Winter in the Finger Lakes for Wine Lovers
Finger Lakes Winter Wine Events and Ice Wine Tasting Adventures: Itineraries for Seneca, Keuka, and Cayuga Lakes
New York | Finger Lakes
Ultimate Guide to Winter in the Finger Lakes: A Dream Season for Wine Lovers
Winter in the Finger Lakes is one of the best-kept secrets for wine lovers—especially for those eager to experience Finger Lakes ice wine. While the vineyards rest under a blanket of snow, the region comes alive with cozy tastings, festive villages, and some of the most unique finger lakes winter wine events of the year. This is also when ice wine grapes are harvested, making it a fascinating time to taste current releases and talk with wineries about what’s happening in the vineyard.
Winter tastings often come with unforgettable stories—late-night or early-morning harvests under headlamps, hand-picking frozen grapes in below-freezing temperatures, and just how many layers of clothing it took to make it through the harvest. These behind-the-scenes conversations offer a deeper appreciation for the patience, risk, and craftsmanship behind every glass of ice wine.
This slower season is ideal for wine tasting in winter, romantic getaways, and festive food-and-wine pairings by the fire. With fewer crowds, more personal service, and often better pricing, winter is a relaxed and rewarding time to visit. While some wineries and restaurants operate on shorter seasonal hours, reservations are typically not required outside of special events—just be sure to plan ahead. If you’re looking for memorable things to do in the Finger Lakes in winter, this guide will help you plan the perfect cold-weather wine escape.
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Ice Wine in the Finger Lakes: A Rare & Remarkable Winter Wine
One of the most special winter experiences for wine lovers in the region is Finger Lakes ice wine, a dessert wine made from grapes that are frozen naturally on the vine. Unlike late-harvest wines, true ice wine requires a cold climate—and the Finger Lakes is one of the few wine regions in the United States where winter temperatures reliably drop low enough to make it possible.
Ice wine production is both risky and labor-intensive. Grapes are left hanging on the vine well past the normal harvest season, often into December or January, until temperatures remain around 12°F for 24–48 hours. Harvesting typically happens in the middle of the night or very early morning, sometimes by moonlight or headlamp, when temperatures are coldest. The grapes are hand-picked while frozen solid and taken immediately to the press.
Because the water inside the grapes freezes but the sugars do not, pressing yields only a small amount of intensely concentrated, sweet juice, while the frozen water remains behind as ice and is discarded. Fermentation is slow—often taking several months. The result is a luxurious, richly sweet wine with vibrant acidity and complex flavors of tropical fruit, dried fruit, and honey.
In the Finger Lakes, ice wine is most commonly made from Riesling and Vidal Blanc, grapes well suited to cold climates. Because yields are so low and production is demanding, ice wine is typically bottled in smaller formats and ranges from moderately priced to very expensive. Tasting ice wine during winter is a highlight of finger lakes winter wine events and a true reflection of the region’s unique climate, patience, and craftsmanship—making it a must-try experience during wine tasting in winter.
Top Vineyards to Follow During Ice Wine Harvest Season
Following vineyards during ice wine 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 ice wine harvest season, see behind-the-scenes vineyard action, and fully experience the excitement of this vibrant winter season.
Boundary Breaks Vineyards - Seneca Lake
Sheldrake Point Winery - Cayuga Lake
Weis Vineyards - Keuka Lake
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Tips for Visiting the Finger Lakes in Winter
👉 Check winter hours in advance: Many wineries, restaurants, and attractions operate on reduced or seasonal hours in winter, so confirm opening times before you go.
👉 Dress for warmth and comfort: Snowy vineyards, lake breezes, and outdoor events mean warm layers, waterproof boots, hats, and gloves are essential.
👉 Plan safe transportation: Winter road conditions can change quickly—consider booking a wine tour company, hiring a driver, or limiting your daily stops for a relaxed finger lakes wine tasting experience.
👉 Book special events early: Popular finger lakes winter wine events, holiday tastings, and festivals often sell out, especially around Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and ice wine season.
👉 Allow extra travel time: Snow and icy conditions may slow driving between lakes and towns, so build flexibility into your itinerary.
👉 Use digital tools: The Guided Wino Interactive Finger Lakes Winery Map helps you plan winery stops efficiently.
👉 Embrace the slower pace: Fewer crowds mean more personal tastings, cozy fireside experiences, and meaningful conversations with winemakers—one of the biggest perks of visiting the Finger Lakes in winter.
Things to Do in the Finger Lakes in Winter: What Makes the Season Special
Winter brings a cozy charm to the Finger Lakes that you won’t find during peak summer months. Snowy vineyards, roaring fireplaces, seasonal wine flights, and food pairings make this the perfect time for relaxed exploration. Beyond wine, winter offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, frozen waterfalls, ice fishing, and romantic Valentine’s Day escapes complete with hot tubs and fireside views.
