The Finger Lakes of New York State have long been a vacation spot for downstaters and for Western New Yorkers. Named for the long, narrow lakes that run north-south in the center of the state, the Finger Lakes is not only home to the lakes themselves but also to vast agricultural land. Vineyards in particular line the shores of Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka, all of which produce some fantastic wines. 

The Finger Lakes region seems endlessly explorable, with everything from wine tasting to hiking to boating and more. Every trip is unique, except for one thing: the warmth and hospitality of the community. Whether traveling solo, on a romantic getaway, or on a family adventure, the Finger Lakes has it all.

RELATED: The Best Wineries to Visit in the Finger Lakes

IN THIS FINGER LAKES WINE TRIP ITINERARY:

• Travel Logistics
• Hotels
• Top Wineries
• Restaurants
• …and more

The Finger Lakes has gained increased notoriety for their wines; however, it’s largely still viewed as a place for Riesling or sweet wines. Yes, there is plenty of Riesling – but much of it is dry and incredibly good. But for those who prefer dry European-style red wines or dry, cool-climate whites, this is a region you’ll want to discover. Some of the best domestic Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay comes from this beautiful wine country (not to mention often while watching a stunning sunset over Seneca Lake), and that’s to say nothing of the other varieties from Riesling and Pinot Noir, to Pinot Blanc and Zweigelt – oh, and there’s bubbly too!

What are you waiting for Winetravelers? Let’s get to the Finger Lakes for a long weekend…

RECOMMENDED: Take a Fantastic Half Day or Full Day Tour of Seneca Lake With an Expert Guide

How to Get To The Finger Lakes Wine Region

The Finger Lakes are located in central New York State and are comprised of long thin lakes, long ago carved by glaciers. It’s a 10-hour drive from Chicago or about a 5.5-hour drive from New York City. Although that may seem like a lot, having a car is crucial to stock up on wine! However, if you’re only planning a long weekend and don’t live within a few hours’ drive, air travel is best (and if you don’t have a wine suitcase, many of the wineries will ship wine to your home). Flights are available into the Greater Rochester International Airport on a direct flight with American Airlines. However, you can also look at flights from your hometown to Syracuse Hancock International Airport, or the Elmira/Corning Regional Airport.

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Winetraveler Tip: If you fly into Rochester, visit Living Roots Wine & Co. in Rochester before heading to wine country. Here you can compare Finger Lakes wines to Australian wines – often the same varieties – made locally in Rochester or at the Wine Co.’s Australian winery.

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Transportation

If you opted for air travel, you will need to rent a car. Getting to Seneca Lake, our recommended lake on which to stay, will take about 1.5 hours from Rochester and Syracuse or 45 minutes from Elmira. It’s also necessary to have a car to tour the region. Drivers and car services are available for winery tours, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find an Uber or taxi, particularly in the evening hours. With that in mind, if you plan to visit multiple wineries in a day, pace yourself or designate a driver. The winding, hilly, two-lane roads from which you’ll spot the occasional deer throughout the region require your full attention. Click here to browse rental car options near the Finger Lakes on Expedia.

RELATED: 15 Must-Have Wine Suitcases and Accessories For the Winetraveler

Where to Stay

As previously mentioned, Seneca Lake is the ideal place to stay, especially if it’s your first visit to the region. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail has 31 member wineries and there are dozens of others not listed on the trail around the lake as well. No matter your taste in wine or the style of tasting you prefer, it can be found here and each of the places listed is within proximity to any number of wineries. Here are some of the best hotels to stay at in the Finger Lakes area, with a few personal favorites below.

The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel – A water-front hotel on the south end of Seneca Lake, in the town of Watkins Glen, you’ll be close to some great dining options, shopping and the beautiful waterfall-laden, Watkins Glen State Park.

The Belhurst – Three unique hotels, located in Geneva, New York on the north end of Seneca Lake. Choose from the 1880s stone castle overlooking the lake, a Georgian Revival mansion nestled in the vineyards, or the luxurious Vinifera Inn with fireplaces in every room.

Numerous hotel chains and franchises can also be found to fit any budget in Geneva and a few private hotels and motels are available in Watkins Glen. That said, when I visit the Finger Lakes, I prefer to find a bed and breakfast, Airbnb or cabin rental. While there are numerous options, I do have a few favorites:

The 1885 Fruit Packing House – Search for this place on Airbnb. It’s perfect for a romantic weekend getaway. A guest house set on Seneca Lake and surrounded by vineyards. This is arguably one of our favorite rentals and is conveniently located in Hector, New York on Seneca Lake’s eastern side.

(Winetraveler Tip: Make sure to visit Hector Wine Company nearby – they make some of our favorite red wines in the region as well as an all-time favorite Pinot Blanc.)

The Ort Resort – Traveling as a family or with friends, this multi-bedroom house will accommodate all your needs, not to mention offers stunning sunset views from the raised deck overlooking the lake. Located in Burdett, New York, just south of Hector, this will feel like a home away from home.

