Looking to do some swirling and sipping in the Finger Lakes, NY? If youāre planning a trip to this stunning region, you canāt miss exploring the incredible Seneca Lake wineries. In this complete guide, Iām popping the cork on all the details you need for a wine-filled adventure.
Not only is Seneca the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes, but it has the most wineries. The conditions make it ripe for producing incredible aromatic white wines, elegant reds, and delicious dessert wines.
But with more than 50 wineries to choose from (plus many others in the surrounding Finger Lakes wine country), it can be hard to narrow your list down.
Donāt worry, Iāve got you covered! As an American Wine Expert and WSET-certified wine blogger, Iāve done the sipping and swirling for you. And I cherry-picked this shortlist of the best wineries on Seneca Lake.
So, get ready for an unforgettable wine tasting journey through Seneca Lakeās finest.
The Best Seneca Lake Wineries
1. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Hermann J. Wiemer was one of the first to successfully plant vinifera vines on Seneca Lake. Hermannās familyās winemaking roots run deep, with his mother producing wine in the Mosel Valley and his father in charge of the Agricultural Experiment Station in Bernkastel, Germany.
In the 1960s, Hermann took a job in the Finger Lakes. After arriving, he discovered the region was a lot like the Mosel Valley, and thought, āI bet I can create similar wines here.ā
And in 1973, he took the plunge, purchasing land and planting experimental vines. By 1977, Hermannās 9-acre blocks of Riesling and Chardonnay were a success. And in 1979, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard was born.
Since then, the wines have won prestigious awards like the Governorās Cup. And theyāve expanded by acquiring Standing Stone Vineyards on the eastern side of Seneca.
Fred Merwarth, Hermannās apprentice, runs things today. Heās increased focus on sustainable farming thatās paid off with the HJW Vineyard achieving Demeter Biodynamic Certification. And is using small-batch, low-intervention winemaking, including indigenous yeast and neutral Hungarian oak.
Wines to Try
Try the Riesling HJW to experience a wine from Hermannās original plantings. The older vines give great concentration to the ripe pear, apricot, and honeydew melon notes.
And the Riesling Reserve Dry, a special blend from the HJW and Magdalena Vineyards, is a true treat, available only in the best years.
I was also loved their BlaufrƤnkisch (aka Lemberger), with dark cherry, blackcurrant, and a touch of clove and nutmeg.
Visiting
When you visit, their friendly wine educators will set you up with a custom wine flight. Mix and match 2.5-ounce pours to discover your personal faves.
Outside food is allowed so feel free to bring snacks or lunch to enjoy at their winery picnic areas. And be sure to make a reservation for tastings. Itās a popular spot!
2. Red Tail Ridge Winery
Mike Schnelle and Nancy Irelan founded Red Tail Ridge Winery in 2005. Nancyās got a Ph.D. in grape genetics and 35+ years of wine biz experience, including a gig as VP of Viticulture & Enology at Gallo Wines.
Mike took a different route, with a finance degree and a background in construction. But, after some viticulture courses at UC Davis, he was all in for their Finger Lakes venture. The two are joined by their adorable winery dog, Bueller.
Red Tail Ridge is all about sustainable viticulture, being the first LEED Gold Certified Green winery in NY State. And they use geothermal energy for heating and cooling in the wine production process.
As James Beard Award semifinalists in 2019 and 2020, theyāre making a name for Red Tail Ridge. Plus, their wine āGood Karmaā does good too, with a portion of sales supporting hunger relief efforts.
Wines to Try
When it comes to the wine, theyāve got a stunning lineup. My fave was the delicately sparkling PerpĆ©tuelle Change, made using a solera system, just like in sherry production. And if youāre a fan of Lambrusco, try the Sparkling Rebel With a Cause, a dry red bubbly with black cherry goodness.
The Teroldego, a Northern Italian grape, is also a unique find. It has beautiful black raspberry and blackcurrant fruit and earthy notes that linger on your palate.
Visiting
Reserve your spot at the tasting bar, newly upgraded to a larger space. Take your pick of 5 wines from their rotating list of current releases. And be guided through them by a knowledgeable staff member.
Or head to the covered outdoor pavilion for self-guided flights or glasses. Itās the perfect place for sipping and soaking in the vineyard views. And donāt worry, your furry friends are welcome too!
3. Kemmeter Wines
Located on the west side of Seneca Lake, this winery and dumpling shop is the creation of Johannes and Imelda Reinhardt.
