Self-Guided Finger Lakes Wine Tour - New YorK

In this four-part series on the Best Finger Lakes Dry Rosés on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, you’ll learn more about Dry Rosé and the techniques used in the Finger Lakes to make this highly desired wine. Explore the best areas to stay to experience tasting on all three Finger Lakes Wine Trails. Additionally, indulge in the best Finger Lakes restaurants in each region for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you are looking for something beyond just wine tasting, included optional stops along the way to sample beer, enjoy a waterfall view, hike, kayak, and more. Follow along for the four-day, self-guided Finger Lakes wine Tour of Dry Rosé.

SUMMARY OF WINERIES TO VISIT EACH DAY

Day 1 - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Point of the Bluff Vineyards | Keuka Springs Vineyards | Weis Vineyards | Domaine Leseurre Winery

Day 2 - West Side Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Anthony Road Wine Company | Kemmeter Wines | Red Tail Ridge Winery | Fox Run Vineyards | Billsboro Winery

Day 3- East Side Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Damiani Wine Cellars | Lamoreaux Landing | Atwater Estate Vineyard |Boundary Breaks Vineyard | Zugibe Vineyards

Optional Stops: Grounded Coffee Shop | Water Street Café | StoneCat Café |Scalehouse Brewing | Babe's Burgers at Lucky Hare Brewing

Day 4 - West Side Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Coming Soon

Buttons to Jump to Each Section

Day 3 - West Side of Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Finger Lakes Dry Rosé and Seneca Lake Sunsets

Day 3 - Finger Lakes Dry Rose Self Guided Winery Tour of Seneca Lake

Day 3 is dedicated to Finger Lakes dry rosé and Seneca Lake sunsets as you explore the eastern side of the Finger Lakes' Seneca Lake Wine Trail. This area offers stunning lake views from nearly every winery, accompanied by spectacular sunsets. Your Finger Lake wine self-guided wine tour offers three different Seneca Lake sunset options to conclude your day, depending on the day of the week. These wineries also have various food options during most of the weekly sunset celebrations so no need to go out for dinner after. Make sure to check each wineries calendar to ensure they are hosting an event the days you are visiting. Weekly sunset and music events can be found on these days.

Thursday: Zugibe Vineyards – Sunset and Music
Enjoy live music and sunset views on their scenic deck overlooking Seneca Lake. They also offer Mediterranean-style dishes and a variety of wines and canned options.

Thursday, Friday, or Saturday: Atwater Estate Vineyard - Sunset and Music
Known for their Dry Rosé of Cabernet Franc and Blaufränkisch, Atwater offers indoor and outdoor tasting options with sunset views, often accompanied by live music and food trucks during summer evenings.
Saturday: Boundary Breaks - Sunset and Music
Celebrated for their exceptional dry rosé and Riesling wines, Boundary Breaks provides a spacious tasting room and outdoor areas with a dog park, ideal for enjoying Saturday sunset celebrations with food vendors and music.
Sunday: Damiani Wine Cellars – Afternoon Live Music
Damiani offers a Bordeaux Blend style Rosé and live music on Sundays, providing both indoor and outdoor tasting options amidst stunning vineyard views.

Since visiting all wineries in one day is unlikely, adjust your itinerary to suit your preferences. Your starting point might vary based on your location, ensuring flexibility in this dry rosé and sunset tour.

Pro Tips

Bring a lawn chair or blanket for sunset viewing at wineries with outdoor seating.
Check each winery's calendar for event details and availability before planning your visit.

Breakfast Options in Geneva

Grounded Coffee Shop For a healthy and fast breakfast paired with great coffee, visit Grounded Coffee Shop in Geneva. Known for their pastries, avocado toast, and spinach artichoke quiche, this spot offers delicious options for a lighter start to your day.

61 Lake Street Plaza, Geneva, NY 14456 | (315) 325-2144

Water Street Café If you prefer a heartier, more traditional breakfast, Water Street Café is an excellent choice. This popular spot features both indoor and outdoor seating. Be prepared for potential wait times during busy hours, but the delicious fare is worth it.

