Be Sure To Visit These Four Finger Lakes Wineries

Scenic view from Sheldrake Point Winery on Lake Cayuga

The Finger Lakes offer world-class wineries and standout scenery.

During our recent trip to the Finger Lakes region in New York, we experienced four must-see wineries. Add them to your itinerary for your next visit to this area that ranks as one of our favorites.

The Finger Lakes got their name from the Native Americans who lived in the region. They believed the lakes were the fingerprints of the Great Spirit. Viewed from the air, they do indeed look like outstretched fingers. There are six major Finger Lakes and the largest two – Seneca and Cayuga – are among the deepest in North America.

The lakes, gouged out by glaciers during the Pleistocene Era, are not only scenic but the main reason the area is known for superior wine. The lakes hold warmth during the winter, moderating the cold temperature, and the water reflects the sunlight for the vines. The sloping vineyards are oriented to maximize sunshine allowing the grapes to develop acidity and complex flavors.

Co-owner Colleen Hardy and Living Roots winery

Living Roots Wine & Co. – Hammondsport, NY

Living Roots is both a winery in the Finger Lakes as well as the Adelaide Hills of Australia. The Hammondsport tasting room opened in September 2023, but the roots of the effort are much deeper.

Owned by Sebastian and Colleen Hardy, the wine journey began in 1850 when Sebastian’s great-great-great grandfather immigrated to Australia and started a 160-year family winemaking tradition. Sebastian grew up in his father's vineyards and he and Coleen, who grew up in Rochester, met during harvest in 2014.

Today an urban winery in Rochester, the Finger Lakes winery, and their Adelaide Hills winery and cellar door, comprise Living Roots Wine & Co. We’ve visited more than 50 Finger Lakes wineries and Living Roots, on Lake Keuka, has the most spectacular tasting room views. The tasting room is spacious, stylish, and the perfect location to relax with a glass of wine.

There is plenty to love with the wine selection. In addition to the line of Session sparkling wines, we were captivated by the 2020 Off Dry  Riesling's tasty “noble rot,” tropical notes, and rich mouthfeel. The 2021 Cabernet Franc exemplifies everything that makes Finger Lakes Cab Franc a world-class wine. A cooler vintage, it offers savory notes and plenty of red fruit. The 2021 Grenache, from old bush vines in Australia’s McLaren Vale, is vibrant and juicy.

Winemaker Jordan Harris and Heron Hill Winery

Heron Hill Winery -- Hammondsport, NY

Heron Hill's wines have a beautiful style, matched by the magnificent winery building on Keuka Lake. The architectural gem was designed by New York City architect Charles Warren and features a tasting room with a vaulted ceiling reminiscent of the inside of a wine barrel. The trademark tower is a beacon for wine lovers, guiding them to an exceptional tasting experience.

In 1972, John and Jo Ingles planted 20 acres of grapes on Lake Canandaigua. When they were unable to sell their grapes, due to that year's statewide bumper crop, they decided to build Heron Hill Winery on Lake Keuka. The winery has been producing exceptional wine since 1977 and grapes from the original Ingles Vineyard now is used in top single-vineyard bottlings for Heron Hill.

The 2022 Classic Dry Riesling is an energetic wine bursting forth with lemon and peach notes, with ample fruit to balance the acidity. Minerality lingers with the long finish. Dancing Bear is a new label and we found the 2023 Blaufrankisch Rose to be crisp and vibrant with sour cherry flavors. 

The 2020 Ingles Vineyard Pinot Noir was a surprise. We've never figured Pinot to be high in the pantheon of Finger Lakes grapes, but with the proper site selection and canopy management, Heron Hill delivers a winning cool-climate Pinot Noir. Enjoyable threads of black raspberry, cola, and violet highlight this wine, which has a limited production run of 156 cases.

The Ryan William Tasting Barn

Ryan William Vineyard -- Hector, NY

The focal point of Ryan William Vineyard is the Tasting Barn. A 150-year-old canted queen post barn, the Tasting Barn was originally used to store hay. It fell into disrepair but was purchased, disassembled, restored, and reassembled. It opened in 2016 as the winery tasting room and a Finger Lakes showcase.

The Tasting Barn features a cafe run by Ryan's wife Samira. The menu features an array of lunch and brunch items and includes everything from quiche to steamed mussels. Many of the menu ingredients are sourced from the animals raised and produce grown on the pastures and fields of the 76-acre farm upon which the barn sits. Wine tastings and wine by the glass or bottle are also offered.

Ryan William grows Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah. All grapes used are estate-grown.

We found the 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc/Merlot to be a sumptuous drinking experience. Filled with juicy plum and cherry notes, the addition of Merlot gives a velvety mouthfeel. This is a rewarding wine and deserving of the "reserve" label. This was our first visit, but we shall return.

Winemaker Dave Breeden and Sheldrake Point Winery

Sheldrake Point Winery -- Ovid, NY

Sheldrake Point Winery is named for the prominent point of land on which it sits, located on the western shore of Cayuga Lake. This is usually on our list of wineries to visit as it is a short drive from locations on the eastern side of Seneca Lake. The beauty of the location and the outstanding wines keep bringing us back.

The winery was founded in 1997 and today 60 acres are under vine. Sheldrake produces 8,500 cases of estate-grown and bottled table and ice wines. You can also visit Sheldrake by boat, which makes for an amazing day.

Our favorite over the years has been the Meritage, a bodacious blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2020 Reserve Meritage gives a delicious burst of blackberry and blueberries with medium tannins and complexity on the palate. Riesling lovers should try the Wild Ferment Riesling as well as the winery-exclusive Acid Head Riesling. Don't be put off by the latter's name, it is part of the experimental Beta label and the lemon and green apple flavors balance nicely with the dialed-up acid.

The tasting room is open daily. Tastings of library wines are available in the Vintage Room at $50 per person.