Your Ultimate Finger Lakes Wine Region Travel Guide
There’s a reason the Finger Lakes wine region keeps popping up on every wine lover’s radar. With its deep blue lakes surrounded by steep vineyard slopes and world-class wines, it’s the kind of place that feels both laid-back and extraordinary.
As the largest wine region in New York, the Finger Lakes produces 80% of the state’s wine. Most of the vineyards line the shores of four of its 11 glacier-carved lakes. And the region is home to nearly 150 wineries making award-winning Rieslings and other incredible cool-climate wines.
As a certified wine expert who’s explored the Finger Lakes multiple times, I’ve put together this guide to help you discover the best of what the region has to offer.
From its unique terroir and AVAs to wine styles and must-visit wine country towns, this guide will help you plan the perfect wine country getaway!
Finger Lakes Wine Region at a Glance
History of the Finger Lakes Wine Region
To really get a feel for the Finger Lakes wine region, it’s worth diving into its history. From humble beginnings to a world-renowned wine destination, here’s how it all happened:
- 1829: Reverend William Bostwick planted the first native grapevines in his garden in Hammondsport on Keuka Lake, sparking the region’s winemaking journey.
- 1860: Pleasant Valley Wine Company, America’s first bonded winery, was founded in Hammondsport, becoming famous for its sparkling wines.
- 1866: Seneca Lake Grape Wine Company opened the first winery on Seneca Lake. With 100 acres of vineyards, it was the largest in New York State at the time.
- 1882: The New York State Agricultural Experiment Station was founded in Geneva, paving the way for grape-growing and winemaking advancements.
- 1920s: Prohibition hit hard, but a few wineries stayed afloat by making grape juice and sacramental wine.
- 1950s-60s: Dr. Konstantin Frank proved European vinifera vines could thrive here. Pioneers like Hermann J. Wiemer soon followed, planting vinifera on Seneca Lake.
- 1976: The New York Farm Winery Act passed, making it easier for wineries to sell directly to visitors and sparking growth.
- 1980s: Wine trails were established on Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca Lakes.
- 1982: The Finger Lakes was officially recognized as an AVA (American Viticultural Area).
- 1988: Cayuga Lake became the first individual lake in the region to earn its own AVA designation.
- 1990s-2000s: The Finger Lakes region saw rapid growth, with the founding of the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail and dozens of new wineries.
- 2003: Seneca Lake received its own AVA and became the region’s hub with the highest concentration of wineries.
Now, the Finger Lakes is home to nearly 150 wineries, celebrated for its cool-climate wines, innovative winemakers, and breathtaking lake views.
Dr. Konstantin Frank
Dr. Konstantin Frank revolutionized winemaking in the Finger Lakes and beyond. With a Ph.D. in viticulture from Ukraine, he arrived in New York in 1951.
After meeting Charles Fournier, president of Gold Seal Wines, he was hired in 1953 as director of vineyard research. By 1957, he made history by planting the first successful vinifera vines in the Eastern U.S., proving skeptics wrong about the region’s potential.
In 1962, he founded Vinifera Wine Cellars (now Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery) on Keuka Lake, earning international acclaim for his Rieslings. Dr. Frank also shared his expertise generously, helping wine regions like Long Island and Virginia grow vinifera vines. And in 1967, he founded the American Wine Society to bring wine lovers together.
Today, his family continues his legacy, crafting award-winning wines that keep the Finger Lakes on the world wine stage.
Finger Lakes Climate and Terroir
The Finger Lakes region has a lot going for it when it comes to winemaking. From deep, glacier-carved lakes to a cool climate and varied soils, everything works together to create some seriously standout wines. Here’s what makes this region so special:
Geography
The Finger Lakes region is named after its 11 long, narrow lakes that were carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age.
The “lake effect” is what makes grape-growing possible around the four deepest lakes: Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka, and Canandaigua. 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.
Vineyards are planted on the steep slopes around the lakes. Why? Better drainage, less frost risk, and more sunlight. Plus, the varied elevations create unique microclimates that allow winemakers to grow everything from Riesling to Cabernet Franc.
Climate
The Finger Lakes region has a cool, continental climate that makes wines with fresh acidity and expressive flavors. Sure, winters can be tough, but the deep lakes step in to help. They keep the air around the vineyards a little warmer, protecting the vines from the worst of the cold.
Summers here are warm and sunny, with enough daylight to help the grapes ripen. And cool nights lock in the natural acidity that gives Finger Lakes wines their bright, zippy character.
Of course, no two years are the same. Some vintages bring hot, dry weather, while others are cooler and wetter. And with climate change stirring the pot, winemakers are finding new ways to adapt and bring out the best in their wines.
Soils
The ancient glaciers that carved out the Finger Lakes left behind all kinds of soils. From shale to limestone to gravel and silt, these diverse soils are great for drainage and give winemakers plenty of options.
Around the lower-elevation lakes like Seneca and Cayuga, you’ll find soils rich in limestone and shale. These are ideal for cool-climate vinifera grapes, adding bright acidity and a mineral edge to the wines.
Higher-elevation lakes like Keuka and Canandaigua have more acidic soils. Historically, this made them perfect for native and hybrid varieties. But today, vinifera grapes thrive here too.
Finger Lakes Wines
The Finger Lakes region is known for its cool-climate wines, with Riesling taking the spotlight. But there’s so much more to discover here, from aromatic whites to elegant reds and outstanding sparkling wines.
