With Fall right around the corner, we will share some of our favorite wineries in Upstate New York. The perfect time of year, as we watch the autumn leaves change right before our eyes. Traveling through the Fingerlakes will surely be memories to talk about for a lifetime. Look for wineries on Cayuga, Seneca, Canandaigua, and Keuka Lakes.
Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery
One of the most popular Finger Lakes wineries, located on Seneca Lake, since 1979. Family owned and operated, Wagner Vineyards Estate WInery is one of the oldest and most recognized, located in Lodi, NY, on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Offering over 30 award winning wines, Wagner Vineyards is a must on your list. Tours and tastings are offered, with a cafe and brewery, specializing in craft beers, in addition to a wide-range of wines. Whether your delight is bone dry, sweet, red, or white wine, Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery will have your party covered. Offered by the glass, bottles, or tastings, you will be sure to enjoy the view of the exquisite Seneca Lake. Wagner Vineyards welcomes visitors 7 days a week, from 10am-5pm. Reservations can be made online and are highly recommended. Self-guided flight tastings are available, on a first-come-first serve basis only.
Buttonwood Grove Winery
Jump over to Romulus, NY and experience breathtaking views and unforgettable tastings at Buttonwood Grove Winery. Voted the “Winner of the NYS Governor’s Cup”, Buttonwood Grove will take you on an exclusive wine tasting experience. Offering outdoor seating with spectacular lake views, fire pits and live music. Button Grove Winery includes a spacious multi-deck, with ambivalent seating. Dessert wines, sparkling wines, white wines, red wines and rose wines are all offered at Buttonwood Grove. Rated and reviewed at an impressive 4.8/5.0, this vineyard will not disappoint.
This well-established vineyard produces classic European vinifera grapes. Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are just a few to name. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer are several vines planted more recently, to add to the luxurious flavors of Buttonwood Grove wines. Cozy log cabins are available for overnights during the spring, summer and fall months. It is recommended to call the vineyards directly for more detailed lodging reservations.
Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery
Located in South Bristol, just north of Naples, New York, at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake opened in 1987. Family-owned, the late John Brahm III, had over 40 years experience in the wine and grape business. Wine tastings need advance reservations, which can be made online. Tastings start at $15 per person, and flights start at $8 per person. Events are enjoyed throughout the year at Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery. Please check their website for dates and required reservations. Hours generally run from Monday through Friday 12pm-5pm, and Friday through Sunday 11am-5pm.
Be sure to check out the Brew and Brats Monday-Thursday, noon to 5pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-7pm. Concert-styled events, with open mic music every Friday. Come alone and leave with forever friends!
Glenora Wine Cellars
Looking for a romantic weekend getaway? Check out Glenora Wine Cellars, overlooking alluring Seneca Lake. Offering high-quality wines, including sparkling wines, rieslings, red and white vinifera wines, blends, dessert and fruit wines. Glenora welcomes walk-in wine tasters year round. Come and sample a six-wine flight solo or in groups. Cellar wine tours are available, along with a wine tasting, paired with chocolate truffles. Whichever your appetite, Glenora Wine Cellars will accommodate your party. A selection of cheeses are also available for purchase. Treat your partner in one of the Vinter’s guest rooms, at The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars. This retreat features whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. For larger parties, the GSE Vineyard Cottage comes fully equipped with a kitchen and accommodates up to 6 guests.
Three Brothers Wineries and Estates
A fun stroll around the vineyard for family and friends. Offering wine tasting and a cafe, serving sandwiches and fries. Located on Seneca Lake in Geneva, New York, you’ll be sure to make some memories here. With award-winning wines and new releases, come indulge in the best of the Finger Lakes. Three Brothers offers three unique wineries, a microbrewery and cafe all on one estate. Hand-crafted wines, beers, hard ciders, and craft sodas, are all at your fingertips. Right outside of the heart of The Finger Lakes, Three Brothers is open daily. With a undeniably breath-taking view of Seneca Lake, The Stony Lonesome Wine Cellars tasting room is a must.
Then step on over to the Passion Feet Wine Barn. Here you’ll experience a boutique style winery, inspired by women that have impacted history. Rosa Parks, Annie Oakley, and Susan B. Anthony are just some of the strong, historic labels in Passion Feet. The most fun and most photographed winery on the estate includes Bagg Dare Wine Company. Also follow the old dirt walking path for quite an adventure! Lastly, check out the War Horse Brewing Company, offering custom Ales, Lagers, Seasonal Beers, Hard Ciders and Craft Sodas. You’ll be sure to find something for your entire party at Three Brothers.
Heron Hill Winery
Providing world-class wines and exceptional service, Heron Hill Winery is a must on Kueka Lake. Heron Hill offers a tasting room over Canandaigua Lake, which opened in 2010. The tasting room sits in a renovated 100-year-old barn. Overlooking the Vineyards of Cabernet Franc and Riesling, it will be a site to embellish. Standard tastings are offered at $12 per person for 5 wines. Walk-ins are welcome, on a first-come-first-serve basis. Check out Heron Hill Winery online to make your tasting reservations. Especially enjoy Heron Hills wood fired pizza nights every Saturday. Furthermore, Join the Heron Hill Wine Club absolutely free to receive additional discounts. Also be the first to get notified about special events, and have access to Heron Hill’s special recipes. Receive three bottles of wines quarterly, free tastings, and in addition, personal discounts on wine and gift shop items.
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Come on over to the alluring site of Cayuga Lake and experience wine tastings and delicious meals. Tastings are offered 7 days a week from 10:00am-5:30pm. Unlike other wineries, Thirsty Owl does not take reservations. Enjoy the Bistro dining inside or out, overlooking the beautiful blue skies above the western shore of Cayuga Lake. First come, first seating available only. Thirsty Owl Wine Company is the home of some of the oldest vinifera vines in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Significantly spanning across 150 acres, with over 2,000 feet of lake frontage, all of Thirsty Owl’s customers will enjoy a breathtaking view. Ride up to the vineyard by boat on their 14 slip dock. You’ll have a slight walk (about a half mile), to get to the tasting room. However you decide to arrive at Thirsty Owl Vineyards, enjoy your visit!
