During my recent trip to the Finger Lakes wine region, I had the privilege of spending several days in Corning, a charming town with easy access to the best Finger Lakes wineries.
I love Corning for its early Americana—a canal was dug here in 1830 to connect the village to the Erie Canal—its history of glass manufacturing, art museums and the vibrant local food and beverage scene. But Corning, with its small-town feel, is also the perfect base camp for exploring the best Finger Lakes wineries.
I worked closely with winemakers, wine writers and top food purveyors to ensure I experienced the best of what Finger Lakes offers. Including the best wines Finger Lakes! After spending many days exploring the area across multiple trips over the years, I’m delighted to share my guide to the best Finger Lakes wineries.
Whether you are new to wine tasting or an old pro, Corning is a perfect jumping-off spot for exploring Finger Lakes wineries and learning about their unique terroir. But why trust me as your guide?
Journeying Through the Best Finger Lakes Wines: My Insider’s Experience
From my first encounter at TBEX 2018 to a deep dive during a 2020 Zoom tasting with winemakers, my exploration of Finger Lakes wines has spanned years. I returned recently for the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) conference, where I uncovered the latest standout wineries. Each experience confirmed the region’s unique terroir, quality wines and incredible value.
In this blog post, I’ll share what I think are the best Finger Lakes wines and wineries based on both my personal taste and the many awards these wineries have collected over the years. I’ll also talk about the locals who grow and make wine in this cold-climate region and pass on to you their Finger Lakes tips.
What is the best Finger Lake for wineries?
Although there are eleven Finger Lakes, only three are truly renowned for their wineries:
- Keuka Lake,
- Seneca Lake and
- Cayuga Lake.
Let’s dive into the best Finger Lakes wineries by exploring what each of these three regions offers. Where else on earth can you sip world-class wines overlooking pristine blue lakes?
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Table of Contents
9 Best Finger Lakes Wineries Near Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake is northwest of Corning, NY, and is one of the world’s only Y-shaped lakes. The glacial-formed lake helps moderate temperatures for premier grape growing, while the steep-sloped vineyards offer fantastic lake views.
Most wine grape growers in these parts have planted their vineyards on Keuka Lake’s southwestern hills to take advantage of the deep lake’s moderating effect that subdues temperatures and hopefully lengthens the growing season in New York’s cold climate.
Location: 9749 Middle Rd
Hammondsport, NY 14840
Phone: (800) 320-0735
Website: drfrankwines.com
1.) Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Google the best Finger Lakes wineries, and you’ll invariably get Dr Frank Winery Finger Lakes on top of the list.
Okay, I know the winery’s correct name is Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, but that might be too challenging to spell! The pioneer winery has been making Finger Lakes wines since the 1950s. Grab my interview with 4th-generation winemaker Meaghan Frank.
However, if the Dr. Frank winery is the bedazzling diamond on the finger of this region, whose five longest lakes resemble a hand, over 130 other Finger Lakes wineries are embedded with their own gems. You don’t want to miss the best of those, so let’s continue…
Keuka Location: 14630 State Route 54
Hammondsport, NY 14840
Phone: (607) 292-7007
Geneva Location: 400 Barracks Rd
Geneva, NY 14456
Phone: (315) 781-7007
Website: ravineswine.com
2.) Ravines Wine Cellars on Keuka Lake
Owner (with his wife Lisa) and winemaker Morten Hallgren was raised in France’s Provence region, where his Danish family owned and operated Domaine de Castel Roubine vineyards. But even then, he spent his first harvest in Bordeaux — at Chateau Cos d’Estournel, in the Medóc region. He earned an advanced degree in both enology and viticulture at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Agronomie in Montpellier, one of the world’s top winemaking schools.
Morten answers why on earth he would choose to plant his winery in Finger Lakes before we at the IFWTWA wine makers panel can ask the question. “We’re almost at the same latitude as San Tropez, France,” he states, adding that since cool wine regions in Europe—Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy—were getting attention, he saw the Finger Lakes as an opportunity to “offer a cool-climate wine to help shape and mold the wine region.”
