Are you familiar with the term Sober Curious? It was coined by Ruby Warrington in her 2019 book and has grown into a cultural movement and lifestyle of limiting alcohol consumption or abstaining altogether. This is why we’re excited to share our Sober Curious Guide.
Sober curiosity is about choosing when and if you want to drink, instead of doing it to meet social expectations. According to surveys commissioned by NCSolutions, 41% of Americans plan to drink less in 2024. The most sober curious generations are Gen Z at 61% and Millennials at 49%.
As you know from our Non-Drinkers Guide, almost all of the wineries and breweries within the region offer non-alcoholic options. So we’re highlighting local bars to visit for mocktails and wineries offering low-alcohol options.
Mocktail Makers
Drinking is often an aspect of celebrations and socializing making some people feel pressured to imbibe. Sober curiosity means being mindful of these feelings and breaking the habit. For some that looks like trading wine and cocktails for non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails.
Located under the charming bridge on Liberty Street in Penn Yan, New York you’ll find Outlet 111. This restaurant takes pride in serving only the freshest ingredients and taking its guests on a culinary journey. We recommend that you begin your mocktail journey here with the Blood Orange Mint Mule or Mermaid Glitter Mocktail. Which is made with lemonade, blueberry simple syrup, and edible glitter.
At the bright and modern Quincy Exchange in Corning, New York you can sip on mocktails while you nosh on locally sourced fare. This American Bistro is located in the historic Gaffer District and is open for dinner Wednesday – Sunday 5 – 8 PM and weekend brunch. Nearby, at The Cellar, you’ll find modern fusion cuisine, a creative martini menu, and a plates-to-share dining style. Guests who prefer non-alcoholic options or mocktails will have plenty of choices here.
Get creative mocktails in the Once Finger Lakes tasting room along Seneca Lake near Penn Yan, New York. As well as food sourced using local ingredients. Enjoy sweeping views of Seneca Lake and jazz on Friday evenings through August 18, 2024. While 18th Amendment Kitchen & Cocktail Bar in Penn Yan, NY, is known for their creative cocktails, its mocktails are equally delicious and pair beautifully with their locally sourced, seasonal menu options.
At War Horse Brewing Company you’ll find craft sodas and Hop Water. A non-alcoholic beverage that uses a proprietary hop oil to give you the flavor without the buzz. War Horse Brewing Company is one of the unique experiences at Three Brothers Wineries & Estates.
Low Alcohol Beverages
While some prefer to avoid alcohol and make mocktails, others simply cut back or opt for low-alcohol beverages. Low-alcohol wines have to be below 7% alcohol and Hazlitt’s wine seltzers are gluten-free and 6.1% alcohol. The Hazlitt Variety 4-Pack includes Red Cat Splash, White Cat Splash, Red Cat Dark Splash, and Pink Cat Splash.
One of the great things about these mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages is that they can help you blend in at a party or social situation. With just 7.8% alcohol The Sidekick is a low-ish alcohol session spritz from Lakewood Vineyards.
Something else to keep in mind is that events hosted on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and Keuka Lake Wine Trail always offer discounted Designated Driver tickets at a reduced price. The designated driver enjoys everything but the wine. There’s coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks available. Some wineries, like Glenora Wine Cellars, offer an entire mocktail menu.
Wondering what to do as a non-drinker in Finger Lakes Wine Country? There are many reasons why you might be searching for wine-free activities in the area. The two most common are; you simply want to explore the region or you want to know which wineries have non-alcoholic options when you visit with friends who both are and aren’t partaking. We’ve created your guide for an unforgettable day amongst the vines sans vino.
Sweet Trails
Finger Lakes Wine Country is famous for its wine and the unique wine trails that allow you to explore the beauty of the region while tasting its bounty. However, other not-so-well-known trails are just as fun to explore! After a meal at one of the many farm-to-table establishments the area is renowned for, satisfy your sweet tooth on one of these trails.
