Best Wineries in the Finger Lakes: A Local's Guide

The Finger Lakes are home to more than 100 wineries, spread across three major wine trails and some of the most striking scenery in the northeastern United States. For anyone planning a visit, choosing where to stop can feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to help.

Named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in 2025, the Finger Lakes have earned a reputation that extends well beyond New York State. The cool-climate growing conditions, shaped by deep glacial lakes and ancient soils, produce wines of remarkable character — from the crisp, aromatic Rieslings that put the region on the map to increasingly celebrated Chardonnays, Cabernet Francs, and sparkling wines crafted in the traditional method.

Whether you are driving up from New York City for the weekend, making a day trip from Rochester or Syracuse, or building a full wine country itinerary, here are the wineries worth your time — organized by what you are looking for.

What Makes Finger Lakes Wines Unique

The region sits on the 42nd parallel — roughly the same latitude as Burgundy and Piedmont. Eleven long, narrow lakes carved by glaciers act as natural climate moderators, protecting vineyards from harsh winters and extending the growing season just enough for vinifera grapes to thrive. The result is a cool-climate terroir that produces wines with bright acidity, aromatic intensity, and a minerality that reflects the glacial soils beneath the vines.

Riesling is the signature grape — the Finger Lakes are widely considered the Riesling capital of North America. But Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc have become serious contenders, and a growing number of winemakers with European training are producing sparkling wines using methode champenoise. A single afternoon of finger lakes wine tasting can take you from a bone-dry Riesling to a lush Chardonnay to a rose-petal sparkling wine, all within a twenty-minute drive.

Best Wineries for Riesling Lovers

If Riesling is what brought you to the Finger Lakes, these producers have defined the standard.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars

No guide to the best wineries in the Finger Lakes can begin without Dr. Frank. Founded in 1962, this is the winery that proved European vinifera grapes could survive New York winters — a revolution that made every other winery on this list possible. Their Rieslings, from dry to late-harvest, remain benchmarks. If you visit only one winery for Riesling, make it this one.

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard

On the western shore of Seneca Lake, Hermann J. Wiemer has been crafting some of the finest dry Rieslings in America since the 1970s. The wines are precise, restrained, and deeply expressive of place. The estate vineyard was planted with cuttings from the Mosel, and that lineage shows in every glass. Come here for the wine, not the scene.

Ravines Wine Cellars

Morten Hallgren, a Danish winemaker trained in Bordeaux and Provence, brings a minimalist philosophy to his Finger Lakes Rieslings: indigenous yeast, minimal intervention, and a belief that the wine should taste like the vineyard, not the winemaker. Ravines operates tasting rooms on both Keuka and Seneca lakes, making it an easy addition to either trail.

Best Wineries for a Unique Wine Experience

Some wineries are defined less by a single grape and more by an experience you will not find anywhere else.

Domaine LeSeurre Winery

On the hillsides above Keuka Lake in Hammondsport, Domaine LeSeurre offers something no other Finger Lakes winery can: an authentic French tasting experience led by winemakers who grew up in the vineyards of Champagne and Toulouse. Sebastien LeSeurre is a sixth-generation Champagne winemaker. Celine LeSeurre trained as a sommelier and spent years working with producers across France, New Zealand, and Australia. Together, they craft over 30 wines that blend old-world technique with Finger Lakes terroir.

The guided tastings go beyond the usual pour-and-describe format. The Educational Wine Tasting ($15) walks you through five wines with context on winemaking philosophy and regional character. But the real draw is the seated **Taste of France experience** ($28) — five wines paired with five French gastronomic macarons, each pairing designed to highlight complementary flavors and textures. It is one of the most distinctive wine tasting experiences in the Finger Lakes.

The winery is open daily, 10am to 6pm. For groups of eight or more, call (607) 292-3920.

Forge Cellars

Founded by winemaker Louis Barruol of Chateau de Saint Cosme (Rhone Valley) and Rick Rainey, Forge Cellars focuses exclusively on single-vineyard wines from the Leidenfrost vineyard on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. The approach is meticulous: every wine reflects a specific parcel of land. If you appreciate winemaking as an act of precision rather than production, Forge is a must.

Best Wineries for Food and Wine Pairing

The Finger Lakes wine tasting scene has matured beyond simple flights. Several wineries now build their experience around the relationship between what is in your glass and what is on your plate.

