Prior to our move to Syracuse, I didn’t really drink wine. At the time I was 23 and just hadn’t acquired a taste for it (besides the occasional glass of super sweet Moscato). The catalyst for discovering my love of wine was actually a beer kickball league of all things. I met an amazing friend who LOVES wine tours and convinced me to give one a shot. Now we plan an outing to different Finger Lakes wineries every time I make a trip back to the area.
While my taste has definitely matured over the last decade, I’m still a white and rosé girl at heart. I’d say some of my favorites are semi-sweet Rieslings, Gewürztraminer, Rosé, and pretty much anything sparkling – especially Prosecco. While I don’t enjoy most reds, especially the super dry ones, I do make a point of trying at least a glass or two during each tour.
Heading to the Finger Lakes? Whether you like a full bodied red, sweet white, or a sparkling rosé, you’ll want to add some of these wineries to your tour itinerary.
My Favorite Finger Lakes Wineries
Seneca Lake
Three Brothers Wineries & Estates – 623 Lerch Rd, Geneva, NY.
Almost every trip I make to the Finger Lakes includes a stop at Three Brothers, it is hands down my favorite. There are three wineries with different styles as well as a brewery/cider house on site. It could be an entire wine tour on its own!
Favorite Wine: Stony Lonesome Sparkling Chardonnay
Zugibe Vineyards – 4248 E Lake Rd, Geneva, NY.
Heading to Zugibe after the craziness of their neighbors down the street (Three Brothers) is so relaxing. Its a much smaller winery, and feels like a hidden gem. Every time we’ve stopped by it has never been super crowded and we were able to take our time.
Favorite Wine: Dry Rosé
Keuka Lake
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery – 9749 Middle Rd, Hammondsport, NY.
This is where I discovered one of my favorite wine varieties: the Gewürztraminer. I’ve heard it referred to as “Moscato for grown-ups”, and that feels pretty accurate. It is a fourth generation family-owned winery that has been ranked as one of Wine & Spirits’ Top 100 Wineries for a reason.
Favorite Wine: Gewürztraminer
Bully Hill Vineyards – 8843 Greyton H Taylor Memorial Dr, Hammondsport, NY.
Bully Hill is one of my favorites not just for the wine, but also the atmosphere. The wine knowledge and humor of the staff I’ve encountered here truly makes this place special. I also love that the state stores in Pennsylvania carry some of their wines!
Favorite Wine: Sweet Walter White
Pleasant Valley Wine Company – 8260 Pleasant Valley Rd, Hammondsport, NY.
Sparkling wine lovers – this is the place for you. Don’t be deterred by the warehouse-looking Great Western Visitors Center (where the tastings happen) – I know I was skeptical the first time I pulled up. Inside is a museum and a large bar with beautiful stained glass overhead.
Favorite Wine: Great Western Brut Rosé
McGregor Vineyard – 5503 Dutch St, Dundee, NY.
Compared to some of the other wineries on the list, where we’ve just done tastings at the bar, the seated tastings at McGregor (which come with some snacks!) are a nice change of pace.
Favorite Wine: Semi Dry Riesling
Keuka Spring Vineyards – 243 Route 54, East Lake Rd, Penn Yan, NY.
The wines at Keuka Spring Vineyards are great, but what really stands out here in my mind is the view of the lake. Grab a spot on the patio in an Adirondack chair if you can.
Favorite Wine: Bubbly Vignoles
Cayuga Lake
Knapp Winery – 2770 Ernsberger Rd, Romulus, NY.
It may surprise people that Knapp makes my list not for the traditional wine varieties, but for their fruit wines! Sometimes you just want to sip something sweet and fruity.
Favorite Wine: George’s Peach
Wineries on My List to Try Next
Kemmeter Wines – Seneca Lake – 1030 Larzelere Rd, Penn Yan, NY.
Small boutique winery where tastings are served by the owner and are by appointment only.
Weis Vineyards – Keuka Lake – 10014 Day Rd, Hammondsport, NY.
This winery was named the New York State Winery of the Year in 2022, 2024, and 2025!
Apollo’s Praise – Seneca Lake – 6085 Old Lake Rd, Rock Stream, NY.
This is a somewhat newer addition to the Finger Lakes wine scene, having opened in 2023.
Six Eighty Cellars – Cayuga Lake – Address, NY.
Known for their unique aging process, where they use terra cotta vessels instead of stainless steel.
Scout Vineyards – Seneca Lake – 468 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY.
Highly rated winery on the west side of Seneca Lake that is most known for it’s Chardonnay.
Is your favorite Finger Lakes winery missing from my list? Let me know in the comments!
Leave a Reply