467 Exchange Street, Geneva, NY 14456 | (315) 789-2560

If you are in a hurry, both offer online ordering and pick-up.

Damiani Wine Cellars – Bordeaux Blend Rosé Wine and Sunday Afternoon Music

Damiani Wine Cellars Dry Rosé with a Seneca Lake View - Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Damiani Wine Cellars is located within the Seneca Lake Banana Belt region, renowned for producing high-quality Finger Lakes wines, with their red wines standing out among some of the best in the region. A unique feature of this winery is their Bouquet Rosé, a blend of several different wines, unlike the typical rosés that use one or two varieties. This blend includes classic Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and sometimes Lemberger and Saperavi, all sourced from various vineyard sites on Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.

Damiani offers several tasting options, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. You can choose a Signature Tasting Flight, where an attendant will pour the wines and provide notes about the wines and vineyards. Alternatively, you can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle and opt for a self-guided wine tasting flight, perhaps outside with stunning views of Seneca Lake while playing bocce ball on their outdoor court.

For a more in-depth experience, you can choose a private tasting led by one of their wine educators, which includes library wines, vertical tastings, and a charcuterie board. Local cheese and charcuterie can also be purchased to accompany any tasting experience.

During the warmer months, Damiani hosts live music on Sundays, offering a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon with great wine and entertainment.

4704 Route 414, Burdett, NY 14818 | (607) 546-5557

To learn more about the Seneca Lake Banana Belt Read: Journey into Finger Lakes Terroir: The Impact oF Three Lakes

Lamoreaux Landing: A Scenic Gem Overlooking Seneca Lake

Lamoreaux Landing - Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Lamoreaux Landing is an architectural beauty set on a hill with breathtaking views of Seneca Lake and the surrounding vineyards. This stunning tasting room offers a mix of award-winning white and red wines at very affordable prices, perfect for stocking up on your favorites. Known for producing some of the best rosé wines each season, their 2023 Dry Rosé was selected as one of "The 30 Best Rosé Wines of 2024" by VinePair and costs less than $20 a bottle.

The winery is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your dog along. If you want to pack a picnic, they provide outdoor picnic facilities where guests can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle. With picnic tables and a stunning view of Seneca Lake, Lamoreaux Landing is an ideal spot for a relaxing wine-tasting experience.

9224 NY-414, Lodi, NY 14860 | (607) 582-6011

Atwater Estate Vineyard – First Sunset Option

Atwater Estate Vineyard with Views of Seneca Lake

Atwater Estate Vineyard is your prime sunset option for either Friday or Saturday night. You can enjoy a tasting during the day or relax afterward to take in the stunning sunset over Seneca Lake. Known for their delicious rosé wines, Atwater's 2023 Dry Rosé of Cabernet Franc and Blaufränkisch blend has earned a noteworthy 90-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

Their seated tastings provide an informative experience with a knowledgeable staff member guiding you through insights about the wines. During the tasting, you'll be served a selection of wines, accompanied by a small sampling of crackers and cheese. Cheese and charcuterie plates, as well as small bites, can be ordered to complement your tasting. While dogs are not permitted in the tasting room, they are welcome in the outdoor seating area.

In the summer, Atwater stays open until 9 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, offering a mix of outdoor wine and sunset views, often accompanied by live music and food trucks. On Thursdays, they feature a singer and songwriter series after hours. Check their events calendar to see what's happening during your visit—it's a great place to spend an evening.

5055 State Route 414, Burdett, NY 14818 | (607) 546-8463

Boundary Breaks – Second Sunset OptioN

Boundary Breaks is another popular Finger Lakes producer known for its exceptional dry rosé. In addition to rosé, they offer a fantastic selection of white and red wines, as well as superb sparkling wines. They are particularly renowned for their high-quality Riesling wines.

Located off the beaten path on the southeast side of Seneca Lake, Boundary Breaks features a spacious tasting room and expansive outdoor area with numerous seating options, including a small dog park. It's an ideal spot to visit with pets. With sprawling views of Seneca Lake and the vineyards, it's perfect for sitting back and enjoying a glass or bottle in addition to your tasting.