While there are many delicious chocolate shops to explore in the region. Corning’s Chocolate Trail is where you can discover delectable chocolate delights like handcrafted chocolates, luxurious chocolate-scented soap, and dark chocolate balsamico.
Some of the places you should visit include Market Street Coffee & Tea. This is the perfect place to begin with some freshly roasted chocolate coffees to take home or enjoy during the 5-block self-guided tour. Be sure to stop at Dimitri’s Confectionary Treats for the homemade Ghirardelli treats they specialize in. Don’t forget to visit Slammin’ Jammin’ BBQ for their chocolate soda ice cream float. Did you know that ice cream sundaes were invented in the late 19th century because selling an ice cream float on Sundays was illegal?
Speaking of ice cream, did you know that there are a few New York Ice Cream Trail destinations in the region? In Corning, you’ll find Dippity Do Dahs, where you can choose between 22 signature flavors, fun seasonal quality homemade ice creams along with sorbets, vegan and, no sugar added options made in shop. They also offer other frozen novelties such as ice cream cookie sandwiches, ice cream cakes, ice cream cookie pizzas, and holiday ice cream pies.
Over in Owego, visit Ice Cream Works to enjoy their delicious homemade ice cream. They also offer specialty sundaes, ice cream cakes and ice cream sandwiches, along with traditional favorites like shakes and floats.
Since the 1950’s Finger Lakes locals have been getting scoops of happiness from Seneca Farms in Penn Yan. With over 50 homemade ice cream flavors and a custard calendar, it’s no surprise this retro ice cream shop has been the jewel of this quaint town for so long.
In Watkins Glen, you’ll find Colonial Pottery & Creamery where you can shop for pottery while you enjoy your double scoop of homemade gourmet dairy or vegan ice cream.
Engage in the Elements
By land, air, or lake in Finger Lakes Wine Country you can engage in the elements easily. If you’re looking to keep your feet on the ground there are plenty of activities to do inside and outside. Explore the Finger Lakes Trail System which offers 1,000 miles of hiking from the Pennsylvania-New York border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path in the Catskill Forest Preserve. Be sure to visit a trail that ends at one of the many spectacular waterfalls or other hidden gems.
If you’re an artist at heart there are some great museums in the area to get lost in. Vintage shopping is an ideal activity for the shopper or collector in your life. Finally, every foodie needs to make their way to one of the many Farmers Markets in the area.
For the best views of the region go for a Scenic Drive or see Finger Lakes Wine Country from 4,000 feet above sea level on an ASK-21 High-Performance Glider at Harris Hill Soaring Corporation. Open 7 days a week during the summer, don’t miss your chance to soar over the Chemung Valley at a complex that Amelia Earhart proclaimed to be the “finest gliding and soaring facilities in the country”. *Passenger weight limit: 245 pounds
Rent paddleboards, kayaks, pontoon boats, or jet skis for the day at Keuka Watersports for a low-key and casual daytime activity on Keuka Lake. Find something similar on Seneca Lake at Anchor Inn & Marina and Summit to Stream Adventures, both located in Watkins Glen.
Best Wineries for Non-Drinkers
As you can see there are plenty of activities for non-drinkers to enjoy in Finger Lakes Wine Country. However, there are those circumstances when there is a non-drinker at a winery or wine tasting. That person could be pregnant and open to enjoying the adventure without imbibing. Sober or simply the designated driver, the following wineries have non-alcoholic options that make it worth the visit for non-drinkers.
Swedish Hill Winery in Romulus on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail makes two grape juices. The Concord Grape juice is thick, sweet, tart and similar to Welch’s. Their Diamond Grape Juice is sweet but a bit drier than the red.
Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery is in Lodi on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Founded in 1979 by Bill Wagner, this winery was the first on the east side of Seneca Lake. Wagner has been winning awards for their estate-grown Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc wines ever since.
They have a winery and brewery along with a restaurant with a stunning lakeside view. You’ll find smooth and creamy root beer on the brewery end of Wagner. While the winery produces a Blush Grape Juice that is sweet and a tad dry.