White Wines
- Riesling
- Chardonnay
- Gewürztraminer
- Pinot Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Grüner Veltliner
Red Wines
- Cabernet Franc
- Pinot Noir
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Lemberger/ Blaufränkisch
- Merlot
- Saperavi
Riesling
Riesling is the star of the Finger Lakes, and for good reason. The cool climate and limestone-rich soils make for wines with bright acidity, citrus and apple flavors, and a clean, mineral finish. Whether you like it dry or with a touch of sweetness, Riesling here is all about balance and freshness.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay in the Finger Lakes has a more restrained style. Think crisp citrus and subtle mineral notes instead of heavy oak or butter. It’s also a key grape for sparkling wines, which have been gaining attention for their finesse and complexity.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is one of the region’s best reds. You’ll find notes of black cherry, tobacco, and spice, with a fresh acidity that keeps things lively. It’s a great option for those who like lighter, food-friendly reds.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir can be a challenge to grow in the Finger Lakes’ cool, wet climate. But when it works, it’s worth it. These wines are lighter and more delicate than ones from West Coast regions like the Willamette Valley and Santa Barbara wine country, with bright red fruit and soft tannins.
Other Grapes
The region is also home to aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Grüner Veltliner. For something different, try Lemberger (aka Blaufränkisch), a red originating in Austria with black fruits and a hint of pepper.
Hybrid grapes like Cayuga, Vidal, and Seyval Blanc are still part of the scene, offering easygoing, fruit-forward wines. And if you’re feeling adventurous, some wineries are experimenting with Georgian varieties like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli.
Finger Lakes American Viticultural Areas
The Finger Lakes region is home to three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), each shaped by its lakes, soils, and microclimates. These designations highlight the unique growing conditions that make the wines here so special. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.
Finger Lakes AVA
Established: 1982
Wine Varieties: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Lemberger/Blaufränkisch
Overview: Covering the entire region, the Finger Lakes AVA stretches from Conesus Lake in the west to Otisco Lake in the east. Temperature moderation come from Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the Finger Lakes themselves. With diverse soils and slopes rising 500 to 1,500 feet, this AVA produces everything from crisp whites to elegant reds.
Cayuga Lake AVA
Established: 1988
Wine Varieties: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris
Overview: The longest Finger Lake, Cayuga benefits from a lower elevation and warmer microclimate, with one of the region’s longest growing seasons. Most vineyards hug the west side of the lake, enjoying early morning sun and producing riper wines. With more than 25 wineries along its shores, there’s no shortage of spots to taste its unique wine styles.
Seneca lake AVA
Established: 2003
Wine Varieties: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer
Overview: The deepest Finger Lake, Seneca rarely freezes, offering the most temperature moderation and an extended growing season. Vineyards are generally below 1,000 feet in elevation with shale-based soils that add minerality to the wines. The lake’s 35-mile stretch is home to more than 50 wineries, the most in the region.
👉 Find out the top Seneca Lake wineries to visit.
Other Wine Trails
Keuka Lake
The Y-shaped Keuka Lake is where the Finger Lakes wine story began, home to the first bonded winery in the U.S. and the start of vinifera plantings. Today, the trail combines history and innovation, with iconic wineries and boutique producers. The lake’s higher elevation and moderate temperature regulation create crisp and vibrant wines.
👉 Check out the best Keuka Lake wineries for wine tasting.
Canandaigua Lake
The smallest of the Finger Lakes wine trails with just a half-dozen wineries, Canandaigua Lake offers an intimate vibe. The lake’s shallower depth means less temperature moderation and a shorter growing season. The wineries here focus on fresh whites, approachable reds, and some experimental varieties, all served up with a side of stunning lake views.
👉 Don’t miss my guide to Canandaigua Lake wineries and tasting rooms.
Finger Lakes Wine Country Towns
The Finger Lakes region is home to many picturesque towns that make perfect bases for your tasting adventures. From vibrant small cities to serene lakeside villages, there’s a spot for every type of traveler.
Seneca Lake
Geneva: A lively town at the northern tip of Seneca Lake, Geneva combines upscale dining (like Master Sommelier Christopher Bates’ F.L.X. Table), boutique hotels, and easy access to the Seneca Lake wine trail.
Watkins Glen: Known for its stunning gorge and waterfalls, this southern Seneca Lake town is also wine central, with many wineries just a short drive away.
Keuka Lake
Hammondsport: Once named “America’s Coolest Small Town,” Hammondsport is a historic lakeside village surrounded by iconic wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank. It’s a peaceful spot with big wine history.
Penn Yan: This quaint town at the northeastern end of Keuka Lake offers a more relaxed vibe, perfect for travelers looking for boutique wineries and outdoor activities like the Keuka Outlet Trail.
Cayuga Lake
Ithaca: The region’s vibrant hub, Ithaca combines a fantastic food scene with access to the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Don’t miss a trip to the spectacular Taughannock Falls while you’re here.
Seneca Falls: Known for its rich history, including the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Seneca Falls offers a quieter, more cultural experience while still being close to Cayuga Lake wineries.
Canandaigua Lake
Canandaigua: This lakeside town blends a chic vibe with a relaxed atmosphere. Stay at The Lake House, sip on local wines, and explore nearby wineries and attractions like the New York Kitchen.
More to Explore: Corning, NY
The nearby city of Corning is a great addition to your Finger Lakes itinerary. Wine lovers can sip and shop at F.L.X. Provisions, the wine shop and tasting room of Master Sommelier Christopher Bates. For fresh, seasonal dishes and an impressive wine list, head to his restaurant, The Quincy Exchange. And no trip is complete without a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass, the largest glass museum in the world.
Planning Your Trip to Finger Lakes Wine Country
Getting There
The nearest airport is Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH). Drive time to wine country is 20-60 minutes.
Where to Stay
Best for Luxury:
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
The Lake House
Best for Families & Pets:
Best Western PLUS Vineyard Inn and Suites
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