It’s also ice wine season, when frozen grapes are harvested to produce one of the region’s most prized dessert wines—making winter especially exciting for wine enthusiasts.
November Finger Lakes Winter Events: Christmas Markets & Holiday Kickoff
Winter festivities begin early in the Finger Lakes with traditional markets and village celebrations.
❄️ The Canandaigua Christkindl Market is a European-style holiday market held in mid-November, featuring artisan vendors, seasonal foods, wine, beer, and warm drinks in a festive historic setting. It’s one of the most beloved holiday events in the Finger Lakes and a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
❄️ Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles begins in late November and runs through December on weekends. The village transforms into a Victorian-era holiday scene with costumed characters, street performances, caroling, festive shopping, horse-drawn carriage rides, and roasted chestnuts—an iconic Finger Lakes Christmas experience.
December Christmas Events in the Finger Lakes: Festivals, Wine Trails & Small-Town Magic
December is packed with classic finger lakes Christmas traditions and festive wine trail events.
❄️ Deck the Halls on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is a self-guided holiday event where guests visit beautifully decorated wineries, enjoy food and wine pairings at each stop, and collect a holiday ornament along the way—one of the most popular finger lakes winter wine events. It’s a relaxed, cheer-filled way to explore the Finger Lakes, with standout stops including Fox Run Vineyards, Fulkerson Winery, Lakewood Vineyards, Leidenfrost Vineyards, Wagner Vineyards, and Boundary Breaks Vineyard.
Listen to the wrap up of the 2025 event on the Buffalo Brews Podcast
❄️ Watkins Glen Village Christmas is a free, family-friendly evening celebration featuring a holiday parade, tree lighting, live music, vendors, Santa visits, and fireworks over Seneca Lake.
❄️ The It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in Seneca Falls celebrates the town believed to inspire Bedford Falls, with parades, film screenings, a 5K run, and holiday-themed events throughout the weekend.
❄️The Dazzling Liffe Light Festival at Castel Grisch Winery runs from mid-December through mid-January, offering immersive 3D light displays paired with seasonal food and drink options—making it a family-friendly winter highlight.
January Finger Lakes Winter Wine Events: Wine Tastings, Breweries & Ice Festivals
❄️Seneca Sips & Suds is a month-long tasting event offering steeply discounted tastings and drinks at wineries and breweries around Seneca Lake. It’s a flexible and affordable way to explore the region during winter. Some of our favorite participating breweries include Big aLICe Brewing, Grist Iron Brewing Company, and Two Goats Brewing, while top winery picks feature Anthony Road Wine Company, Fox Run Vineyards, Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars, Lakewood Vineyards, and Wagner Vineyards.
❄️ The Fire & Ice Celebration at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is an adults-only winter spectacle featuring massive ice sculptures, ice bars, martini luges, roaring fire pits, music, dancing, and fireworks—one of the most exciting finger lakes winter festivals.
❄️FLX on Ice is a festive Finger Lakes winter wine event held at Point of the Bluff Vineyards. This 21+ winter celebration features a welcome cocktail, curated tasting stations, ice sculptures, live music, s’mores by the fire, a hot cocoa bar, and horse-and-carriage rides through the vineyard—making it a fun and cozy way to enjoy wine tasting in winter.
February Finger Lakes Winter Festivals: Ice Wine, Chocolate & Valentine’s Events
February is peak season for finger lakes winter wine events, ice wine celebrations, and romantic escapes.
❄️ The NYS Ice Wine & Culinary Festival at Casa Larga Vineyards celebrates New York’s ice wines with guided tastings, multi-course pairings, live music, and winter activities—one of the most distinctive wine events of the season.
❄️ The Fire & Ice Winter Festival in downtown Canandaigua is a family-friendly celebration featuring ice sculptures, carving competitions, fire shows, warming beverage trails, and fun winter challenges.
❄️ Galentine’s Weekend on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail offers a friendship-focused wine trail experience with cocktails, tastings, snack-style bites, prizes, and a fun, relaxed vibe. Guests can explore participating wineries at their own pace, with favorite stops including Six Eighty Wine Cellars, Buttonwood Grove Winery, Thirsty Owl Wine Company, Hosmer Winery, and Sheldrake Point Winery, making it a relaxed and festive winter weekend on Cayuga Lake.
❄️Chocolate & Wine Weekend on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail pairs chocolate-inspired bites with complementary wines at participating wineries, making it a favorite for couples and wine lovers alike. Some of our favorite wineries on the trail for this event include Boundary Breaks Vineyard, Fox Run Vineyards, Lakewood Vineyards, Red Newt Cellars, and Wagner Vineyards, making it a delicious way to explore Finger Lakes wines during the winter season.