The Three Brothers Wineries and Estates located in Geneva includes three different wineries, a cafe, and the War Horse microbrewery on site. The walls of the War Horse are adorned with photos and memorabilia of friends and families who serve in the military. Here you will find four different Iron Heart Craft Soda flavors; Root Beer, Orange Cream, Black Cherry, Lemon Lime, and Orange Cream Soda
Keuka Lake is known as the “Crooked Lake” because it’s in the shape of a letter “Y”. At Finger Lakes Beer Company in Hammondsport you can try M&W Root Beer which has a distinct taste, it’s not as sweet as others on this list.
You’ll also find Heron Hill Winery in Hammondsport on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Where you can enjoy their Heron Hill Concord Grape Juice which is mixed with a touch of NY apple cider.
World Class Wine
The Keuka Lake Wine Trail highlights family-owned and operated wineries that have been a part of the Finger Lakes Wine Country community for generations. Its location, weather patterns, and glacially-deposited soils make Keuka Lake an ideal climate and place for grape cultivation and award-winning winemaking.
There are six member wineries on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, so visiting all of them is easy to do in a weekend.
The Keuka Lake Wine Trail hosts three Signature Trail Events each year featuring immersive wine and food experiences. Enjoy a unique, specially-prepared experience at each of the member wineries along Keuka Lake. You’ll have a custom itinerary and you’ll be treated to special tastings, wine samples, and light food pairings featuring items curated by a local chef.
Driving around Keuka Lake takes about an hour, not including stops, making it easy to plan a perfect day of exploring the breathtaking views along the way.
Crooked Lake
While all the other Finger Lakes are long and narrow, Keuka Lake is uniquely shaped like a “Y”, lending to its “Crooked Lake” nickname.
Keuka Lake flows into Seneca Lake through the Keuka Lake Outlet, which starts in the small town of Penn Yan. The outlet has more than seven miles of scenic trails, perfect for cycling, running, or leisurely walks. What makes Keuka Lake even more unique is that it is the only lake in the United States that flows both north and south in direction.
Towns of Keuka Lake
In addition to all the breathtaking scenic views, wineries, and other fun stops, are the quaint towns along the lake.
The southern tip of Keuka Lake is home to the Village of Hammondsport – once named The Coolest Small Town in America – where you can find several dining options as well as a beautiful town square and views of the lake. Hammondsport is also home to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum where you can learn about the “Father of Aviation” and “The Fastest Man on Earth.”
Hammondsport is also a great stop for a bite to eat or to do a little shopping. A trip around Keuka isn’t complete without stopping into Browsers or The Cinnamon Stick, both great for souvenir shopping. Local dining favorites are The Park Inn and Burgers and Beer of Hammondsport for something on the casual, yet equally delicious side.
The Northeastern tip of Keuka Lake is home to the beautiful Village of Penn Yan where you’ll enjoy nostalgic diners, great shops, and taverns along their historic 19th century Main Street. A short drive out of town you will find plenty of food, produce, and handicrafts options, from roadside farm stands and markets, to the popular Windmill Farm & Craft Market, open Saturdays, from April through mid-December.
When in Penn Yan, check out Oak Hill Bulk Foods and the Oak Leaf Café for a quick breakfast of lunch. Another coffee and breakfast spot not-to-be-missed is Amity Coffee Company. This train car turned diner serves locally-roasted coffee, amazing biscuits and gravy, and many other from-scratch favorites. In the mood for dessert? Stop into Seneca Farms for a scoop of their homemade ice cream (A tip from a local: Seneca Farms also has delicious fried chicken! Just don’t forget to save room for an ice cream cone.)
Lake Activities
There is no shortage of lake activities to enjoy at Keuka Lake. Take in the water fun by renting kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and boats. Because of its shallow nature, Keuka is one of the warmer water lakes in the region.
