Local Wineries Worth a Visit

One of the most renowned wine regions in America, the Finger Lakes’ climate and elevation is particularly well suited to German-style wines, imbued with their own particular terroir. There’s arguably no better way to spend an afternoon exploring the picturesque local vineyards, many of which offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding foliage. Here’s a few of our favorite places for a tasting, all just a short drive from The Lake House. 

Heron Hill Winery

Started by John and Jo Ingles in 1971, this family-run winery on Keuka Lake opened a stunning new facility in 2000, in addition to a separate, charming tasting room right on our own Canandaigua Lake . Their tasting room has been lauded by Travel & Leisure and lends an almost European feel to a few hours spent sampling their signature Rieslings, Gewurztraminers, and Pinot Noirs over a great conversation with friends. 

Our So Long Summer Package includes a tasting at Heron Hill Winery. Learn More

Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars

Sustainability and green practices are the backbone of this beloved winery, which was founded on longtime family farmland in 1985. Water conservation and reduced reliance on pesticides are just a few of the ways they’re innovating. Cozy up in their ample outdoor seating at the tasting room in Naples, NY, and sip a glass of their Cabernet Franc while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.                           

Arbor Hill Grapery  

This quaint vineyard perched at the Southern tip of Canandaigua Lake, just past Naples, is housed in historic 1800s and early 1900s buildings, making it an especially charming stop during a day of wine tastings. The family-run vineyard specializes in niche grapes like Vergennes, a crisp, semi-dry white, and Traminette, an ancient Alsatian hybrid that packs a bit of a spicy punch. 

Casa Larga Vineyards & Winery

One of the prettiest vineyards in the area, this sprawling property near Rochester hosts extensive tours among the vines and is home to events like a September grape stomping festival, holiday marketplace, and a number of food events (keep an eye out for their signature food truck). Though they produce a number of varietals, keep an eye out for the authentic German-style ice wine, a dessert wine with a devoted following.     

Inspire Moore  

One of the region’s most exciting young wineries, Inspire Moore was founded in 2007 with a focus on Riesling and Syrah. They combine an Austrian and German approach to wines like Gruner Veltiner and Blaufrankisch, and a Californian take on juicy local reads, with a focus on sustainability overall. Stop by the tasting room in the heart of Naples, or plan ahead for one of their culinary events hosted right in the heart of the vineyard.