Their story began when Johannes, who comes from a family of Bavarian winemakers, crossed paths with Imelda, a food scientist from a tiny Indonesian island. After some twists and turns, they joined forces to create the Kemmeter Wines and Sans Dumplings dream ā to spoil guests with the best food and wine around!
After working at Anthony Road Wine Company, Johannes planted Kemmeterās first vines in 2014. And by 2018, they were growing all their own grapes. The care they put into each vine shows in their wines, thanks to extra practices like green pruning that help get the perfect ripeness.
Their bottle labels reflect the winesā symphony of flavors, bearing part of Johannesā favorite Bach piece. And all of the estate wines were exceptional, from the everyday drinking Sonero to the ageable Kemmeter and the rare SanSan, reserved for the best vintages.
Wines to Try
I especially loved the SanSan, a Riesling blend with GewĆ¼rztraminer adding a floral twist to juicy tropical fruit. And The Controlled One vs. The Spontaneous One is a unique comparison of how using cultivated vs. wild yeast can completely change the wineās character.
Visiting
To taste Kemmeterās wines, youāll need to make a reservation well in advance. Theyāre only open Thursday through Saturday, and demand is high. But trust me, itās worth it!
Prepare for an intimate hour with Johannes himself in the small tasting room. Heāll guide you through a blind flight and discuss the differences the wines express. Then reveal these delightful mysteries at the end.
And donāt leave without hitting up Imeldaās dumpling shop! Take your order out to the picnic tables and enjoy some seriously good dumplings surrounded by stunning vineyard views.
4. Forge Cellars
Louis Barroul comes from 14 generations of French winemaking in the Gigondas region of Southern RhĆ“ne. After taking over ChĆ¢teau Saint Cosme, his familyās estate, he wanted a new challenge.
Louis traveled the world looking for the right spot and found it in the Finger Lakes. And in 2011, he joined forces with longtime friend Rick Rainey to create Forge Cellars.
Embracing low yields and sustainable practices, they work with growers that manage 16 different vineyards. The wines are spontaneously fermented in small batches using indigenous yeast. And aged in neutral or old oak to give texture but not too much flavor.
Wines to Try
I loved Forgeās single-vineyard Rieslings. The three I tasted were produced exactly the same way. So, each tells a unique story about where it comes from.
The sandy loam and shale soils of Willow create wines with elegant floral and citrus notes. Railroadās stony soils result in a richer and creamier texture. And Tango Oaksā steep slopes and low topsoil give it more herbal notes and minerality.
I also sampled the Pinot Noir Classique, an earthy wine that was a delicious pairing with bites of Whitney Cheese from Vermontās Jasper Hill Farms.
Visiting
For a fun and educational experience, book a guided group tasting in The Summer House. Youāll get in-depth insights into the vineyards and winemaking process.
For a more casual experience, stop by The Salon for a flight or a glass. Here, you can also taste wines from Forgeās French sister wineries too. And enjoy artisanal foods like local cheese and tinned fish that pair perfectly with their bone-dry Rieslings.
Plus, stay tuned for a brand-new tasting room coming soon!
5. Boundary Breaks
Bruce Murray, a New York native, had his wine epiphany in a little Thai joint in LA. And that was it. He kissed his publishing career goodbye!
In 2008, he found a perfect 120-acre plot, just begging for some Riesling magic. Since Boundary Breaksā first harvest in 2011, Bruceās Rieslings have been raking in awards, landing on Wine Enthusiastās Top 100 Wines in the World list three times.
But thereās more to this love story. Bruce reconnected with his high school friend Diana, and the two tied the knot in 2017. Diana brings her botany degree and plant science teaching experience to the table. Plus, she manages the tasting room.
With clay-rich soils, Bruce took the extra step of installing special drainage pipes, making the vineās roots reach deeper. The wines themselves are crafted through partnerships with local producers like Sheldrake Point Winery and Lakewood Vineyards.
Wines to Try
From Boundary Breaksā range of Rieslings. I loved the Extra Dry Riesling with its crisp acidity and juicy pear and peach.
The Cabernet Franc was a standout too, with cherry and cranberry and a hint of pepper. And for you dessert wine lovers, donāt miss the ice wine. The sweet peach and honey notes are perfectly balanced with mouthwatering acidity.
Visiting
No need to fuss with reservations. Just swing by their outdoor tent or indoor tasting room for a guided flight of these award-winning wines. Or grab a glass of wine and chill on their patio Adirondack chairs, soaking in the breathtaking views of Seneca Lake.
