Seneca Lake Riesling Tour
2 Day Self-Guided Finger Lakes Wine Tour - New York
About Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling stands out as the region's flagship grape, celebrated for its aromatic qualities and versatility. It boasts vibrant acidity and can be crafted in styles ranging from bone dry to very sweet. Its fruit profile spans from tart citrus to tropical fruit, and can develop complex flavors like dried fruit, honey, and petrol over time. Touring Finger Lakes wineries and focusing on Riesling can enhance a person's knowledge of how small changes in soil, vineyard site, vintage, climate, harvest time, and other factors can influence a wine and help it create its own distinct profile. Enjoy wine tasting flights where you can try each of a winery's Rieslings side by side to begin to understand the differences in each of these unique wines.
While this self-guided wine tour of Finger Lakes Riesling is presented as a two-day wine tasting itinerary, it could easily be extended to a three- or four-day tour by slowing down to not only try tasting flights but also to enjoy a glass or share a bottle while taking in the amazing lake views. Additionally, many of these wineries offer upgraded VIP library tastings or vineyard tours, which normally take 60 minutes or more. Use this guide to make your experience what you have time for, and what you want it to be. There is no wrong way to taste and enjoy wine.
Top learn more about other Finger Lakes vinifera varieties read THE FINGER LAKES TOP SEVEN VINIFERA GRAPES VARIETIES
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Where to Stay: Watkins Glen and Burdett
Launching from the southern end of Seneca Lake from either Watkins Glen or Burdett is a perfect for visiting some of the top-ranked wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, with a large selection of Rieslings to taste. For a more luxurious resort stay in Watkins Glen, stay at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel with balconies offering Seneca Lake views. All modern conveniences are offered, including a fitness center, dining, and walking distance to many of the restaurants and attractions in Watkins Glen. If you are looking for a quieter, cozy stay in a historic home, try the Burdett House Bed & Breakfast located on Main Street in the quaint village of Burdett. Start your day with breakfast and coffee offered at both of these locations before heading out to the wineries.
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, 16 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 | (607) 535-6116
Burdett House Bed & Breakfast, 3789 Main St, Burdett, NY 14818 | (617) 835-4492
Day 1 – West Side of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Anthony Road Wine Company: Your First Stop
Anthony Road Wine Company Seneca Lake
The first day of tasting your way through Finger Lakes Rieslings, starts on the west side of Seneca Lake at Anthony Road Winery where you can try several different styles of their Riesling with their standard tasting flight or consider upgrading to their Owner Guided Tour & Tasting where you will not only taste wine but also go behind the scenes in their production facility, cellar, and art gallery. And if you are in the area on the first Sundays of the month, reserve a space for their monthly Sunday Supper, an intimate, three-course, family-style meal paired with Anthony Road wines.
1020 Anthony Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527 | (315) 536-2182
Kemmeter Wines: Intimate Tasting Experience
Kemmeter Wines Seneca Lake
Then head across the street to Kemmeter Wines for a one-hour intimate tasting experience with the owner Johannes Reinhardt. They only have tastings a few days a week and are limited to six people at a time, so book in advance. Kemmeter Wines produces exceptional Rieslings, considered among the finest in the region. These Rieslings are produced in limited quantities and can only be purchased through their website or at the winery. Johannes will engage you on a lovely discussion of his wines, including the SanSan labeled wine, which is only given to very special wines that represent the perfection of a season for that grape and wine style. If you are ready for a snack, check out Sans Dumplings located on the Kemmeter Wines estate and enjoy while sitting at their picnic tables overlooking the vineyard.
1030 Larzelere Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527 | (315) 521-3897
Fox Run Vineyards: Wide Selection of Rieslings
Fox Run Vineyards Seneca Lake
Next, head up to Fox Run Vineyards to enjoy their wide selection of Rieslings, including their refreshing Sparkling Riesling. You can opt for their standard tasting experience or upgrade to their VIP Tour where one of the owners will take you on a tour of the estate and a private tasting in their barrel room where the wine will be paired with a cheese and charcuterie board. The VIP spots are limited and book up fast, so reserve in advance. If you are not ready for lunch at Sans Dumplings, you can grab a bite from the Fox Run Bistro and enjoy it on their deck with beautiful views of Seneca Lake.
670 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY 14527 | (315) 536-4616
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard: Award-Winning Wines
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Seneca Lake
Your next stop will be the award-winning Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard. They have a wide selection of different styles of Riesling grown throughout their many vineyard sites. They are renowned for being one of the very best Finger Lakes wineries, so do not skip this stop. You can either enjoy their standard tasting or upgrade to their Riesling Deep Dive Flight to try 5 of their vintage wines.
