Fall in the Finger Lakes: Wine, Foliage, and Harvest Adventures
Finger Lakes Fall Wine Harvest: Winery Tours, Fall Foliage, Festivals, and Fall Itineraries for Seneca, Keuka, and Cayuga Lakes
New York | Finger Lakes
Ultimate Guide to Fall in the Finger Lakes Featuring Winery Tours, Scenic Views and Fall Events
Autumn in the Finger Lakes is a season of breathtaking transformation. As the vines swell with ripe grapes ready for harvest, the rolling hills around Seneca, Keuka, and Cayuga lakes burst into shades of amber, gold, and crimson. The lakes themselves become mirrors for the fiery autumn colors, creating picture-perfect reflections that make every drive, hike, and winery visit feel like a scene from a postcard. From mid-October through early November, the region enters its vibrant Finger Lakes wine harvest season, with wineries buzzing with activity, tasting rooms filled with seasonal releases, and fall winery events celebrating the fruits of the harvest.
This is the perfect time to savor the region’s signature wines, from crisp, food-friendly Rieslings to rare Georgian varietals like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, now flourishing in the Finger Lakes terroir. Wine lovers can combine their tasting adventures with the best fall foliage in the Finger Lakes, strolling through scenic parks, hiking trails, and waterfalls that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend getaway, chasing seasonal winery events, or simply capturing the stunning landscapes, autumn in the Finger Lakes offers an unmatched combination of fall colors, vineyard views, and harvest celebrations, making it the ultimate destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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About the Finger Lakes Wine Harvest Season
Chardonnay Harvest at Airy Acres Vineyards - Cayuga Lake
The Finger Lakes wine harvest season is a dynamic and vibrant time of year, when the region’s vineyards transform into a flurry of activity. From mid-September through early November, grape clusters reach peak ripeness, and vineyard teams move quickly to harvest the fruit, ensuring each varietal—from crisp, food-friendly Rieslings to bold reds and rare international grapes—captures the unique character of the Finger Lakes terroir.
This season is not just about production; it’s a celebration of the land, the climate, and the dedication of the winemakers. Tasting rooms and vineyards come alive with special harvest events, seasonal releases, and behind-the-scenes experiences that give visitors a glimpse into the intricate process of turning freshly picked grapes into wine. The harvest is a sensory experience: the smell of crushed grapes in the air, the vibrant colors of changing leaves along vineyard rows, and the hum of activity in the fields all signal that autumn is at its peak.
Following Finger Lakes wineries and vineyards on social media during this period is an excellent way to keep up with harvest updates, fall winery events, and seasonal releases, helping visitors plan their trips around the most exciting moments of the season. From vineyard strolls to tasting award winning wines, the harvest season offers wine lovers a unique opportunity to connect with the craft, the landscape, and the people who make the Finger Lakes a premier wine region.
Top Vineyards to Follow During Harvest Season
Following vineyards during harvest season is both fun and educational. These are some of our favorite Finger Lakes vineyards to follow each year. By keeping up with their updates, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Finger Lakes wine harvest season, see behind-the-scenes vineyard action, and fully experience the excitement of this vibrant autumn season.
Shaw Vineyards - Seneca Lake
Sawmill Creek Vineyard - Seneca Lake
Airy Acres Vineyards - Cayuga Lake
Find Finger Lakes Hotels
The U.S. is home to over 250 wine regions — from the Finger Lakes in New York to Sonoita in Arizona, Traverse City in Michigan, and California’s Sierra Foothills. With so many incredible wine destinations, it’s hard to know where to begin.
Take our “Which U.S. Wine Region Should You Visit?” quiz and discover the wine country that best matches your style.
👉Take the Quiz and Start planning your wine trip today
When the Leaves Change in the Finger Lakes
As autumn sweeps across the Finger Lakes, the region transforms into a stunning display of red, gold, and amber, making it one of the best places for fall foliage in New York. From lakeside trails to dramatic waterfalls, fall in the Finger Lakes is perfect for hiking, scenic drives, and fall wine trips. Southern hills change first, while northern towns along wider lakes peak later, offering a full month of vibrant autumn colors.
The Finger Lakes’ fall foliage depends on elevation, latitude, and proximity to the lakes.
🍁Southern and western hills (Naples, Hammondsport, Watkins Glen, Corning) turn first—typically mid-October.
🍁Northern towns along wider or colder lakes (Geneva, Canandaigua, Seneca Falls) peak later, often late October to early November.