Location: 13920 NY-54
Hammondsport, NY 14840
Phone: (607) 292-3920
Website: domaine-leseurre.com
3. Domaine LeSeurre Winery
Sébastien and Céline LeSeurre produce elegant wines with a French flair. Their tasting room on Keuka Lake’s east side offers a blend of Old and New World styles, with standouts like their unoaked Chardonnay, which was named “2014’s Best Chardonnay of the Finger Lakes” by Wine & Spirits Magazine.
Domaine LeSeurre Winery focuses on dry wines made from the distinct terroirs of the Southern Finger Lakes. Sébastien LeSeurre, a sixth-generation winemaker from Champagne, France. “It probably goes back further than that,” he reveals during our Zoom tasting. He and his wife, Céline, create wine using a French approach, bien sûr!
Domaine LeSeurre Winery is one of the best wineries in Finger Lakes NY to visit.
Location: 4021 Italy Hill Rd
Branchport, NY 14418
Phone: (800) 946-3289
Website: huntwines.com
4. Hunt Country Vineyards
I had the fortune of meeting founders Suzanne and Art Hunt and tasting their wine, 2023 Cayuga White, at the IFWTWA workshop in Corning. The low-alcohol white was crisp and dry making it one of my favorites as one of the best Finger Lakes wines.
The vineyard offers a variety of wine experiences, including tastings of their signature Rieslings and ice wines, along with live music events and workshops.
With a commitment to renewable energy and eco-friendly farming, Hunt Country provides not only excellent wines but also meaningful connections to the land. It’s a great destination for those seeking both quality wine and a peaceful, nature-filled setting.
Location: 8260 Pleasant Valley Rd
Hammondsport, NY 14840
Phone: (607) 569-6111
Website: pleasantvalleywine.com
5. Pleasant Valley Wine Co, One of the Best Wineries in Finger Lakes
No list of the best wineries in Finger Lakes NY would be complete without Pleasant Valley Wine Company, the oldest winery in the entire Finger Lakes region.
The winery was founded in 1860 before the French banned US winemakers from using the word ‘Champagne,’ a pourer told me at TBEX2018 in Corning. That’s when I tasted the refreshing NY bubbly and asked how it could be called Champagne.
Since then, the Finger Lakes winery, which is the first American winery to win awards for sparkling wine in Europe, has been on my bucket list. The National Register of Historic Places lists eight of the winery’s original stone buildings.
Location: 10014 Day Rd
Hammondsport, NY 14840
Phone: (607) 284-4011
Website: weisvineyards.com
6. Weis Vineyards Hammondsport
Weis Vineyards blends German winemaking tradition with Finger Lakes terroir. Enjoy their dry Riesling, which reflects the slate minerality of the region, in the historic tasting room.
“There’s a wonderful acidity and minerality for each vineyard due to the diversity of soils found around Finger Lakes. There’s a different flavor from the claycious soil,” says Hans Peter Weis of Weis Vineyards.
“Our Riesling grapes are grown in locations where the slate content is high and similar to my Grandfather Peter’s vineyards back home.” Peter, a native of Mosel, Germany, draws from his family’s Rhinelander winemaking traditions. Learn more about the minerality of the best Finger Lakes wines in the full Weis Vineyards Hammondsport interview.
Location: 8882 County Route 76
Hammondsport, NY 14840
Phone: (607) 868-4100
Website: klvineyards.com
7. Keuka Lake Vineyards
Keuka Lake Vineyards emphasizes sustainability, recently earning New York Sustainable Winegrowers certification. Known for its Falling Man Vineyard white, the winery offers a peaceful setting for tastings.
