Sustainable Sips
10 Finger Lakes Wineries Leading the Eco-Friendly Charge
As wine lovers seek deeper connections with what’s in their glass, the Finger Lakes region of New York is rising to the occasion—beautifully and sustainably. With rolling vineyards, glacial lakes, and a shared dedication to sustainability, this cool-climate wine haven is home to producers committed not only to quality, but also to the planet.
At the heart of this movement is the New York Sustainable Winegrowing Certification (NYSWC), a rigorous standard that evaluates environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social responsibility. Every winery on this list is proudly NYSWC-certified, ensuring their practices meet high benchmarks in soil health, biodiversity, energy efficiency, and more.
Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or a weekend wanderer seeking greener pastures here are 10 sustainable Finger Lakes wineries where you can sip with purpose -- and pleasure.
1. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard (Dundee, NY)
A Finger Lakes icon, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard is both a standard-bearer for Riesling and a torch bearer for sustainability. Herbicide-free since 2004 and Demeter Biodynamic Certified as of 2023, the vineyard pulses with cover crops, compost, and pollinator habitats. Indigenous yeast fermentations bring site expression to the forefront while reducing additives.
Why Visit: For a masterclass in biodynamics and a tasting room where every sip reflects an ecosystem in harmony.
2. Standing Stone Vineyards (Hector, NY)
Once home to some of the oldest Riesling and Chardonnay vines in the region, Standing Stone has been revitalized under the stewardship of the Wiemer team. Now fully integrated into their biodynamic and NYSWC-certified program, Standing Stone continues to showcase historic terroir through an eco-forward lens.
Top Experience: Enjoy age-worthy Rieslings while learning how old vines are thriving thanks to new sustainable methods.
3. Silver Thread Vineyard (Lodi, NY)
Solar-powered and hillside-hugging, Silver Thread is a model of sustainability. With regenerative farming, compost-based fertility, and a tasting room designed for thermal efficiency, they walk the talk. Their NYSWC certification—and a 2023 regional sustainability award—underscore their leadership in climate- conscious winemaking.
Don't Miss: The solar-powered tasting room, where you’ll enjoy wines as clean as the energy that makes them.
4. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, NY)
The birthplace of vinifera vines in the Finger Lakes, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery continues to lead through innovation. NYSWC-certified, the winery utilizes precision viticulture, integrated pest management, and slope-sensitive farming to mitigate climate change impacts while preserving legacy.
Fun Fact: You’ll be sipping wines made from vines planted by a pioneer—now tended with cutting-edge, climate-smart care.
5. Forge Cellars (Burdett, NY)
Minimalist in philosophy but maximalist in quality, Forge Cellars focuses on single-vineyard, bone-dry Rieslings and cool-climate Pinot Noirs. Certified by NYSWC, they champion low-intervention farming, native yeasts, and gravity-fed winemaking. With vineyards stretching along Seneca Lake’s southeast side, their practices are precise and climate-adaptive.
Why You'll Love It: Think Alsace meets the Finger Lakes—elegant wines, earthy storytelling, and deep sustainability.
6. Buttonwood Grove Winery (Romulus, NY)
Set on a scenic slope above Cayuga Lake, Buttonwood Grove is all about practical sustainability. From integrated pest management to wind machines that protect against shifting frost patterns, their NYSWC- certified approach helps them adapt gracefully to climate volatility.
Vibe Check: Relaxed and rustic with eco-friendly flair—come for the views, stay for the sustainably grown Chardonnay.
7. Ravines Wine Cellars (Geneva, NY)
Ravines blends old-world technique with new-world foresight. Certified by NYSWC, the winery uses soil- friendly cover cropping, disease-resistant clones, and gravity-flow production. Their aim: wines that express place, crafted with a feather-light footprint.
Best For: Lovers of dry Riesling, sparkling wine, and precision farming wrapped in a family-run, French- inspired aesthetic.
8. Hillick & Hobbs (Burdett, NY)
Founded by Paul Hobbs, this boutique estate channels the Mosel with steep vineyard slopes and hand- farmed vines. NYSWC-certified and built for climate resilience, the winery employs erosion control, minimal tillage, and sustainable design throughout the hospitality center.
Must-See: The sleek, contemporary tasting room with panoramic Seneca Lake views—and Rieslings to match.
9. Six Eighty Cellars (Romulus, NY)
This intimate, amphora-loving winery is as thoughtful as it is unconventional. From regenerative vineyard practices to natural fermentation in terracotta vessels, their NYSWC certification is just the beginning of their eco ethos. It’s terroir-driven winemaking with a wild (and wonderful) streak.
Go Here If: You’re into natural wine, scenic vineyard hikes, and clay-aged Grüner Veltliner.
10. Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars (Lodi, NY)
A generational estate with over 100 acres on Seneca Lake’s eastern shore, Lamoreaux Landing leads with scale and sustainability. Precision irrigation, solar energy, and block-specific farming all contribute to their NYSWC certification and environmental leadership.
What to Try: Their T23 Cabernet Franc—a bold red made in a solar-powered cellar with minimal intervention.
Taste the Future in the Finger Lakes
With NYSWC certification as a unifying thread, these ten wineries are proving that sustainability isn’t just good for the environment—it makes for exceptional wine tourism too. So whether you’re chasing Riesling, Pinot, Sparkling, or just a peaceful afternoon among the vines, these Finger Lakes destinations promise an experience that’s rooted in quality, responsibility, and a deep love for the land.
Pack your boots, bring your glass, and drink with purpose—because sustainability never tasted so good.
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.
