Keuka Lake Dry Rosé Tour
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 will 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 are 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
Optional Stops: Black Cat Bistro | Steuben Brewing | Lakeside Restaurant & Tavern | The Olney Place | Keg and Barrel Brewing Company | The Rusty Pig | Kindred Fare
Day 2 - West Side Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Anthony Road Wine Company | Kemmeter Wines | Red Tail Ridge Winery | Fox Run Vineyards | Billsboro Winery
Optional Stops: Keuka Outlet Trail | Trails Inn Diner | Sans Dumplings | ONCE Finger Lakes | Big aLICe Brewing | F.L.X. Table | Ports Café
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
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About Finger Lakes Dry Rosé
Spring in Finger Lakes Wine Country brings many delights. With blossoming flowers, awakening trees, budding vineyards, and birds singing, the season ushers in a sense of renewal and excitement for the summer season. Yet among these wonders, one standout for FLX wine lovers is the unveiling of each winery's new Finger Lakes Dry Rosé vintage.
The surge in popularity of Dry Rosé in the past decade has been warmly embraced by the Finger Lakes wine community. Every spring and early summer, many wineries introduce their own interpretation, with some varieties becoming so coveted that they swiftly sell out. Utilizing a diverse array of grapes such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Lemburger (Blaufränkisch), Syrah, and even Saperavi, Finger Lakes Dry Rosés showcase the unique characteristics of each grape varietal.
Most Finger Lakes Rosés have a dry profile, ranging from delicate, soft pink hues to bolder almost ruby tones, depending on the duration of skin contact. Typically, light-bodied with medium acidity, these wines offer notes of strawberry, watermelon, grapefruit, cherry, raspberry, sometimes accompanied by subtle florals and minerality. Ideal for leisurely sipping on warm days or as a complement to summer barbecues, it’s always a good time for Finger Lakes Dry Rosé.
2024 Finger Lakes Rosé Soirée Recap Video
For Dry Rosé enthusiasts, the region hosts the annual Finger Lakes Rosé Soirée in Geneva, NY. Here, attendees gather in a park, adorned in pink, sample nearly 30 different of the finest Dry Rosés the region has to offer, amidst music, food, and memorable photo opportunities. This event is the embodiment of the term “Rosé all Day”. The Finger Lakes Rosé Soirée is hosted by Geneva Community Projects, who is a “charitable corporation dedicated to building and renewing the strengths of the Geneva community”.
Several methods exist for crafting rosé wines, but most Finger Lakes wineries employ the short maceration method. In this process, red wine grapes undergo a brief maceration period, and uses both red and white winemaking techniques. Maceration involves soaking grape skins in grape juice, imparting the pink color and flavor to the wine. Grapes are typically harvested earlier than grapes for red wine production, before full ripeness and strong tannins develop. This also give winemakers options if their red grapes were not able to fully ripen into the quality they would want for a red wine, they can still use the fruit for rosé. Following crushing, the grapes soak with their skins for a shorter duration compared to red wine production, typically 2-48 hours. The length of skin contact determines the intensity of the pink hue and flavors. Subsequently, the grapes are pressed and fermented like in white wine production, aiming to preserve acidity while retaining some characteristics of the red grape variety.
Exploring the vast selection of exceptional Dry Rosés in the Finger Lakes can feel like a delightful challenge, given the wealth of outstanding choices available. With such an abundance of quality options, it's almost impossible not to find one that suits your taste. Make a spring or early summer journey to the Finger Lakes and prepare to stock up on Dry Rosé for the summer season ahead. Our 4-day, self-guided, Discover Dry Rosé Finger Lakes Wine Tour is designed to help you in uncovering the finest Dry Rosés the Finger Lakes region has to offer. This robust Finger Lakes Wine Tour includes wineries on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
To learn more about the different wine styles produced in the Finger Lakes, including sparkling and dessert wines, read FINGER LAKES HYBRID INNOVATION AND WINE MAKING DIVERSITY
Where to Stay: Geneva, NY
If you're planning to complete all four days of this tour while staying in one location, the Geneva Area is your best option. Positioned at the north end of Seneca Lake, it not only provides the most centralized location for the tour but also offers plenty of dining options, nightlife, culture and outdoor activities. Situated along the renowned Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Geneva serves as the ideal hub for an unforgettable Finger Lakes wine tasting getaway.
Seneca Lake - Geneva, NY - North End of Seneca Lake: Ideal for visiting wineries on Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lakes
College Town: Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
Linden Street: Vibrant atmosphere with notable restaurants and bars like F.L.X. Table and The Speakeasy at Vinifera.
