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

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Day 2 - West Side of Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Keuka Outlet Trail - Short Hike with Waterfalls

Consider starting your day early and exploring the Keuka Outlet Trail if you're adventurous or a fan of New York waterfalls. This 7.0-mile trail runs from Penn Yan to Dresden and offers a gradual descent that can be traveled in either direction easily, with sections made of both asphalt and dirt/gravel. The trail is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, welcoming hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and dog-walkers, as well as winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Once vital for powering mills, the outlet now serves primarily recreational purposes, with the trail providing access to the scenic waterway and remnants of its industrial past, including mill foundations and canal locks.

If you're not keen on a long hike before embarking on your Finger Lakes Dry Rosé adventure on Seneca Lake, there are two convenient sections along the trail where you can easily view waterfalls with parking access. Seneca Mill Falls and Cascade Mill Falls are popular stops along the trail. Seneca Mill Falls can be accessed from a parking area near the junction of Rt-9 and Outlet Rd, with the falls about 0.75 miles away on a mix of dirt, gravel, and paved trails. For a shorter hike, Cascade Mill Falls is also accessible from the same parking area, with a dirt trail approximately 0.50 miles long. Both trails are rated as easy, but hiking shoes are recommended.

The trail could also be an option to add to the beginning or end of your Day 1 Keuka Lake Dry Rosé Tour as you will be passing it while traveling from Geneva to Keuka Lake. If you choose this option, you may need to modify your day a little to account for the extra stop.

The NY Falls Website has more details on the trail, waterfalls and parking including an interactive map to help you navigate successfully to the parking areas and waterfalls: Waterfall of the Keuka Outlet Trail

Breakfast at the Trails Inn Diner

Whether you chose to embark on your morning waterfall adventure or opted for a little more sleep, the Trails Inn Diner in Dresden is a hearty choice before starting your day of wine tasting. It is located across the street from the start of the Keuka Outlet Trail and along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail where you will be spending your day. This classic diner offers American-style breakfast options including pancakes, waffles, and omelets. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

93 Main St, Dresden, NY 14527 | (315) 536-9259

ANTHONY ROAD WINE COMPANY: YOUR FIRST STOP

Your Finger Lakes Dry Rosé Tour on Seneca Lake begins at Anthony Road Wine Company, where you can sample various styles of their Dry Rosé. Typically, they offer a Rosé of Lemberger and a Rosé of Cabernet Franc, both with their own distinct colors and flavors. You have the option to choose their standard tasting flight or upgrade to the Owner Guided Tour & Tasting, which includes an exploration of their production facility, cellar, and art gallery. Tastings can be enjoyed in their tasting room, or you can choose to have a glass or bottle outside with views of Seneca Lake and their beautiful gardens.

1020 Anthony Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527 | (315) 536-2182

KEMMETER WINES and Sans Dumpling: Limited Production and First Lunch Option

After your visit to Anthony Road Winery, venture across the street to Kemmeter Wines for an intimate tasting experience led by German owner and Winemaker, Johannes Reinhardt. Due to their limited availability, tastings are only offered on select days and are limited to six guests at a time, so reservations are required. Kemmeter Wines is renowned for its exceptional Riesling, however, their Estate Pinot Noir grapes have recently been attracting attention for producing not only outstanding Pinot Noir but also Dry Rosé. This limited-production Dry Rosé is exclusively available through their website or at the winery and sells out fast. During the tasting, Johannes will guide you through an engaging discussion on his wines, including the prestigious SanSan labeled wine, reserved for exceptional vintages that epitomize the essence of the grape and wine style. If you're ready for lunch, consider stopping by Sans Dumplings on the Kemmeter Wines estate, where you can savor Asian dumplings at picnic tables overlooking the pristine vineyard, or take them to go.

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 — Guided Wino

Red Tail Ridge Winery: Green Winery with a Funky Twist

Red Tail Ridge Winery is distinguished as the only LEED-gold certified green winery in New York State. Nancy Irelan, the winemaker and partner, takes pride in the sustainable practices implemented at their winery and vineyards. They are also a dog friendly winery and have opened a new dog-friendly tasting room. Red Tail Ridge Dry Rosé consistently emerges as a fan favorite each year. They offer several styles, including a standard dry rosé, sparkling rosés, and Pét-Nat Rosé. Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat) has been gaining popularity in the Finger Lakes and offers a fun and funky twist on sparkling wine. This method, dating back to the 16th century, differs from the traditional method used for making Champagne. Instead of secondary fermentation occurring in the bottle, Pét-Nat captures its bubbles by bottling before the initial fermentation is complete.

To learn more about Finger Lakes Pét-Nat Read - Finger Lakes Hybrid Innovation and Wine Making Diversity — Guided Wino

846 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY 14527 | (315) 536-4580

Fox Run Vineyards: Scenic Rosé Tasting and Second Lunch Option

After your previous stops, make your way to Fox Run Vineyards for a delightful experience with their renowned Dry Rosé. Choose between their standard tasting or indulge in the VIP Tour, where one of the owners will personally guide you through the estate, offering a private tasting in their barrel room paired with a delectable cheese and charcuterie board. Due to limited availability, be sure to book your VIP spot in advance. If you were not ready for lunch at Sans Dumplings, grab a bite from the Fox Run Bistro and savor it on their deck with a glass of Dry Rosé while taking in the views of Seneca Lake.

