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Finger Lakes Wine Region

Upstate New York
The winemakers collectively, raised the level of viticulture, brought fresh scrutiny to cellar practices, embraced the new idiom in which wine is expressed, and above all, charged the region with thrilling energy.

The Finger Lakes Region of New York State is a picturesque landscape of waterfalls, gorges, rolling hills, and miles of shoreline encompassing 11 glacial lakes and one Great Lake.

Established in 1982

A world-class wine producing region that specializes in aromatic white varieties like Riesling and Gewurztraminer. And of late, the region is also finding exciting success with cool-climate reds like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. The terroir of the Finger Lakes is special because of the microclimates created by the lakes -- extreme cold weather in the winter is avoided and warm breezy days during the summer help ripen the grapes. Limestone-laced soils give Finger Lakes wines a distinctive taste.

Finger Lakes Wine Country is home to over 120 wineries and three distinct wine trails, each offering exciting wine and food pairing events throughout the year.

Varieties
  • Riesling
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Gewürztraminer
  • CABERNET SAUVIGNON
  • Pinot Gris
  • Sauvignon
    • Climate
    Continental

    Total Area

    2,600,000 acres

    The Wine Trails of the Region

    Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the first organized and longest-running wine trail in America. Established in 1983 the area has a longer growning season (3 weeks) than many other areas in the Finger Lakes region, making Cayuga a truly unique experience. The trail is comprised of 16 dog-friendly member wineries that also include cideries, a meadery, four distilleries and a taproom, offering something for everyone.

    Keuka Lake Wine Trail is home to the ultimate in wine history. It was here, in 1860, that the first bonded winery was established. It was also here that the first Vinifera vines were planted, sparking a renaissance in winemaking. It offers the most diverse group of wineries of any destination in the Finger Lakes. Whether your taste is dry or sweet, fruity or austere, our vintages of Vinifera, Hybrid and Native wines are sure to please every palate.

    Seneca Lake Wine Trail is the largest and most active wine trail in New York State with a community of 35 wineries, a distillery, two cider producers, two breweries and a meadery. Seneca Lake’s natural combination of deep water (at 632 feet it is the deepest of the Finger Lakes) and sloping hillsides provides the ideal micro-climate for grape growing. Its unique geology and topography protect the growth of hardy native grapes and premium hybrids as well as more delicate varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.


    The Wineries of the Region


    Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York is a year-round destination. During the summer and fall, the wineries are the busiest, as this is peak travel season but is also a great time of year in the Finger Lakes. However, during the off-season of winter and spring, your wine tasting experience is likely to be more personal and comfortable. It is these months of the year when you are likely to speak with the owners and winemakers themselves in the tasting room.


    Stay Among The Vines

    Every room at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars overlooks spectacular vineyards and Seneca Lake and features a private patio or balcony. You can enjoy regional cuisine, featuring seasonal, locally sourced menus, at Veraisons Restaurant, located at the Inn and throughout the year, Executive Chef Orlando Rodriguez hosts multi-course wine pairing dinners on Saturday or Sunday evenings. Typically five courses and paired with local wine, beer, and spirits.

    Voted "Americas best Waterfront Hotel" - in the heart of the Finger Lake, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is luxury on the lake! The Hotel is close to Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka Wine Trails and minutes from historic Watkins Glen Franklin street and shopping.

    Seneca Sol offers spacious and furnished tipis and safari tents with private balconies in a secluded forest setting. Just minutes from Seneca Lake wineries, breweries, waterfalls, dining, and fun!

    Experience The Region

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