Hungry? On weekends Boundary Breaks also offers sandwich service. And check out Sunset Saturdays for evening wine, live music, and local food vendors. Furry friends are welcome anytime at their dog run.
6. Ravines Wine Cellars
Founded in 2001 by Morten Hallgren and his chef wife Lisa, Ravines Wine Cellars brings the best of wine and food together.
Morten grew up in a winery-running family in Provence, France. With a degree in enology and viticulture, he honed his skills in Bordeaux, Texas, and North Carolina before landing in the Finger Lakes. After a stint as chief winemaker at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, he broke out on his own.
Ravines sustainably farms grapes on their 130 acres of vineyards. And theyāre all about dry, vinifera wines produced using European winemaking practices. They even pioneered the iconic bone-dry, mineral-tinged Riesling style that the Finger Lakes is known for.
Wines to Try
I loved the White Springs Riesling ā floral, mineral, and oh-so-aromatic. Oh, and if youāre a fan of Sancerre, try their Sauvignon Blanc thatās made in a similar style.
And for something different, donāt miss the Sparkling Riesling. The nobly rotted grapes give it golden hues and delicious flavors of honey and dried orange.
Visiting
Ravines has two tasting rooms: one on Keuka Lake and one in Geneva on Seneca Lake. The Geneva location is a historic barn that sits next to their White Springs Vineyard.
Make a reservation for a tasting and enjoy seasonal small plates. Or indulge in their tasting table experience in the cellar. Rated one of the top winery kitchens by Food & Wine Magazine, you wonāt be disappointed.
7. Anthony Road Wine Company
Ann and John Martini are the wine-loving duo who started Anthony Road back in the 1970s. John worked at Cornellās Agricultural Experiment Station, while Ann managed the vineyard.
At first, they sold the grapes to Taylor Wine Company. But then decided, āHey, why not make our own wines?ā So, in 1990, they took the plunge, and the rest is history! Fast forward to today and their kids are now part of running the show.
Their Martini Vineyard has the OG plantings. But theyāve since added the Nutt Road Vineyard. Plus, a teaching and demonstration vineyard in partnership with Cornell.
Wines to Try
If youāre a Pinot Gris fan, check out their all-Pinot flight. The delicate Pinot Gris RosĆ© was a standout for me. I also enjoyed the Lemberger with its tasty black cherry and chocolate truffle notes.
And if youāre a bubbly fan, ask about their traditional method sparklers. The Sparkling Riesling and Blanc de Noir are stunning!
Visiting
Tastings are by appointment. But if they have space, theyāll take walk-ins. Or you can enjoy a glass or bottle of vino on the veranda thatās open daily. They even have lawn games available like bocce and cornhole.
Feeling artsy? Take a self-guided tour of their garden and gallery, featuring local artistsā works. Itās the perfect pairing with their artfully crafted wines!
8. Red Newt Cellars
In the late ā80s, David and Debra Whiting connected over a shared passion for food and wine. David worked as a winemaker at several Finger Lakes wineries, while Debra ventured into gourmet cheesecake and catering businesses.
In 1998, the perfect opportunity arose. David began making his own wine under the Red Newt Cellars label. And Debra opened the Red Newt Bistro the following summer.
It was a dream come true, combining their love for regional wine and cuisine. Sadly, Debra passed away in 2011. But her vision lives on through the Debra Whiting Foundation.
In 2014, David handed over winemaking to Kelby Russell. This Finger Lakes native got his start at Fox Run Vineyards. Now he even has his own āKelby James Russellā wine series.
Red Newt sources grapes from various vineyards on Seneca, including Nutt Road and Tango Oaks. And they focus on aromatic white wines like Riesling, GewĆ¼rztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
Wines to Try
I especially liked their GrĆ¼ner Veltlinerās zesty lime flavors and herbaceous grassiness. Itās a delicious summer sipper. The Dry Riesling was great too, but I snagged a bottle of their top Riesling to try at home.
Visiting
Grab a reservation for seated tastings and food experiences. Inside or out, flights, glasses, bottles, and tadpoles (adorable personal-sized bottles) await. Or swing by the bar for standing tastings.
Plus, keep an eye on the calendar for special events. Susan Waterbury, Davidās violinist wife and co-owner, keeps things entertaining with live classical and jazz music performances.
9. Fox Run Vineyards
Fox Run Vineyardsā story starts in 1984 when Larry and Adele Wildrick planted the first grapes. Fast forward a decade, and Scott Osborn and his buddy Andy Hale bought the place.