Domaine LeSeurre Winery

Food pairing is central to the experience at Domaine LeSeurre. Beyond the macaron pairing, the **Signature Wine and Food Pairing** ($35) pairs five award-winning wines with five bites sourced from local and European artisan producers — think aged charcuterie, imported cheese, and French-inspired desserts, each matched to draw out specific aromas and textures in the wine.

For a more relaxed pace, the terrace offers wine by the glass alongside curated charcuterie and cheese boards, all inspired by classic French flavors. No reservation needed — just arrive, settle in, and take your time.

Red Newt Cellars and Bistro

Red Newt is unique in the region: a serious winery with a full-service restaurant on-site. The Bistro at Red Newt builds its seasonal menu around the wines, with dishes designed to showcase what the Finger Lakes can produce — both in the vineyard and in the kitchen. If you want a proper sit-down meal woven into your wine trail day, this is the stop.

Best Wineries for Fun and Casual Vibes

Not every tasting needs to be a masterclass. Sometimes you want a good glass, a great atmosphere, and an afternoon that feels effortless.

Bully Hill Vineyards

Bully Hill is a Finger Lakes institution. Founded by Walter S. Taylor — part of the family behind the Taylor Wine Company — the winery has built its identity on accessible wines, playful label art, and a sense of humor that is rare in the wine world. The grounds include a museum, a restaurant, and regular events. It is the kind of place where a first-time wine drinker and a seasoned collector both find something to enjoy.

Ventosa Vineyards

On the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, Ventosa brings a touch of Tuscany to the Finger Lakes. A stone-and-stucco building with arched windows, a sprawling patio, and Italian-inspired wines — Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio. Bring friends, order a bottle, and settle into the view.

Best Wineries for Views and Setting

In a region defined by its lakes and hillsides, the setting matters. These wineries make the landscape part of the experience.

Domaine LeSeurre Winery

Ask anyone who has visited, and the first thing they mention is the view. In an analysis of 161 reviews, 72% of visitors specifically call out the panoramic Keuka Lake vista from the terrace — the bluffs, the water, the quiet rhythm of the hillsides. It was this exact view that convinced Celine and Sebastien to build their winery here in 2012. On a clear afternoon, with a glass in hand and the lake stretching out below, it is easy to understand why.

The French-style brasserie copper tables on the terrace, the charcuterie boards, the unhurried pace — it feels less like a tasting room and more like a terrace in the French countryside. Dogs are welcome, and no reservation is needed for terrace seating.

Heron Hill Winery

Heron Hill sits high on a ridge above Keuka Lake with commanding views across the water and vineyards. The property includes a tasting room, a Blue Heron Cafe, and the Inn at Heron Hill for overnight stays. One of the more elegant properties on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.

Chateau LaFayette Reneau

Perched above Seneca Lake, Chateau LaFayette Reneau offers one of the most dramatic panoramic views on any of the three wine trails. Their Rieslings and Cabernet Francs benefit from the long, south-facing exposure. Worth a stop for the view alone, though the wines give you plenty of reason to stay.

Best Wineries for Wine History

The Finger Lakes have a winemaking history that runs deeper than most visitors expect.

Pleasant Valley Wine Company — Great Western Winery

Before Napa, before Sonoma, there was Pleasant Valley. Founded in 1860 in Hammondsport, this is America's first bonded winery — a designation that predates some of the most famous wine regions in the country by decades. The historic stone buildings and cellars are worth exploring, and the tasting room offers a journey through a winemaking tradition that helped define American viticulture.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars

Dr. Frank appears twice in this guide for good reason. Beyond producing outstanding Riesling, the winery represents a turning point in American wine history — proving in the 1960s that European vinifera varieties could thrive in the Finger Lakes when the industry was dominated by native Concord and Catawba grapes. That breakthrough opened the door for every premium winery in the region.

Best Wineries for Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine production in the Finger Lakes is still emerging, but a handful of producers are crafting bottles that deserve serious attention.

Domaine LeSeurre Winery

This is where heritage and geography converge. Sebastien LeSeurre is a sixth-generation Champagne winemaker who studied viticulture and enology for six years in Champagne before working 23 vintages across four countries. His sparkling wines are crafted using methode champenoise — the traditional method used in Champagne — and are available exclusively to Wine Club members. If sparkling wine is your passion, joining the Wine Club unlocks access to these limited-production bottles, along with 15% off all purchases and complimentary tastings for you and up to three guests.