Best Seneca Lake Wineries To Visit

East Seneca Lake Wineries

Boundary Breaks – Come for the Riesling, but make sure to try the Cab Franc as well. Then venture outside with a glass and take in some of the most fabulous views along the east side of Seneca Lake.

J.R. Dill Winery – In the mood for a little bubbly? This family-run winery has a great Blanc de Blanc, a lovely tasting room and an outdoor patio. Standouts are the Dry Riesling and the blended Cab Sauvignon and Cab Franc. And the glass top bar is a stunner!

Wagner Vineyards – One of the first family wineries in the region, Wagner has been making wine for decades and the ingenuity and passion here is tangible. There’s a wide variety of tasting options – including beer from their brewery – but the Gewürztraminer was always a favorite. Also, if they have their Cab Franc available and you’re a Cab Franc fan, you’ll be in heaven.

Atwater Vineyards – Now Atwater has some fun wines including a few Pét-Nats, a fantastic Lemberger, and a good Cab Franc too. If you’re into dry red wines, this is a must-stop along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

Barry Family Cellars – Barry Family Cellars is in Burdett’s downtown, east of the lake. This little gem has more interesting and fun Pét-Nats including a Léon Millot, but make sure to try their Chardonnay as well. (Winetraveler tip: If you can get a tasting appointment with Nine Four Wines it will likely be at Barry Family Cellars – and the Nine Four Chardonnay cannot be missed. Seriously.)

Forge Cellars – Forge Cellars is appointment only and you’ll only find Pinot Noir and Riesling here. Made up of three partners —French Winemaker-Grower, Louis Barruol of Château de Saint Cosme in Gigondas and American partners Richard Rainey, and Justin Boyette, Forge Cellars has some of the best wine of the region, so make sure to set your appointment in advance.

West Seneca Lake Wineries

Lakewood Vineyards – Another family-run winery, this brother and sister winemaking team is shaking things up. After working in wineries and vineyards around the world, they’re putting their knowledge to work for the family. The grounds, views and open-air patio are also a perfect place to enjoy a glass overlooking the lake. Both sweet wine and dry wine lovers will find something to their liking here.

Hickory Hollow/Nathan K Wines – A small tasting room nestled among pine trees, Hickory Hollow and Nathan K Wines (Nathan Kendall was a Top 40 Winemaker for Wine Enthusiast Magazine) is a great place to experience different winemaking styles side-by-side. The Dry Rieslings were excellent as was the Cab Franc Rosé.

Barnstormer Winery – Located in a historic barn, more than 170 years old, Barnstormer focuses on dry, European-style whites and reds. They have an incredible Sangiovese Rosé, a Bordeaux blend called Departure, and a Cab Franc from the renowned Leidenfrost Vineyards. (Winetraveler tip: Want a place to sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine from the comfort of an Adirondack or toss around some bags, this is the place.)

Billsboro – Conveniently enough, the vines surrounding the previously mentioned 1885 Fruit Packing House are the source of this winery’s grapes and they are among the best on the lake. The entire line-up of dry, European-style wines is worth trying, but the Albariño and Syrah are favorites.

RELATED: The Best Wineries in the Finger Lakes to Visit That Focus on Sparkling Wine

Recommended Finger Lakes Restaurants

FLX Wienery – Bring your appetite and sense of adventure. These aren’t your ordinary hot dogs.

Stonecat Café – Closed for the winter months, Stonecat has a great patio, and delectable local and seasonal fare with an outstanding wine list to try any number of Finger Lakes wines.

Graft Wine & Cider Bar – With a focus on eclectic and creative, every dish could rival any big city gastropub. And again, numerous Finger Lakes wine options can be found on the menu (this is a great way to try wines from places you won’t be able to visit this trip).

Attractions

Watkins Glen State Park – Within two miles, the park’s stream drops 400 feet along the 200-foot cliffs, creating an astounding 19 waterfalls along the path. The hiking trails wind over and under waterfalls, through the spray of Cavern Cascade, and overlook the dramatic gorge.

Plan Your Getaway

Honestly, this is just a fraction of what we could recommend. It’s easy to spend a full week (or even summer!) here but four days will include mostly winery visits, a trip (and in some cases two trips) to Stonecat Café, and a hike through the State Park. If you prefer visits with fewer crowds, opt for mid-week or off-season stays. If weekends are your only option, not to worry, you’ll find live music and plenty of options for tasting both indoor and out. Most important of all, please do yourself a favor and make a visit to Two Goats Brewing (they have wine too!) for one evening to watch the sunset over the lake. There’s nothing like a summer or autumn sunset here. In a word, it’s magical.

The Finger Lakes Wine Country of New York has a way of welcoming travelers into its fold and keeping us coming back. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time you see what this region is all about from the waterfalls to wine. 

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