Yates Archives | Page 2 of 3 | Finger Lakes Wine Country

Finger Lakes Wine Country is an all-season getaway, we even like to say that there are five seasons of fun here. Winter is easily one of the most underrated seasons to visit the region and one of the quietest, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Here are just a few of the incredible outdoor activities to enjoy in Finger Lakes Wine Country in the winter.

Snowshoe Rentals

A fun adventurous activity fit for the whole family in winter is snowshoeing on the trails at Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum in Elmira. The trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk, however if you don’t have your own snowshoes or crampons you can rent snowshoes for both children and adults from Tanglewood Nature Center during their hours of operation.

Visitors typically spend anywhere from one to three hours exploring the trails and there are trail options for beginners to advanced snowshoe enthusiasts. Please call ahead of your visit as their seasonal hours are different and the facilities are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Snowmobile & Cross Country Ski Trails

Two favorite wintertime sports to enjoy after a fresh dumping of snow is snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The Keuka Outlet Trail offers seven miles bordering the Keuka Outlet stretching between Keuka and Seneca Lakes from Penn Yan to Dresden, NY.

Along the trail, for both winter activities you will be rewarded with the serene nature surroundings as well as gorgeous views of Seneca Mills Falls.

Be sure to visit our small town guide to Penn Yan for before or after your winter adventures where you can grab a bite to eat, shop, or grab a cup of hot coffee to warm you up.

Maple Syrup

Another end of winter time favorite to enjoy in the region is tasting a bit of nature’s candy during maple syrup season! Many of our region’s farms and orchards produce pure maple syrup and you can not only sample this season’s tasty syrup, but also bring it back home to your kitchen.

Be sure to call ahead any of the farms or markets in advance to ensure they are open during your visit, many have special seasonal hours.

Check out some of our farmer’s markets that are open year-round like Parluski’s Farms in Bath, Engelbert Farms in Nichols, Stewart’s Family Farm in Hornell, Chamberlain Acres Farmer’s Market in Elmira, Painted Post Farmers Market in Painted Post, Oak Hill Bulk Foods in Penn Yan, Apple Barrel Orchards in Penn Yan, Thyme Stands Still Farm Stand in Burdett, and Oak & Osage Farm in Hammondsport to name a few.

Winter Wines

Winter in Wine Country is one of the most exciting times to enjoy some of our award winning wines from our region. While enjoying a tasting at one of our wineries requires a little planning ahead as some tasting rooms are only open seasonally and those that do have wine tasting available often have a different schedule for the slower, winter months.

We advise to call ahead to any wineries you plan on visiting before your visit to ensure they are open during that time/day.

You can still enjoy some of our wines without visiting our cellars and wineries by picking up bottles at the winery retail shops or any of our local wine retailers who are open year round.

During the winter months, you may want to enjoy some of our specialty wines from the colder months including ice wines which are a type of dessert wine which are known for being sweeter produced from grapes that have been frozen still on the vine.

Another wintertime favorite for drinking are fortified wines like Sherry or Ports known for their higher alcohol content. Winemakers add a neutral grape spirit, like brandy, to the wine which is where you get the elevated alcohol content from and is often consumed in the colder months.

There’s also something so nice about a good red wine on a cold winter day or night which our region has a great selection of red wines.

Winter Horseback Riding

Just outside one of Watkins Glen you can enjoy winter horseback riding at Painted Bar Stables who offers horseback riding experiences year round by appointment only.

Bundle up and saddle up for a wintery horseback riding adventure.

Visit our small town guide for Watkins Glen for more ideas nearby before or after your winter horseback riding adventure.

Winter Camping

Not for the faint of heart, but another adventurous winter activity in the region for those who love the chilly wilderness is primitive backcountry camping in Italy Hill State Forest in Branchport off of Keuka Lake.

This style of camping offers no amenities and are for the serious outdoor enthusiasts who like to camp with everything on your back and the winter backdrop and crisp cool air make for an unforgettable experience. Anyone participating in primitive camping in the area must follow these guidelines from New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation.