Guests are served on a first-come, first-served basis, as they do not accept reservations or groups larger than six people. During the summer, they stay open until 9 PM on Saturdays for a sunset celebration with food vendors and music. Check their calendar to see if they are hosting an event during your next visit.

1568 Porter Covert Road, Lodi, NY 14860 | (607) 474-5030

If you are also a Finger Lakes Riesling Lover Read - Exploring Seneca Lake Riesling: Self-Guided Finger Lakes Wine Tour along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Zugibe Vineyards – Third Sunset Option

Patio of Zugibe Vineyards with Seneca Lake Views

Further northeast on Seneca Lake, near Geneva, lies Zugibe Vineyards. Here, you can choose to taste at their indoor tasting bar or relax on their picturesque deck overlooking the vineyards and Seneca Lake. Zugibe offers a wide selection of red and white wines, including a dry rosé each season. For convenience, they also feature canned wines such as Bubbly Rosé, perfect for outdoor activities like camping or kayaking where bottles are impractical. Additionally, they offer a variety of white and red canned wines.

Zugibe Vineyards isn't just about wine; it's also a destination for food enthusiasts. Besides their diverse wine offerings, they serve Mimosas, local NY State craft beers, and ciders. Their Mediterranean-style bistro, The Phoenic Grill, is open daily and offers favorites such as cheese boards, truffle fries, sandwiches, and pizza.

Each month, Zugibe hosts an enhanced food and wine pairing experience, so check their calendar for details. Recent pairings have included flights of five corn tortilla tacos paired with their wines.

During the warmer months, Thursday nights at Zugibe are a treat with their music and sunset series, welcoming families and pets alike. Guests gather outdoors, utilizing provided seating on the deck or bringing their own lawn chairs to spread out. You can order food from The Phoenic Grill or bring your own picnic. As the nights cool down, gather around their fire pit for warmth and ambiance.

4277 East Lake Road, Geneva, NY 14456 | (315) 585-6402

Lunch and Breweries

During your self-guided tour of Seneca Lake, exploring Dry Rosé and sunset views, you'll find several excellent lunch options tailored to your preferences. Many of these spots also feature Finger Lakes craft beer and cider selections to add variety to your day.

StoneCat Café
Since 1999, StoneCat Café has been a local favorite offering a cozy dining experience indoors or outdoors. Seating is first-come, first-served, so expect a wait during busy lunch hours. Open seasonally in the summer, they are renowned for their Sunday Live Jazz Brunch, featuring hearty gourmet cuisine like Poutine, Catfish Sandwiches, and Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwiches. Perfect for those who prefer a leisurely lunch without rushing.

5315 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841 | Phone: (607) 546-5000

Scalehouse Brewing
Scalehouse Brewing is a must-visit for beer and pizza enthusiasts. They boast a wide selection of gourmet pizzas, craft beers, and local wines and ciders. Whether you choose indoor or outdoor seating, you'll enjoy views of Seneca Lake and often catch live music performances.

23 Main Street, Hector, NY 14841 | (607) 387-3469

Babe's Burgers at Lucky Hare Brewing
Located within Lucky Hare Brewing, Babe's Burgers is a paradise for beer and burger lovers. Similar to Scalehouse Brewing, they offer outdoor seating with stunning views of Seneca Lake. Their menu features craft beers, wines, and ciders, alongside fan favorites like the BO BURGER BABE—a burger topped with fried egg, American cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Babe's breakfast sauce. Another hit is BABE'S BUTT FRIES, loaded with smoked pork butt, cheese sauce, BBQ sauce, sour cream, and scallions.

6085 Beckhorn Road, Hector, NY 14841 | (607) 546-2036

Continue the FINGER LAKES DRY ROSÉ: SELF-GUIDED FINGER LAKES WINE TOUR

Day 1 - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Day 2 - West Side Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Day 3- East Side Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Day 4 - West Side Cayuga Lake Wine Trail - Coming Soon

East Seneca Lake Dry Rosé Tour