When it comes to wine lovers’ getaways, there’s a lovely selection of the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes to add to your itinerary. This region of upstate New York is defined by 11 long, narrow lakes, with Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka being the most prominent for grape growing. Though the area is known for cold winters, the deep lakes act as natural regulators, creating ideal conditions for vineyards to thrive.
The Wine Trails make it easy to sample an array of varietals from vineyards in the Finger Lakes. For added ease, pair your tastings with a guided wine tour that provides safe, convenient transportation from your lodging to some of the best wineries. Along the way, your guide will share local knowledge and can offer personalized recommendations to help you discover new favorites and hidden gems.
As you start planning your visits to the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes, you’ll want to secure your lodging. The Inn at Gothic Eves, a Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca, has luxurious guest rooms that are the perfect pairing for your wine-tasting getaway. You’ll notice that some of our rooms are named for varietals, a nod to the region’s wine-making culture. Book your stay today!
Enjoy Tastings at the Best Vineyards in the Finger Lakes
It’s important to plan your tastings strategically. Drive times between the best wineries in the Finger Lakes can be substantial, so it’s smart to cluster your visits around one lake, or even one side of a lake, for the most enjoyable experience. Alongside Cayuga and Keuka, the east side of Seneca Lake remains the most famous microclimate and is home to many of the most acclaimed vineyards.
Here are some of the must-visit stops among the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes:
- Hosmer Winery is one of the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes and one of the closest to our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca. It produces incredible wines and takes pride in its sustainable practices.
- Buttonwood Grove Winery is known for award-winning Rieslings and live music. Stroll through its vineyards before tasting its superb wines in its rustic yet elegant tasting room, which has views of the lake.
- The Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery is known for its wonderful selections, sure to please every palate. This winery is committed to sustainable practices while creating fine table wines.
- Sample aromatic whites and unique reds in a beautiful tasting room at Thirsty Owl Wine Company. This winery produces some of the Finger Lakes vineyards’ only Malbecs and Syrahs.
- Knapp Winery has been producing wines for over 40 years. Visit this pioneer vineyard in the Finger Lakes for beloved Cabernet Franc to signature Rieslings. At their tasting room, you can choose your own six wines or enjoy a curated flight while enjoying local cheese pairings sourced by Knapp’s winemaker.
- Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard produces award-winning and world-class Rieslings on the west side of Seneca Lake.
- Standing Stone Vineyards relies on indigenous yeasts in its fermentation process. Their modern tasting room has a stunning view of the east side of Seneca Lake.
- Damiani Wine Cellars, located on the east side of Seneca Lake, produces New World wines and interesting blends, such as the Sole e Terra, a blend of Pinot Noir, Lemberge, and Saperavi.
- Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, on the east side, is consistently top-rated. Its catalog includes more than 90 varieties of wine, and its sustainable practices produce some unique cold-weather varietals.
- Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars and Nathan K. Wines are located on the west side of Seneca Lake. Nathan Kendall is one of the region’s best-known young winemakers, having received numerous accolades.
Want to relax and focus on the wine instead of the road? Consider these convenient ways to explore several of the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes:
- Experience! The Finger Lakes is TripAdvisor’s #1 Food and drink experience in Ithaca, known for outstanding service, personalized recommendations, and a genuine commitment to providing guest satisfaction. They’re our top recommendation for Finger Lakes wine tours, offering convenient pick-up and drop-off right at our Inn.
- Finger Lakes Winery Tours allows you to create your own winery tour itinerary or provides a route for you.
- Sip Back and Relax Tours will take care of all the planning, from transportation to making tasting appointments for your customized tour.
Stay at one of the Best Bed and Breakfasts near Ithaca
After exploring the best vineyards in the Finger Lakes, retreat to our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca for well-deserved relaxation. Our Inn is a welcoming property with romantic, comfortable lodging, making it the perfect match for your wine country adventure.
Mornings at our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca start on a delicious note with homemade breakfasts made from fresh local ingredients to power your day of exploring. Our meats come from Autumn’s Harvest Farm, a grass-fed, pastured, hormone-free, and certified humane farm. Any produce we don’t grow ourselves is sourced from nearby organic you-pick farms, ensuring every bite is local, sustainable, and flavorful.
Each guest room at our Bed and Breakfast near Ithaca has been designed with comfort and style in mind, creating a cozy and romantic retreat after a day of tastings. Staying at our Inn means you’ll experience not only the region’s incredible wines but also genuine hospitality and a peaceful night’s sleep. Reserve your room now!
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