The Finger Lakes: A Wine Tasting Paradise
Excellent wines need the best mixture of ingredients to grow grapevines abundantly. A moderate climate is the first, and that is found at the Finger Lakes. A moderate climate means that the Finger Lakes enjoy four seasons, and each season has fairly typical temperatures for that season. Some sub-zero days exist, as well as very hot days, but the majority of the year is spent in milder temperatures. Being near the lakes helps the vines grow, too, as their shallow depth keeps nearby areas warmer than areas without a lake.
Its worth noting that this means visitors can visit the Finger Lakes at any time of the year. No matter what the season, there are a plethora of interesting things to do, from viewing breathtaking fall foliage to exploring warm summer waterfalls.
The next two ingredients to great wine are good soil and optimal drainage. The soil around the Finger Lakes is rich with mineral deposits left behind by the glaciers that formed them. Seneca and Cayuga Lakes have chalky soil, heavy in lime. Thus, these lower elevation lake areas produce delicious European-style wines. The higher altitudes of Keuka and Canandaigua Lakes are more acidic, perfect for producing Native American grapes. Therefore, you will find the oldest vineyards here. Finally, good drainage, caused by the topography of the surrounding land, keeps vines growing in prime conditions.
Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience
The Canandaigua Wine Experience is the first Finger Lake wine tour to note. This tour through Viator takes travelers on a guided tour of the wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms surrounding Canandaigua Lake. Your guide will pick you up at the Finger Lakes Casino, located in Farmington. Choose between a half-day or full-day experience, taking you to three or four wineries tucked into the hills around the Chosen Spot. These wineries include:
- Arbor Hill. Try the sweet, Vine Valley Raspberry Wine here.
- Inspire Moore. We love the Grace Dry Rose Blaufrankisch and the Love Semi-Dry Riesling.
- Hazlitt Red Cat Winery. Be sure to taste Pink Cat, once called Cabin Fever, a Hazlitt favorite for 35 years.
- Heron Hill, sister location of Keuka Winery. Sip an award-winning 2019 Classic Chardonnay.
- Casa Larga Winery . Here, try the award-winning Fiori -8 Ice WIne, made from frozen grapes pressed in frigid weather.
The full-day tour also includes your lunch at the local favorite Nolans or New York Wine and Culinary Center.
Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour
Courtesy of Crush Beer & Wine Tours
Want to sample something in addition to wine during your trip to Canandaigua Lake? Try the Canandaigua Lake Brewery Tour through Crush Beer and Wine Tours. This tour departs from the Finger Lakes Racetrack, also located in Farmington. Try out a few breweries, including Twisted Rail Brewing Co , Naked Dove Brewing Company , and Twin Elder Brewery . A full-day tour includes a pub-style dinner to end your day.
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Water To Wine Day Tours
Another excellent boat tour choice, Water to Wine Tours takes visitors from Interlaken or Aurora to three different wineries in five to six hours.
There are four boats to choose from with this company. The Isle of Skye boat is for private or group tours up to fifteen people. The II Special is for private cruises of up to six people. The twenty-six-foot Panga also holds six people. Lastly, the Limo has traveled the globe and now serves as an excellent venue for a small special event.
This tour visits Long Point Winery and the Thirsty Owl Wine Company. Depending on the weather, they may also visit Goosewatch Winery, Lakeshore Winery, or Varick Winery.
Keuka Lake Winery Tour
The Keuka Lake Winery Tour is the perfect way to get the big picture feel for this Finger Lakes area. Your driver doubles as your guide as you follow this interesting route. First, you will visit Heron Hill Winery. Then, you will head to Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. This winery was in Wine and Spirits 2019 list of Top 100 Wineries, as well as a 2019 Value All-Star. Try the Rkatsiteli 2020, made from a variety of grapes that dates back to the year 3000 B.C.
Hunt Country Vineyards is your next stop, where we recommend trying the 40th Anniversary Riesling or their new 2020 dry rose. Lastly, sample tastings at Bully Hill Vineyards Winery, a sweet little farm with gorgeous landscaping and lively goats.
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Beer & Wine Food Pairing Tour
** The Beer and Wine Food Pairing Tour is currently unavailable for booking. ** Come and enjoy our new food paring tour. We will start the day off departing between 10:00-10:30 am from The Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack or pick up at local Hotels in the Victor/Farmington/Canandaigua NY area and B& Bs along the way
Farms Flights & Delights Plus Lunch
Farms, Flights & Delights plus Lunch Our Farms, Flights & Delights tour is now the same great Full day tour PLUS a visit to Fall Street Brewing AND a delightful lunch will be served at the Brewery. The Lunch served is pub style food with a pint glass of beer from the brewery. This FULL DAY TOUR includes a
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Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Keuka Lake, a Y-shaped lake known as the Lady of the Lakes, was the site of the pioneering of winemaking in the Finger Lakes region and has some extremely scenic and amazing views. The wineries on Keuka Lake afford guests winding scenic drives with views of the lakes sparkling waters and abundant grapevines which include native varieties as well as European variety grapes. Explore the Keuka Lake Wine Trail year-round and discover the unique beauty the area has to offer while sipping award-winning, local wines. If you visit the Finger Lakes in the fall, you may even get the deliciously amazing experience of smelling grapes fresh off the vine being pressed for harvest!
