Information
Landmark: Finger Lakes Wine TrailsCity: Finger Lakes
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Finger Lakes Wine Trails, Finger Lakes, USA New York, North America
Overview
The Finger Lakes Wine Trails are a network of winding routes through upstate New York’s Finger Lakes, where vineyard rows stretch toward sparkling blue water and acclaimed wineries await around every bend.This region ranks among America’s top wine producers, celebrated for crisp Rieslings, aromatic Gewürztraminer, and other grapes that thrive in cool, breezy climates.The Finger Lakes region boasts 11 slender lakes carved by ancient glaciers, framed by gentle hills and rich, dark soil ideal for growing grapes.The wine trails wind through a mix of wineries, cozy tasting rooms, sunlit vineyards, and other nearby attractions, giving visitors a rich, hands-on taste of wine country.The Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the oldest and biggest in the Finger Lakes, winds past more than 30 wineries along the glimmering blue waters of the region’s largest lake.Famous for its Riesling, crisp Chardonnay, bold Cabernet Franc, and sweet, amber-hued ice wines.You can sip your way through classics at long-loved wineries, including Hermann J., where the oak barrels fill the air with a warm, earthy scent.Wiemer, Ravines Wine Cellars, and Fox Run Vineyards, where the scent of oak barrels drifts through cool, dimly lit rooms.The Keuka Lake Wine Trail winds around Keuka Lake, known as “Crooked Lake” for the sharp bend in its Y-shaped shoreline.The trail boasts 14 wineries, each with a cozy tasting room where you can swirl award-winning wine and catch the scent of freshly poured pinot.Well-known wineries include Dr.Konstantin Frank, Heron Hill, and Bully Hill, where you might catch the scent of oak barrels in the air.The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail winds around the water, leading you past more than 20 inviting wineries where the scent of oak barrels drifts through open doors.Famous for its variety, from crisp Riesling to earthy Pinot Noir and lively sparkling wines.You’ll want to stop at Thirsty Owl Wine Company for a crisp pour, then head over to Six Mile Creek Vineyard.Tucked near Canandaigua Lake, this smaller wine trail is steadily expanding, with boutique wineries pouring handcrafted bottles and the scent of oak lingering in the air.It features spots like Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, where you can catch the scent of freshly crushed grapes.Riesling: The Finger Lakes is famous for its bright, fragrant Rieslings, from bone-dry bottles to lush ice wines that glisten like amber in the glass.Cabernet Franc is a red grape that flourishes in cool climates, where crisp mornings help deepen its flavor.Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay-both favorites for aromatic whites, with Gewürztraminer’s floral scent and Chardonnay’s bright, crisp finish.Ice wine, crafted from grapes left to freeze on the vine, is one of the region’s prized specialties, with each frosty cluster glistening in the morning sun.Each stop on the Wine Trail greets you with its own distinct tasting room, where you might sample a flight of crisp whites, share a plate of cheese, and sometimes catch the strum of a guitar during a weekend event.Many wineries invite visitors to stroll through sunlit rows of vines, then step inside for a guided look at the bustling production rooms.Along the trails, you’ll often stumble upon seasonal festivals, lively harvest gatherings, and tasting events where the scent of fresh bread drifts through the air.Food and Dining: Many trails lead straight to cozy farm-to-table spots, a cheese shop with wheels of cheddar in the window, and bustling local markets.Winding trails lead you past rolling vineyards, sparkling lake shores, and the quiet charm of small towns.Many visitors pair a wine tasting with a hike through shady trails, a boat ride on the lake, a cycling trip, or a stroll through old stone buildings.Plenty of wineries have sunny patios and picnic spots where you can watch the lake shimmer.When planning your visit, most people either rent a car or hop on a guided wine tour, making it easy-and safe-to get from one sun‑drenched vineyard to the next.You’ll find cozy inns, charming B&Bs, and boutique hotels tucked near the lakes or in lively spots like Watkins Glen and Hammondsport, where the scent of fresh coffee drifts from nearby cafés.The best time to go is late spring through fall, with the crisp air and golden glow of harvest season in September and October drawing the biggest crowds.The Finger Lakes Wine Trails blend award-winning vintages with rolling hills splashed in autumn color and the easy warmth of locals, creating a rich, varied experience for wine lovers.Whether you’re a casual sipper or a devoted collector, you can sample rare vintages, hear the soft clink of bottles during a cellar tour, and wander through one of New York’s loveliest landscapes.