At the IFWTWA conference opening reception I met owner and Vineyard Manager Mel Goldman, who told me about his roundabout farming journey. The former Peace Corps worker first explored farming during college with a two-month stint on a vineyard in Israel focused on table grapes. He later gained hands-on experience working on a friend’s grain farm in Michigan and with small-scale farmers in Colombia, which shaped his passion for agriculture.
Location: 9301 County Route 76
Hammondsport, NY 14840
Phone: (607) 868-4241
Website: heronhill.com
8. Heron Hill Winery on Keuka Lake
“There’s so much success because of the group of people that help to find a better way,” relates Jordan Harris, COO and winemaker of Heron Hill Winery. “It’s about making wine that the world wants to drink right now.”
I want to be ‘drinking right now’ the Pinot Noir 2020 he shared with me at IFWTWA’s wine workshop, where California wine writers expressed their amazement at such a premier NY-produced Pinot Noir. Hear what my friend Dave Nershi, CSW of Vino-Sphere has to say.
Heron Hill offers award-winning wines with stunning views of Keuka Lake. Enjoy various tasting options, from casual wine sampling to food pairings. Relax on the patio for a memorable experience on your best Finger Lakes wines tour.
Location: 243 Route 54, E Lake Rd
Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 536-3147
Website: www.keukaspringwinery.com
9. Keuka Spring Vineyards
Keuka Spring Vineyards is a must-visit for its scenic views, award-winning wines, and welcoming atmosphere. Known for exceptional Rieslings and unique reds like Blaufränkisch, the vineyard offers tastings that highlight the diversity of Finger Lakes terroir. Visitors can enjoy picturesque picnic spots and seasonal events, making it an ideal destination for both wine enthusiasts and casual travelers. With a commitment to sustainability and excellence, Keuka Spring ensures every visit is memorable.
Keuka Spring Vineyards earned top honors at the 2023 New York Wine Classic when its 2021 Blaufränkisch/Lemberger was awarded Best Red Wine. The competition, evaluated by the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) in Chicago and sponsored by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, recognized the wine’s outstanding quality and craftsmanship.
5 Best Finger Lakes Wineries on Seneca Lake
Visiting Seneca Lake wineries offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and exceptional wines. The deep, glacial lake creates a unique microclimate, helping vineyards produce some of the region’s best Rieslings, Cabernet Francs, and sparkling wines.
Along with award-winning wines, many of the best Finger Lakes wineries feature picturesque lake views, intimate tasting experiences and events like food pairings or vineyard tours. Explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail with a driver and guide for a safe and fun tour.
Location: 670 State Rt. 14
Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: 315-536-4616
Website: klvineyards.com
1. Fox Run Vineyards
One of Fox Run’s missions is to make wine approachable for everyone. “There’s a barrier to wine for some of my friends,” Garrison Kuhl tells me at the IFWTWA wine workshop. I’m sipping their 2023 Unoaked Lemberger. He admits, “Sometimes we taste wine, and we’re not really sure what to say when we taste it.”
The winery marketing manager goes on to relate a story about pouring their gold-winning Lemberger for a friend. After tasting the light-bodied dry red, the drinker asked, “Is there Limburger cheese in it?”
“There’s no dumb questions when it comes to wine, but that was a tough one,” laughs Garrison. You can tour the vineyards overlooking Seneca Lake at Fox Run, one of the best Finger Lakes wineries.
Location: 1020 Anthony Rd
Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 536-2182
Website: anthonyroadwine.com
2. Anthony Road Wine Company
Peter Becraft worked as a sculptor in Manhattan when airliners hit the Twin Towers. “It made lots of us realize that life is too short. It was time to follow our passions,” shares the head winemaker at Anthony Road Wine. And so the sculptor followed his passions to Seneca Lake. “I don’t do sculpture anymore, but I do liquid art now,” smiles the winemaker.
“Much of our wines are from the Riesling. The grape is so versatile,” Peter tells our IFWTWA wine writers group. Visitors can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and learn firsthand from the knowledgeable team about their winemaking process. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a wine enthusiast, a visit to Anthony Road promises excellent wines and a memorable Finger Lakes experience.
