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As the vines heavy with fruit signal harvest in the Finger Lakes, the hills around Seneca, Keuka, and Cayuga start to transition into the autumn colors. Fall is the perfect time to sip crisp Rieslings, take in vineyard views, and celebrate the season with festivals, dinners, and foliage-filled drives.

Top Sips to Savor

Travel Tips

Book tastings early: Harvest weekends fill up fast—advance planning is your friend.

Dress in layers: Chilly lakeside mornings give way to mild afternoons—layering ensures comfort from sunrise to sunset.

Consider safe transport or tours, especially during busy weekends; walking between steep and dispersed vineyards isn’t ideal. See our recommendations for Wine Tour Companies and Drivers

Use Guided Wino tools: Interactive Finger Lakes Winery Map to make planning you fall wine adventure a breeze.

Fall Events

Finger Lakes Hot Air Balloon & Music Festival at Castel Grisch Winery | September 12-14: Ascend into a memorable hot-air balloon experience at the Watkins Glen Balloon Fest—with sunrise and sunset launches, live music, local food and wine, artisan vendors, and the option of tethered or full-flight rides.

Saparavi Social at Knapp Winery | September 13 - Sample Saparavi wines from different wineries across the Finger Lakes. Also offering helicopter ride tours of their vineyard estate!

CAYUGA LEAF LIMITED, a seasonal rail excursion September 19 - October 19 - The Cayuga Leaf Limited offers a nostalgic 90-minute rail journey along Cayuga Lake, pairing peak fall foliage views with vintage train charm, local catering, and onboard libations.

Fall Fest at 3 Brothers Winery | September 27: Food, Drinks, Music and Fun, including a Steinholding Competition and Mechanical Bull Rides.

Naples Grape Festival | September 27-28: Classic fall fun with grape pies, crafts, and lively entertainment.

Hunt Club Vineyards Annual Harvest Festival | October 4: Sip beer and wines, savor burgers, enjoy live music, trolly tours through the vineyard and grape stomping at this lively harvest celebration.

Falls Harvest Festival in Montour Falls | October 4: Family-friendly with live music and autumn crafts. With stunning waterfall views of She-Qua-Ga Falls.

Harvest Fest at Hosmer Winery | October 11: Experience the Harvest Festival with live music, savory barbecue, regional tastings, and festive drinks in a welcoming, pet-friendly atmosphere.

Use Guided Wino tools: Finger Lakes Seasonal Guide to plan your visit around your favorite events.

New York Wine Travel Guide

As the Finger Lakes enter their most vibrant season, harvest offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the region at its finest. From world-class Rieslings to vineyard vistas framed by autumn foliage, each moment reflects the richness of this unique terroir. We invite you to plan your harvest journey and discover the beauty and flavors that define fall in the Finger Lakes.

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