Best places for fall foliage in the Finger Lakes
🍁Cayuga Lake Area
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge – Bird migrations plus lakeside trails.
Taughannock Falls State Park – Iconic waterfall, dramatic gorge, and vibrant fall colors.
Robert H. Treman State Park – Multiple waterfalls and gorge trails, perfect for a fall hike in the Finger Lakes.
Ithaca Falls Natural Area – Quick urban-access hike with scenic views.
🍁Seneca Lake Area
Watkins Glen State Park – Famous gorge trail with 19 waterfalls, spectacular in autumn.
Smith Memorial Park – Stroll through woods and along the lake, ideal for autumn photography and fall foliage.
Hector Falls - Kayak to the base of the falls for spectacular view of the falls and Seneca Lakes
🍁Keuka Lake Area
Keuka Lake State Park – Views over the lake, great for short hikes and fall photography.
Keuka Outlet Trail – Stroll or bike to enjoy vibrant foliage, scenic waterfalls, and charming historic sites along the route from Keuka to Seneca Lake.
For real-time updates and week-by-week foliage forecasts, check the Explore Fall Foliage Map.
Discover the most charming towns to stay in when exploring Finger Lakes wine country—from the vibrant college-town energy of Ithaca to scenic lakefront Geneva and cozy Hammondsport. This guide helps you choose the best town for your stay and offers accommodation recommendations to make planning your trip effortless.
Tips for Visiting the Finger Lakes in Fall
👉 Book tastings early: Harvest weekends fill quickly.
👉Dress in layers: Lakeside mornings are chilly; afternoons can be mild.
👉Plan safe transportation: Walking between steep or dispersed vineyards isn’t ideal—book a wine tour company or driver.
👉Use digital tools: The Guided Wino Interactive Finger Lakes Winery Map helps you plan winery stops efficiently.
👉Timing matters: Peak foliage can shift depending on weather; aim for mid-to-late October for southern towns and late October for northern towns.
👉Buy event tickets ahead of time: Fall is also a peak time for Finger Lakes fall events and harvest festivals, so planning ahead ensures you don’t miss your favorite fall winery events.
Make every wine country trip seamless with our wine travel essentials—from what to pack for the perfect winery picnic to smart solutions for getting your bottles home safely. Discover tips, gear, and must-haves that keep your journey stylish, stress-free, and ready for every pour
Fall Festivals to Experience During Harvest
2025 Event Dates
🍂 Finger Lakes Hot Air Balloon & Music Festival, Castel Grisch Winery | Sept 12–14 – Sunrise and sunset launches, live music, local food, wine, and artisan vendors.
🍂 Saparavi Social, Knapp Winery | Sept 13 – Sample Saperavi wines from multiple Finger Lakes wineries; helicopter tours of vineyards available.
🍂 Hammondsport Wings & Wheels | Sept 13 - A vintage seaplane and car show in Hammondsport.
🍂 Cayuga Leaf Limited Train | Sept 19–Oct 19 – 90-minute scenic train ride along Cayuga Lake, paired with local libations and fall colors.
🍂 Fall Fest at 3 Brothers Winery | September 27: Food, Drinks, Music and Fun, including a Steinholding Competition and Mechanical Bull Rides.
🍂 Naples Grape Festival | Sept 27–28 – Classic fall fun with grape pies, crafts, and live entertainment.
🍂 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.
🍂 Hunt Club Vineyards Annual Harvest Festival | Oct 4 – Vineyard tours, grape stomping, and live music.
🍂 Hammondsport Oktoberfest | Oct 9 - Beer and Wine Festival with live Polka Music
🍂 FLX Cider Fest & Market | Oct 9 - South Hill Cider celebrate NY Cider Week with tastings of local ciders, food and music
🍂 Harvest Fest at Hosmer Winery | Oct 11 – Live music, regional tastings, and a pet-friendly atmosphere.
Elevate your Finger Lakes winery experience by skipping the steering wheel—our guide to wine tour companies and drivers breaks down the best services for personalized, stress-free tasting adventures. Enjoy insider tips on local chauffeurs, customizable itineraries, and seamless logistics, so you can focus on the wine, while someone else handles the driving.
Wine & Foliage Itineraries
One of the Finger Lakes’ greatest joys in the fall is pairing wine tasting with scenic views. From hilltop tasting rooms overlooking Keuka Lake to sunset pours on Seneca, every stop doubles as a photo opportunity. Hiking waterfalls in the morning or strolling lakeside parks adds a perfect outdoor balance to your fall wine itinerary, and these one-day ideas let you enjoy a wine tour one day and a local fall event the next.