To learn more about how Hermann J. Wiemer helped shape the current Finger Lakes wine industry read THE HISTORY OF THE FINGER LAKES WINE COUNTRY
3962 NY-14, Dundee, NY 14837 | (607) 243-7971
BarnStormer Winery: Wine and Music
Barnstormer Winery Seneca Lake
If you still have time, stop by Barnstormer Winery which is often open later some nights and hosts live music either outside in the warmer months or inside by their cozy fire. They also have a great selection of Rieslings to try, including a Late Harvest Riesling Dessert Wine. Check their calendar to see what nights they have events.
4184 NY-14, Rock Stream, NY 14878 | (607) 243-4008
Blue Pointe Grille at Glen Harbor Hotel: Quiet Lakeside Dinning
After a full day of wine tasting, end the day with dinner in Watkins Glen. For those staying at the Glen Harbor Hotel, you might find it easier to enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant, Blue Pointe Grille. They offer standard American fare ranging from steak to seafood. They also have a full bar and a wine list featuring Finger Lakes wines. Eat inside their dining room or head outside to their patio to take in the sunset over Seneca Lake with your meal. After the night falls, enjoy your final nightcap next to their outdoor fire pit.
16 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 | (607) 535-6116
Nickel's Pit BBQ: Lively Franklin Street
For BBQ lovers looking for a livelier experience, head over to Franklin Street and eat at Nickel's Pit BBQ. Enjoy favorites like pulled pork and brisket with their special in-house sauce and rubs. They have indoor and outdoor dining and often feature live music. After your meal, either head back to your hotel or take in the rest of what Franklin Street has to offer.
207 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 | (607) 210-4646
Day 2 – East Side of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Boundary Breaks Vineyard: Riesling Haven
Boundry Break Vineyard Seneca Lake
Start your day two journey at Boundary Breaks Vineyard situated on a hillside with vast views of Seneca Lake. Enjoy a wide selection of Rieslings that range from sparkling to dry to dessert wine. Make sure to try their Riesling Ice Wine. It is a great place to taste but also to sit back in their Adirondack chairs overlooking the lake to have a glass or share a bottle.
To learn more about the different wine styles produces int he Finger Lakes, including sparkling and dessert wines read FINGER LAKES HYBRID INNOVATION AND WINE MAKING DIVERSITY
1568 Porter Covert Rd, Lodi, NY 14860 | (607) 474-5030
Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery: Wine, Dine, and More
Next, head down the lake to Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery. They have something for everyone, including the Ginny Lee Café and the Wagner Brewing Company all in one location. For a great experience, you can either enjoy a standard tasting or upgrade to the Library Wine Tastings to taste a limited selection wines from multiple vintages to see how they change over time. Take in the beautiful views of Seneca Lake and the vineyards from their Vantage Point deck. If you are ready for lunch, The Ginny Lee Café is a great option, offering outdoor seating with amazing views. If you are there on a Friday in the summer, maybe move this stop to later in the day, as they stay open late, and host live music, wine, beer, and food that can be enjoyed while watching sunset views of Seneca Lake.
9322 NY-414, Lodi, NY 14860 | (607) 582-6450
Silver Thread Vineyard: Hidden Gem Tasting
Silver Thread Vineyard Seneca Lake
The next stop is Silver Thread Vineyard. Drive down a private road through the vineyards toward the lake to find this enchanting, cozy tasting room hidden in the vineyards. With an array of tasting experience options, those looking to taste and learn more about Riesling may consider the upgraded VIP tasting experience in their cellar for a Library Tasting. Or try the Riesling Experience Flight for a sample of their current vintages. Consider reserving the flight to be enjoyed on their charming deck overlooking the vineyard and lake for an intimate experience.
1401 Caywood Rd, Lodi, NY 14860 | (607) 582-6116
Forge Cellars: Upscale Riesling Experience
Forge Cellars Seneca Lake
Forge Cellars offers an upscale vibe while still maintaining the down-to-earth, rustic aesthetic of the Finger Lakes. They have a few options for tasting, including small group tastings of pre-selected flights in the Summer House, or choose your own flights or a glass in The Salon, with open-air spaces offering views of Seneca Lake. Forge focuses on Dry Rieslings and has several to offer from different vineyard sites along the southeast shores of Seneca Lake. If you are ready for a snack, try one of their artisanal tinned fish that pair perfectly with Dry Riesling.
To learn more about Finger Lakes vineyards on the southeast shore of the Seneca Lake, know as the “Banana Belt” read JOURNEY INTO FINGER LAKES TERROIR: THE IMPACT OF THREE LAKES
3775 Mathews Rd, Burdett, NY 14818 | (607) 622-8020
Hector Falls: Waterfall Photo Opportunity
As you drive back down 414 to your next destination, you'll encounter the upper section of Hector Falls. Should you wish to pause for a photograph, there's a small pull-off area capable of accommodating around five cars. Exercise caution as there isn't much space between the pull-off and the road. Following periods of rainfall, these falls can exhibit a stunning and dynamic display of natural beauty.