Keuka Lake is a haven for fishing, with waters full of yellow perch, bass, and lake trout. Renting boats along the lake is popular and many restaurants located along the lake have docks for boaters to pull up to from the water, tie up, and dine in. Some of the dining options accessible by boat and land are The Switzerland Inn (better known to locals as “The Switz”), not only serves a good selection of casual dishes, but also offers a stunning sunset view from their outdoor deck. The Waterfront, closer to Hammondsport, also serves dockside and their Clammin’ and Jammin’, hosted every Sunday on their dock serves up freshly steamed clams, live music, and plenty of sunshine.
There are several beaches for swimming, including the shores at Keuka Lake State Park in Penn Yan and Champlin Beach in Hammondsport.
Something Every Season
Keuka Lake is much more than just a summer destination, offering seasonal events and activities all year long from fall harvest and special holiday events, to special winter and spring events making it an ideal getaway no matter what time of year.
A selection of the wineries located around the Keuka Lake Wine Trail are open daily throughout the year for wine tasting and you can enjoy special events.
These accommodations are great home bases to stay for easy access to enjoy all the beauty and attractions throughout Finger Lakes Wine Country.
We’ve created guides for almost every type of traveler; Ice Cream Lover’s, Glampers, Cheese Enthusiasts, The Sober Curious, and now, the Art Lovers Guide. Finger Lakes Wine Country offers plenty of opportunities to captivate your creativity at art museums, and galleries. In classes and workshops and at art festivals and events. Often you’ll find local art displayed at wineries and breweries. Many local shops and small businesses feature locally-crafted items in their gift shops.
This guide is ideal for art lovers and DIYers, and most of these activities are great options for a rainy day. Use the suggestion below to build the perfect itinerary for your group. Then pack your bags and don’t forget to bring a padded wine bag or two, and prepare for a fantastic trip in Finger Lakes Wine Country!
Flameworking at The Corning Museum of Glass
Where to Stay
Are you wondering where to stay? These accommodations have an artsy angle that you’ll love.
Belva Lockwood Inn
Belva Lockwood Inn
In the Village of Owego, New York you’ll find the Belva Lockwood Inn. This charming adults-only historic hotel is steeped in history and luxury. Belva Lockwood is the local 19th-century heroine who fought for equal rights from the age of 14. You’ll find striking artwork of her all over her beautifully restored home, which is now a B&B.
Belhurst Castle
The Belhurst Castle in Geneva, New York is a living piece of art and was named a World’s Best Wine Hotel by Wine Enthusiast. The historic rooms in the 1800s castle hotel are perfect for relaxing after an artful weekend. Ask for a room with a soaking tub, a fireplace, and a view of Seneca Lake.
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
At the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, in Watkins Glen, New York guests are Many of the spacious guest rooms and suites have panoramic lake views and balconies. Guests have access to an indoor swimming pool and hot tub and a fully-equipped fitness center where they’ll find an art gallery for car lovers.
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is the area’s only AAA Four Diamond property and is within walking distance of Watkins Glen State Park, the most famous State Park in the region. It’s home to 19 waterfalls and 9 great walking trails.
Art Organizations
Tioga Arts Council
Tioga Arts Council (TAC) is on a mission to enrich the cultural lives of Tioga County residents and visitors by initiating and facilitating creative opportunities and collaborations. From galleries to workshops and concerts in the park. For over forty years TAC has provided a central platform for a creative community and is a great starting point to explore the past, present, and future of Tioga Country.
Community Arts of Elmira
Located on the Elmira Creative Corridor, the Community Arts of Elmira is more than a community center, it’s a center for creative expression. Connect with the history and community of Elmira through events, workshops, satellite galleries, and educational classes as well as with the public art program Elmira Infinite Canvas. Community Arts of Elmira is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the National Park Service Network to Freedom Underground Railroad.
An example of the Elmira Infinite Canvas on the downtown Elmira parking garage
171 Cedar Arts Center
For more than five decades, 171 Cedar Arts Center has been the artistic and cultural hub for the greater Corning area. Enriching lives by providing accessible arts education, collaborative outreach programming, free exhibitions of regional artists, and live performances. Here you’ll find representation of music, dance, theater, culinary arts, ceramics, visual arts, and more!
The Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes
The Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes supports regional artists, making the Southern Finger Lakes an arts haven filled with talented and creative people, inspiring a vibrant and accessible multi-county arts scene. This regional organization empowers artists and encourages arts advocacy, fosters creativity and economic vitality, creates diverse connections and collaborations, and champions innovation and equity within the arts to cultivate a dynamic community.
Arts Center of Yates County
The Arts Center of Yates County is a nonprofit community arts center with a mission to enrich the lives of Yates County residents, artists, and visitors by providing opportunities to actively participate in the arts. The Arts Center includes the Flick Gallery, the Rosenfeld Studio upstairs—where the bulk of the Center’s workshops are held—and Sunny Point, a seasonal facility on the east side of Keuka Lake that includes housing for visiting instructors and artist residencies, a studio barn for workshops and events, and a lakeside pottery studio.
The gallery at the Arts Center of Yates County
Museums
Arnot Art Museum
Located in Elmira, New York in a historic Greek-Revival mansion from 1833, is the Arnot Art Museum. Founded by local banker Matthais Hallenback Arnot who gifted the museum to the city of Elmira. The museum houses a permanent collection of 17th-19th century European paintings, 20th-century American art, and contemporary art from the 21st century. In addition to the permanent and original art collection, you can also experience their temporary exhibitions featuring artwork from all over the world.
Arnot Art Museum
The Rockwell Museum
The Rockwell Museum is an official Smithsonian Affiliate, the first in the state of New York outside of New York City. Here you’ll find a mix of contemporary Native American art from landscape paintings to bronze sculptures to modernist pieces that represent the people, land, and ideas that shaped America through the work of American artists housed in a 19th-century historic Old City Hall building.
Visit The Rockwell Museum Store and take home some incredible artisan-made pieces. Including artful USA-made, Native-made, and fair-trade products. The pieces in the Museum Store reflect the art on the walls. With one-of-a-kind turquoise, silver, and precious stone jewelry, artisan-made pottery, and sculptures by award-winning artists.
Corning Museum of Glass
Dive into over 3,500 years of glass-making history at the Corning Museum of Glass. Explore the history, art, and science behind glass through the museum’s collection of nearly 50,000 objects related to glass. Enjoy live narrated glass-making demonstrations, or try your hand at making your own glass in the Innovation Center. A typical museum visit requires 3 to 4 hours but could easily be longer.
After visiting the museum, stop in The Shops at The Corning Museum of Glass to see the beautiful original works of art by more than 200 emerging and established artists. From jewelry and accessories to home decor, the Shops’ selection of 15,000 items offers a piece at every price point.
Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Those who consider motorcycles, bicycles, boats, and aircraft art, must visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, New York. Here, you’ll experience a priceless collection of artifacts and learn the history of the “Father of Naval Aviation,” and the “Fastest Man on Earth,” local legend Glenn H. Curtiss.
Art Galleries
If you want to take some art home visit one of these art galleries.
West End Gallery
On Market Street in Corning, New York you’ll find the West End Gallery. For over 40 years this family-owned and operated gallery has featured a diverse selection of fine art created by more than 50 exceptional professional artists, primarily residing in the beautiful Finger Lakes region!
West End Gallery
Aroma Coffee Art Gallery
At Aroma Coffee Art Gallery in Hammondsport, New York their vision is to create an environment to feed the mind, body, and soul. This art gallery accomplishes this by serving breakfast, lunch, and early dinner to guests six days a week.
Sommerville Pottery
If you’re looking for hand-made pottery head to Sommerville Pottery in Pulteney, New York. From bowls and plates to lamps and toothbrush holders, you’ll find pieces that are both beautiful and practical. Classes in pottery can also be arranged. With more than 25 years of experience, pieces from Sommerville Pottery are designed, hand-thrown, glazed, and fired in their studio on the West side of Keuka Lake.
Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar
Upon entering Carol’s Coffee and Art Bar in Owego, New York a few things are apparent, they love food, they love coffee and they love art! Every month you can be inspired and discover new local talent as they update the gallery. You’ll even be able to see some of Carol’s personal work.
Do It Yourself
We’ve mentioned the pottery-making classes at Sommerville Pottery and glass-making workshops at Corning Museum of Glass. If getting your hands dirty sounds like a good time, here are a few more DIY classes and workshops to choose from.
Hands-On Glass Studio
Corning, New York is known as x so it should come as no surprise that Corning has lots of glassy places to visit, shop, and create custom glass art. At the Hands-On Glass Studio, your girl gang can experience glass-blowing creating keepsake ornaments and paperweights.
KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab
Get crafty at the KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab, an interactive family studio just around the corner from The Rockwell Museum. All activities at the Art Lab are inspired by the art and themes of The Rockwell Museum!
KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab, a hands-on, family-friendly extension of The Rockwell Museum
Vitrix Hot Glass Studio
If you’d rather shop, visit the Vitrix Hot Glass Studio located in the historic Hawkes Crystal building. Unlike many studios, you’re invited to watch these artists at work. Then head to the gallery and shop for items like vases, ornaments, and perfume bottles.
Pop & Paint
For over a decade Pop & Paint has offered a special space where creative types. From wooden signs and décor to more, this mobile paint studio offers public and private paint parties for all ages on-site or at Ill Eagle Taphouse in Elmira, New York.
Art Festivals & Events
Elmira Street Painting Festival
The Elmira Street Painting Festival is a family fun festival hosted by Elmira Downtown Development every July to celebrate the rich local arts community. Stroll through our historic downtown and masterpieces evolving right before your eyes as artists take to the streets with chalk in hand. Local and regional artists use the pavement as a canvas to transform downtown Elmira streets. The streets become a living art gallery.
Browse the fine regional crafts and artwork of numerous vendors. Sample the varied tastes of local restaurants, step into a pop-up gallery, move to the rhythm of live music. Personal squares are also available for those who are interested in creating a masterpiece.
There’s also a Kid’s Kanvas area where aspiring young artists can be creative. In addition, there will be face-painting, ice cream, popcorn, and many other kid’s activities for them to enjoy. Come for the day or the weekend!
Elmira Street Painting Festival
Keuka Art Festival
The Keuka Arts Festival is a fine art and skilled craft show held annually on the second weekend in June, in Penn Yan, New York. The mission is to foster community in the Keuka Lake area and promote the nurturing and financial support of the local Arts. By presenting an event of high quality, original artwork, and entertainment for the enjoyment of Keuka Lake area residents and visitors.
Palettes of Keuka
Since 2007 Palettes of Keuka (PKAT) scholarship has celebrated the beauty of Keuka Lake through the talented work of local artists. This Chamber-funded event raises funds to donate to a student of Hammondsport High School who is pursuing art education.
Visit Two Museums & Save
Visitor
Daily Admission at Rockwell
Daily Admission @ Corning Museum Of Glass
Combination Ticket Admission
Adults; 18 to 61
$12
$22
$30.30
Adults; 62+
$11
$18.70
$28.15
AAA and Military*
$11
$18.70
$28.15
College students with ID
$6
$17
$28.15
Local Residents with ID**
$6
$11
$16
Kids & Teens under 17
FREE
FREE
FREE
Drawing inspiration from Peter’s family’s time-honored winemaking traditions and Ashlee’s deep-rooted connection to the region, Weis Vineyards produces exquisitely handcrafted wines that showcase the exceptional terroir of the Finger Lakes. With meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality, each bottle is crafted to be savored by all who seek a truly remarkable wine experience. Discover why we were named New York State’s Winery of the Year in 2022 and 2024!
As one of the best wine regions in the nation, there’s an unlimited amount of fun activities to enjoy in Finger Lakes Wine Country.
