ashlee (a native of Hammondsport, NY), established this boutique winery.
Dom’s Wine Picks: Perle 2021 & Saperavi 2020
Wine Tasting at Domaine LeSeurre
13920 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Sébastien and Céline, a French married couple who specialize in winemaking, have introduced traditional European wine-making techniques to the Finger Lakes region.
Dom’s Wine Pick: 2021 Riesling La Marinière
Dinner at Timber Stone Grill
70 Shethar St, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Offering indoor and outdoor seating this local’s favorite offers wines from around the Finger Lake region and seasonal items.
Dom’s Pick: Spicy Shrimp
Questions
What are the peak times of the year for the Finger Lakes Regions?
Memorial Day weekend until early October. If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend off-season or during the weekdays.
Do I need a car? What is transportation like?
Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services are not reliable in this area, and I highly recommend renting a car if you did not own one. You can find more info related to transportation here.
Can you visit any winery as a walk-in?
I highly recommend reviewing the winery’s website ahead of visiting to confirm. If you are traveling in large groups, I do recommend calling ahead.
Did you feel safe traveling in the Finger Lakes as a Black person? (most commonly asked question)
During my trip, I encountered some of the most hospitable and friendly individuals who were respectful, welcoming, and easy to talk to. Throughout my travels, I never once felt uneasy or unsafe. It's worth noting that the Finger Lakes area heavily relies on tourism, meaning they're accustomed to accommodating a diverse range of visitors.
Where did you stay at while visiting the Finger Lakes?
Vinifera Inn at Belhurt Castle - Nestled on the scenic shores of Seneca Lake, lies a castle that once belonged to the affluent Mrs. Carrie M. Young Collins back in 1885. The exquisite materials and furnishings, all imported from Europe, adorned her luxurious home. Today, this castle is known for its history of gambling, ghostly sightings, and secret speakeasies. This property houses three types of lodging accommodations, two restaurants, a bar, a winery, a gift shop, and a tasting room.
4069 W Lake Rd Geneva, NY 14456
Best Western Plus, The Hammondsport Hotel - Located in Hammondsport, which has been dubbed as the "Coolest Small Town in America" offered modern amenities and a central location to many points of interest in town near the Cayuga Lake.
Any additional resources you would recommend while traveling in these areas?
I am GLAD you asked and I would recommend Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Explore Steuben.
Are there any Black-owned wineries in the Finger Lakes regions?
Based upon my knowledge, there are not, but here are some Black-owned businesses to support in the region:
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to drop a comment below!