This post is one of an occasional visit to a neighboring state to explore and share what they have to offer. This was our third trip to the Finger Lakes and we were determined to try a few different wineries, as well as revisit a few of our favorites from previous trips. There are over 150 wineries in the Finger Lakes. I’ve written about our other visits here: https://wp.me/p74VSa-cJv and here: https://wp.me/p74VSa-cJS
I was also determined to limit our take home, but as the photo above reveals, I failed miserably on that goal. We did succeed in having a wonderful trip, drinking some great wine (and other beverages), and eating some wonderful food in this beautiful lake country. I won’t even try to recount this four day trip. Instead I will share only some of the best moments and encourage everyone to visit this wonderful neighbor to our north.
Our Stay
We enjoyed our stay so much last time at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, we decided to return. The hotel is beautiful, a very short walk to Seneca Lake, and they offer delicious food, and great service. Great breakfasts every morning and we had two fantastic dinners here, too.
Before I share some of the many highlights of this four day trip, I want to acknowledge that I know there are many other wineries, some every bit as good as or better than some of those below. However, our excluding them this time was based upon several points:
- There are over 150 wineries in the Finger Lakes
- We have visited twice before and did not want to just go back to the same ones.
- Since we stayed on Seneca Lake, after a six hour trip, we did not want to spend all of our time driving, so we limited our visits to Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake.
- I was able to procure wines from a couple of our faves which we have visited twice before (like Shalestone Winery, Dr. Frank’s Winery).
- I can buy many Finger Lakes wines online from a few of the bigger name wineries via my paid unlimited delivery service with wine.com.
Heron Hill Winery
Heron Hill Winery is located on Keuka Lake in Hammondsport. Beautiful inside and out, we had to visit this one again.
Standout wines this year included:
- 2019 Reserve Riesling-My favorite Riesling in all of our tastings this year. A lovely dry Riesling with a little more body, but retaining that unique minerality.
- 2020 Reserve Chardonnay Oaked-Gently oaked and one of the best Chardonnays tasted on this trip.
- 2019 Baco Noir-A varietal that doesn’t get enough love. This is a very good version.
- 2020 Reserve Red-A terrific red blend of Cab Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
To sweeten the pot, we brought home a bottle of Bourbon Cream and a beautiful ceramic wine chiller adorned with a symbolic heron (like the one shown above). The Bourbon Cream is made at a distillery in New York (not in the Finger Lakes), but we bought a bottle previously and loved it.
I also can’t say enough about the knowledgeable and friendly staff, who did everything they could to make our visit special. I’d like to give a special shoutout to Chris (I believe he is the Tasting Room Manager), who introduced us to Laura (Assistant Winemaker and former member of the William Heritage staff back in New Jersey). Small world! Thank you for making our visit so special!
Damiani Wine Cellars
We were able to do our tasting on the deck, overlooking Seneca Lake. We loved the reds here in the past, though they make a few very good whites, as well. Our highlights this year were their 2021 MC2, 2021 Saperavi, 2021 Chardonnay and 2021 Dry Riesling. The MC2 is a great red blend of Cab, Cab Franc, and Merlot. The Saperavi is a very interesting grape and this one is super.
Atwater Vineyards
The views from the deck (weather permitting are wonderful-see above), but the view from inside is also quite nice. My favorites here were the Stonebridge White and Stonebridge Red (excellent, smooth, and reasonably priced blends) and their 2021 Reserve Chardonnay (a gently oaked, delicious Chard). I also got to try a new grape (Lagrein) as part of a Rose blend (Lagrein, Zweigelt, Merlot, and Chardonnay). Our server was terrific-knowledgable and very personable and helpful.
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards &Winery
This was a pleasant surprise. We had not visited before, despite a very nice write up in Food & Wine Magazine a few years ago. I was impressed with the reds, especially the 2020 Merlot and the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot was one of the best I have had all year. We also enjoyed the Dry Riesling, the 2020 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, and the 2020 Gruner Veltliner. Our server let us both taste the Gruner side-by-side with the 2021 Gruner. They were both good, but the 2020 was one of the best Gruners I have had. It almost seemed to be a different varietal from the 2021. Apparently, the 2020 vintage was a very good one for the reds and whites in this area.
J R Dill Winery
Located on Seneca Lake, this was another pleasant surprise. While a bit smaller and less well known than some of the wineries here, the walls are covered with fascinating old black and white photos of the area. They also have several spacious outdoor seating options from the front porch to the gently sloping lawn with picnic tables and benches. Our highlights here included the 2021 Three Barrel Red Blend, the Cab Sauvignon, and the 2021 Gruner Veltliner. I also got a chance to add another new varietal, pictured below-a glass of their De Chaunac. The grape is is a French-American hybrid, dark-skinned red, that ripens early. It was smooth and a bit unique.
FLX Breweries
We had to go back to Scale House Brewing and Two Goats Brewery again. This time we also added Horsehead Brewing, which was close enough to Seneca Lake that you could hear the waves occasionally lap ashore after a boat passed by.
Scale House Brewery
We had lunch at Scale House (the best pizza around). I enjoyed their Pale Ale with the pizza, while my wife had a glass of Shalestone Winery’s Cab Franc. For dessert: Small pours of Cannoli Stout and Peanut Butter Stout. Both were great. We took home some Peanut Butter Stout, but were disappointed that the Cannoli Stout was not available (except in growlers). Still my favorite FLX brewery.
Two Goats Brewing
One night we decided, spur of the moment, to eat an early dinner, and watch the sunset. We chose the Two Goats deck (below), which was surprisingly not crowded. We watched the sun set over Seneca Lake while we ate a great roast beef sandwich. My wife had a glass of red wine (I believe a Cab Franc), while I enjoyed their Cold Pale Ale. What a nice, inexpensive, and delicious dinner!
Horseheads Brewing
There is another tasting room on Route 413, but we visited the one right on Seneca Lake. I had a pretty good Stout, while enjoying the scenery and the outdoor vibe.
Finger Lakes Distilling
We couldn’t pass up a chance to have a cocktail on the side deck with great views of Seneca Lake, while I enjoyed a Gin and tonic (utilizing the McKenzie Gin) and my wife enjoyed her McKenzie Straight Bourbon, neat.
My New Jersey Wine of the Week
Yes, despite spending a few days in the Finger Lakes, I still want to highlight my New Jersey wine of the week: William Heritage 2022 Chardonnay Reserve. It is a rich and creamy Chard with hints of lemon, butter, and pear on the palate. Very good!
Coming Attractions
- Amalthea Cellars Fall 2023
- Autumn Lake Winery Fall 2023
- Va La Vineyards
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