3835 NY-414, Burdett, NY 14818
Hillick & Hobbs Estate: Small Batch Excellence
Hillick and Hobbs Estate Seneca Lake
The final wine tasting stop for the day will be at Hillick & Hobbs Estate, which only produces small batches of estate-grown Dry Riesling. Their beautiful modern tasting room is the perfect backdrop to enjoy their Estate Riesling Wine Tasting flight. Or you can sip on a glass or bottle outside on their gorgeous patio and take in the views of Seneca Lake. While being a relatively newer winery in the region, they are gaining notoriety for their high-quality Dry Rieslings.
3539 NY-79, Burdett, NY 14818 | (607) 703-5999
Grist Iron Brewing Company: Craft Beer with Lake Views
If you're not ready to call it a day and wish to savor more of the Seneca Lake scenery, consider dining at Grist Iron Brewing Company. They offer an elevated pub dining experience, featuring a diverse menu of pizzas, sandwiches, BBQ, along with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Pair your meal with a pint of their house-crafted beer or a Finger Lakes wine or cider. With outdoor seating available, it's an ideal spot to unwind and witness the breathtaking sunset over Seneca Lake.
4880 NY-414, Burdett, NY 14818 | (607) 882-2739
Hungry Burd: Local Flavor in Burdett
Alternatively, venture to Hungry Burd in the charming village of Burdett, conveniently located within walking distance of the Burdett House Bed & Breakfast. This laid-back local eatery boasts a menu featuring sandwiches, burgers, and hearty entrees such as the grilled reuben, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, and fish fry. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, along with wine selections from Barnstormer Winery.
3815 Main St, Burdett, NY 14818 | (607) 546-7999
Extend Your Stay: Outdoor Adventure Near Watkins Glen
If you can prolong your stay in the Finger Lakes region, incorporating outdoor adventures can greatly enrich your experience. Extend your itinerary for an unforgettable journey through Finger Lakes Wine County by including these activities. Enjoy a sunset boat tour, kayaking expedition, hiking adventure, and waterfall exploration to elevate your visit.
Watkins Glen Sunset Sailing Excursion: True Love Schooner
True Love Schooner Seneca Lake
Experience the magic of sunset sailing aboard the True Love Schooner departing from the Seneca Harbor Park Pier in Watkins Glen. Embark on the WINE & WIND ON THE WATER tour, a two-hour excursion offering the perfect blend of local Finger Lakes wine, beer, and breathtaking views aboard a nearly 100-year-old sailboat. Indulge in a selection of Finger Lakes cheeses and hors d'oeuvres as you soak in the beauty of the sunset over the waters of Seneca Lake.
Harbor Park Pier, 214 N Franklin Street Seneca, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 | (607) 535-5253
Watkins Glen State Park: Explore the Gorge Trail Waterfalls
Gorge Trail Watkins Glen State Park
Discover one of the most well-known and photographed attractions in Watkins Glen: the Gorge Trail in Watkins Glen State Park. The trail consists of 800 steps made from rock, covering about 500 feet of elevation over a 1.5-mile trail. To make the trail easier, consider parking at the bottom and taking a shuttle to the top for an easier experience. The moderate hike offers multiple opportunities to photograph the 19 waterfalls, making it an ideal morning activity before heading out to the wineries.
Lower Parking Lot, 913 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 | (607) 535-4511
Hector Falls Kayaking Adventure from Watkins Glen
Base of Hector Falls Seneca Lake
Book a morning kayaking tour from Watkins Glen to the base of Hector Falls, located about 2 miles north of Watkins Glen. The base of the falls can only be viewed by boat or kayak, as the property around the base is privately owned. After kayaking to the base, explore and take pictures (be cautious of slippery rocks), then paddle back to Watkins Glen. This moderately challenging tour is accessible to most who are in reasonable physical condition. Alternatively, rent a kayak and explore Seneca Lake or paddle to the falls at your own pace.
Exploring Nearby Finger Lakes Waterfalls: SheQuaGa Falls and Aunt Sarah’s Falls
SheQuaGa Falls, Village of Montour Falls
If you're interested in exploring additional waterfalls near Watkins Glen, consider these two accessible stops. In the Village of Montour Falls, you'll find SheQuaGa Falls, which can be viewed from the road or accessed by nearby parking and walking into the park. Standing at 156 feet in height, it passes under the Mill Street bridge and flows north, eventually emptying into the Seneca Lake inlet. A paved walkway from the street to the park's end ensures accessibility for most visitors. Another nearby waterfall is Aunt Sarah’s Falls, visible from the road with a parking lot conveniently located across from it. Best viewed in the spring after heavy rainfall, Aunt Sarah’s Falls boasts a height of several hundred feet, although only the bottom 90 feet are visible from the viewing point. Both waterfalls are easily accessible and require only a few minutes to visit, making them a convenient addition to your Finger Lakes winery tour itinerary.
SheQuaGa Falls, 109 S Genesee St, Montour Falls, NY 14865
Aunt Sarah’s Falls, NY-14, Montour Falls, NY 14865