Location: 3962 NY-14
Dundee, NY 14837
Phone: (607) 243-7971
Website: wiemer.com
3. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Founded in 1979, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard is a trailblazer in Finger Lakes winemaking, known for pioneering European viticulture practices in the region. On the western slopes of Seneca Lake, the vineyard produces highly acclaimed wines with estate-grown fruit that is hand-harvested and sorted.
By working in small lots, the winery crafts balanced, textured wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir.
Visiting Hermann J. Wiemer, one of the best Finger Lakes wineries, offers exceptional tastings and a chance to experience the art of winemaking up close in a picturesque lakeside setting.
Total Wine Delivers These Finger Lakes Wines to Your Home
Location: 1568 Porter Covert Rd
Lodi, NY 14860
Phone: (607) 474-5030
Website: boundarybreaks.com
4. Boundary Breaks
Boundary Breaks Winery, located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, is celebrated for its world-class Rieslings and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Known for crafting wines that emphasize purity and precision, the winery offers tastings featuring their signature dry Rieslings, reds, and ice wines.
With its scenic location, Boundary Breaks is the perfect place to relax, enjoy lake views and explore a curated selection of cool-climate wines. It’s a must-visit for those seeking the best Finger Lakes wines and an immersive experience.
Location: 3675 Tichenor Rd
Hector, NY 14841
Phone: (607) 546-4100
Website: rednewt.com
5. Red Newt Cellars
Tasting Red Newt Cellars’ Gewürztraminer at the IFWTWA opening reception was an absolute treat. Often, I find “the-girls-are-meaner” to be too sweet for my palate, but this one’s sweetness is beautifully balanced with vibrant acidity. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to explore the best Finger Lakes wines that truly capture the region’s unique character.
David Whiting, the founding winemaker and president, who filled my cup tells me that their tasting room offers a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful views of Seneca Lake. Their inviting and thoughtfully curated tasting experiences, wine dinners and lunches solidify Red Newt as one of the best Finger Lakes wineries.
Best Finger Lakes Wineries on Cayuga Lake
Wineries along Cayuga Lake offer a fantastic mix of beautiful scenery, quality wines and engaging experiences. Known as the first organized wine trail in the US, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail features award-winning Rieslings, Cabernet Francs and unique varietals like Grüner Veltliner.
Many of the best Finger Lakes wineries here emphasize sustainability, and you’ll find both boutique vineyards and larger estates. With lakeside tasting rooms, local food pairings and frequent events, visiting these wineries is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region while sampling some of its best Finger Lakes wines.
Location: 7448 County Rd 153
Ovid, NY 14521
Phone: (607) 532-9401
Website: sheldrakepoint.com
1. Sheldrake Point Winery
“The glory of the Finger Lakes is that if you plant close enough to the lake, the cold will not freeze the roots,” discloses Dave Breeden, Sheldrake Point Winery. “The warmth of the lake, which is very deep, keeps the area warmer. This is a [cold-climate] place where you shouldn’t be able to grow grapes.”
Sheldrake Point, set on a former dairy farm and orchard, offers a picturesque setting along the western shore of Cayuga Lake. The winery is known for producing award-winning wines, including Riesling, Cabernet Franc and ice wines. With vineyard tours, scenic views and a welcoming tasting room, Sheldrake Point provides an excellent opportunity to explore Finger Lakes wines in a relaxed and scenic environment.
Location: 2770 Ernsberger Rd
Romulus, NY 14541
Phone: (607) 930-3495
Website: knappwine.com
2. Knapp Winery
“Winemaking is a cross between art and science,” says Vanessa Hoffman during the wine panel at our IFWTWA conference. Vanessa, the head winemaker for Knapp Winery, has a degree in neurobiology. Knapp Winery has the bragging rights to Finger Lake’s only planting of Siegerrebe. A cousin of Gewürztraminer, it means “victory vines” in German, where it originates.