Chateau Frank

Dr. Konstantin Frank's sparkling wine house, Chateau Frank, is dedicated entirely to methode champenoise sparkling wines. The tasting room, separate from the main Dr. Frank facility, focuses on Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Rose — all made from estate-grown fruit. It is the most established sparkling program in the region and an essential stop for anyone who appreciates fine bubbles.

Planning Your Finger Lakes Winery Tour

The Three Wine Trails

The Finger Lakes wine region is organized around three main wine trails, each following a different lake:

• Keuka Lake Wine Trail — The most intimate of the three, with roughly two dozen wineries including Domaine LeSeurre, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Bully Hill, and Heron Hill. Hammondsport, at the southern tip, is a walkable village with restaurants and lodging. This is the trail for a focused, unhurried day.

• Seneca Lake Wine Trail — The largest trail with over 30 wineries, including Hermann J. Wiemer, Red Newt, Ventosa, Forge Cellars, and Chateau LaFayette Reneau. Seneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes, and its moderating effect on climate produces some of the region's most concentrated wines. Plan at least a full day.

• Cayuga Lake Wine Trail — The first organized wine trail in the country (established 1983), with a mix of wineries, cideries, and distilleries. It is slightly more spread out but rewards exploration.

Best Time to Visit

June through September is peak season — warm weather, open terraces, full event calendars. Book seated tastings in advance on weekends. September and October bring harvest and fall foliage; many locals consider this the finest time to visit. Spring (April-May) is quieter and more personal. Winter means cozy tasting rooms with no crowds — every season has its appeal.

Tasting Costs and Reservations

Expect to pay $10-$35 per person depending on the format. Simple flights run $10-$20; seated food pairings like the Taste of France at Domaine LeSeurre are $28-$35. Most wineries waive the tasting fee with a bottle purchase or club membership.

Walk-ins are welcome at most wineries for standard tastings. Seated experiences and food pairings typically require a reservation, especially on summer weekends. At Domaine LeSeurre, the terrace is always open for walk-ins, but seated tastings are best booked in advance.

Getting Here

The Finger Lakes are about 280 miles from New York City (4.5-5 hours by car). Closer airports include Syracuse (SYR), Rochester (ROC), and Ithaca (ITH). From Rochester, Hammondsport and the Keuka Lake Wine Trail are about 1.5 hours. A long weekend gives you enough time to explore one trail or sample two at a relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best wineries in the Finger Lakes?

It depends on what you value most. For benchmark Rieslings: Dr. Konstantin Frank and Hermann J. Wiemer. For a unique French-heritage food pairing experience: Domaine LeSeurre. For casual fun: Bully Hill and Ventosa. For sparkling wine by a Champagne family: Domaine LeSeurre's Wine Club. The best approach is to visit several across different categories — the variety is what makes the region special.

How many wineries are in the Finger Lakes?

More than 100 wineries spread across three major wine trails (Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, and Cayuga Lake) plus independents. Most are open year-round. You will not visit them all in one trip, which is a good excuse to come back.

What wine is the Finger Lakes known for?

Riesling is the flagship grape — the Finger Lakes produce some of the finest in North America, from bone-dry to richly sweet. The region is also gaining recognition for Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and methode champenoise sparkling wines. The cool climate and glacial soils give all Finger Lakes wines a signature brightness and mineral character.

Do you need reservations at Finger Lakes wineries?

For standard bar tastings, no. Walk-ins are welcome at most wineries. However, seated experiences and food pairings generally require a reservation, especially during summer and fall. At Domaine LeSeurre, the terrace is always open, but seated pairings are best booked in advance.

What is the best time to visit Finger Lakes wineries?

Late June through October is the most popular window — warm weather, harvest season, and fall foliage. But each season has its appeal: spring offers quiet tastings, winter brings cozy tasting rooms. If you want the best of everything, aim for September or October.

How far are the Finger Lakes from NYC?

About 280 miles from New York City, or 4.5 to 5 hours by car. The closest airports are Syracuse (SYR), Rochester (ROC), and Ithaca (ITH). Most visitors drive up Friday evening and return Sunday.

Your Next Step

Start with the wineries that match what you care about — world-class Riesling, a French-inspired food pairing, a terrace with a view, or simply a good glass in good company.

If you are planning a stop on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, book a guided tasting at Domaine LeSeurre and experience the French side of the Finger Lakes. Explore our collection of 30+ wines, learn about our French winemaking heritage, or join the Wine Club for exclusive sparkling wines, 15% off every purchase, and complimentary tastings for you and your guests.

Open daily, 10am-6pm. Hammondsport, NY. (607) 292-3920.

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