The Finger Lakes — Wine Country

By Bob Lipinski

The Finger Lakes, located 350 miles northwest of New York City, are named after the 11 narrow lakes formed by Ice Age glaciers. Wineries cluster around four main lakes with Native American names such as Canandaigua (“The Chosen Spot”), Keuka (“Canoe Landing” or “Crooked Lake”), Seneca (“Place of Stones”), and Cayuga (“Boat Landing”).

The clear, deep waters keep this region’s climate temperate, and plentiful shale beds help drain the soil. The slow-warming lakes retard spring growth, protecting it against the danger of frost, keeping the grapevines warmer on chilly autumn nights.

The Finger Lakes have been the center of the New York wine industry since the Civil War. However, grape-growing and wine production in the region dates back to 1829 when Reverend William Bostwick planted the first vineyards in his rectory garden in Hammondsport, at the southern tip of Keuka Lake.

On March 15, 1860, the Great Western Winery, which began operating in Hammondsport as the Pleasant Valley Wine Company (changing to its present name in 1871), is the oldest winery in the region and became U.S. Bonded Winery No. 1.

The Finger Lakes viticultural area was established in 1982 and is the second largest grape-growing (Lake Erie is the first) area in the State, with 10,000 acres of labrusca, French-American and vinifera grapes. The region is home to over 140 wineries (2025); the majority are concentrated around the central lakes (specifically Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga) with the latter two also recognized as separate AVAs (2003 and 1988).

A wide range of wines are produced in the Finger Lakes region, such as Albariño, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cayuga White, Chardonnay, Dornfelder, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Lemberger, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Syrah, Vidal, Vignoles, Zweigelt, and some superb sparkling wines.

Alongside countless wineries, the region offers more than 75 breweries and brewpubs, plus numerous distilleries serving craft spirits, tastings, and vibrant cocktails. You’ll find everything from laid-back eateries to exceptional restaurants, as well as picnic spots and scenic hiking trails. No trip would be complete without exploring the acclaimed Corning Museum of Glass.

Some recommended wineries to visit are Boundary Breaks Vineyard, Bully Hill Vineyards, Damiani Wine Cellars, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Element Winery, Forge Cellars, Fox Run Vineyards, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, Heron Hill Winery, McGregor Winery, Ravines Wine Cellars, and Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery. Before you visit a winery, call or email in advance for availability.

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com.