Finger Lakes Wine Country

The Finger Lakes region of central New York encompasses eleven long, narrow glacially carved lakes radiating southward from the northern plateau of the state, with Seneca and Cayuga — the two largest — serving as the core of the wine country. The lakes' considerable depth (Seneca reaches 618 feet) moderates the continental climate, storing summer heat and releasing it slowly through autumn and winter to create conditions allowing vines to ripen and survive in a latitude otherwise considered marginal for viticulture. Riesling is the region's flagship variety and its finest wines challenge German counterparts for complexity; Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir have also achieved critical recognition. Over 130 wineries are concentrated mainly along the eastern and western shores of Seneca Lake and the western shore of Cayuga Lake, where the Cayuga Wine Trail — established in 1983 — was the first American wine trail. Most tasting rooms operate daily from 10AM to 5PM and charge tasting fees of $10 to $20. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery pioneered European vinifera varieties in the region in the 1960s and remains a benchmark producer. The college town of Ithaca on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake provides the region's most vibrant dining and cultural scene, while Geneva and Watkins Glen serve as good bases for Seneca Lake exploration. The harvest season from late September through October brings maximum activity, when grapes are picked, winemakers are accessible and energetic, and foliage provides a spectacular backdrop for an already scenic landscape.