One Glass at a Time: Exploring the Seneca Lake Wine Trail

I admit it: the Seneca Lake Wine Trail in New York's "Finger Lakes" region is a not-so-guilty pleasure and I'll tell you why: when I recently moved to Rochester, New York from Southern Italy I was worried that I'd never be able to find a decent bottle of wine. So I was pleasantly surprised to discover the problem isn't finding a good bottle of Cabernet, it's deciding who to purchase it from!

Situated between the cities of Syracuse and Rochester, New York, the Finger Lakes regions spans an area of about 75 x 50 miles and is home to a series of no less than 11 linerar lakes that are often said to resemble a hand (hence the term "Finger Lakes). The "who" that I mentioned earlier regards the 34 or so member wineries that line the ever-so-stunning waters of Seneca Lake and in turn create what is affectionately known as the Wine Trail. Seneca Lake is one of the most popular bodies of water in the Finger Lakes Region and in this case it's a lake that is well-stocked when it comes to wineries.

In Southern Italy, wine - as you can well imagine - is never a problem. The near constant sunshine and healthy terrain make any vineyard in the region a success story. I wasn't too sure what to expect when I moved to the Finger Lakes Region. Fortunately the local climate not only supports the growth of native grapes and premium hybrids but also more delicate varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir. And what better way to explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail then by enjoying it "one glass at a time"!

It's all About Logistics

In a sense, many visitors to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail may be caught by surprise just as I was: I thought the Wine Trail sat at sea level and actually circumvented the lake. This is not entirely true. Yes, the Wine Trail runs on either side of the lake, from top to bottom, from the town of Geneva to Watkins Glen (or vice-versa depending on which direction you're traveling from). But the vineyards and wineries are up at ground level looking down on the lake. A minor detail to be sure. But it's not like you'll be sipping wine while you soak your toes in the lake. That's not what you come for anyway.

Taste Away

I have enjoyed the wine trail on many occasions and I'm happy to say that the proprietors of each are a good natured lot. I've yet to meet anyone who takes offense if you come in with map in hand and proceed to taste the local product. I don't know of any other way you can comparison shop. And really, the fun part of traveling the wine trail is just that: come in, look around, taste the local grape and move on to the next winery.

Granted you can stay exclusively at one winery and taste their entire product. And that's a good thing too. You can coordinate with the winery of your choice for a full day of eating and drinking if that's what you want. Personally I prefer to sip and move. Eventually something will make an impression on me and I'll return and purchase a few bottles.

While you mull that over, let me share with you a few of my favorites of late:

Penguin Bay Winery: 6075 State Road 414. Hector NY. Phone 607-546-5115. Awesome lake view and equally impressive wine selection. Penguins on Seneca Lake? Not quite. The winery supports the penguin exhibit at the Syracuse Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Caywood Vineyards: 9666 State Route 414. Caywood NY. Phone 607-582-7230. A restored barn from the 1800's is where you'll hang your hat while you enjoy a variety of wines at one of the areas largest vineyards.

Miles Wine Cellars: 168 Randall Crossing Road. Phone 607-243-7742. Off the beaten path and well worth it. One of the few places where you really can sit at the waters' edge and enjoy a glass of wine.

I highly suggest you pick up the Seneca Lake Wine Trail map and guide. It will aide you in your travels and education as you taste an incredible variety of well-produced and delicately nurtured fine wines.

Good luck and good tasting!