Seneca Lake might be best known as the largest of New York’s Finger Lakes, but for wine lovers, it’s so much more than that. This region blew me away—not just for the stunning lake views and vineyard-dotted hillsides, but for the incredible quality and value of the wines.
If you’re planning a Finger Lakes wine trip, start with the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. It offers the perfect mix of serious wine tasting, laid-back lake town charm, and a real sense of place. Here’s everything you need to know before you go—plus my picks for the best Seneca Lake wineries to visit.
Fast Facts About Seneca Lake Wine Country
Primary Grapes Grown: Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Blaufränkisch
Climate: Cool climate, moderated by Seneca Lake (the deepest of the Finger Lakes, reaching over 600 feet)
Unique Varieties to Try: Lemberger (Blaufränkisch), hybrid grapes like Traminette, Rkatsiteli
Total Number of Wineries: 30+ wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Finger Lakes AVAs: Seneca Lake AVA, Cayuga Lake AVA
Fun Fact: The lake acts like a thermal blanket, creating warmer winters and cooler summers, which helps preserve acidity and allows grapes to ripen slowly and evenly.
8 Best Seneca Lake Wineries to Visit
1. Three Brothers Wineries & Estates
This was the first stop on my Seneca Lake wine trip, and it set the tone perfectly: playful, approachable, and packed with variety.
Three Brothers is actually three wineries (plus a brewery) on one sprawling estate. It’s playfully known as the “Disneyland” winery of the region because you could easily spend all day here exploring the different tasting rooms. There’s truly something for everyone—whether you’re into dry Riesling, sweet blushes, bold reds, craft beer, or just want a great burger and iced coffee from the on-site cafe.
Perfect for groups, first-time tasters, or anyone who likes their wine with a side of fun.
2. Boundary Breaks
One word: exceptional. Boundary Breaks is one of the best Finger Lakes wineries for Riesling—hands down. Their single-vineyard, single-clone Rieslings are detailed, expressive, and incredibly well-made. I especially loved their Gewürztraminer and Cabernet Franc as well.
Sit outside with a glass and soak in those panoramic lake views. This place is special.
3. Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
This was my favorite tasting of the whole trip. We tasted with Josh Wig, who was incredibly knowledgeable and so enthusiastic about his wines and the Finger Lakes. We learned so much during our visit and ended up taking home a bottle of one of his red blends, plus the ice wine—they were incredible.
If you’re looking for a sleek, polished tasting experience, Lamoreaux Landing is it. The views are gorgeous, the wines are consistently high-quality, and the hospitality feels both expert and personal.
Bonus: the winery is powered by solar energy, which I love.
4. Anthony Road Wine Company
Family-owned and operated, Anthony Road was one of the most heartfelt stops of the trip. The wines are clean and expressive, and the hospitality was warm and genuine. Try their skin-contact Rkatsiteli if you want something outside the norm—it was one of my favorite wines of the trip.
5. Lakewood Vineyards
Lakewood has been farming this land for three generations, and it shows in the wines. They make an easygoing but serious lineup with something for everyone. Their Bubbly Candeo was a surprise hit for me—a slightly sweet sparkling wine that’s dangerously drinkable.
Their property is expansive, with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding vineyards. It’s a great place to slow down, sip, and soak in the Finger Lakes atmosphere.
6. Miles Wine Cellars
Miles Wine Cellars is the winery that brought this whole trip to fruition. I told their story during my “haunted winery” series last year, and it sparked a conversation with the Seneca Lake Wine Trail team—so getting to see the beautiful, historic mansion in person was especially meaningful.
This is one of the only wineries on Seneca Lake where you can arrive by boat—and yes, the view is as dreamy as it sounds. You can sip wines by the glass out on the dock or head into the home for a full tasting. Miles has a haunted wine called “Ghost” and a romantic, storied setting that feels like stepping into a piece of Finger Lakes history.
7. Ryan William Vineyard
We stopped at Ryan William for lunch, and it ended up being one of the most charming surprises of the trip. Everything on the menu is estate-driven—including the pork and beef, which comes from animals raised right on the property. Their wines are elegant and expressive, and the food was fresh, seasonal, and delicious.
This spot is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, farm-to-table experience with excellent wine to match.
8. Fox Run Vineyards
My final stop before heading out—and it couldn’t have ended on a higher note.
We tasted with Scott Osborn, owner and two-time president of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and let me tell you: his passion for the region, its history, and sustainable farming is absolutely infectious.
Fox Run’s tasting room café reflects this mission—it’s cozy, welcoming, and features great sandwiches made with local ingredients. Scott believes wine should be approachable, and that spirit is woven into every sip and bite here.
The winery is powered by solar energy and committed to environmental stewardship, making it a model of sustainable viticulture. Their dry Rieslings and Lemberger stood out for me, and relaxing in the vineyard-view café felt like the perfect wine-country finale.
More Than Just Wine: Things to Do Around Seneca Lake
Explore Downtown Geneva
Start your trip at the north end of the lake in Geneva. Walk down Linden Street, check out the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, or grab a cocktail at a speakeasy like Vinifera.
Waterfall Cruise with Falling Waters Boat Tours
One of the most peaceful, scenic ways to experience Seneca Lake is by boat. This private tour included waterfalls, shale cliffs, and vineyard views that you just can’t get from land.
Hike Watkins Glen State Park
It’s a classic for a reason. This gorge trail winds past 19 waterfalls and some of the most stunning rock formations I’ve seen in upstate New York.
Eat at Local Favorites
- Stonecat Cafe: Inventive, local-forward menu with dreamy lake views.
- Kindred Fare: A farm-to-table restaurant in Geneva that highlights local wines.
- GRAFT Wine + Cider Bar: The perfect spot for a casual but thoughtful dinner featuring New York-made beverages.
- here.: a cute road side stop for breakfast. I loved their biscuits & gravy!
- The Blackberry Inn Kitchen: you HAVE to stop here for bagels. One of the things I miss most about living in NYC is their bagels, and this definitely hit the spot for me!
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
I’ve visited a lot of wine regions, but Seneca Lake absolutely blew me away with its combination of natural beauty, wine quality, and down-to-earth hospitality. The price-to-quality ratio here is unmatched. You can taste world-class Riesling for under $30, and many places waive tasting fees with purchase.
If you love wine with a sense of place, care about sustainability, and want to discover producers doing cool, thoughtful things—you’re going to love the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