❄️Valentine’s Day in the Finger Lakes: Romantic Winter Wine Tasting Experiences. Valentine’s Day is especially magical in the Finger Lakes. Many wineries host wine and chocolate pairings, sparkling wine tastings, and intimate tasting experiences. Add in snow-covered vineyards, luxury inns, fireplaces, and hot tubs, and you have one of the most romantic winter destinations in New York.
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.
Outdoor Winter Activities in the Finger Lakes: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Fishing & Ice Skating
Winter Adventures Beyond Wine
For outdoor lovers, finger lakes snow shoeing and finger lakes cross country skiing are easy to add to any winter itinerary. Guided cross-country skiing is offered at Cumming Nature Center throughout winter, with rental equipment available.
If you have your own gear, explore scenic trails at Keuka Lake State Park, Seneca Lake State Park, Finger Lakes National Forest, Taughannock Falls State Park, and the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail.
Guided Cross-Country Skiing and showshoeing in the Finger Lakes
For those looking to stay active during winter, guided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is offered by the Finger Lakes Museum at the RMSC Cumming Nature Center in Naples, NY. These guided outings take place on groomed trails and are well suited for beginners and casual skiers. Participants may bring their own equipment or rent skis, boots, and poles on site. Multiple dates are available throughout the winter season, so visitors should check the museum’s website for the most current schedule and availability. This is a great way to experience finger lakes cross country skiing and snow shoeing in a supportive, scenic setting.
Finger Lakes Self-Guided Winter Trails
If you have your own snowshoes or skis, the Finger Lakes offers endless opportunities for independent winter exploration. Popular spots for finger lakes snow shoeing and winter hiking include Keuka Lake State Park, the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, Seneca Lake State Park, the Finger Lakes National Forest, and Taughannock Falls State Park. These locations offer peaceful snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and wide trails that are perfect for a refreshing outdoor adventure before or after a winery visit.
Ice Skating Along Seneca Lake
Classic winter fun awaits at the Seneca Lake waterfront in Geneva, where the seasonal Splash Pad is transformed into an outdoor ice skating rink during the colder months. Operated by Seneca Lake Events, the rink offers skate rentals, family-friendly hours, and special themed skating nights. With views of Seneca Lake and nearby downtown shops and restaurants, it’s an easy and festive winter activity to add to any Finger Lakes itinerary.
Ice Fishing on Honeoye Lake
For a true cold-weather experience, the Finger Lakes Museum also offers guided ice fishing on Honeoye Lake. This hands-on program is open to all skill levels and teaches participants essential techniques such as ice safety, gear setup, and fish location with guidance from experienced instructors. The program takes place at the Honeoye State Park Launch and provides a unique way to experience winter on the water. Dates vary throughout the season, so visitors should check the museum’s website for current registration details.
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.
Winter Wine Tasting Itineraries in the Finger Lakes
One of the Finger Lakes’ greatest winter pleasures is pairing wine tasting in winter with cozy, snow-covered scenery. From warm tasting rooms overlooking frozen lakes to fireside pours along Seneca and Keuka, winter visits feel intimate and unhurried. Without summer crowds, each stop offers more time with tasting room staff, thoughtful flights, and deeper conversations about the wines—especially seasonal releases and Finger Lakes ice wine.
Balancing winery visits with winter activities like snowy waterfall hikes, lakeside strolls, ice skating, or snowshoeing creates the perfect cold-weather itinerary. These one-day winter wine tasting routes make it easy to enjoy a relaxed Finger Lakes wine trail experience one day and a festive winter event or outdoor adventure the next, all while embracing the quiet beauty of the season.
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
Snowy Vineyard Views at Bet the Farm Winery
Morning: Hike Taughannock Falls State Park for stunning frozen waterfalls and winter landscape. Or just stop for a photo at their easily accessible viewing point.
Stop 1: Bet the Farm Winery – A charming, boutique, woman-owned winery, Bet the Farm is a standout stop for winter wine tasting on Cayuga Lake. The winery places a strong focus on Gamay Noir, the light-bodied red grape famously used to produce Beaujolais Nouveau in France and especially popular during the holiday season. Their sparkling Gamay Noir is a festive, winter-perfect pour, and the winery also offers Finger Lakes ice wine, making it an excellent stop for cold-weather tastings.
Stop 2: Sheldrake Point Winery – Just down the lake, Sheldrake Point Winery continues the Gamay Noir story and is one of the few wineries in the Finger Lakes—alongside Bet the Farm—working with this grape. Their Gamay Noir is a winter favorite, offering bright, approachable flavors that shine in cooler months. Beyond Gamay, Sheldrake Point boasts a large, well-rounded portfolio that includes standout ice wines, solidifying its place as one of our overall favorite wineries on Cayuga Lake.