Seneca Lake State Park: Lakeside activities such as swimming, biking, boating, and picnicking.
Historic Landmarks: Belhurst Castle, Geneva On The Lake, Geneva Row Houses, Smith Opera House.
Events: National Lake Trout Derby, Cruisin’ Night Classic Car Show, Rosé Soirée.
Luxury Lodging Options in Geneva, NY
For an luxury resort experience in Geneva, there are two timeless choices that are guaranteed to please: Geneva On The Lake and Belhurst Castle and Winery, both registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geneva On The Lake is a 10-acre boutique resort hotel in a historic Italian style villa. It offers stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds, including a swimming pool and gardens. Guests can indulge in top-quality seasonal dishes at DICIANNOVE DIECI (1910) restaurant, with the option to dine on The Terrace overlooking the gardens and lake. The culinary experience blends American cuisine with European, Asian, and French flavors, using farm-fresh ingredients and herbs grown on-site.
Belhurst Castle and Winery offers two distinct lodging options: Chambers in the Castle, featuring antique furnishings and gas fireplaces in a historic setting dating back to 1885, and the Vinifera Inn, added in 2003, has modern guest rooms with luxurious amenities like king-size beds, Jacuzzis, fireplaces, and scenic views of Seneca Lake. Beyond accommodations, the Belhurst Castle is a premier destination with two restaurants, a winery and craft beer selection, and an on-site spa and salon. Recognized as a World’s Best Wine Hotel by Wine Enthusiast and voted one of the Most Romantic Places in New York State, it promises a memorable experience for guests.
Geneva On The Lake, 1001 Lochland Rd, Geneva, NY 14456
Belhurst Castle and Winery, 4069 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456
Budget and Pet Friendly in Geneva, NY
41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham, offers a fantastic budget-friendly option with Seneca Lake views. Situated within Lake Front Park, it provides walking and bike trails along the lake. Guests can enjoy amenities like a gym, indoor pool, and onsite dining, both indoors and with outdoor lake views. Conveniently located within walking distance to Linden Street, guests can explore some of Geneva's finest bars and restaurants. Additionally, the hotel is pet-friendly, and the lakeside trail is a great place to take your dog for a walk.
41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection By Wyndham, 41 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
Bed and Breakfast in Geneva, NY
Waters Edge B&B Resort sits directly on the shores of Seneca Lake just a little south of downtown Geneva, NY, offering lake views. Each room features its own bathroom, kitchen, and patio doors leading to private patios overlooking the lake. The resort has inviting common areas with amenities such as a pool table, indoor shuffleboard, large-screen television, and both indoor and outdoor seating for enjoying meals or leisure time. Outside, guests can take advantage of a boat launch for kayaks and canoes, an in-ground swimming pool, hot tub, gas fire table, and a meticulously landscaped yard just steps away from Seneca Lake. It is the perfect mix of classic Finger Lakes B&B with extra amenities.
Waters Edge B&B Resort, 4377 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456
Standard Budget Friendly Chain Hotels
There are also many standard chain hotels in the area if you have a preference for this style instead. They include popular hotels such as:
Fairfield Inn & Suites Geneva Finger Lakes, 383 Hamilton St, Geneva, NY 14456
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Geneva Finger Lakes, 530 Hamilton St, Geneva, NY 14456
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Geneva, 550 Hamilton St, Geneva, NY 14456
Hampton Inn Geneva, 43 Lake St, Geneva, NY 14456
Day 1 - Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Day one of your Finger Lakes Discover Dry Rosé tour involves the most driving, as the first winery is about 45 minutes away from Geneva and the last one is about 40 minutes away. Take that into consideration when planning your day. If this is not desirable, consider another time for your Keuka Lake Wine Tour and stay in the charming town of Pen Yann or Hammondsport on Keuka Lake.
However, if you're the type who enjoys a scenic drive and discovering new towns and lakes along the way, this could be the perfect first day for your tour. Enhance your journey by breaking up the drive to the first winery with breakfast or coffee at the JAVA-GOURMET Company Store & Black Cat Bistro, located just outside Penn Yan.
JAVA-GOURMET Company Store & Black Cat Bistro: Perfect for Coffee Connoisseurs
JAVA-GOURMET Company Store & Black Cat Bistro is a perfect stop of food and coffee lovers. All of their coffee is roasted onsite, and they offer an array of selections including seasonal blends. Visitors rave about their lobster and crab bites stacked on muffins with cheese and butter to more traditional breakfast fare like cinnamon rolls, muffins, avocado toast, and eggs, including several gluten-free options. Whether you choose to dine indoors or on their outdoor balcony with wooded views, every sip and bite promises satisfaction.
