Vineyards/Wineries in the Finger Lakes Region of New York

It is an exciting time for wine enthusiasts who live near the Finger Lakes region of New York - or are interested in visiting the area. Many of the wineries produce Finger Lake wines that are world famous, selling out quickly to those lucky enough to find them. If you are eager to get in on the action, here are details you'll find helpful.

Finger Lakes wineries and wines - basic information

The Finger Lakes wines are produced largely from grapes that grow best in cool climates, particularly those used to make Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties of wines. Many of the most popular wineries in New York state are located in the Finger Lakes region, since wine growers are successfully producing crops that results in award winning wines of competitive quality. You could be one of the first to taste a new wine from the Finger Lakes area.

Finger Lake area - where to stay before and after each day's tour

You've got several possibilities, depending in the length of your stay. One very attractive option is to rent a cottage by the week or month. To do so, check out this site at the Finger Lakes Cottages website: www.fingerlakescottages.com/ . You can check out current listings or pay a small annual fee to stay abreast of new offerings for rent near the Finger Lakes vneyards.

Typical prices range from $659 a week in September to $900 a week in August for very nice 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottages with decks, complete kitchens (with dishes and all required amenities) and lake front views.

Another nice option is the Green Woods Bread and Breakfast Inn. open from April through November. Not only is Green Woods located near Finger Lakes wineries but it has the distinction of being highly rated by both guests and reputable ratings services. It is recommended by Log Home Living magazine and also won the 2007 BnB Finder's award for being a Guest Favorite. You can see the site info at: www.greenwoodsinn.com/

Rates at Green Woods tend to range from $109 to $169 per night (double occupancy) and all rooms in this Finger Lakes inn have private baths, air conditioning, queen-sized feather beds, and television with cable. There is even an outdoor Jacuzzi spa! You can check out the room options online. I'd describe them as homey, cozy and absolutely charming. I was tempted to book a room on the spot!

Finger Lakes wineries and vineyard tours - highlights and features

Now that you've got an idea of where to stay, you can plan you Finger Lakes tour itinerary. There are a wealth of wineries to choose from. Here are some favorites and their special attractions:

Finger Lakes Winery - McGregor Vineyard

Established in 1980, this vineyard hit the ground running and produced fine Finger Lake's Charonneys, Resling , Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir wines. Guests who visit this winery can not only stroll the vineyard itself but visit a special tasting deck where they can sample exquisite wines, all while enjoying a panoramic view of Keuka Lake.

Award winning wines include Black Russian Red, Rkatsiteli, Sereksiya, Merlot, Pinot Noir varieties and more, Yes, in spite of the unique names for some, these are Finger Lake wines! Special and upcoming events include the Keuka in bloom event (May 17 -18) which includes potted flowers or herbs for each guest, samples of wine and a meal which focuses on Rosemary scented or flavored foods. Cost: $30 singles, $45 per couple. This is only one of many upcoming events. See below for contact info.

Special features: Picnic area, large gift shop, regular events, group and small tours. To get current information or arrange group tours at this Finger Lake winery, call 1- (800) 272-0192

Location and hours:
Mcgregory Vineyard - Finger Lakes
5503 Dutch Street
Dundee, Ny 14837

Phone: (607) 292-3999
Toll-free: see above
Website: www.mcgregorywinery.com

Hours: Open all year from 10-6 pm
Special hours from November through March (11-5 pm)
Extended hours in July and August (open till 8 pm in those months).

Finger Lakes Vineyards - Barrington Cellars and Buzzard Crest

A family owned winery, this one is set overlooking Keuka Lake. There are varieties of wine available here to suit nearly every taste. Top Finger Lakes wines include Vinifera, French Hybrid and Labrusca varieties. There are even dessert wines to sample. While their very popular Finger Lakes Red Wines sell out quickly (as did their Baco Noir), you can still sample their Concord wines or check out such white wine varieties as Buzzard's Peach, Dry Riesling and Kestral White.

Upcoming events include Keuka in Bloom (May 17-18) and Barbeque at the Wineries (June 7-8, 2008). In addition to wine tastings, each Finger Lakes event will highlight a particular spice and may even offer guests special gifts to take home. Check out the website to find other events that will be announced throughout the year.

Special features: This is the home of the 1997 Gold meal Winning Niagra Wine, made from Ice Wine (frozen berries, which gives some wines a unique taste, popular with many). The winery is also known for its Biliss, Isabella and fruit flavored wines. Picnic areas are plentiful and guests may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of buzzards flying by. There is also a gift shop, complete with samples of red and white grape juiice, made without sulfites or sorbates.

Location and hours:

Barrington Cellars
2794 Gray Road
Penn Yan, NY 14527

Website: www.barringtoncellars.com

Phone: (315) 531-8923
Reservations required for groups of 10 or more.

Hours: Sumer and Fall: Mon- Sat from 11 am to 5 pm
Sat: 11 am - 5 pm
Sun: noon to 5 pm
Winter hours: open on Saturdays only
Call ahead for spring hours.

Finger Lakes Wines- Dr Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars and Chateau Frank

Since Dr. Frank's was the first Finger Lake's winery to produce world-class wines, winning the distinctive Winery of the Year Award in 2006, this one has to be included in any list of "must see" wineries in the area. This winery won an impressive 10 Gold Medals in 2008 in a variety of national and international wine competitions.

This could be your first stop if you want to learn the basics of wine tasting and discover what makes for a truly special wine. As with the other wineries noted above, this one also has a stunning view of Keuka Lake, a popular attraction. This one will also be part of Keuka in Bloom and Barbeque at the Wineries (dates given above) and you can check out upcoming events by using the contact information listed here.

Notable wines include Dr Frank Cabernet Savignon (2006) as well as special Chateau Frank Blanc de Noirs 2000.

Special features: A grapevine nursery where you can purchase your own specially grafted plants for your own winery or home vineyard, gift shop, tours and a family atmosphere. An opportunity to try award winning wines and up your learning curve when it comes to Finger Lakes wines.

Location and hours:
Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars
9749 Middle Road
Hammondsport, NY 14840

Phone (800) 320-0732
Website: www.drfrankwines.com/
Hours: Mon- Sat: 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday 12 to 5 pm
Call for seasonal hours.

With world-class wines available for tasting right here in the United States, the Finger Lakes area deserves consideration as you make plans for summer and vacation trips. Get set for fun, great food and wonderful wines to sample.