Hop Around the Finger Lakes
Hop Around the Finger Lakes
5 Must-Visit Breweries That Blend Craft, Culture & Charm
By Kevin San Jose
Rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and the scent of fresh hops in the air—welcome to New York’s Finger Lakes, a haven for craft beverage lovers. While the region may be best known for its award-winning wines, its booming craft beer scene is giving oenophiles a run for their money. From lakeside views to historic barns, every brewery here tells a story—one best sipped from a pint glass. Whether you're a casual beer drinker or a seasoned craft connoisseur, these five must-visit breweries offer the perfect blend of creativity, community, and character to elevate your Finger Lakes adventure.
1. Brewery Ardennes
Set in a charming stone barn nestled in the woods near Seneca Lake, Brewery Ardennes is where Belgian tradition meets Finger Lakes tranquility. Inspired by the rustic breweries of Wallonia, the husband-and-wife team behind Ardennes brings you a cozy, elevated beer experience. One of their standout brews is the Biere de Mars, a spring saison brewed with French and Belgian malts that delivers subtle spice, citrusy hop character, and a dry, refreshing finish. It’s the perfect introduction to the nuanced world of Belgian-style beers.
What Makes It Special:
The setting is pure storybook magic: cobblestone paths, lush landscaping, and a European-style tasting room that could double as a film set. Pair your pint with their seasonal food menu sourced from local farms.
2. Frequentem Brewing Co. – Canandaigua, NY
Tucked into the historic heart of downtown Canandaigua, Frequentem is a community-driven brewery that’s as welcoming as it is adventurous. Their rotating tap list always surprises—from crisp pilsners to hazy IPAs and creative fruited sours. Fan favorites include the Double IPA “Cascading Karma” and a line of dessert-inspired stouts that drink like a bakery in a glass.
What Makes It Special:
Frequentem doesn’t just brew beer—they brew relationships. You’ll often find food trucks parked out front, trivia nights, and pop-up markets that make this spot feel like a neighborhood block party.
3. Big aLICe Brewing - Geneva, NY
An offshoot of the acclaimed Queens-based brewery, Big aLICe’s Geneva location takes everything locals loved about the original—sustainability, creativity, and bold flavors—and pours it into a stunning lakeside space. With 16 ever-rotating taps, the menu spans tart sours, hop-forward IPAs, and experimental brews aged in wine barrels.
What Makes It Special:
Big aLICe partners with local farms and vineyards, resulting in beers that feel deeply rooted in the Finger Lakes. Their cozy taproom is matched by an expansive lawn, complete with fire pits, games, and an unbeatable view of Seneca Lake sunsets.
4. Grist Iron Brewing Co. - Burdett, NY
Beer with a view? Grist Iron has it in spades. Perched on a hilltop with panoramic vistas of Seneca Lake, this dog- friendly, lodge-style brewery is a beacon for road trippers and lake-goers alike. With 15+ taps, including "How Low Can You Mango" IPA, which features a delightful tropical flavor, or enjoy their MAXXimus Brown Ale, year-round. Grist Iron offers a lineup that’s both crowd-pleasing and diverse.
What Makes It Special:
Grist Iron is more than a brewery—it’s a destination. With live music every weekend, an on-site inn, and a full-service kitchen turning out upscale pub fare, you might just stay the night.
5. War Horse Brewing Co. - Geneva, NY
Located on the sprawling Three Brothers Wineries & Estates, War Horse Brewing Co. brings the best of beer, wine, and cider together in one unforgettable setting. Known for pushing the envelope, they made history as the first U.S. brewery to release a Riesling Ale—a brilliant fusion of wheat beer and Riesling grape juice that’s as refreshing as it is inventive.
What Makes It Special:
War Horse doesn’t just serve beer; it delivers an experience. WWII-themed décor, tanks (yes, actual tanks), and rotating taps of everything from sours to classic ales make every visit unforgettable.
Plan Your Perfect Pint-Soaked Getaway
A visit to the Finger Lakes isn’t complete without sampling the region’s craft beer renaissance. These five breweries offer more than just great beer—they deliver scenic views, rich stories, local flavor, and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re lakeside at Grist Iron, playing cornhole at Big aLICe, or sipping Riesling Ale at War Horse, your next cold one is calling.
So grab your friends, raise a glass, and toast to a brew-tiful Finger Lakes adventure!
Meet Kevin San Jose, Your Insider Guide to Finger Lakes Wine & Hospitality
When it comes to discovering the best of Finger Lakes wine, spirits, beer, and dining, Kevin San Jose is your go-to expert. As the Wine & Spirits Editor for the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (Explore Finger Lakes | fingerlakes.org), he is a trusted voice on where to sip, dine, and experience the region like a local.
The Director of Wine & Spirits for VINIFERA New York—a premier authority on Finger Lakes wine with multiple locations across New York State, Kevin has spent years tasting through hundreds of local wines, working alongside producers, and curating exceptional wine lists that showcase the best of the region. His expertise extends beyond wine—he’s also an authority on craft spirits, breweries, cocktail bars, and hospitality trends, ensuring visitors get the full Finger Lakes experience.
A highly credentialed wine and spirits professional, Kevin holds the WSET Diploma, is an Advanced Sommelier Candidate with the Court of Master Sommeliers, and has earned numerous distinctions in global wine education. But beyond the certifications, his true passion lies in telling the stories behind the wines, the people who craft them, and the places that bring them to life.
As a Contributing Writer for Wine Enthusiast Magazine and a Wine Enthusiast Future40 Innovator & Tastemaker (2023), Kevin’s insights are nationally recognized. And while he continues to work toward his ultimate goal of becoming a dual Master Sommelier and Master of Wine — two of the most prestigious titles in the industry — he remains deeply committed to celebrating and elevating the Finger Lakes beverage scene.
For the ultimate guide to Finger Lakes wine, spirits, and hospitality, Kevin San Jose is the authority to trust — leading you to unforgettable experiences, one sip at a time.