They made the smart decision to bring on Peter Bell, fresh from working at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. Heās become a bit of a legend in the Finger Lakes, mentoring others like Kelby Russell of Red Newt.
After 27 years Peter retired, and Craig Hosbach stepped in. Scott and his wife Ruth also teamed up with Ruthās sister and brother-in-law Kathleen and Albert Zafonte to make Fox Run an all family-owned winery.
Fox Run uses all estate-grown grapes that are sustainably farmed. Plus, they now operate on 100% self-generated solar power.
Wines to Try
The Fox Run RosƩ is totally crushable with yummy strawberry and cranberry flavors. And for a fun comparison, try the unoaked vs. oaked Lemberger. The unoaked version is light and elegant, while the oak brings a bit more tannin and spice.
Visiting
No reservations are needed for their indoor seated tastings, featuring 4 flight options. And if youāre a foodie, go for the Taste Buds Flight with 5 wines and delicious food pairings.
Or grab one of their self-guided wine flights to enjoy outdoors under their flower-adorned pergola. And check out the Wine Barn on Saturdays, serving up glasses, bottles, snacks, and flights.
Plus, theyāve got a seasonal cafĆ©, wine tours, and if you want the ultimate wine country experience, you can even rent their Vineyard House.
10. Once Finger Lakes
While not technically a winery, this wine bar is the spot to hit up if you want to taste the best of the Finger Lakes. From Seneca to Keuka to Cayuga, Once has teamed up with 12 top-notch producers. Including the likes of Dr. Konstantin Frank, Forge Cellars, and Hermann J. Wiemer.
Oh, and itās pronounced āOHN-sayā like eleven in Spanish. Yup, the number of lakes that make up this beautiful region!
The founder, Antonio, was inspired by similar concepts in Australia and Europe. Here, itās all about sharing local stories and traditions through great wine.
Wines to Try
Try their discovery flights with themes like best sellers, sparkling, and trailblazers. Oh, and donāt miss the food and wine pairing tastings ā Flights & Bites!
My favorite discovery was the Heart & Hands Pinot Noir. With its delightful cherry spice flavors, it was seriously beautiful. Their secret is the perfect site on Cayuga Lake, with limestone-rich soil and just the right sun exposure. Youāll feel like youāre sipping a bit of Burgundy magic right here in New York!
Visiting
No reservations needed at Once for parties of less than 6. But for big groups, call ahead. And check out their special events like happy hours, brunches, and fancy wine dinners.
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Seneca Lake Wine Tour
If you donāt want to deal with driving while wine tasting on Seneca Lake, this is a great tour option. It includes transportation and tastings at four wineries in the northern part of the lake, including Anthony Road Wine Company and Fox Run Vineyards. They also offer this similar tour of the southern end of the lake.
Or if you prefer to plan your own wine tour, it takes about two hours to do a full loop around Seneca Lake. So, Iād suggest splitting your days between the east and west sides or the north and south parts.
Boundary Breaks, Forge Cellars, and Red Newt Cellars are located along the eastern shore of Seneca Lake.
And on the west side, youāll find Ravines Wine Cellars, Fox Run Vineyards, Once Finger Lakes, Anthony Road Wine Company, Kemmeter Wines, Red Tail Ridge Winery, and Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard.
š Book the Northern Seneca Lake Tour or the Southern Seneca Lake Tour
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Where to Stay Near Lake Seneca Wineries
Seneca Lake has two main towns. Geneva is in the north and Watkins Glen is on the southern tip of Seneca Lake. Both make excellent base camps in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region.
If your plan includes exploring wineries on Keuka Lake too, Penn Yan is another good option. It offers the convenience of being close to the west side of Seneca Lake.
šØ Here are some great hotel options for each location:
- Idlewilde ā Watkins Glen, only open certain months of the year
- Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel ā Watkins Glen
- Geneva on the Lake ā Geneva
- Los Gatos Bed and Breakfast ā Penn Yan
- Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn & Suites ā Penn Yan
FAQs About Visiting Seneca Lake Wineries
When Is the Best Time to Visit Seneca Lake Wineries?
The best time is typically from May to October when the weather is warm and the vineyards are at their prime.
But each season offers its own advantages, whether you want to take in fallās stunning foliage or take advantage of winterās more intimate tasting experiences.
If youāre there in July, check out the Finger Lakes Wine Festival to sample top wines from many of the regionās producers. Plus, enjoy live music and cooking classes.
How Many Wineries Are There Around Seneca Lake?
