Finger Lakes Wine: Complete Guide to Wine Country, Tours, Tastings & the Wine Festival

The Finger Lakes wine region in upstate New York has emerged as one of America’s premier wine destinations, producing world-class Rieslings that rival their German counterparts and an impressive array of other varietals. From the celebrated Finger Lakes Wine Festival to scenic wine trails winding around glacial lakes, this region offers unforgettable experiences for wine enthusiasts of all levels.

Whether you’re planning your first visit to Finger Lakes wine country, looking for the best wine tours, or wanting to bring the Finger Lakes experience home through wine club subscriptions, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about exploring and enjoying this remarkable wine region.

Finger Lakes Wine Festival: The Region’s Signature Event

The Finger Lakes Wine Festival stands as the region’s premier wine celebration, attracting thousands of visitors annually to experience the best of Finger Lakes wine culture.

Finger Lakes Wine Festival 2025

The Finger Lakes Wine Festival 2025 continues the tradition of showcasing the region’s finest wines, local cuisine, and live entertainment. This multi-day event typically takes place in July at Watkins Glen State Park, offering breathtaking views alongside exceptional wine tastings.

What to Expect at the Festival:

• Tastings from 80+ Finger Lakes wineries
• Live music and entertainment across multiple stages
• Local food vendors featuring regional specialties
• Wine education seminars and winemaker talks
• Artisan crafts and local products
• Stunning gorge views at Watkins Glen State Park

Finger Lakes Wine Festival 2025 Tickets

Tickets for the Finger Lakes Wine Festival 2025 typically go on sale in early spring. Prices vary by day and admission type:

• General Admission: Usually $35-45 per day (includes tasting glass and unlimited tastings)
• Weekend Passes: Available for multi-day attendance at discounted rates
• VIP Options: Premium experiences with exclusive access and special tastings
• Designated Driver Tickets: Reduced admission for non-drinkers

Pro Tip: Purchase tickets early for best pricing and to guarantee admission, as the festival often sells out on peak days.

Finger Lakes Wine Festival Schedule & Dates

The Finger Lakes Wine Festival 2025 dates are typically announced in early spring. The festival traditionally runs for two weekends in July, offering multiple opportunities to attend. Check official festival websites for the exact schedule, as dates can vary year to year.

Festival hours usually run from late morning through early evening, with live entertainment scheduled throughout the day.

Finger Lakes Wine Country: Understanding the Region

Finger Lakes wine country encompasses the area surrounding 11 glacial lakes in central and western New York, with the three largest—Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, and Keuka Lake—serving as the heart of wine production.

What Makes Finger Lakes Wine Special

Cool Climate Excellence: The Finger Lakes’ northern latitude and lake-effect moderation create ideal conditions for aromatic white wines, particularly Riesling. The region’s Rieslings have earned international acclaim, winning competitions against renowned German producers.

Diverse Wine Styles: While Riesling reigns supreme, Finger Lakes wineries produce exceptional Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and hybrid varieties. The region is also famous for Finger Lakes ice wine, a luxurious dessert wine made from grapes frozen on the vine.

Unique Terroir: Deep glacial lakes moderate temperatures, extending the growing season and protecting vines from extreme cold. The lakes’ unique topography creates microclimates that allow for diverse grape growing across the region.

The Finger Lakes Wine Region Geography

The Finger Lakes wine region stretches across several counties in upstate New York, centered approximately 4-5 hours northwest of New York City and about 1.5 hours from Rochester or Syracuse.

Major Wine Areas:

• Seneca Lake Wine Trail: The largest concentration of wineries, with over 35 wineries along Seneca Lake
• Cayuga Lake Wine Trail: Over 15 wineries surrounding the longest Finger Lake
• Keuka Lake Wine Trail: Y-shaped lake known as the “Cradle of the Wine Industry”
• Canandaigua Wine Trail: Western gateway to Finger Lakes wine country

Finger Lakes Wine Tours: Exploring Wine Country

Finger Lakes wine tours provide the perfect way to experience multiple wineries without worrying about transportation. With over 100 wineries spread across the region, organized tours ensure you make the most of your visit.

