Crossing the heart of New York State is one of the most scenic, serene and breathtaking landscapes in America: The Finger Lakes. Carved by glaciers over 30 million years ago, Mother Nature blessed the region with 11 beautiful lakes. The lakes themselves are quite deep, up to 600 feet, and with this immense volume of water, temperatures remain moderate allowing grape varieties such as Riesling and Pinot Noir to flourish. Add just the right soil and drainage and you have over 100 wineries producing some of America’s finest wines.

That alone is enough to fill days of exploration and relaxation. But there is so much more to take in…waterfalls, hiking, museums, restaurants, water sports…quaint inns and lodges, rolling hills and valleys, farmland and forests… So here is a long weekend itinerary of great finds we experienced and a plan to take and make your own.

Peaceful lakefront lodging. The region has a multitude of great options, from cozy B&B’s to luxury hotels. We opted for a place of our own: a charming, renovated cabin with all the amenities one can imagine.

The Spectacular views, pontoon boats and kayaks, a fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs made it difficult to leave the house!

The wineries. Planning your day can be a daunting task with so many incredible choices. Luckily, you can explore the ‘wine trails’ on the larger lakes. Our house was perfectly situated between Keuka and Seneca lakes allowing us to pick and choose a few gems. Our advice: you may be tempted to pack in as many as you can. But once you arrive at a beautiful winery and reserve a tasting experience (which is now a requirement at most), you’ll want to linger. Maybe a picture perfect stroll in the vineyard and/or sitting and savoring a glass of the new favorite you’ve just discovered. Here a just a few of the places we visited and loved:

Bully Hill. Spectacular views and an awesome lunch spot.

Dr Konstantin Frank. The progressive tasting experience takes you through the family history of the winemakers quest to reinvent the traditions of Europe in America.

Atwater Vinyards. The sweeping vistas from hillside to lake are breathtaking.

Ravines. The rustic charm and knowledgeable staff provide an exceptional experience. Add the chocolate pairing to enhance the experience.

Watkins Glen. We loved this lakeside village with fun eateries and lakefront park. The iconic Seneca Lake pier is the perfect place to stroll and stare at the deep blue water.

The Gorge Trail at Watkins State Park. Click here to take a deeper dive with a full blog post on this amazing experience as it is a destination unto itself. This is a marvel of nature, totally immersive as the water flows above and below you. Over 800 stone steps traverse the Gorge providing a jaw-dropping experience that is simply unforgettable.

Cruise the Lake. A trip to the Finger Lakes would be incomplete without actually getting out on the water. Captain Bill’s Seneca Legacy dinner cruise took us on a beautiful sunset journey.

Favorite food spots. Belhurst Castle boasts two dining experiences: Edgars in the Castle for fine dining, and awesome pub fare at The Stonecutters Tavern.

The perfectly landscaped grounds and lake views are a magical setting. Our next trip will definitely include a stay here to enjoy the spa, sipping wine and savoring the views.

Sapalta at Plum Point. Enjoy Lakefront dining with a farm to table menu…with food sourced from 30 local farms and producers.

Seneca Cheese Company an Artisanal Cheese Tavern. This super casual cheese tavern is the perfect place to enjoy and purchase the local hand-crafted flavors along with an exceptional wine, beer, cocktail and spirits selection.

A visit to the Finger Lakes is a delight for the senses. A feast for your palate as well as your eyes. There’s a peaceful, laid-back vibe to everything here, inviting you to slow down and enjoy the good life.

Treat yourself to all the region has to offer…after all, you can never have enough good wine in a spectacular setting, can you?

Wine is bottled poetry. – Robert Louis Stevenson

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