In a 2023 article for Forbes, Michele Robson writes “Move Over Napa: It's All About Finger Lakes Wine Vacations.” Robson’s acknowledgement of the region is just one of many in recent years, touting NY State’s Finger Lakes as America’s “Best Wine Region” multiple times (USA Today), one of the “World’s Top 10 Wine Destinations” (VinePair), and “. . . the leading cool-climate wine region in the United States” (The New York Times).

The recent accolades might seem to some as a sudden trend, but the Finger Lakes has been hard at work producing wine the past 165 years. You can trace the roots of Finger Lakes wine all the way back to the small town of Hammondsport in 1829 when Reverend William Bostwick planted the first vines. The first winery in the region, founded there in 1860, went on to become the first American winery to win awards in Europe for sparkling wine. Nearly a century later, it’s also where Dr. Konstantin Frank revolutionized winemaking for the entire northeastern United States. But, as Robson points out, the Finger Lakes isn’t merely a wine region with a storied past, as it makes for great wine vacations right now.

“Ravines is a great starting point,” writes Robson, “if you only plan to visit one or two wineries, thanks to its diversity of wines, from Sauvignon Blanc to a surprisingly wide range of reds.” Winemaker Morten Hallgren first came to the region to work as winemaker for prestigious Dr. Frank’s, but when it came time for him and his wife, Lisa, to start their own winery they chose the east side of Keuka Lake. While you can enjoy award-winning Ravines wines at the Keuka tasting room, you can also indulge yourself in a unique experience tasting wonderful estate vintages made under the winery’s new label Agricolae Estate Winery by Ravines on Keuka Lake.

A beautiful pattern of European winemakers coming to the region to work for Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, then starting their own winery on the east side of Keuka Lake has continued over the years. Which is the case of Domaine LeSeurre Winery, known for exceptional dry wines made from distinct terroirs. In true French style, you can experience wines paired with exquisite bites. Or simply enjoy standard tastings with a wine educator. With a gorgeous patio overlooking the lake, you can sit and savor a glass of your favorite. Or enjoy the popular macaron pairings for a true taste of France.

Right next door, you will find Weis Vineyards, New York State’s Winery of the Year (2022, 2024), showcasing delicious, traditional, dry German-style wines meant for everyone to enjoy. With their award-winning Dry Riesling,  as well as popular wines like Grüner Veltliner, Dry Rosé, and Schulhaus Red, plus a few unique vintages, an incredible campus of buildings and outdoor space, don’t be surprised if you end up spending a few hours here. 

You can learn more about the European Influence on the Finger Lakes Wine Region here.

Just a few miles away, you can treat yourself to sensational wines showcasing both the Finger Lakes region of NY and the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. Sixth generation winemaker and Adelaide native Sebastian Hardy and Rochester native Colleen Hardy have quickly transformed this bi-continental winery’s new tasting room offering stunning views of Keuka Lake into a special destination drawing praise for its wines and its setting. Be sure to try their refreshing Session wines for the perfect summertime sparkler.

Of course, back on the west side of the lake, Dr. Frank’s continues to lead the way. With some of the oldest Vinifera vines in the country (including the 2nd oldest Pinot Noir vines in America), Dr. Frank’s has been winning awards and creating a variety of exceptional tasting experiences including its 1886 Reserve tastings which have been voted the #1 Winery Tour in America (2022, 2023, 2024). Enjoy a glass of wine on the large deck overlooking Keuka Lake or in Eugenia’s Garden for a relaxing summer wine experience.

Just down the road, Heron Hill has spent the past half century as one of the region’s most environmentally-aware wineries and was named one of eight eco-friendly East Coast wineries by Mother Nature Network. With a tasting room rated one of the “10 Most Spectacular in the World” (Travel & Leisure) and incredible views, Heron Hill gets it right. Oh, and the wine is fabulous. 

Bully Hill Vineyards is all about the art of having a good time which comes through in their fun tastings, the colorful art of their wine labels, the winery’s eclectic nature (how often do you find a cooper’s museum and art gallery at a winery), and popular restaurant (enjoy delicious lunch with a great view). Bully Hill also collaborates with nearby Cornell University on sustainable practices making it a winery built on laughter and an appreciation for the environment.

With a handful of boutique wineries nearby—like Azure Hill (making small vintages of excellent wines, like their Sparkling Riesling Brut and Sparkling Saperavi Rosé), Keuka Lake Vineyards (whose Cabernet Franc has been called out by the New York Times, and which specializes in dry Vignoles, Dry Riesling, and Léon Millot among others), and Point of the Bluff (known for their wonderful wines as well as their awesome vibe with bocce courts, a top-flight concert venue, evening farm market, and remarkable team who’ll make you feel right at home)—Keuka Lake wine experiences are abundant in variety and quality.

Wine writer Michelle Williams wrote, “America’s Winemaking Past and Future is Found in The Finger Lakes” (Forbes). Much of the region’s history, as well as its current trajectory into the future can be found around picturesque Keuka Lake. Affordable, accessible and exceptional. Isn’t that the sort of wine story you want to put yourself into? 

Learn more at ExploreSteuben.com/experience-wine.