Types of Finger Lakes Wine Tours

Finger Lakes Wine Tour Bus: Full-day guided bus tours visit 3-5 wineries, providing transportation, expert guides, and sometimes lunch. These tours typically run $75-125 per person and handle all logistics, making them ideal for groups and first-time visitors.

Wine Tours Finger Lakes Private Options: Customizable private tours accommodate 2-8 people, allowing you to choose specific wineries and set your own pace. Private tours offer flexibility and personalized attention, though at higher price points ($200-400+ depending on group size).

Finger Lakes Wine Train: Scenic train journeys through wine country combine rail travel with winery visits, offering unique perspectives of the region’s beauty while enjoying wine tastings.

Self-Guided Tours: Using Finger Lakes wine trail maps, create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace. This option offers maximum flexibility but requires a designated driver.

Finger Lakes Wine Tour Packages

Many operators offer Finger Lakes wine tour packages that bundle transportation, tastings, accommodations, and meals. Weekend packages typically include:

• 2-3 nights lodging at wine country bed and breakfasts or hotels
• Guided winery tours and tastings
• Meals at region restaurants
• Transportation throughout your stay

These all-inclusive packages remove planning stress and ensure a seamless wine country experience.

Finger Lakes Wine Tour Transportation

Transportation is crucial for safe Finger Lakes wine touring. Options include:

• Commercial Tour Companies: Handle everything from pickup to drop-off
• Limo Services: Luxury transportation for special occasions
• Hired Drivers: Driver services that use your vehicle
• Designated Driver: If touring independently, always designate a sober driver

Finger Lakes Wine Trail: Self-Guided Exploration

The Finger Lakes wine trail system consists of several organized routes around different lakes, each offering passport programs and special events.

Finger Lakes Wine Trail Map

A Finger Lakes wine trail map is essential for planning your route. Each lake’s wine trail organization provides detailed maps showing:

• Winery locations and hours
• Tasting room amenities
• Food availability
• Special features (tours, events, views)
• Distances between wineries

Download maps from individual trail websites before your visit, or pick up printed versions at your first winery stop.

Planning Your Wine Trail Visit

How Many Wineries: Plan to visit 3-4 wineries per day maximum. Rushing through more diminishes the experience and leads to palate fatigue.

Start Times: Begin early (10-11 AM) to make the most of daylight and tasting room hours.

Reservations: While many wineries accept walk-ins, increasingly popular venues require reservations, especially on weekends.

Tasting Fees: Most Finger Lakes wineries charge $5-15 for tastings, often waived with purchase.

Best Finger Lakes Wineries to Visit

With over 100 wineries, choosing where to visit can be overwhelming. Here are categories to help guide your selections:

For Riesling Lovers

Finger Lakes Rieslings range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Look for wineries specializing in this signature varietal, often indicated by Riesling-focused tasting flights and vineyard designate bottlings.

For Scenic Views

Many Finger Lakes wineries offer stunning lake views and picturesque vineyard settings. Lakeside wineries provide perfect backdrops for photos and relaxation.

For Wine Education

Some wineries excel at education, offering detailed tours, winemaker talks, and informative tasting experiences that deepen your wine knowledge.

For Food Pairing

Wineries with restaurants or extensive food programs allow you to experience how Finger Lakes wines complement regional cuisine.

For Ice Wine

Finger Lakes ice wine represents one of the region’s most unique products. Several wineries specialize in this labor-intensive dessert wine, harvesting frozen grapes in winter months.

Finger Lakes Wine Tasting: What to Expect

Finger Lakes wine tasting experiences vary from casual bar tastings to formal seated experiences with winemaker interaction.

