One of the main draws to the Finger Lakes region of New York is its award-winning wines, wineries, and vineyards. That’s why a visit to Upstate New York is not complete without a day trip around the best Finger Lakes Wine Trails! We encourage you to explore some of the several wine-producing trails that offer tours and wine tastings so that you can get a true taste of the FLX!
With so many wonderful things to do and see in the Finger Lakes wine region, we can’t possibly put it in just one blog. Unlock our free Vacation Guide to get a full list of local recommendations. From the best area restaurants to beautiful hiking trails, you’ll find everything you need to plan the ultimate Finger Lakes vacation! You’ll even get more recommendations for the best spots in Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Sip Your Way Through These 4 Finger Lakes Wine Trails
The wine trails throughout the Finger Lakes are committed to providing a safe and clean space for you to enjoy, and ask that you also adhere to the policies put in place at each winery! Many of the wineries’ requirements are mandated by the New York State Liquor Authority and the State of New York to be open.
Get a Finger Lakes Wine Trail Passport for Discounts
Please note, due to COVID-19, our wineries are now open, but reservations are required for tasting.
Get exclusive tastings at each stop, and a 25% savings, when you purchase their wine tasting passport. Passports are good for a year after purchase, so you can spend valuable time meeting with their tastemakers.
The passport provides complimentary tastings at each winery and additional price discounts for the purchase of wine with the use of the passport.
One passport is valid for one person, not valid for groups of more than eight.
1. Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail has the honor of being the first-organized and longest-running wine trail in the country! It was first established in 1983 and includes 14 dog-friendly member wineries, as well as cideries, a meadery, four distilleries, and a taproom.
2. Keuka Lake Wine Trail
The Keuka Lake Wine Trail may not be the longest-running, but Keuka Lake was home to the first bonded winery. This region specializes in Vinifera wines, as this area was where they were first planted.
3. Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail
The Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail features 30 miles of Finger Lakes wine and food experiences! Sip their world-class wines and enjoy beautiful vistas along the rolling hillsides of Canandaigua Lake.
4. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Sprouting in 1986, explore the largest wine trail in the state of New York! The Seneca Lake Wine Trail features 35 wineries, a distillery, two cider producers, two breweries, and a meadery on its path. This trail is known for its hearty grapes, though the wineries on the list have won plenty of awards for the delicate Rieslings.
Learn More about Finger Lakes Wine Varieties
You do not have to be an expert on white or red wines, but having a bit of background information on the different wines you will encounter furthers your enrichment! From the dry European reds to the fruity French American whites, here is a quick crash course on the different varieties of wines found in the Finger Lakes.
European Varieties
The Finger Lakes wine country is known for its vast selection of riesling and chardonnay wine. Vitis Vinifera grapes are plentiful in the region of upstate New York and usually become dry or semi-dry wines.
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Gamay
- Lemberger
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Gewurztraminer
- Riesling
Native American Varieties
Sparkling wines are top-rated on our wine trails. If you’re familiar with the Finger Lakes’ history and the names of our lakes, it’s no surprise that we have fantastic Native American varietals. The majority of these wines have a strong grape flavor and aroma.
- Catawba
- Concord
- Isabella
- Vincent
- Delaware
- Diamond
- Niagara
French American Varieties
In contrast to Native American varieties, French American varieties have less grape flavor. Many red wine varietals have a peppery flavor, while many white wines have a fruity flavor and floral aroma.
- Baco Noir
- Chambourcin
- Chancellor
- Dechaunac
- Marechal Foch
- Rougeon
- Cayuga White
- Melody
- Seyval Blanc
- Vidal Blanc
- Vignoles
- Traminette
Stay with Finger Lakes Premier Properties
While exploring the Finger Lakes wine region, rest each night at one of the most stunning homes in the area. Finger Lakes Premier Properties has the best selection of socially distanced vacation rentals. We have over 260 vacation rentals on six of the 11 lakes, that are all close to the Finger Lakes wine trails. Plus, with our 24/7 customer service, you can rest knowing that you will be well taken care of!
Check out our full selection of homes and book today! We look forward to having you.