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
The large size and deep depths of Seneca Lake make it ideal for grape growing. It is no surprise Seneca Lake hosts more wineries than any of the other Finger Lakes. A collection of over 35 wineries on Seneca Lake make up the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. This is the largest and most popular wine trail.
West Side:
Anthony Road Wine Company – A wide array of wines are created by the Anthony Road Wine Company using exclusively Finger Lakes grapes. From dry wines to dessert wines, there is something for everyone. 315-536-2182 / 1-800-559-2182
607-243-4008
Billsboro Winery – Focusing on dry vinifera wines, Billsboro Winery uses grapes from the Sawmill Creek Vineyard to make their quality wines. There are two Billsboro Winery tasting rooms, one in Waterloo and the other in Geneva.
315-789-9538
Enjoy Wine Tasting At Its Finest With A Customized Wine Tour
If you have been trying to find the perfect vacation or weekend escape, look no further than a customized, guided wine tour by the experts at Finger Lakes Winery Tours.
We have the passion, knowledge, and resources to offer an experience like no other! To learn more, give us a call today.
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Youll Love Your Wine Tourguaranteed
Were confident that theres no better way to enjoy the Finger Lakes than on a wine tour with our team. We provide an exceptional service at a fair price, promising the chance of a lifetime. What we offer is an unforgettable experience: for you, your friends, and your family.
Because were so confident in the value of our services, we are happy to offer our clients a satisfaction guarantee. If youre not satisfied, were not satisfied. And if by some oversight of ours weve failed to live up to your expectations, then well do everything we can to fix the issue. Simply let us know, and well take care of the rest.
Rest assuredwith us, youre in for an experience like no other. We guarantee it.
Wine Tours In Rochester
For an exceptional vacation experience for you and your wine-loving loved ones, consider a wine tour guided and chauffeured by the experts at Finger Lakes Winery Tours. Enjoy wine sampling at its finest while taking in some of the most spectacular scenery New York State has to offer.
In one of our elegant, fully equipped limousines, relax and chat with your guests as you tour vineyards and wineries in the Rochester region. Visit as few or as many as you would like, and enjoy safe and stylish transport all over the region. What better way to spend a weekend?
To schedule your wine tour, or to request a free quote, contact us today!
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Free Quotes On Our Worthwhile Local Wine Tours
When you inquire about spending a day touring local vineyards with us, we make sure to provide you with a comprehensive quote upfront. This includes the base rate, fuel, tax, and tip. No costs will be left out, so youll know exactly how much this day trip will be costing you and your group.
Although we provide an all-inclusive transportation service, we kindly remind you that each vineyard has its own tasting fees that are separate from the wine tour itself. Take this into consideration when booking your tour and remember, youll be having fun and supporting local businesses. What better way to spend the day?
Stretch Limos & Exotic Coach Wine Tours
If you truly enjoy your wine, you know how easy it is to lose yourself at a tasting. Why run the risk of putting anyone in your group in jeopardy? S& S Limousine has been offering popular flat-rates limousine packages to Finger Lakes, Long Island and many other popular wine destinations in Upstate and Western NY.
- A safe and affordable way to get to & from wine country
- Choose from a wonderful selection of limos & luxury busses
- All vehicles offer multiple bars, glassware & ice
- Comfortable seating
- A great opportunity to enjoy some of your new wine selections
When it comes to getting there in lap of luxury, S& S Limousine is one of the most popular choices in the Rochester area. Our team works tirelessly, to make your group’s outing as comfortable, accommodating and relaxing as possible.
If you’re planning a trip to any of the area’s historic and award-winning vineyards, be sure to find out about our money-saving limousine and wine tour packages.
When you need NY limo service that’s unmatched in every way, call S& S at and see why we were voted the Democrat & Chronicle Rochester’s Choice Award for limousines service 10 years in a row.
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+ Varieties Of Wine Offered By Wine Trail Members
The region specializes in Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, as well as sparkling wines and ice wines. There are, of course, French-American and Native American varietals found in the region as well. Our member wineries are committed to growing grapes here in the Seneca Lake AVA because they believe in its unique characteristics. Thats why we say our wines are Grown Here. Made Here.
Luxury Coach Wine Tours
If you truly enjoy your wine, you know how easy it is to lose yourself at a tasting. American Limousine has been offering flat-rate wine tour packages to the Finger Lakes and other popular wine destinations in Upstate NY for years with great success.
Our team works to make sure your group’s outing goes as smooth as possible. If you’re planning a trip to any of the area’s historic and award-winning vineyards, be sure to find out about our money-saving wine tour packages. We look forward to serving you with an experience your group is sure to remember.
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Choose from a wonderful selection of Sedans, SUVs, Mercedes Sprinter, & Luxury Coaches.
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All vehicles offer multiple bars, glassware & ice.
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Comfortable seating for up to 29 passengers.