That’s why we’re focusing on the ones that won’t break the bank. This list of free things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country includes activities for the entire family and is a great starting point for visitors and residents building an itinerary.
What Can You Do For Free in FLWC?
Go For a Hike
The Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum in Elmira, New York offers free access to over 10 miles of hiking trails, exhibits, and programs on environmental education. It houses over 40 live animals, both native and exotic. Tanglewood Nature Center is committed to local preservation efforts. The trails here offer hiking year-round and winter activities including cross-country skiing which allow you to experience the natural beauty of the Chemung Valley.
The Keuka Outlet Trail starts in the small town of Penn Yan and has more than seven miles of scenic trails, perfect for cycling, running, or leisurely walks. Along the way you’ll find Seneca Mills Falls and the Cascade Mills Falls In the winter snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are very popular here.
For scenic, wooded hiking trails head to Italy Hill State Forest in Branchport, New York, or trek along an abandoned railroad path from Montour Falls to Horseheads on the Catharine Valley Trail. The Finger Lakes National Forest in Hector, New York has over 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands. It’s the only National Forest in New York State and is another great location for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing during the winter.
Stroll through one of our charming Small Towns
Finger Lakes Wine Country has many charming small towns to visit during your trip. You’ll find antique centers and vintage stores everywhere, which is great for window shoppers, vintage lovers, and collectors. Be sure to read some of our guides to a few of our featured small towns, including Corning, Owego, Hammondsport, Watkins Glen, Penn Yan, and Elmira.
Go Bird Watching
Our natural landscapes are a haven for wildlife and natural habitats, including great bird-watching opportunities. In the spring, birders can find great blue heron, sandhill crane, osprey, snow geese, wild turkeys, many species of songbirds, and even bald eagles.
Finger Lakes Wine Country boasts some of the best farmland in the state, so finding the freshest produce of the season, handicrafts, baked goods, local ingredients, pantry items, and seasonings is easy to do at a local Farmers Market.
From season markets to year-round farm stores here you’ll find something for every season. For over 35 years Windmill Farm & Craft Market in Penn Yan, New York has been offering food, produce, and handicrafts on Saturdays, from April through mid-December. With over 200 vendors Windmill Farm & Craft Market is the largest of the farmers markets in Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Go For a Drive
One of the best ways to see the sweeping views the region is famous for is a scenic drive. The most well-known scenic drive in Finger Lakes Wine Country is the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway running along the east side of Seneca Lake. You’ll be passing wineries, cideries, distilleries, breweries, restaurants, and farms. Most of which are great places to catch one of our stunning Finger Lakes sunsets overlooking Seneca Lake. Learn more about our local scenic drives.
Take a Dip
During the warmer months of summer, the best way to cool off is to enjoy a day at the lake swimming, paddling, or kayaking. There are several beaches for swimming in the region, including Champlin Beach in Hammondsport, New York, and the shores at Keuka Lake State Park in Penn Yan. Along with hiking trails and picnic areas, there is no shortage of lake activities to enjoy at Keuka Lake State Park. Keuka Lake is one of the warmer water lakes in the region.
Clute Memorial Park in Watkins Glen has a scenic swimming beach on Seneca Lake. Seneca Lake is not only the largest of the Finger Lakes it’s also the deepest lake within New York State.
Chase Waterfalls
Visiting the region’s iconic waterfalls is a quintessential part of the Finger Lakes Wine Country experience. Our region has a reputation for having over 50 waterfalls which are a visual delight waiting to be explored. Walking through Watkins Glen State Park you can enjoy an enchanting hike through the two-mile Gorge Trail, which boasts 19 cascading waterfalls.
With over 120 wineries in Finger Lakes Wine Country, how do you choose which ones to visit? What should you be prepared for when visiting a winery? What should you expect and plan for during a day of wine tasting? And when is the best time to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country?
How Do You Get Around? While wine tasting, a designated driver is a must. If you decide to taste wine and get behind the wheel, be sure to spit the wine out into the dump buckets that are provided at each winery. Another great option is hiring a transportation company for a worry-free day.