Typical Tasting Format

• Choose from standard flights (usually 5-6 wines) or create custom selections
• Progress from whites to reds, dry to sweet
• Receive tasting notes and information about each wine
• Ask questions about winemaking, vineyards, and the region
• Purchase wines you enjoy, often with club member discounts available

Finger Lakes Wine Tasting Etiquette

• Pace yourself—you don’t need to finish every pour
• Use provided dump buckets when needed
• Ask questions—staff are passionate about sharing knowledge
• Purchase wine if you enjoy it—tasting fees support small wineries
• Tip your server ($5-10 for good service)
• Book reservations in advance during peak season

Accommodations in Finger Lakes Wine Country

Bed and Breakfast Finger Lakes Wine Country

Staying at a bed and breakfast in Finger Lakes wine country enhances your experience with:

• Convenient locations near wine trails
• Personalized recommendations from knowledgeable hosts
• Gourmet breakfasts featuring local ingredients
• Charming accommodations in historic properties
• Often, evening wine and cheese receptions

Many bed and breakfasts partner with local wineries, offering package deals and insider access.

Hotels and Resorts

Finger Lakes wine country hotels range from budget chains to upscale resorts. Several hotels offer wine country packages including tasting passes, transportation, and vineyard experiences.

Bring Finger Lakes Wine Home: Wine Club Subscriptions

While visiting Finger Lakes wine country is unforgettable, most wine lovers can’t travel to upstate New York regularly. This is where wine club subscriptions become invaluable for continuing your Finger Lakes wine journey.

Why Wine Clubs Complement Finger Lakes Experiences

Continue Your Discovery: Just like exploring the Finger Lakes wine trail introduces you to new wines, wine clubs deliver curated monthly selections that keep your palate engaged and learning between visits.

Access Similar Wine Styles: Love Finger Lakes Riesling? Wine clubs specializing in cool-climate whites, German-style wines, or aromatic varietals bring similar quality and styles to your home.

Educational Value: Quality wine clubs provide detailed tasting notes and winemaker stories—bringing the educational aspect of Finger Lakes wine tours to your living room.

Cost Effective: When you factor in Finger Lakes wine tour costs, transportation, accommodations, and tasting fees, wine clubs often deliver better value for discovering quality wines regularly.

Year-Round Enjoyment: Finger Lakes winters make visiting challenging. Wine clubs ensure you’re enjoying excellent wines regardless of season or weather.

Best Wine Clubs for Finger Lakes Wine Lovers

Based on our testing of 100+ wine subscription services, here are our top recommendations for those who love Finger Lakes wine:

California Wine Club – Perfect for those who loved learning winery stories during Finger Lakes wine tours. Get authentic wines from small, family-owned wineries with the same detailed backstories you enjoyed in tasting rooms. Read our California Wine Club review

Firstleaf Wine Club – Ideal if you’re exploring wine styles and learning your preferences. Their algorithm learns what you like (similar to discovering your preferences touring Finger Lakes wine trails) and introduces you to new discoveries. Read our Firstleaf Wine Club review

Naked Wines – Support independent winemakers (just like supporting small Finger Lakes producers) while getting exceptional quality at transparent prices. Their winemaker videos recreate the personal connection you experience in Finger Lakes tasting rooms. Read our Naked Wines review

Plonk Wine Club – For adventurous tasters who appreciate unique wines discovered at boutique Finger Lakes wineries. Get rare, small-production bottles including cool-climate whites similar to Finger Lakes styles. Read our Plonk Wine Club review

Browse all our wine club reviews to find the perfect subscription matching your Finger Lakes wine preferences.

Finger Lakes Wine and Spirits Beyond Wine

While wine dominates the Finger Lakes beverage scene, the region also produces exceptional craft spirits. Several Finger Lakes wine and spirits producers operate distilleries alongside their wineries, crafting:

• Grape-based brandies and grappas
• Vodka and gin from local grains
• Fruit liqueurs using regional produce
• Whiskeys showcasing New York grains

Some wine tours include distillery stops, offering a broader taste of Finger Lakes craft beverage culture.

