With the coronavirus still raging, my husband and I decided to plan a Finger Lakes Wine Tour in upstate New York. We did not live in a banned state, and we could drive there in a few hours. Besides, we liked the bookend to our last out-of-state trip before the shutdown, to Napa Valley. With social distancing and mask-wearing in effect, the trip provided a low-key, relatively safe, and fun deviation from our routine.
Although the region focuses on white wines made from riesling and gewurtztraminer grapes, other varieties and styles tasted quite good. We tasted a few reds, but while they were perfectly enjoyable, they didn’t meet our admittedly high standards for red wine.
Best Overall Experience: Boundary Breaks Vineyard
Worst Overall Experience: Dr. Konstantin Frank
Tasting Room Most Closely Connected to Wine Making: Hermann J. Wiemer
Most Knowledgeable Service: Wagner Vineyards
Most Intimate Tasting: Tower Tasting at Heron Hill
Biggest Surprise: Keuka Spring Vineyards
Because tastings cost less and are less formal (also less informative) than those in California, we were able to visit many wineries a day. Below, you’ll find reviews of some of the best wineries in the Finger Lakes.