Consider booking a wine tour company or a driver so you can enjoy the day without the worries of driving.
👉 These are our top Wine Tour Companies & Driver
Cayuga Lake Itinerary
Sheldrake Point Wine Cellars
Morning: Hike Taughannock Falls State Park for waterfalls and fall foliage. Or just stop for a photo at their easily accessible viewing point.
Stop 1: Airy Acres Vineyard – Family-run charm with Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, plus great autumn vineyard views.
Stop 2: Sheldrake Point Winery – Perfect for picking up Thanksgiving wines; try the Gewürztraminer and Gamay Noir.
Stop 3: SixEight Wine Cellars – Modern tasting room, hilltop lake views, sweeping vineyard vistas.
Nearby Fall Events:
Where to Stay for Couples: Town of Ithaca at Argos Inn for an elegant and historic Ithaca experience, featuring antique French furnishings, striking 20th-century artwork, and two on-site cocktail bars. Just steps from Ithaca Commons and scenic gorge trails, it’s the perfect base for exploring local dining, shopping, and the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
Where to Stay for Groups: Town of Trumansburg at The Inn at Taughannock Falls, a cozy lakeside retreat perfect for families or groups. With comfortable rooms, scenic views, and close access to Taughannock Falls State Park, it’s ideal for exploring the Finger Lakes one day and enjoying local wine trails the next.
Seneca Lake Itinerary
View of Seneca Lake and Vineyards at Standing Stone Vineyards
Morning: Walk Smith Memorial Park or kayak to Hector Falls for stunning autumn scenery. Or head into Watkins Glen State Park to see the many waterfalls.
Stop 1: Standing Stone Vineyards – Modern tasting room with deck, lake and vineyard views, plus Saperavi.
Stop 2: Forge Cellars – Top Rieslings from multiple vineyard sites, showcasing regional terroir. Beautiful tasting room and lake views.
Stop 3: Damiani Wine Cellars – Rich reds with beautiful fall colors as you look out to the lake.
Nearby Fall Events:
Where to Stay for Groups or Couples: Town of Hector at Single Island Shores - Tranquil lakefront escape where every cabin offers stunning Seneca Lake views and easy access to the Finger Lakes Wine Trail. From cozy couples’ retreats to spacious group cottages, it’s the perfect spot for relaxation, outdoor fun, and memorable sunsets.
Keuka Lake Itinerary
View of Keuka Lake from Living Roots Tasting Room
Morning: Hike or bike the Keuka Outlet Trail
Stop 2: Keuka Springs Vineyards – Newly remodeled hilltop tasting room with breathtaking vineyard and lake views.
Stop 1: Weis Vineyards – 2025 New York Winery of the Year! Expansive outdoor area with panoramic lake views and a large selection of wine types and styles.
Stop 3: Living Roots Winery – Hilltop tasting room overlooking the lake and vineyard; taste Australian wines from their sister winery.
Nearby Fall Events:
Where to Stay for Couple: Town of Hammondsport at the Black Sheep Inn and Spa for a luxurious Finger Lakes escape, combining romantic charm with on-site spa treatments and personalized concierge services. Perfectly located near the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, it’s ideal for couples seeking relaxation, wine adventures, and unforgettable experiences.
Where to Stay for Groups: Town of Hammondsport at Moonshine Cottage on Keuka Lake is a perfect lakefront getaway for families or small groups. With 4 bedrooms, a dock, kayaks, and a firepit, it’s ideal for enjoying a winery visit one day and local fall activities the next.
Find the perfect vineyard ensemble with our curated style guide—featuring chic, affordable outfit ideas from spring florals to cozy fall layers that look as good in photos as they feel in the tasting room. Discover versatile dresses, jumpsuits, accessories, and more to make every wine country visit effortlessly stylish.
Final Thoughts
Fall in the Finger Lakes offers the perfect combination of vibrant foliage, world-class wine, and harvest season excitement. From exploring the best places for fall foliage in the Finger Lakes to enjoying fall winery events, Finger Lakes harvest festivals, and scenic hikes, there’s no shortage of what to do in the fall in the Finger Lakes. Whether you’re following the Finger Lakes wine harvest season, planning visits to the best wineries with views, or joining seasonal fall events, autumn is the ideal time to experience this stunning region. Start planning your fall getaway to the Finger Lakes and immerse yourself in crisp air, colorful hills, and unforgettable wine and harvest adventures..