2808 NY-54A, Penn Yan, NY 14527 | (315) 536-7843
Point of the Bluff Vineyards: Wine and Events
Patio at Point of the Bluff Vineyard - Keuka Lake Wine Trail
On the west side of Keuka Lake, discover the charm of Point of the Bluff Vineyards, with the tasting room located in a restored 1800s schoolhouse. Step into their tasting room to sample their current Dry Rosé and a variety of other wine selections. Or lounge on the spacious covered deck with views of Keuka Lake or enjoy their regulation-sized bocce courts with friends. Every year, they craft delightful Dry Rosé wines, including a canned version called HANGAR 17, available in convenient 4-packs. These cans are ideal for picnics, kayaking, or any other setting where carrying glass bottles may not be feasible.
They also have an indoor/outdoor events center situated just up the hill behind the tasting room, where they've hosted concerts featuring renowned acts like the Beach Boys, The Marshall Tucker Band, and Ben Folds. Additionally, they regularly host farmers markets, yoga sessions, wine dinners, and more. It's advisable to check their events schedule to see if there are any events coinciding with your Finger Lakes wine tasting trip that you would like to attend.
10489 County Route 76, Hammondsport, New York 14840 | (607) 220-5222
Steuben Brewing: Optional Beer Stop
Steuben Brewing View from Patio - Keuka Lake
Just a short distance from Point of the Bluff Vineyards lies Steuben Brewing. Whether you're looking to diversify your tasting experience or have beer enthusiasts in your group, a visit to Steuben Brewing could be just the ticket. This family-owned brewery offers an array of craft beers make from locally sourced grain and hops. Perched atop a hill, their large outdoor area has great views of Keuka Lake, complete with picnic tables and cornhole boards. On occasion, you may also find food trucks and live music adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
10286 Judson Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840 | (607) 332-3000
Lakeside Restaurant & Tavern: First Lunch Option, Lakeside Dinning
If you skipped breakfast or had a lighter meal, you might be ready for a bite at this point in your wine tour. Your first option is Lakeside Restaurant & Tavern, conveniently located just a few minutes away from Point of the Bluff Vineyards and Steuben Brewing. This laid-back lakeside eatery offers outdoor seating right by the water, complete with a boat dock for those arriving by boat. Enjoy scenic Keuka Lake views and tri-level waterfront deck seating at this relaxed establishment known for its basic American fare, from clams and steaks to classic pub food. Open seasonally and often featuring live music, Lakeside Restaurant & Tavern serves lunch and dinner.
13780A West Lake Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840 | (607) 868-3636
Keuka Springs Vineyards: View of the Bluff
Keuka Spings Vineyards - Keuka Lake Wine Trail
The next winery stop lies just around the bend of Keuka Lake's east side: Keuka Springs Vineyards. Here, you can expect to find a couple of Dry Rosé options each season, including one crafted from Lemburger (Blaufrankisch), Zweigelt, and Cabernet Franc grapes. Keuka Springs Vineyards has a diverse range of wines, catering to various tastes with their selection of both red and white, dry and sweet varieties. Visitors can enjoy their award-winning wines, with no reservations required for tastings. They are both family and dog-friendly, and often offer local cheeses and snacks. Occasionally, they host outside vendors for special events such as their Music, Food, & Wine Series, so check their calendar to see if there is an event you might like to plan for. Guests can also bring their own picnic food to enjoy amidst the breathtaking views of Keuka Lake and the Bluff, complete with comfortable Adirondack chairs.
243 Rt 54 East Lake Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527 | (315) 536-3147
The Olney Place, Deli, Market, and Tap Room – Second Lunch Option, Quick and Convenient
If you're in need of a speedy lunch to fuel up for more wine tasting, The Olney Place is an excellent choice. They offer a selection of deli sandwiches, as well as a small market stocked with various food and drink options. Additionally, they feature a tap room with draft beer on tap. Dine indoors or outdoors at their picnic tables, both offering picturesque lake views, or grab your meal to go. Keep in mind that they operate seasonally, so this option may not be available during the off-season. Be sure to check their schedule beforehand.
823 E Lake Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527 | (315) 536-5454
Keg & Barrel on Keuka Lake – Third Lunch Option, Brews and Views
For a relaxed lunch experience with Keuka Lake views, consider dining at Keg and Barrel Brewing Company. With an outdoor deck overlooking the water, it's an ideal spot to unwind. Choose from their extensive selection of 20 beers on tap, including house brews and featured craft beer, cider, and sours. They also offer New York wines, spirits, and domestic bottled beers. Indulge in their signature soft pretzel, meat and cheese board, or the popular Beef on Weck sandwich. Keep an eye out for live music performances on Friday nights for added entertainment.
