Seneca Lake Wineries

Visiting the Seneca Lake wineries is a great way to spend time in the Finger Lakes wine region of New York state.

Stunning views are just one of the reasons to visit the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

There are over 35 wineries in the area, each offering a delicious myriad of wines for the vinophile. The topography of the area allows grape growers to cultivate many different types of grapes, from hardy natives to more delicate varieties, such as Pinot Noir. Seneca Lake extends from Geneva in the north all the way to the south in Watkins Glen.

The Seneca Lake Winery Trail was started in 1866 with the opening of the Seneca Lake Grape Wine Company. Not long after, New York State opened an Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva in 1882. The purpose of the research station was breeding and growing grapes in order to expand the new grape industry in the area.

In 1919, the industry suffered a serious blow with the start of Prohibition. During this time many local growers went out of business. Other grape growers replaced their wine grapes with those used for juice or eating.

Long after the end of Prohibition, Charles Fournier decided to plant 20 acres of Vinifera on the east side of Seneca Lake in the early 1970's. Around the same time, Hermann Weimer was planting 140 acres of Vinifera on the western side of Seneca Lake. These two growers began the rebirth of the Seneca Lake wine region and were instrumental in its success today.

The New York State Farm Winery Act of 1976 encouraged other grape growers in the region to add wine grapes to their vineyards once again. Thus began the revitalization of the wine industry along Seneca Lake.

Some of the many varieties of grapes grown in the area include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and Gewurztraminer.

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail began in 1986 to attract tourists and vinophiles to the area. There are over 35 member wineries on the trail, some of which also create beers and meads in addition to their wines. These wineries plan a series of events each year to entice visitors. Some of the many wine events include:

• Polar Passport – If you want to visit Seneca Lake wineries but don't like crowds, visit the area during the cooler months of the year. The Polar Passport is available for use from December through April and costs $10 plus tax. Passport holders attend one wine tasting event at each of the 25 participating wineries.
• Chocolate and Wine – Wine enthusiasts are sure to enjoy this event held in February each year. Participating wineries invite visitors to spend two and a half days visiting the wineries that will be selling a variety of chocolates and wines, as well as dishes that have been prepared with one or both of these ingredients.
• Reisling to Visit Passport – This passport is valid May through August each year. The cost for these passports is $12 plus tax. Passport holders can visit over 25 wineries along the trail and enjoy one wine tasting at each winery. If a passport holder visits all of the wineries on the passport, they can be entered for a chance to win an "Ultimate Cruisin' Weekend."
• Cruisin' The Tropics – Held each year in March, this event draws visitors from all over the world. Visitors cruise along the lake making stops at each winery along the way. Each winery is decorated with a tropical theme and will be serving food and wine that goes along with their theme.

Other events include:

• Bargain Bash – January
• Pasta and Wine – January
• Spring Wine and Cheese – April
• Golden Nose Award – May
• Deck the Halls – November/December

While there are new wineries emerging each year in the area, the following are the member wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

• Belhurst Winery
• White Springs Winery
• Seneca Shore Wine Cellars
• Anthony Road Wine Cellars
• Torrey Ridge Winery
• Earle Estates Winery & Meadery
• Villa Bellangelo
• Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars
• Glenora Wine Cellars
• Fulkerson Winery
• Rock Stream Vineyards
• Arcadian Estate Winery
• Lakewood Vineyards
• Cascata Winery at the Professor's Place
• Castel Grisch Winery
• Wildflower Café and Rooster Fish Brewery

• Ventosa Vineyards
• Stony Lonesome Wine Cellars
• Rogue's Hollow Winery
• Passion Feet Vinyard & Wine Barn
• Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
• Wagner Vineyards
• Penguin Bay Winery
• Tickle Hill Winery
• Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards
• Leidenfrost Vineyards
• Red Newt Cellars
• Atwater Estate Vineyards

Visitors to the area can expect to find breath-taking views of the lake and enjoy delicious wines and foods along the trail. There are many places to stay in the area, including numerous charming bed and breakfast establishments. After just one visit you'll know why tourists return year after year for a "taste of New York."

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