Youāll find more than 50 wineries around Seneca Lake. A little more than half of them are member wineries of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
are wineries in the finger lakes open Year-round?
Many of the wineries in the Finger Lakes, including ones around Seneca Lake, are open year-round. Just be sure to check their website before stopping by in the off-season.
Do You Need Reservations for seneca lake wineries?
Not all Seneca Lake wineries require a reservation. But itās good winery etiquette to make one if you can, especially during peak times.
Some have limited spots for tastings and tours. So, booking in advance means youāll get your preferred time slot. And you wonāt be stuck waiting or turned away.
How Much does seneca lake wine tasting cost?
Seneca Lake wineries have very affordable wine tasting fees compared to other popular United States wine regions. Most are around $10 to $15 but may be higher for things like food and wine experiences.
Some wineries will credit your tasting fee if you purchase a certain number of bottles or become a wine club member.
Can I Bring My Kids and dogs to the Wineries?
Unlike regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma, many of the Finger Lakes wineries are fine with the kiddos and pups joining. Some even offer grape juice or other non-alcoholic beverages. Just keep in mind that policies vary, so check the wineryās website before packing up the crew.
Seneca Lake Wine Region
History of Seneca Lake Wineries
Way back in the early 1800s, Reverend William Bostwick planted the very first vines in the Finger Lakes on the south end of Keuka Lake.
But it wasnāt until 1866 that the first winery popped up on Seneca Lake. With 100 acres of plantings, Seneca Lake Grape Wine Company had the biggest vineyard in the whole state back then.
In the 1880s, the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station opened shop in Geneva. Their grape breeding and research programs paved the way for others in the grape-growing industry.
By 1900, the Finger Lakes region was up to 50 wineries. But Prohibition hit the region hard in the 1920s. Only the biggest wineries survived, staying afloat with grape juice and sacramental wine.
But the 1970s brought a renaissance! Charles Fournier and Dr. Konstantin Frank had successfully grown vinifera vines at their Keuka Lake wineries. And they expanded these plantings to Seneca. At the same time, a German immigrant named Hermann J. Wiemer planted 140 acres of vinifera on Senecaās west side.
Soon after, new wineries like Glenora Wine Cellars and Wagner Vineyards followed. Plus, the Agricultural Experiment Station (now part of Cornell) developed French-American hybrid grapes like Cayuga, giving growers more options.
This decade also saw the passing of the NY Farm Winery Act, letting wineries sell directly to the public.
In 1982, the Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area) became official. And 1986 saw the birth of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
The ā90s brought rapid growth, with more than 100 wineries sprouting up throughout the Finger Lakes. Finally, in 2003, Seneca Lake got its own AVA. And here we are today, with more than 50 amazing wineries calling Seneca Lake their home!
Seneca Lake Climate and Terroir
This cool climate region is no cakewalk when it comes to grape growing. Snow, rain, humidityā¦you name it, itās got it.
And with things changing drastically from year to year, thereās no shortage of vintage variation. Just in the last few years 2020 was hot and dry, 2021 was a monsoon, and 2022 had a little of both!
Ancient glaciers carved out the Finger Lakes, leaving all kinds of different soils. From shale to limestone to gravel and silt, it makes for an interesting puzzle when it comes to planting the right grape varieties.
Seneca Lake is the largest of the Finger Lakes by volume. Stretching 35 miles long and diving to depths of more than 600 feet, itās no wonder it rarely freezes, even in the chilliest winters.
The east side of Seneca Lake gets slightly more warmth from afternoon sunshine.
And the lake acts like a giant temperature moderator for the vineyards. In the spring, the cold water cools the surrounding air and delays budburst, protecting from frosts.
In the fall, the warm water gives off extra warmth and extends the growing season. And being the deepest lake, this effect is magnified even more than smaller ones like Keuka Lake.
Seneca Lake Wines
Like the rest of the Finger Lakes, Riesling is the star of the show in the Seneca Lake AVA. Itās made in a variety of styles. But this region is famous for dry wines with a mineral-water type quality.
But youāll find plenty of other aromatic and semi-aromatic white grape varieties like GewĆ¼rztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.
Thanks to this deeper lakeās extra warmth, red wines do a bit better here than on the other Finger Lakes. Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Lemberger, especially. But youāll also find Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
And there are some excellent sparkling and ice wines being made these days.
Youāll still find some French-American hybrids and Native American varietals sprinkled across this wine region too.
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Have you visited any of these Seneca Lake wineries? What wines did you like?
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