Stop 3: Thirsty Owl Wine Company - Thirsty Owl rounds out this Cayuga Lake itinerary with one of the most diverse wine portfolios in the region. They produce some of the Finger Lakes’ only Malbec and Syrah, along with a wide variety of red and white wines and ice wines. With its relaxed atmosphere and extensive lineup, Thirsty Owl is an ideal final stop for a well-balanced Finger Lakes winter wine tasting experience.
Nearby Winter 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 or Couples: 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
Christmas Tree at Anthony Road Winery
Morning: She-Qua-Ga Falls is an easy and scenic winter stop near Watkins Glen, perfect for viewing an icy Finger Lakes waterfall without a long hike. Located in the village of Montour Falls, the 156-foot waterfall flows beneath the Mill Street bridge and is visible from the road, with nearby parking and a short paved walkway. In winter, the falls often freeze into dramatic ice formations, making it a quick and worthwhile stop between winery visits.
Stop 1: Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
A must-visit on Seneca Lake, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious wineries in the Finger Lakes. The winery offers an exceptional selection of premium wines, including outstanding sparkling wines and late-harvest dessert wines that shine during winter tastings. The tasting room is set inside a beautifully modernized historic barn, making it a warm and elegant stop on a cold day.Stop 2: Barnstormer Winery - Barnstormer Winery is the definition of cozy winter wine tasting. Its inviting tasting room features a fireplace and comfortable seating, making it the kind of place you’ll want to linger on a snowy afternoon. This is an ideal stop to enjoy a leisurely glass of their Cabernet Franc or Port-style wine, a rich and warming choice for winter visits.
Stop 3: Anthony Road Wine Company - Anthony Road Wine Company is especially festive during the winter season, with charming Christmas decorations that add to the holiday atmosphere. With a wide range of wines to choose from, there’s something for everyone, but our favorite is their Cabernet Franc / Lemberger blend, a perfect cold-weather red that pairs beautifully with cozy winter tastings along Seneca Lake.
Nearby Winter Events:
Where to Stay for Groups or Couples: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is a top choice for a luxurious lakeside stay with beautiful Seneca Lake views. This lakefront hotel offers easy access to downtown Watkins Glen, local restaurants, and nearby wineries, along with amenities like an indoor pool, gym, room service, and an onsite restaurant and bar. It’s an ideal option for travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and a romantic place to stay near Finger Lakes wineries.
Where to Stay for Couples: Idlwilde Inn Bed & Breakfast offers a charming, adults-only stay in a historic Victorian setting overlooking Seneca Lake. With beautiful gardens, lake views, and a cozy atmosphere, it’s a perfect choice for couples seeking a romantic Finger Lakes getaway near the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
Keuka Lake Itinerary
Morning: Pack your snowshoes or cross-country skis and enjoy a winter hike at Keuka Lake State Park, then warm up with a scenic wine tasting overlooking the lake.
Stop 2: McGregor Vineyard - One of the early pioneers to bring Saperavi to the Finger Lakes, McGregor Vineyard offers a bold, winter-perfect red that’s a great alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting room sits high above Keuka Lake, delivering sweeping views of the lake and surrounding vineyards—especially beautiful under snow.
Stop 1: Weis Vineyards - Named 2025 New York Winery of the Year, Weis Vineyards features an expansive tasting area with panoramic lake views and an impressive range of wine styles. Owned by German winemaker Peter Weis, the winery is especially known for its award-winning ice wines, making it a standout winter stop.
Stop 3: Domaine Leseurre Winery - Owned and operated by a French winemaker, Domaine Leseurre offers a true taste of France in the Finger Lakes. The elegant tasting room overlooks Keuka Lake, creating a cozy and refined winter atmosphere. A standout experience here is their macaron cookie and wine pairing, a must-try tasting that highlights classic French flavors and makes for a memorable stop during a winter wine tour.
Nearby Winter 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 winter 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
Winter in the Finger Lakes is the perfect season to slow down, sip locally crafted wines, and experience the region in a more intimate way. From Finger Lakes winter festivals and cozy finger lakes wine trail events to outdoor adventures like finger lakes snowshoeing, finger lakes cross country skiing, and lakeside ice skating, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do in the Finger Lakes in winter. Add in seasonal finger lakes winter wine events, holiday celebrations, and romantic winter getaways, and it’s easy to see why cold-weather finger lakes wine tasting is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re planning a festive Finger Lakes Christmas, a Valentine’s escape, or a peaceful winter weekend surrounded by snowy vineyards, the Finger Lakes delivers unforgettable experiences all winter long.