670 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY 14527 | (315) 536-4616

ONCE Finger Lakes: Optional, One-Stop Wine Tasting Experience

ONCE Finger Lakes is a premier wine tasting room destination where patrons can sample wines from top Finger Lakes wineries all in one convenient location. With a variety of tasting options that evolve over time, it's advisable to visit their website and reserve your preferred tasting experience in advance. The modern tasting room is manned by knowledgeable wine specialists who are dedicated to enhancing your tasting journey with their expertise. They are focused on the educational aspects of wine, so it is a great place to learn more about the region and wineries. Additionally, their outdoor seating area offers stunning views of Seneca Lake, providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying a glass of your favorite wine.

While ONCE Finger Lakes isn't exclusively focused on Dry Rosé, chances are high that if one of their partner wineries has a current Dry Rosé, it will be available for tasting in their tasting room. You might even be luckly enough to find a Rosé tasting flight on their menu. Should you find a wine you love, bottles can be conveniently purchased onsite. Representing esteemed wineries such as Dr. Konstantin Frank, Element, Forge Cellars, Heart & Hands, Hermann J. Wiemer, Hosmer, Inspire Moore, Kelby James Russell, Living Roots, Silver Thread, and Trestle 31, ONCE Finger Lakes promises a memorable wine tasting experience.

655 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY 14527 | (315) 694-7197

Billsboro Winery: Peaceful Wooded Escape

Billsboro Winery sits up on a hill surrounded by mature trees and offers a private wooded garden escape despite being just off the main road of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. The iconic red barn tasting room stands as a symbol of Finger Lakes wine excellence, while their newer roofed patio ensures outdoor enjoyment regardless of the weather. Each year, Billsboro Winery releases a sought-after Dry Rosé, alongside their array of award-winning wines sourced from top vineyard sites, including the acclaimed Saw Mill Creek Vineyard in the renowned "Banana Belt" area of Seneca Lake.

Experience standard tastings in the rustic barn tasting room or opt to enjoy the outdoors on their covered patio. For a truly indulgent experience, consider upgrading to their wine and chocolate pairing. If you're fortunate to visit during one of their bimonthly Pizza on the Patio events, held every other Thursday during peak season, take the opportunity for a great dinner option. With wood-fired pizzas, wine, and live music on the patio, these events require reservations and tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to plan ahead for an unforgettable evening at Billsboro Winery.

To learn more about the “Banana Belt” region of Seneca Lake Read - Journey into Finger Lakes Terroir: The Impact oF Three Lakes — Guided Wino

4760 State Route 14, Geneva, NY 14456 | (315) 789-9538

Big aLICe Brewing: Optional Stop, Where Craft Beer Meets Finger Lakes Charm

If you're not quite ready to call it a day and want a change from wine, consider a visit to Big aLICe Brewing Finger Lakes. Offering a welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, they have an extensive selection of craft beers on tap. Outside, you'll discover Adirondack chairs around inviting fire pits, perfect for cozying up on chilly evenings while taking in the scenic views of Seneca Lake or listening to live music acts. Family and dog-friendly, the brewery also provides various games like Cornhole, Jenga, and Connect Four for all to enjoy.

With the original tap room established in Brooklyn, Big aLICe Brewing expanded to the Finger Lakes with its tap room opening in 2021. As a licensed New York State farm brewery, their beers proudly support local and state agriculture. They collaborate with state hops farmers to ensure quality ingredients for their brews.

Fine Dining Options in Geneva, NY: F.L.X. Table and Ports Café

While your Day One Discover Finger Lakes Dry Rosé Tour included the casual dining options of The Rusty Pig and Kindred Fare, maybe you are ready for a fine dining experience in Geneva, NY. If you're staying at Belhurst Castle or Geneva on the Lake, you might opt for one of their exceptional dining experiences on-site. However, if you're looking to explore further, FLX Table on Linden Street and the renowned Ports Café offer fine dining options. F.L.X. Table provides an upscale group dining experience with limited seating for about fourteen. Reservations are essential as seats fill up quickly, offering a preset menu of regional dishes paired with wines. It was also named Best New Restaurant in the country by USA Today in 2017.

Ports Café, a long-time favorite in the Finger Lakes, offers a more casual setting in Geneva with outdoor seating options. Their diverse menu caters to various tastes, ranging from steak to seafood, with something for everyone. Serving local wines and craft beers, their Signature menu features items like the Delmonico ribeye steak or the short-rib gnocchi. Additionally, they offer nightly specials and provide vegetarian and gluten-free options. Open year-round for dinner, Ports Café promises a delightful dining experience.

F.L.X. Table - 22 Linden St, Geneva, NY 14456 | (315) 730-3083

Ports Café - 4432 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456 | (315) 789-2020

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

West Seneca Lake Dry Rosé Tour