Seneca Lake Wine & Tasting Tour
Who doesn’t love a wine tour? Better yet, a wine tour located in the center of the Finger Lakes. Seneca Lake is home to the Seneca Lake Wine Tour which hosts a wide variety of wineries located in the Seneca Lake American Viticultural Area (AVA). These wineries pump out some of the best cool climate wines with Riesling being its best-known varietals. But, don’t look down on the Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a variety of sparkling wines. The expansive Seneca Lake AVA covers 320 square miles, so somewhere along the way, you’re sure to find your new favorite glass of wine!
Every winery along the vast trail is dedicated to making exceptional tasting wines that are “Grown Here. Made Here.”
Tasting Along the Trail
The Seneca Lake AVA covers 320 square miles, so you’re bound to find your next favorite glass somewhere along the extensive trail. 28 wineries take part in this tasting adventure, with more than 600 varieties of wine offered among the members. This region stands out for its Reisling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, sparkling wines and ice wines. You can find French-American and Native-American varietals within these wineries as well. All wineries apart of the Seneca Lake AVA take pride in their homegrown grapes that give each wine its unique characteristics.
Check out the comprehensive list of wineries to plan your tasting trip. Most wineries are open daily with hours varying. Many require no reservations for tasting with walk-ins welcome, but of course this depends on each winery.
Idol Ridge Winery boasts a traditional tasting of their wines and Alder Creek spirits, with homemade fudge, local bites, and gifts available in their tasting room. Castel Grisch Winery has a maximum group size of 6 people per tasting and offers both flight-style tastings and guided tastings led by staff. Stop by Glenora Wine Cellars if you want to try one of their Sparkling Sunday mimosa flights or try out a Chocolate & Wine Tasting. Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards features tastings around their iconic horseshoe bar led by a wine guide.
These are only some of the experiences available when you take part in the Seneca Lake Wine Tasting Tour. With nearly 30 wineries to choose from, there is a place fit for every party – an intimate couple’s tasting or a large celebration.
Travel Packages for the Wine Tours
The Weekday Wine Package is offered by the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Book a weekday stay at the hotel, checking in Sunday through Thursday, and take advantage of a VIP Tasting Pass valid Monday – Friday for complimentary tastings for two at 18 different Seneca Lake Wine Trail wineries.
One-day Excursions include transportation, reservations, and a planned itinerary around the wine trail. For 5 – 6 hours, groups of 2-6 people can be driven around Seneca Lake and try out a variety of wineries.
Take Amtrak to the Seneca Lake Wine & Tasting Trail
Visit nearly 30 incredible wineries via Amtrak to Syracuse Station. The wine trail is about an hour from the station. Seneca Lake Wine also offers a comprehensive transportation guide, with a list of car services that go to and from the wineries.