14720 State Route 54, Dundee, NY 14837 | (607) 684-1615
Weis Vineyards – Taste of Germany to the Finger Lakes
Weis Vineyard Dry Rosé
Weis Vineyards may be relatively new, having opened its first tasting room on Keuka Lake in 2017, but it has quickly gained popularity and garnered awards, including the prestigious title of the New York Wine Classic’s New York State Winery of the Year 2022! Alongside earning the Winery of the Year title, they also won the award for Best Pink Wine with their Weis Vineyards 2021 Dry Rosé, solidifying this as an essential destination for Dry Rosé lovers. With the owner and winemaker hailing from Germany and coming from a long line of winemakers, Weis Vineyards brings a touch of German winemaking tradition to the Finger Lakes region. Renowned for their Dry Rosé offerings each season, crafted from different blends of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Lemburger (Blaufrankisch), Zweigelt, and Pinot Noir grapes, they also offer a sweeter version called Schulhaus Blush. If sparkling wines are your preference, they also offer a sparkling Rosé called Pearl Rosé.
At Weis Vineyards, tastings are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not required or accepted. Guests can enjoy their tasting experience inside a modern remodeled barn or the quaint old schoolhouse that once served as their original tasting room. On pleasant days, visitors can relax in the spacious outdoor area, with views of Keuka Lake, and savor wines by the glass or bottle.
10014 Day Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840 | (607) 284-4011
Domaine Leseurre Winery - “Finger Lakes Wine with a French Accent”
Domaine LeSurre Patio with View of Keuka Lak
Your final stop on the first day of your Discover Finger Lakes Dry Rosé tour is Domaine Leseurre Winery. Situated next door to Weis Vineyards, this winery offers a departure from German tradition and welcomes you into the world of French winemaking. With a French winemaking couple owning the winery, Domaine Leseurre Winery brings traditional techniques to craft Finger Lakes wines, including a selection of Dry Rosés each year. Notably, they sometimes offer a Dry Rosé aged in oak barrels, a departure from the region's typical stainless steel aging process, adding a unique twist to your Dry Rosé tasting experience.
Upon arrival at Domaine Leseurre Winery, you're greeted by the sight of the French flag proudly waving and parking signs bearing both French and English. You can opt for a standard tasting flight, which doesn't require a reservation, or elevate your experience with one of their premium tastings, such as the Signature Wine & Gourmet French Macaroon Experience or the Signature Wine & Food Experience. While tastings can be enjoyed in the tasting room, outdoor seating provides a charming setting reminiscent of French wine country, complete with stunning views of Keuka Lake.
13920 State Route 54, Hammondsport, NY 14840 | (607) 292-3920
Casual Dining Options in Geneva, NY - The Rusty Pig and Kindred Fare
After a fulfilling day of exploring the finest Finger Lakes Dry Rosés along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, consider heading back to Geneva for a relaxed dining experience. If you're staying at one of the hotels with restaurants, you may opt to dine in for the evening. However, if you're eager to venture out, both The Rusty Pig and Kindred Fare offer casual atmospheres without compromising on exceptional cuisine.
Kindred Fare provides a laid-back setting for locally sourced American fare, craft cocktails, and a selection of beers, wine and ciders. Inspired by farmhouse cooking, their menu boasts dishes such as fried chicken, burgers, and flatbread.
Located on Linden Street in downtown Geneva, The Rusty Pig provides a casual ambiance for patrons to savor barbecue, hoagies, and burgers, along with a diverse selection of whiskey, cider, and craft beers. And if you really enjoy the food, the option to purchase a bottle of their BBQ and Wing Sauces is available. With both indoor and outdoor seating options available right on Linden Street, guests can enjoy their meal amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the city. On many evenings, Linden Street transforms into a pedestrian-only area, featuring musical performers to entertain guests while they dine or enjoy a drink.
After dinner, take a leisurely stroll down Linden Street and consider ending your evening with a nightcap at VINIFERA, a speakeasy-style wine tasting room. Offering a vast selection of Finger Lakes wines and international varieties, it's the perfect spot to unwind and savor the flavors of the region and beyond.
The Rusty Pig - 60 Seneca St, Geneva, NY 14456 | (315) 325-4548
Kindred Fare - 12 Hamilton St, Geneva, NY 14456 | (315) 787-0400
VINIFERA - 44 Linden St, Geneva, NY 14456 | (315) 325-2349
Continue the DISCOVER FINGER LAKES DRY ROSÉ: SELF-GUIDED FINGER LAKES WINE TOUR
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