7 Must-Visit Seneca Lake Wineries – Finger Lakes, NY

Home to more than 100 wineries and three wine trails, the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is a wine-lover’s paradise. Not only has the area blossomed into a world-class wine country, but it has managed to do so without compromising the visitor’s experience. Yeay! No pretentiousness, affordable tasting fees (most under $2/wine), relaxed atmosphere and passionate winemakers who will gladly spend hours chatting about their pride and joy. All the elements that make for a leisurely and memorable wine country experience…

The only challenge you’ll face is deciding which of the eleven “fingers” (aka lakes) to explore. For our first road trip to the region, my travel buddy and I headed to the largest of them all: Seneca Lake. Ah, deep water (approx 617 feet) and sloping hillsides — the kind of unique topography and geology to create the perfect microclimate for grape growing. High quality grapes = high quality wine, especially with the local winemakers at the helm. If you love wine, it’s time to pack your bags and explore Seneca Lake wineries. For some inspo, here are seven of my fave spots…

1. Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars – This family has been growing wine grapes on the shores of Seneca Lake for over three generations. Passionate about sustainable viticulture and cool-climate winemaking, they continue to set new standards while producing award-winning wines at the same time. Although Riesling is King in the Finger Lakes, there’s something to be said about their Chardonnay (the best I had in the region) and Cabernet Franc. My Pick: 2009 Brut. Made using the traditional methode champenoise, it’s a brilliant sparkling wine with lemon and peach on the palate.

2. Chateau LaFayette Reneau – Panoramic views of Seneca Lake, exceptional service and elegant wines. That’s what you’ll get at this gem of a winery. The 140 acre estate is positioned perfectly for optimal sun exposure to ripen grapes and help produce incredible, aromatic whites. Winemaker Tim Miller has won three, highly-acclaimed Governor’s Cup Awards for his Rieslings! I could spend hours at this winery chatting with the staff, sipping unique wines (don’t leave without trying the Concord Mist) and taking in the views. My Pick: 2014 Riesling Semi Dry. Bright acidity balanced with beautiful peach and apricot fruit.

3. Lakewood Vineyards – I couldn’t help but feel like we were entering a family home as soon as we stepped inside this winery — I lost track of how many dogs and friendly faces greeted us! Turns out my intuition was bang on: the Stamp family founded Lakewood Vineyards in 1988 after nearly 37 years of growing and selling grapes. These guys know their grapes (the vines may as well be considered extended family members) and – fortunately for us – this expertise and deeply-rooted love translates into consistent, high-quality wines. My Pick: 3Generations Riesling. The dry blend is made from their finest lots of Riesling.

4. Barnstormer Winery – Nestled inside a 170+ year old historic barn, the tasting room at this boutique winery is oozing with charm: it’s rustic, laid-back and cozy. The kind of place that makes you want to linger around for a little while longer than planned. That’s a good thing because the small batch winery only sells from their tasting room so you’ll want to give yourself a bit of time here. Although they focus on making dry, European whites and reds, it’s their ice wine and port that had my taste buds jumping for joy. My Pick: 2014 Riesling Ice Wine. Lovely flavours of candied apricots and honey. This is one of the best ice wines I’ve ever had. And that’s saying a lot given I’m from Ontario!

5. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard – This winery came highly recommended by friends and travellers alike when I asked for Finger Lakes wine recos before heading out on our road trip. And after tasting the wine I can understand why. These beautifully-crafted wines are expertly made. Every element in their composition is deliberate — the aromas, structure, build, balance… Fred Merwarth makes wines with purpose. And certainly some of the finest Riesling I’ve ever tasted. But don’t take my word for it: the winery has been recognized for the last five years as one of the world’s Top 100 Estates by Wine & Spirits Magazine. The Wine Spectator also listed them on the Top 100 Wines in the world in 2010. My Pick: 2014 Dry Riesling. It is confident, vibrant and aromatic. A wine with a distinct personality.

6. Red Tail Ridge Winery – I always ask local winemakers and staff about their fave wineries in the region. Virtually all of them pointed me to Red Tail Ridge. That’s because the husband and wife duo behind the boutique winery are producing some of the most unique wines in the Finger Lakes. It was my first time trying Teroldego and I fell in love at first sip. It’s a medium body red with lovely dark red fruit. Left to my own devices, I could drink bottles of this stuff. Winemaker Nancy Irelan also makes an incredible Blaufränkisch (a very approachable Austrian red also known as Lemberger by the Germans). My Pick: 2013 Blaufränkisch. It’s elegant yet rustic. Aged for 19 months in French and American oak, it has soft tannins, inviting aromas and dark cherries and blackberries on the palate.

7. Fox Run Vineyards – Overlooking one of the deepest parts of Seneca Lake. This vineyard produces a beautiful range of fine wines. Couple that with friendly, approachable and knowledgeable staff and you’re in for a fantastic tasting experience. The sun-soaked patio is the perfect setting to enjoy a glass or two of wine. Oh, and they’re committed to sustainable practices in both the vineyard and cellar to protect the Seneca Lake ecosystem. Woot! My Pick: Fine Old Tawny Port. The fortified wine is a blend of several varietals aged in barrels for 5-10 years. Think: complex aromas of dates, figs, dark chocolate and coffee. Yum!

I visited the Seneca Lake wineries listed above as part of a press trip to the Finger Lakes region in New York state. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own.