Which Wineries Should I Visit? With so many to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for you? First, plan on visiting just two to three wineries in any given day. Plan for time to become familiar with the wines and enjoy your tasting. Many wineries have great gift shops and cafes to explore. And make sure to allow time for travel between wineries. In order to decide what wineries you want to visit, a little research is necessary. Do you like whites or reds? Sweet or dry? Are you interested in fruit wine or ice wine? With so many options, it can become overwhelming, but rest assured, the information is out there for you to familiarize yourself with. Start by going through our list of wineries in the region. Decide which region you want to visit or variety you’d like to taste and you’ll have your wine tasting itinerary in no time!
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit? Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York is a year-round destination. During the summer and fall, the wineries are the busiest, as this is peak travel season but is also a great time of year in the Finger Lakes. However, during the off-season of winter and spring, your wine tasting experience is likely to be more personal and comfortable. It is these months of the year when you are likely to speak with the owners and winemakers themselves in the tasting room. Each season has its perks. Be sure to take into consideration what you would like to do during your visit outside of wine tasting: boating and swimming? Leaf peeping and harvest festivals? Skiing and snowshoeing? Considering all of the Finger Lakes activities available should give you a great idea of when is right for your visit to Finger Lakes Wine Country.
When are the Wineries Open? In the summer and fall most of the wineries in the Finger Lakes are open seven days a week. During late/fall early winter and spring it is important that you confirm each winery’s hours as some have more limited tasting room hours, especially during the week. It is most common for wineries to open 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and close around 5:00 p.m. each day, including Sunday. Again in the summer, some wineries extend their hours to accommodate the increased number of visitors.
Do I need to make a reservation? In most cases, yes. It’s best to visit the winery’s website or give them a call to see if they require or suggest reservations. Most wineries offer seated tasting experiences with a flight of wine and some offer snacks or small bites to enjoy with your wine. Some wineries will do their best to accommodate walk-in visitors, but to ensure you have a spot, reservations are your best option. If you’re traveling in a group of six or more, reservations are almost always required.
Don’t Forget Lunch Before your day of wine tasting, be sure to have a full breakfast. This will not only give you the energy you need to make it through the day, it will make wine tasting easier and more enjoyable. For lunch, many of the wineries have areas for picnicking that offer breathtaking views of the lakes and countryside. Pick up some sandwiches at a café or deli in town and select a bottle of wine to enjoy while taking in the surrounding beauty of the Finger Lakes. There are also many wineries with restaurants and local restaurants in town to choose from. Check out great restaurants in our region.
Hydrate! This may seem like a given, but it is so important to drink plenty of water while touring the wineries or any of our wonderful craft beverage establishments. We promise you’ll have more fun if you feel better and hydration is key to ensuring you feel your best.
Where Should I Stay? Finger Lakes Wine Country offers a variety of lodging options to suit every person and budget. From luxury hotels to campgrounds, there really is something for everyone. Accommodations can be researched ahead of time in our accommodation database. Options include:
Experience the Essence of Wine with the Seven S’s of Wine Tasting
SEE the wine: the color, the clarity, and intensity.
SWIRL the glass to release the aromas.
SMELL the wine. This begins your tasting experience; discover the qualities and aromas of the wine like spicy, nutty, fruity, floral, or anything else you can use to describe what you are experiencing. There is not right or wrong answer.
SIP the wine. Take a small amount of the wine in your mouth along with a small bit of air, almost slurping the wine in – this will aerate the wine further releasing more aromas onto your palate.
SAVOR the wine. Swish the wine around, hitting every part of your mouth.
SPIT/SWALLOW the wine. It is perfectly acceptable to utilize the spit buckets, especially when you are driving from winery to winery.
SCORE the wine. Create your own scoring system and take notes. This reflects your personal experience of the wine, keep a wine journal that you can take with you to the gift shop after your tasting or to the wine store at home in the future to make your purchasing choice easy.
