A Sommelier’s Perfect Finger Lakes Trip: Wineries, Waterfalls, and Unforgettable Bites
If you’re daydreaming about the perfect wine country getaway (think rolling hills, lakes so blue they look Photoshopped, and wineries that are just chef’s kiss) let me introduce you to one of my favorite places: the Finger Lakes.
As a sommelier (and just someone who really loves a good glass of Riesling with a side of waterfall hiking), I’m here to give you the inside scoop. Not just where to go, but how to do it right; where the pours are generous, the views are breathtaking, and the hot dogs (yes, really) are life-changing.
I just got back from my latest Finger Lakes trip, and here’s the full guide, from where I stayed, to every wine sip, waterfall stop, and plate of local food that made me want to move there permanently.
Where to Stay: Woodcliff Hotel & Spa
First things first: the hotel.
I stayed at the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa, located just outside of Rochester, a perfect jumping-off point for exploring the western Finger Lakes.
Woodcliff feels like the best of both worlds: you get all the cushy spa amenities (indoor and outdoor pools, massages, room service) and easy access to the main highways to start your wine trail adventures.
Breakfast tip: Their morning buffet is seriously underrated. Fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, local jams and honey, and they don’t skimp on the tea. Load up before a day of wine tasting. You’ll thank me around the third winery.
There are tons of places to stay in Watkins Glen, I stayed at the Harbor Hotel once and it was equally as excellent!
Wine Tasting Highlights: My Top Winery Recommendations
Here’s where the real fun begins.
There are hundreds of wineries scattered around the Finger Lakes, but these? These are the ones worth planning your trip around.
Heron Hill Winery
Location: Keuka Lake
Vibe: Old-world elegance meets lakefront views
Must-try: Their Reserve Rieslings and Cabernet Franc
Heron Hill has this gorgeous Greco-Roman style tasting room, with massive columns and sweeping lake views. You feel fancy just walking in. The wine flights are generous, the service is warm, and they make you feel like you belong, even if you accidentally wear sneakers instead of heels.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Location: Keuka Lake
Vibe: Historic, legendary, and still somehow cozy
Must-try: Literally everything. But start with the Blanc de Blancs and the Dry Riesling.
Dr. Frank is basically the godfather of East Coast winemaking. If you drink wine from the East Coast and it tastes remotely decent, you probably have Dr. Frank to thank. His winery has incredible history, and the tasting experience today is just as spectacular as you’d hope. Classic European varietals, expert staff, and some of the best views in the region.
Lakewood Vineyards
Location: Seneca Lake
Vibe: Laid-back, family-run, friendly
Must-try: Long Stem Red (trust me), and their Gewürztraminer
Lakewood is where you go when you want incredible wine without any pretense. It’s super welcoming, like visiting a neighbor who happens to have award-winning vines in their backyard! Their sweeter wines are beautifully balanced, too, not too syrupy and well-balanced.
Wagner Vineyards
Location: Seneca Lake
Vibe: Full experience with both wine and beer
Must-try: Semi-Dry Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and if you're a beer fan, their Dockside Lager
You can spend an entire afternoon here. Start with a tasting, then grab a pint from the brewery next door, and end by sitting on the huge lawn overlooking the lake. It’s lively without being overwhelming, the perfect stop for groups.
Boundary Breaks
Location: Seneca Lake
Vibe: Boutique, precise, a Riesling lover’s dream
Must-try: 239 Block Riesling
Boundary Breaks focuses almost exclusively on Riesling… and they’re so good at it. Crisp, mineral-driven, and wildly expressive, their wines show you exactly why the Finger Lakes is the best Riesling region outside Germany.
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Location: Seneca Lake
Vibe: Sleek, sophisticated, yet warm
Must-try: Dry Riesling, Chardonnay, and the Field Blend
If you love structured, serious wines but hate feeling like you’re being judged while tasting, Wiemer is your spot. They combine impeccable technique with true Finger Lakes hospitality. Plus, the tasting room is gorgeous. Biodynamic and worth the visit, 8 years ago when I came here I bought a tiny Riesling plant and get grapes from it every year (I eat them, not make wine)!
Red Tail Ridge Winery
Location: Seneca Lake
Vibe: Modern, sustainable, innovative
Must-try: Good Karma (a blend benefiting charity) and Pet Nat Sparkling
Small but mighty. Red Tail Ridge has some of the most interesting wines in the region, creative, sustainable, and seriously delicious. Plus, part of their proceeds go to charity, so you can feel good about your second (okay, third) bottle purchase. We actually poured their Good Karma by the glass at Jean Georges in Philadelphia for a few years and people loved it!
Fox Run Vineyards
Location: Seneca Lake
Vibe: Scenic, welcoming, great food
Must-try: Dry Riesling, Lemberger
Fox Run offers fantastic wines and an onsite café with local farm-to-table dishes. It’s one of the best places to combine lunch and wine without having to switch locations. Pro tip: grab a seat on the patio if it’s nice out. Your Instagram will thank me.
