Visit the Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes, NY

WINE TRAILS, NATURE AND DREAMY ACCOMMODATIONS

Cara Corridoni

GET ON ROUTE 476, HEAD north and in roughly four and a half hours, you’ll have arrived at the rolling green hills of New York’s famed Finger Lakes region. Once there, navigate winding country roads through acres of vineyards until you glimpse the clear blue of one of the region’s dozen or so slender, appendix-shaped lakes.

Congratulations! You’ve arrived at a vacation destination you won’t soon forget. Lush countryside, award-winning wines and oneof-a-kind sights — all under a night sky with a thousand stars.

DAY DRINKING

We’ll start with wine. While the area’s cool temps make New York an ideal region for rieslings and gewürztraminers, there are plenty of award-winning pinot noirs, cabernet francs and merlots produced here as well.

To help you get oriented, note that the area’s wine tasting is centered around three wine trails, one for each of the region’s biggest lakes. Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, the oldest, was established in 1983 as a way to draw visitors to the region. Its success soon

prompted Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake vintners to follow suit.

While the trails were a 20th-century addition, wine in the region can be traced back to 1866 when the Seneca Lake Grape Wine Company opened the region’s first winery. Thanks to the area’s unique microclimate, that reputation has grown. Today there are hundreds of wineries laying claim to more than 6,000 national and international medals.

On Seneca Lake, start your trip at Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard in Dundee. A pioneer in Finger Lakes winemaking, they offer award-winning wines and one of the best winery tours in the region (reservations required). Then head to Penn Yan, home of Fox Run Vineyards, recently named one of the top tasting rooms in the country. Order a flight of their rieslings. If you’re over on Keuka Lake in Hammondsport, try to snag a visit to Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, arguably the region’s most famous winery.

While the region is best known for its wines, there are other sipping options. Finger Lakes Distilling, a craft distillery in Burdett, offers high-quality, smallbatch liquors made from farm-fresh

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAGANI

Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard

Fox Run Vineyards

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery

Finger Lakes Distilling

fruits. Beer drinkers in the bunch? Head to Wagner Valley Brewing in Lodi. At nearby Wagner Vineyards, visitors can order a flight of beer or wine at tasting room overlooking beautiful Seneca Lake. Or cool down with an all-natural real Draft Root Beer.

Of course, this is only the tip of the tasting glass when it comes to wine-tasting options in the Finger Lakes. Charting your own way is part of the fun. Discussing the best and worst pours of the day is what dinner conversation was made for.

OFF-TRAIL

Yes, wine tasting is nice, but it’s not the only fun activity. You’d be remiss not to explore the natural wonders of the region.

Watkins Glen State Park is home to 19 waterfalls plus the challenging but rewarding Gorge Trail (there’s a shuttle if you prefer). Neighboring Taughannock Falls boasts the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi.

The region’s unique collection of museums is also worth a look. The National Soaring Museum in Elmira tracks the unique history of motorless flight. Feeling adventurous? Pop over to neighboring Harris Hill Soaring Corporation and experience the thrill for yourself.

Something a little more down-to-earth? Check out the Corning Museum of Glass in, yes, Corning. Featuring 45,000 pieces of classic and contemporary glass art, it’s the world’s largest glass collection. Plus, live, narrated daily glassblowing demonstrations are a further treat.

Another option is to start your day at one of the many farmers markets. Located between Keuka and Seneca Lakes, the Windmill Farm and Craft Market in Penn Yan boasts more than 175 vendors. Try gooey cinnamon buns from Stoltzfus Pastries, a Windmill staple since the market opened in 1987. Toss in vine-ripened produce, fresh-baked bread and local cheeses, and you have an Instagram-worthy picnic to sustain you through the day’s fun.

BRINGING IT HOME

With the wine and the drive, this trip is well worth a long weekend, which is perfect because there’s also a wide selection of unique lodging options — from high-end camping to charming B&Bs and even a castle. The stuff that dreams are made of.

On the National Register of Historic Properties, 123-year-old Belhurst Castle in Geneva has a dramatic past of opulence, excess and booze. Stay in one of the 11 elegant guest rooms or three cottages that surround the main house. Set between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, the Inn at Gothic Eves in Trumansburg offers eight rooms expertly decked out and all appropriately named after wines.

Looking for something a little different? Firelight Camps in Ithaca offers a one-ofa-kind glamping experience. While you’re technically outside, the comforts abound (no air mattresses here). Plus, you have access to a fully-equipped bathhouse, beverage station and complimentary breakfast to start your day.

So, ready to book your trip? Here are a few tips. The wine trails are just a guide. Each is self-navigated and the best way to go is to hire a transportation company, of which there are plenty. From Seneca Lake Kayak and Winery Tours to Above the Glen Limo and Wine Adventures, a quick search turns up dozens of options. Your professional driver provides a worry-free day and can be an invaluable resource with insider info.

Also remember summer is the region’s busiest season. Expect lots of visitors but, on the upside, extended hours. Most wineries are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Just be prepared to take things slow and enjoy the view. For more on planning your Finger Lakes visit, go to FingerLakesWineCountry.com. ©

Wagner Valley Brewing

National Soaring Museum

Belhurst Castle

The Inn at Gothic Eves

Welcome to County Lines Country

2022–2023 Guidebook

How lucky we are to live in the Brandywine Valley! Although we sometimes take the world-class attractions and lush countryside for granted, after putting together this Annual Guide, we’re again gobsmacked by the wonders so close to home. From fascinating light installations at Longwood Gardens, to a collection of eclectic local museums, to photography challenges, farmstays and the second-largest shopping mall in the country, County Lines Country has it all. This summer and beyond, we hope you’ll discover something new, see your favorite places with new eyes, and rejoice is all there is around us.