“It’s called Victory Vine” because it’s the first to cross the finish line, and that’s so true; it’s the first we harvest,” Vanessa reveals. “The large tight clusters of berries are a quick ripener.” Knapp Winery offers more than just great wine tastings—its on-site restaurant features live music and farm-to-table cuisine, enhancing the wine experience with fresh, local flavors.
Best Wine-tasting Experiences in Corning, NY
Although there are no actual Corning wineries, several Corning wine bars, tasting rooms and restaurants feature selections from the broader Finger Lakes region. Notable nearby tasting rooms include F.L.X. Provisions, which offers curated regional wines.
Location: 2 East Market Street
Corning, NY 14830
Phone: (607) 463-8801
Website: thequincyexchange.com
The Quincy Exchange in Historic Downtown Corning
I had the pleasure of enjoying wines from Element Winery at The Quincy Exchange, an elegant American bistro in downtown Corning. Founded by Master Sommelier and Chef Christopher Bates, both the bistro and winery share a focus on farm-to-table ingredients and small-batch wines that capture the region’s unique terroir.
The wine dinner I attended was unforgettable, with thoughtfully curated pairings that perfectly complemented the seasonal dishes.
BRUNCH: Saturday – Sunday, 11am-3pm
DINNER: Wednesday – Sunday, 5pm-8pm
Location: 2 E Market St
Corning, NY 14830
Phone: (607) 463-8801
Website: flxprovisions.com
F.L.X. Provisions: Element Winery’s Official Tasting Room
F.L.X. Provisions in Corning offers a delightful wine-tasting experience, showcasing wines, beers and spirits from the Finger Lakes region.
As the exclusive tasting room for Element Winery, it features curated tastings available by the glass, flight or bottle, along with an all-day menu of small plates, charcuterie boards, and tapas.
Located in the heart of Corning’s Gaffer District, it’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy local flavors, and explore some of the local favorites. With a casual yet curated vibe, it’s an ideal place to savor the best Finger Lakes wines without leaving Corning.
Map Your Trip to Corning and The Finger Lakes
Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes are located 100 miles south of Rochester, NY, and 250 miles northwest of New York City in western New York.
The towns in this region of the Finger Lakes are pure Americana, similar to the quintessential small American villages I discovered on my Erie Canal boat trip. Because of its proximity to the Southern Finger Lakes, Corning farmers and lumbermen shipped goods on a feeder canal that was part of the New York canal system in the 1850s.
Corning is named for the glass company that developed the community in 1868. Today the town and region are home to Corning Museum of Glass, affordable activities, first-rate culinary options and the gateway to the best Finger Lakes wineries.
If you’re planning on visiting Finger Lakes wine country, then be sure to check your dates for accommodations on the Finger Lakes map above.
We found many VRBOs in Corning and the surrounding Finger Lakes. I enjoyed my stay in historic Corning at the Radisson Hotel Corning during the IFWTWA conference.
How to Get to the Finger Lakes?
You can get to the Finger Lakes by car, plane or bus. Five airports serve the area:
- Elmira/Corning (ELM)
- Ithaca (ITH)
- Buffalo (BUF)
- Syracuse (SYR) and
- Rochester (ROC).
Interstate 86 goes by Corning at the region’s southern end, while I-90 crosses the northern part.
I recommend using Rome2Rio to plan how to get to the Finger Lakes. I love their up-to-date train and bus schedules.
RELATED: Five Things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country for the Outdoorsy
My Final Thoughts on Best Finger Lakes Wineries Near Corning
These sixteen are the best Finger Lakes wineries near Corning that are creating some of the best Finger Lakes wines according to my taste buds and the stack of awards and accolades they’ve accrued over the years.
The best wineries in Finger Lakes NY are listed in alphabetical order below. When you visit, you’ll find that Corning is a short drive from the best wineries in Finger Lakes.