Buttonwood Grove Winery
Location: Cayuga Lake
Vibe: Relaxed, panoramic views
Must-try: Unoaked Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc
Buttonwood Grove feels a little off-the-beaten-path in the best way. Gorgeous setting, unpretentious vibe, great wines. It's the kind of place where you can sit for hours, tasting and soaking up the sun!!
Six Eighty Cellars
Location: Cayuga Lake
Vibe: Small, focused, personal
Must-try: Pinot Noir and limited production whites
This is a newer winery doing everything right, with extremely high-quality, small-batch wines with heart. It’s intimate and quiet, perfect if you want a breather from the bigger, bustling spots.
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Location: Cayuga Lake
Vibe: Fun, sprawling, casual
Must-try: Snow Owl (dessert wine) and Dry Riesling
The Thirsty Owl offers big tastings, big views, and a big old-fashioned good time. Their wines lean a little sweeter, so it’s perfect if you want to explore the whole spectrum of Finger Lakes styles!
Knapp Winery
Location: Cayuga Lake
Vibe: Relaxed, farm-chic
Must-try: Saperavi (a unique red) and traditional method sparkling
Knapp is the winery that surprises you. It doesn’t get as much attention as some of the bigger names, but their Saperavi alone is worth a detour. Rich, earthy, and full-bodied, and they serve great casual lunches, too! We grabbed food here and it was worth the hype.
Forge Cellars
Location: Seneca Lake
Vibe: Boutique, detailed, artisanal
Must-try: Pinot Noir, Riesling
Forge is small but serious, focusing on single-vineyard bottlings that really show off the Finger Lakes' diverse terroir. Their Pinot Noirs are some of the best in New York State. Their Rieslings are age-worthy and I would highly recommend buying some extra bottles to age for a few years (if you can!).
Red Newt Cellars
Location: Seneca Lake
Vibe: Elegant but comfortable
Must-try: Circle Riesling (an easy-drinking classic) and Syrah
Their food is also a huge draw, they offer an onsite bistro with beautiful, seasonal plates that pair perfectly with their wines. It’s a one-stop shop for wine nerds and food lovers alike! You will absolutely adore their slow-fermented Rieslings.
Where to Eat: Beyond Wine Tastings
You’re going to need food between all those tastings, and trust me, the Finger Lakes delivers.
The Elf in the Oak
Location: Keuka Lake
Vibe: Whimsical, cozy, delicious
Must-try: Turkey Avocado BLT
Tiny little roadside spot, huge flavor. Homemade everything, great vegetarian options, and baked goods that somehow taste even better when you’re sitting by the lake.
FLX Wienery
Location: Seneca Lake
Vibe: Retro, casual, out-of-this-world
Must-try: Housemade hot dogs with wild toppings
Listen: I was not prepared to have my mind blown by a hot dog. But FLX Wienery is the real deal, handmade dogs, local beef, crazy creative toppings (hello, kimchi hot dog), plus killer fries (foie gras and truffle?!) and local beer. Worth the hype. The owner here is a Master Sommelier named Christopher Bates, and the wine selection at this little hot dog restaurant is worth driving over 6 hours for alone!!
Kindred Fare
Location: Geneva
Vibe: Rustic, polished, friendly
Must-try: Anything on the ever-changing seasonal menu
This farm-to-table spot delivers hearty, thoughtful dishes with a wine list heavy on local gems. It’s perfect for a relaxed but elevated dinner.
FLX Table
Location: Geneva
Vibe: Tiny, exclusive, unforgettable
Must-try: The tasting menu (pre-reserved)
FLX Table only seats about 12 people per night and operates like a pop-up dinner party. Owned by the same Master Sommelier as FLX Weinery. Pre-fixed menus, communal tables, and some of the best food you’ll eat all year. Reservations book fast…but if you get in, it’s magic. Do the wine pairing, you will NOT regret it.
Natural Attractions: Because It’s Not Just About the Wine
When you need a break from sipping, there’s plenty of nature to soak in too.
Watkins Glen State Park
Location: Watkins Glen
Highlight: 19 waterfalls on a single trail
This park is basically a fantasy novel brought to life. Stone paths wind through gorges, tunnels, and waterfalls so dramatic you’ll wonder if CGI is involved. Go early to beat the crowds…and wear good shoes.
Taughannock Falls
Location: Trumansburg
Highlight: Taller than Niagara Falls
Yes, really. A 215-foot single-drop waterfall that somehow still feels peaceful and secluded. You can hike to the base or view it from the overlook…either way, it’s stunning.
Final Tips for Your Finger Lakes Adventure
Plan a loose schedule. Leave room for unexpected finds.
Pace yourself. Hydrate between tastings.
Buy bottles you love. Many Finger Lakes wines aren’t widely distributed.
Tip your pourers. They’re often incredibly knowledgeable and work hard.
Savor the scenery. It’s not a race, it’s a beautiful, wine-fueled meander through nature.
Enjoy yourself and make beautiful memories!
