Though Upstate New York is known for its atrocious, essentially unbearable winters, nothing beats the area during the summer. Spending the day visiting some of the best Seneca Lake Wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is just one relaxing way to remind visitors of that fact.
The beautiful countrysides are the perfect escape, along with the many amazing lakes, restaurants, and wineries that all come to life once the weather warms up.
But wait, what is the Seneca Lake Wine Trail?
For those of you who don’t know, Finger Lakes Wine Country is actually home to three different wine trails, with over 100 wineries.
It is also home to some of the best wineries in NY.
Each wine trail runs along one of three stunning lakes: Keuka, Cayuga, and of course Seneca Lake.
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail was formed in 1986, and is the largest and most active wine trail in New York State.
There’s over 35 wineries on Seneca Lake Wine Trail alone, along with two breweries and a meadery!
Related: The 12 Most Unique Things to Do in Saratoga Springs, NY
There’s so much to do here, whether you just want to drink all the vino OR you’re more about the arts and culture.
It’s funny…having grown up and been living in New York for my entire life, I never fully appreciated the area until I got older.
I highly recommend being a tourist in your own hometown/state.
There’s so many things you might miss out on if you don’t do the research and get out there!
Without further ado though, let’s get into the top five best Seneca Lake Wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
5 Best Wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail (+ Where to Find the Seneca Lake Wine Trail Map)
Three Brothers Winery
Okay, if you’re only going to do one winery on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, let it be Three Brothers.
First off, this winery/estate is HUGE. I definitely don’t like crowded spaces, so it’s nice that there’s tons of space to walk the grounds and sit outside here.
Three Brothers also makes the *best* wine slushee. I’m seriously considering going back just for that!
Anthony Road Wine Company
Anthony Road Wine Company was the first of the Seneca Lake Wineries we toured, and it was great.
It was surprisingly uncrowded compared to some of the other stops, which I absolutely loved!
I don’t want to wait in line for a half hour just for a tasting, so this place was fantastic.
The grounds are also beautiful, with a little garden you can walk through and enjoy too.
Fox Run Vineyards
All you need to do is step in the door at Fox Run Vineyards, and you’ll be immediately ravenous.
The cafe smells delicious, and I definitely need to make a second trip back here to try the food.
Unfortunately this winery was packed when we went, so we didn’t end up doing a tasting.
That being said, it’s probably one of the cutest, most photogenic spots on this list, so I’ll definitely be coming here again.
Related: The 10 BEST Things to Do in Lake Placid (Adirondack Mountains)
Ventosa Vineyards
In addition to Fox Run Winery, Ventosa Vineyards is also on my list of places I need to revisit.
This winery has a wonderful balcony outside where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine — and the views are amazing!
I think I’d rather come here for a quick bite to eat and drink out on the balcony rather than a tasting next time, so I can really enjoy all this place has to offer.
Zugibe Vineyards
Zugibe Vinewards is the one place on this list that we unfortunately didn’t make it to during this trip!
That being said, it’s in close proximity to the other vineyards mentioned, and I’ve heard some really great things about their wines.
Let me know if you’ve been here before or end up trying this one, and whether it’s worth the hype!
Seneca Lake Wine Tours
Looking for the full Seneca Lake Wine Trail experience?
Consider taking one of the Seneca Lake wine tours below:
- Winter, Wine & Lunch Tour (from $135) – Tour that focuses on three wineries on the eastern shores of Seneca Lake, along with a unique lunch experience.
- Vine, Wine & Dine on East Seneca Lake (from $149) – Most popular of the Seneca Lake wine tours, focusing on four wineries on the eastern shores of Seneca Lake. Includes a unique tasting and lunch experience.
- The Fine Wines of Southwest Seneca (from $165) – Seneca Lake Wine Trail tour focusing on wineries on the southwest shore of Seneca Lake.
- The Fine Wines of Northwest Seneca (from $165) – Seneca Lake Wine Trail tour focusing on wineries on the northwest shore of Seneca Lake (includes Anthony Road Wine Company & Fox Run Vineyards, as well as a lunch at Belhurst Castle!).
- SWaB (Spirits, Wine, & Beer) Along Seneca Lake (from $149) – Seven-hour tour visiting a distillery, winery, and brewery.
- SWaB (Spitis, Wine, & Beer) Lite (from $115) – Five-hour version of the classic SWaB Along Seneca Lake tour.
- Vinifera Wines of the Seneca Lake Banana Belt (from $115) – Tour that explores the southeast shore of Seneca Lake also known as the “Banana Belt” due to the region’s extraordinary microclimate.
Want to know more about the Seneca Lake Wine Trail? Visit the Seneca Lake Wine Trail site and download the Seneca Wine Trail Map to start planning your trip!
Have you explored the Seneca Lake Wine Trail? What do you think are the best Finger Lakes wineries?
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