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A safe and affordable way to get to & from wine country.
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A great opportunity to enjoy tasting & buying new wine selections.
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A great way to celebrate a bachelor or bachelorette party.
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A nice day to taste, shop, and spend time with family & friends creating memories.
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Benmarl Winery In Marlboro
Benmarl is what you’re picturing when you think of the ideal upstate visit. The small-scale operation has spruce columns of grapevines stretching along the hillside, an antique pick-up truck hidden in the garden, and a driftwood gazebo framing the Hudson River Valley the perfect spot for sunset photo ops. Benmarl focuses on small-batch NY wines, from their site-grown Baco noir and cabernet franc varieties to North Fork merlot. If you need to soak up all that wine, order a bubbling pizza, wood-fired in an outdoor brick oven.
Nearby: Toast to a day well spent at The Ship Lantern Inn, a cozy dining room that throws back to another era, 10 minutes up pretty Highway 9W.
Rooftop Reds In Brooklyn
Beaches, ruins, cathedrals, caves…and wineries. Yes, New York City really has it all. The city is home to a number of wineries , but Rooftop Reds ups the ante and actually grows grapes on a 14,800-square-foot rooftop in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard. You’ll have more than a dozen bottle selections, plus traminette, white, and dry rosé on tap not to mention killer skyline views and bragging rights .
Nearby: Former Crown Heights favorite The Food Sermon is a go-to for huge, healthy Caribbean bowls .
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Relationship With New York City
New York City is dependent on Upstate New York for a variety of services: the latter is the source of the city’s water supply via the Delaware Aqueduct and the Catskill Aqueduct much of the city’s electric power supply comes from state-owned hydroelectric plants at Niagara Falls and the St. Lawrence River and most of the state’s prisons are upstate hence the popular term “being sent up the river” ,_New_York” rel=”nofollow”> Ossining in Westchester County is still in the “downstate” region). Conversely, the operation of state facilities providing these services is an important part of the upstate economy.
Longest Lake & Libation
Longest Lake & Libation We will begin with breathtaking views of the Lake and Vineyards, and visits to four of the five wineries surrounding Cayuga Lake. Due to the Covid 19 we will choose based on availability what wineries we visit. We will take your recommendations of which wineries to visit but cannot guarantee them. Door-to-door
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Mobile Drinking Tours: Try Upstate Ny Wines And Beer By Train Bike Boat Or Bus
Thousands of aspiring beer cicerones and wine sommeliers flock to Upstate New York to tour craft breweries and wineries. It’s common to take buses or drive from location to location, but Upstate New York can be more creative than that. Try something different and take a drinking tour by train, bike or boat.
Hoppy Trails Brew Bus
Lansing, near Ithaca, N.Y.Tour Cayuga Lake’s best wineries on a relaxing cruise down the lake. Come just to watch the sunset or take a six hour wine cruise. Prices range from $59 per person to $109 per person.
Rochester, N.Y.See Rochester from a new perspective on a “green, pedal-powered party bus.” Participants bike on their “pub crawler” to travel from bar to bar in Rochester with the tour guide leading the way and offering local fun facts about the city. Prices range from $142 to $174 per hour.
Buffalo Pedal ToursBuffalo, N.Y.Support local bars and restaurants by bike on a Buffalo Pedal tour, which is similar to the one in Rochester. Whether you’re a Buffalo local or new to the town, you’ll be sure to learn something new while biking around Buffalo. Prices range from $142 to $174 per hour.
Sample The Best Wineries Near Nyc With More Finger Lakes Cabins For Short Breaks 2022
Perfect for short breaks 2022, Upstate New Yorks Wine Country is booming with Finger Lakes cabins and cottages for your winery weekend, from wooden rentals that can hold up to eight guests each to cozy accommodations for two for the perfect New York wine country getaways.
- These rustic glamping cabins, NY in Franklinville come with daily housekeeping, ensuring your getaway is as stress- and worry-free as possible.
- This custom-built pine wood cabin in Dalton is surrounded by 10 acres of private wilderness for glampers to explore throughout their stay and that ideal vacation 2022.
- This creekside cabin in an 100-acre forest, also located in Dalton, is ready for a family of six to fill it up with laughter and love while telling stories of the days hikes and best vineyards in NY.
- For the best Finger Lakes vacation 2022, charming wine country cabins in Springwater give you direct access to the areas wineries, as well as countless on-site walking trails. Enjoy the best wineries in New York State during your time here.
Are you a fellow wine-lover and keen to continue exploring whats on offer after seeing the best wineries Upstate NY has? Check out more of the best wine country rentals around the world today when you go glamping in US territory!
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A Short Video Interview
Two of our clients who were participants in the Seneca Wine Trail 2009 Cruisin’ The Tropics Weekend. Video courtesy of Seneca Wine Trail.
A Finger Lakes Wine Tasting Experience There is still time to plan your late summer or early fall trip to Finger Lakes Wine Country. The winery tasting rooms, staffed with friendly and knowledgeable staff, are bustling with activities. The vineyards are on the cusp of harvest and the scenery is as beautiful as ever.
