5 Reasons to Experience Geneva's Premier Music & Wine Festival

1. A World-Class Lineup

The Geneva Music Festival is a celebration of chamber music, showcasing some of the world’s most accomplished musicians. Each season, GMF brings together renowned soloists, Grammy-winning artists and acclaimed ensembles to present a lively mix of chamber works alongside performances that span a variety of musical genres.

• For Chamber Music Enthusiasts: (Between May 15 and June 8) – Enjoy a lively blend of time-honored tradition with dynamic collaborations.

• For Those Who Love a Twist on Tradition: W4RP: Genre-Defying Fusion (May 15) – Be surprised by a bold mix of classical, jazz, and rock influences.

• For Jazz Lovers: Cécile McLorin Salvant & Sullivan Fortner Duo (May 31) – Experience Grammy-winning jazz mastery in an intimate duo performance.

• For Baroque Aficionados: The Sebastians (June 1) – Let yourself be transported to 18th-century Venice through the magic of baroque music.

• For Bluegrass Fans: Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (June 8) – Enjoy a grand finale with the 2016 IBMA Fiddler of the Year and his band.

There’s truly something for everyone!

2. Exclusive Wine & Music Pairings

Music and wine have always shared a deep connection—both shaped by tradition and artistry and an experience for the senses. The 2025 Geneva Music Festival brings this relationship to life by pairing world-class performances with select wine tastings, offering a multi-sensory celebration.

For select performances, attendees enjoy special tastings from some of the Finger Lakes’ premier wineries:

• Ravines Winery (May 15) – Enjoy award-winning wines available for purchase by the glass, with all proceeds benefiting the Geneva Music Festival. Arrive early to enjoy Mexican cuisine from Monarka before the concert. 

• Billsboro Winery (May 23 & 24) – Offering a complimentary public tasting, with a special vintage pour exclusively for wine club members. 

• Airy Acres (May 31) – Hosting a free public tasting, including an exclusive vintage pour for wine club members. 

• Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard (June 5 & 6) – Enjoy a complimentary public tasting, plus a special vintage pour for wine club members. 

Additional winery partnerships may be announced—stay tuned for updates as the festival approaches.

3. Intimate Concert Venues

GMF offers an up-close and personal concert experience in charming, local venues. This year’s venues include:

• A lakeside winery – Ravines Winery

• A historic chapel – The Presbyterian Church of Geneva

• An intimate performance hall – Gearan Center for the Performing Arts

• A boutique resort hotel – Geneva on the Lake

These inviting settings allow audiences to connect with the music and the artists themselves. Many performances also offer post-concert receptions, offering a chance to meet the musicians and enjoy a highly personal experience.

4. A Festival with Heart

Beyond world-class performances, picturesque settings, and fine wine, GMF is deeply rooted in the Geneva community. Each season, the festival incorporates education and outreach into its programming, bringing free live music by renowned artists to local schools and community centers, often introducing audiences to music of this caliber for the first time. Over the years, GMF artists have brought live chamber music to hundreds of local students, inspiring a new generation of musicians and music lovers. As part of this commitment, GMF will also present three free community concerts in Geneva. 

By attending, you’re not just experiencing an incredible performance—you’re supporting a mission that makes music accessible to everyone.

5. A Destination Worth Experiencing

Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine country on the northern rim of Seneca Lake is the historic, picturesque small city of Geneva, an easy 50-60 minute drive from Syracuse and Rochester. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a wine lover, or someone who enjoys the beauty of the surroundings, the Geneva Music Festival is the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway.

• Tour renowned wineries, from small-batch producers to grand estates. 

• Experience the outdoors with a kayak on Seneca Lake, a state historic park, or cruise on the lake.

• Stay local in a boutique resort hotel, an iconic Finger Lakes resort, or a private apartment in town.