If you’re more of a beer person, the Finger Lakes craft beer scene is also excellent.
The charming town offers comfortable accommodations and top-notch culinary selections. And for heaven’s sake, don’t miss the Corning Museum of Glass, a destination in its own right.
And there’s plenty of outdoor activity to satisfy all levels of interest in your traveling party.
RELATED: 5 Exciting Things to do in Finger Lakes Outdoors
FAQ Best Finger Lakes Wineries
What is the best time to visit the Finger Lakes wineries?
Late spring through fall is the best time to visit the Finger Lakes wineries, with peak season running from June through October. Harvest season in September and October is especially popular for vineyard views and events.
How many wineries should you visit in one day?
Most visitors find that visiting two to four wineries in a day is ideal. This allows time to enjoy tastings without feeling rushed and still explore the region.
Do you need reservations for Finger Lakes wineries?
Many of the best Finger Lakes wineries now recommend or require reservations, especially on weekends and during peak season. Booking ahead helps ensure availability and a more relaxed tasting experience.
Is the Finger Lakes good for a weekend trip?
Yes, the Finger Lakes is an excellent weekend destination. With the Finger Lakes outdoors scene, charming towns, and a strong food-and-wine scene, even a short stay feels rewarding.
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16 Best Wineries in Finger Lakes Near Corning NY
- Anthony Road Wine Company 1020 Anthony Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
- Boundary Breaks 1568 Porter Covert Rd, Lodi, NY 14860
- Domaine LeSeurre Winery 13920 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery 9749 Middle Rd, Hammondsport, NY
- Fox Run Vineyards 670 State Rt. 14, Penn Yan, NY 14527
- Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard 3962 NY-14, Dundee, NY 14837
- Heron Hill Winery on Keuka Lake 9301 County Route 76, Hammondsport, NY 14840
- Hunt Country Vineyards 4021 Italy Hill Rd, Branchport, NY 14418
- Keuka Lake Vineyards 8882 County Route 76, Hammondsport, NY 14840
- Keuka Spring Vineyards 243 Route 54, East Lake Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
- Knapp Winery 2770 Ernsberger Rd, Romulus, NY 14541
- Pleasant Valley Wine Company 8260 Pleasant Valley Rd, Hammondsport, NY
- Ravines Wine Cellars 14630 State Route 54, Hammondsport, NY
- Red Newt Cellars 3675 Tichenor Rd, Hector, NY 14841
- Sheldrake Point Winery 7448 County Rd 153, Ovid, NY 14521
- Weis Vineyards 10014 Day Rd., Hammondsport, NY
As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the Arizona travel writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Stacey earns a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of keeping this travel blog active.
Further, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for reading.
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4 thoughts on “Best Finger Lakes Wineries Near Corning You Need to Visit”
Wow, your Finger Lakes wine tasting experience sounds absolutely delightful! 😍 Dr. Frank Winery’s role in the Vinifera Revolution is truly remarkable, and I’m thrilled to hear about your visit there. 🍷 As you’ve explored the best wineries in the region, I’d love to know more about your top recommendations among the four you mentioned. Each winery must have its unique charm and flavors to offer. 🤔 Have you discovered any hidden gems or standout wines during your visits? Feel free to share your thoughts; I’m sure other wine enthusiasts would love to hear about your experiences too! 🥂✨
It’s safe to say that any wine I’ve tasted from the Finger Lakes wine region is stellar. I was blessed to taste more Finger Lakes New York wines at the most recent International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association conference in St Pete, FL. I can check my tasting notes from that event, but I know that I enjoyed each one presented!
What a great article! This is an indispensable guide for anyone traveling to the Finger Lakes. This listing includes so many of my favorites. I’m ready to pack the car and head back again!
I’m glad you enjoyed the article and that many of your favorite Finger Lakes wines are included here! Let us know when you’re headed back again, Stacey