Finger Lakes Ice Wine: A Winter Specialty

Finger Lakes ice wine represents one of the region’s most prestigious products. This concentrated dessert wine is produced by:

• Leaving grapes on vines through first hard freeze (usually December-January)
• Harvesting frozen grapes at night when temperatures drop below 17°F
• Pressing frozen grapes to extract intensely concentrated juice
• Fermenting slowly to preserve delicate flavors

Ice wine from Finger Lakes rivals Canadian productions, offering honeyed sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity. Visit in winter to witness ice wine harvest or attend special ice wine tastings at participating wineries.

Finger Lakes Wine Map: Navigation Resources

A good Finger Lakes wine map is essential for planning your visit. Resources include:

• Official Trail Maps: Each lake’s wine trail organization provides detailed maps
• Mobile Apps: Digital maps with GPS navigation to wineries
• Printed Guides: Available at visitor centers and most wineries
• Online Interactive Maps: Plan routes and read winery descriptions before visiting

Download maps before arriving, as cell service can be spotty in rural wine country areas.

Finger Lakes Wine Competition

The annual Finger Lakes Wine Competition showcases the region’s best wines, with medals awarded across numerous categories. This juried competition helps identify exceptional producers and outstanding vintages.

Competition results guide wine selection—look for medal stickers on bottles during tastings. Many wineries proudly display their awards and offer special tastings of award-winning wines.

Tips for Visiting Finger Lakes Wine Country

Transportation Safety

Never Drive Impaired: Use wine tours, hire drivers, or designate a sober driver. New York enforces strict DUI laws.

Dress Appropriately

Wine country touring often involves outdoor walking. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers for changing conditions.

Stay Hydrated and Eat

Drink water between tastings and eat throughout the day. Many wineries offer food, or pack picnic supplies.

Make Reservations

Increasingly, popular Finger Lakes wineries require reservations, especially weekends during peak season. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Ask Questions

Finger Lakes winery staff are passionate and knowledgeable. Don’t hesitate to ask about winemaking, vineyards, or the region.

Join Wine Clubs

If you love a winery, consider joining their wine club for exclusive access, discounts, and regular shipments of your favorite Finger Lakes wines.

From Finger Lakes Wine Tours to Wine Club Membership

Many wine enthusiasts follow this natural progression:

1. Visit Finger Lakes: Experience wine country through tours, tastings, and the wine festival
2. Discover Preferences: Identify wine styles, producers, and regions you love
3. Join Local Clubs: Subscribe to favorite Finger Lakes winery clubs for regular shipments
4. Add National Clubs: Supplement with broader wine clubs for diverse discovery
5. Host Tastings: Share wines with friends, recreating Finger Lakes experiences at home
6. Return to Visit: Plan return trips to Finger Lakes wine country with deeper knowledge

This cycle deepens wine appreciation while maintaining connection to the Finger Lakes region you love.

Start Your Finger Lakes Wine Journey

Whether you’re planning your first Finger Lakes Wine Festival visit, booking wine tours for a weekend getaway, or looking for wine clubs to bring Finger Lakes-style wines home, this guide provides the foundation for exceptional wine experiences.

Ready to explore?

• Planning a Visit: Use this guide to plan wine tours, festival attendance, and winery visits
• Exploring the Wine Trail: Download maps and create your custom Finger Lakes wine trail itinerary
• Continuing at Home: Browse our wine club reviews to find subscriptions delivering quality wines between Finger Lakes visits
• Learning More: Check our New York wine tasting guide for additional NY wine regions

The Finger Lakes wine region offers some of America’s finest wine experiences—from world-class Rieslings to stunning lake views, from educational wine tours to festive celebrations. And with the right wine club subscriptions, you can enjoy exceptional wines inspired by Finger Lakes quality and style year-round, right from home.

Start your Finger Lakes wine adventure today—whether it’s booking festival tickets, planning wine tours, or finding the perfect wine club to bring these experiences home.