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.

Outlet 111 owner Natalie Travis with the Mermaid Glitter Mocktail

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.

The Pinewood Derby featuring non-alcoholic bourbon at Quincy Exchange in Corning, New York

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.

Low-ish alcohol 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. (Read our Sober Curious Travel Guide here.)

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.

Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Penn Yan is located on the north end of the east branch of Y-shaped Keuka Lake, one of the premier locations for exploring the region’s best wine along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. The family-owned member wineries of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail are dedicated to producing wines of the highest quality and making your visit to our area truly enjoyable and memorable. Before visiting the wineries, call ahead when traveling with larger groups, and though many of the wineries are dog-friendly, it is best to confirm before your visit.

Don’t have much time to visit different wineries but want to taste what wine country has to offer? Visit Once Finger Lakes, a wine bar and tasting room serving some of the region’s best wine selections.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Hike, bike, or run the Keuka Outlet Trail, a 6.8-mile route along a portion of the Keuka Outlet that runs between Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake. Along the way, you’ll discover two beautiful waterfalls, the Seneca Mill Falls and the Cascade Mills Falls, near the Visitor’s Center. Rent a bike or kayak right from the outlet trail at Shoreline Rental.

Apple Barrel Orchards offers season-picking options such as cherries, blueberries, and apples when in season. Enjoy the orchard views at their newly opened cidery, serving hard cider straight from the farm and other local cideries.

Take in Some Local History

Located in the heart of Penn Yan’s Main Street, the former home of the Oliver family, it showcases artifacts from different periods of local history. The collection comprises over 50,000 pieces from the mid-18th century, from the Oliver Family’s items to exhibits from the local Historical Society.

Finger Lakes Rail Riders is the only rail bike company in the country that offers a rolling narrative about the history of the surrounding area and the beautiful Finger Lakes region.

The Village

The quaint and beautiful Village of Penn Yan, named after its early Pennsylvania and Yankee settlers, is where you can find independently- and locally- -owned cafés, shops, restaurants, and taverns along Main Street’s historic early 19th-century buildings. Grab a coffee and bite at Amity Coffee, or gather at Angel’s Family Restaurant. Another popular diner, Penn Yan Diner, experienced a fire recently, but visitors will soon enjoy a food truck while they continue the restoration. There is no shortage of spots to enjoy a meal and drink. Some places to check out are 18th Amendment, which offers a more upscale yet still welcoming cocktail and dining experience. Keuka Restaurant, Parker’s Grill, Casa Mezcal, Union Block, and Main Deck, which offer drinks and food with Keuka Lake views/ Outlet 111 is perfect for cocktails and bites with views of the Keuka Outlet.

Shop at the various antique stores on Main St., or pick out a special gift made by local artisans at Staving Artist Woodwork and the Potter’s Gallery.

Have a sweet tooth? Do not miss the Keuka Candy Emporium! And pick up some freshly baked goods at Blue Heron Bakery!

Other must-visit locations off the main street are Folk Bottle for a beautiful selection of wine from the region and beyond, Seneca Farms (note: they have seasonal hours and are closed late fall and winter) for some of the best friend chicken and frozen custard around, and Indian Pines Market (also with seasonal hours and closed in the winter) for some seasonal fares, produce, and other goods. Oak Hill Foods is a great shop for those looking for bulk foods, breakfast…and donuts!

Rest your head at the nearby Laurentide Inn, a historic residence and carriage house that now serves as a bed and breakfast, brewery, and restaurant.

The Windmill Farm & Craft Market

Over 175 indoor and outdoor shops sell hand-crafted items, great local food, and farm-fresh produce. Sample fresh foods and baked goods, purchase products you can take home with you, or enjoy fresh-made meals while you explore all that the Windmill Farm & Craft Market has to offer.

Celebrating over 30 years of exceptional vacation memories along the Finger Lakes, where timeless moments meet unmatched comfort and beauty.

Winter Outdoor Activities Guide

A Finger Lakes Wine Country Travel Guide

County: Yates