New York State
East Coast summers can be beautiful – but they can be humid. What better way to spend a hot summer day than cooling off with a crisp, refreshing glass of wine?
Follow our trail through the Finger Lakes as we highlight 14 unique and beautiful wineries.
The Finger Lakes wine region in New York is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and world-class wineries. Located in the heart of upstate New York, this region is characterized by its long, narrow lakes, which create a unique microclimate ideal for grape cultivation. The area is famous for its production of cool-climate wines, particularly Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay. Visitors to the Finger Lakes wine region can indulge in scenic vineyard tours, wine tastings, and experience the warm hospitality of the local winemakers.
- FINGER LAKES REGION -
After honeymooning on the West Coat, husband and wife team Kim and Vinny Aliperti knew wine was the industry for them. The opportunity to purchase Billsboro Winery arose in 2007 and since then the Alipertis have been living their dream. Winemaker Vinny has now been producing wine for over 20 years and this dynamic team has earned praise both locally and nationally.
From buying sustainably farmed grapes to sourcing local solar electricity, the Billsboro team does their best to minimize their environmental impact.
Silver Thread Vineyard was established in 1982 on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, at the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Acclaimed winemaker Paul Brock and wine educator Shannon Brock took the helm of Silver thread Vineyard is 2011. True to its founding principles, Silver Thread is an owner-operated boutique winery known for sustainably-grown estate wines. “At Silver Thread we seek to elevate the reputation of the Finger Lakes region by crafting outstanding, terroir-driven wines.”
In the summer of 1973 the Martini family relocated to Anthony Road and planted the first five acres of what would become a 30-acre vineyard and would later lead to the opening of Anthony Road Wine Company. Both the vineyard and winery have stayed a family-run operation with the Martini children and grandchildren contributing to daily operations. “This is not just a job for us – but a labor of love and our home – so welcome!”
“At Lamoreaux Landing, we collaborate with our land to create wines that go beyond the expected. By using only sustainable winegrowing practices, we not only protect the health of our employees, consumers and neighbors, but also ensure our continued ability to grow and deliver the best possible wines for generations to come. Attention to detail, passion for quality, and upholding Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars’ long-standing tradition of excellence is our promise.”
HOURS
Daily | 11am – 5pm
On a family camping trip in 1992, Mel Goldman and his wife Dorothee fell in love with the Finger Lakes and felt inspired to realize their dream to plant a vineyard. Keuka Lake Vineyards is a small family-owned farmstead. The rocky, glacial soils contribute to the production of single vineyard complex, cool climate dry wines. In the 35-acre vineyard, KLV operates with sustainable practices, no herbicides and lots of careful work by hand. Minimal intervention allows for the fullest expression of each vineyard and vintage resulting in wines that are an honest reflection of the terroir.
In 2010 Hector Wine Company was founded by seventh generation viticulturist, Jason Hazlitt, and veteran Finger Lakes winemaker, Justin Boyette. The idea was to allow for a more stable and focused vision for Sawmill Creek Vineyards and to make wines that were representative of the south-east side of Seneca Lake. “Together we make wines that represent the centuries old Sawmill Creek Vineyards, a legendary Finger Lakes farm that has seen generations of family make wine and farm alongside their loved ones.”
LOCATION
HOURS
Daily | 10am – 6pm
Fri & Sat Sunset Service | 6pm – 7pm
Glenora Wine Cellars is a beautiful winery resort located on Seneca lake in New York’s Finger Lakes Wine Country. Since opening in 1977 as the first winery on Seneca Lake, they have been producing award-winning Finger Lakes wines and offering year round hospitality. With daily wine tastings and cellar tours, you can go behind the scenes and see where it’s all made. With great food, wine and views, you can have the complete Finger Lakes experience at Glenora.
In 1980, Dave Bagley founded Bagley’s with the dream of building an inclusive, unpretentious winery where you entered a stranger and left a friend. Delicious wine, outgoing employees, chocolate lab puppies, and rock and roll make up this scenic winery located on the East side of Seneca Lake.
Go for a seated, restaurant-style $10 wine tasting, snag one of their seasonal wine slushies, or a sip on a beer from their rotating tap list. Dogs welcome (and encouraged)!
LOCATION
HOURS
Sun-Thurs | 12pm – 5pm
Fri & Sat | 11am – 6pm
Casa Larga is a family-owned winery dedicated to preserving their Italian heritage. Deeply rooted in tradition, all vineyards are tended to using founder “Mr. C’s” old-world technique. In addition to reds and whites, Casa Largo also produces their Fiori delle Stella ice wines – the most awarded ice wines in the country.
They love to host events such as:
Sip & Sweat – Attend a Pure Barre class with a happy hour to follow
Sip & Sushi – Sushi making class from an award-winning chef accompanied by a beverage of your choice.
Shepherdess Cellars is located at the heart of the Cayuga Wine Trail on Route 89 on the west side of Cayuga Lake. The Cellar was launched in 2014 by the Radloff Family with the intention of making great wine, representative of the Finger Lakes area. They source all fruit from local growers who share the passion of producing an exquisite wine.
Host a private event on their patio (such as a paired chocolate and cheese tasting) or attend an $8 wine tasting.
Zugibe Vineyards – Wine With a View.
The winery is owned and managed by founder, Fredrick Zugibe’s three sons who continue his legacy by producing innovative, complex, and delicious wines.
With free live music offered all summer long, delicious food offerings from the Phoenician grill, and a passionate and knowledgable staff, you can’t go wrong by paying Zugibe a visit.
HOURS
Mon-Thurs | By Appt Only
Fri | 3:30pm – 9pm
Sat | 1pm – 9pm
Sun | 1pm – 6pm
20 Deep Winery is a family-run establishment located north of the Finger Lakes and just 20 minutes out of most parts of Rochester. Described as a winery with brewery vibes, expect nothing short of good times. In the warm summer weather, folks are invited to enjoy patio seating and yard games overlooking the vineyard.
HOURS
Sun, Mon, Wed | 12pm – 5pm
Thurs-Sat | 12pm – 8pm
Vineyard View Winery is expanding their reach with the addition of a new location. Visit their original tasting room on their beautiful Keuka Lake Farm that they have been growing and selling grapes from for five generations.
Or, stay tuned to visit their upcoming destination on Seneca Lake, located at the site of the first organic winery in North America.
Ten Thousand Vines Winery is located just outside of the Finger Lakes in Buffalo, NY. They are a small batch winery that has been creating delicious wine with juice sourced from all over the globe for over a decade.
At their tasting bar, you will have the pleasure of tasting any of the 50 unique wines made in house.
Long Island
LOCATION
HOURS
Sun-Thurs | 12pm – 6pm
Fri | 12pm – 9pm
Sat | 11am – 7pm
Family owned and sustainably grown, at Sannino Vineyard, you can expect a high quality and immersive experience involving an educational tasting. Located in the heart of Long Island wine country, enjoy an afternoon with views of their sustainable vineyards and an exclusive look into their winemaking facilities.
If you’re fancying an overnight stay, be sure to check out their highly accredited bed and breakfast.
Editor
Natalie is co-founder and editor of The Grapevine Magazine where she helps winemakers big and small tell their stories. She lives in Manhattan, New York City.
Traci is co-founder of The Grapevine Magazine, helping make the world of wine accessible and fun for everyone. Thanks for reading!
