The Finger Lakes region is a dreamy escape for anyone who loves to indulge in exquisite wine, farm-fresh food, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Tucked away in upstate New York, this charming area boasts eleven long, slender lakes and an abundance of vineyards, farms, artisanal food shops, and chef-driven restaurants. With more than 100 wineries dotting the region and an ever-growing foodie culture, it’s the perfect getaway for couples, solo travelers, and even families who appreciate good taste.
Dreamy Finger Lakes Guide for Wine Enthusiasts & Culinary Explorers
Whether you’re savoring a crisp Riesling with lakeside views, enjoying gourmet bites at a farm-to-table bistro, or sipping cider in a rustic barn, every moment here feels handcrafted and authentic. The local spirit of hospitality and the passion behind every dish and drink will leave a lasting impression. And the best part? The scenery is just as delicious—with rolling hills, vineyard-covered slopes, and sunset-kissed waters forming the backdrop to your flavorful adventure.
In this guide, we’ve curated over 40 must-do experiences tailored specifically for wine enthusiasts and foodies looking to make the most of their Finger Lakes journey in 2025. Let your taste buds lead the way as you explore the best vineyards, eateries, trails, and tastings this vibrant region has to offer.
🍷 Best Wineries in the Finger Lakes You Must Visit
1. Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
A legend in New York wine, this winery offers sweeping views and world-renowned Rieslings.
2. Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Known for biodynamic farming and complex whites, it’s a must-stop for eco-conscious wine lovers.
3. Ravines Wine Cellars
A boutique winery producing dry European-style wines. Don’t miss their Pinot Noir!
4. Keuka Spring Vineyards
Overlooking Keuka Lake, this gem is known for Gewürztraminer and friendly tasting room staff.
5. Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
Award-winning wines and stunning architecture with panoramic Seneca Lake views.
🍝 Delicious Finger Lakes Restaurants Worth the Trip
6. FLX Table – Geneva
Tiny in size, big on flavor! One of the most exclusive dining spots with a communal table experience.
7. The Red Dove Tavern – Geneva
Seasonal menus packed with local ingredients and creative flair.
8. Dano’s Heuriger on Seneca
Austrian cuisine meets lakefront charm. Try the Wiener Schnitzel!
9. Kindred Fare – Geneva
Upscale yet cozy, with a locally inspired menu and inventive cocktails.
10. Moosewood Restaurant – Ithaca
A world-famous vegetarian restaurant emphasizing fresh, organic, and sustainable ingredients.
🧀 Finger Lakes Cheese & Artisan Food Experiences
11. Muranda Cheese Company
Sample small-batch cheeses and take home your favorites.
12. Lively Run Dairy
One of the oldest goat dairies in the U.S. Known for creamy chèvre.
13. Sunset View Creamery
Family-owned and farm-fresh cheeses you can watch being made.
14. Finger Lakes Cider House
Sip crisp hard cider and enjoy farm-to-table bites with a view.
15. The Piggery – Ithaca
Artisan meats, charcuterie, and sustainable farming at its finest.
🌽 Farm-to-Table & Food Trails
16. Ithaca Farmers Market
A foodie heaven on the waterfront with global cuisines, local produce, and more.
17. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Dozens of wineries and food pairings await on this scenic loop.
18. Keuka Lake Wine Trail
A smaller, intimate wine experience with charming lakeside stops.
19. Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
America’s first wine trail! Enjoy tastings, events, and vineyard tours.
20. Harvest Cafe & Wine Bar
Perfect for casual bites and a curated wine list from around the region.
🍷 Unique Wine Tastings & Pairings
21. Wine & Chocolate Pairing at Glenora Wine Cellars
Sweet and rich with lake views that take your breath away.
22. Food & Wine Pairing at Fox Run Vineyards
Join guided tastings that perfectly match local dishes with estate wines.
23. Barrel Tasting at Standing Stone Vineyards
Get behind the scenes and taste wine straight from the barrel!
24. Wine Slushies at Three Brothers Wineries
Fun, fruity, and perfect on a sunny day.
25. Sparkling Wine Experience at Chateau LaFayette Reneau
Bubbles, elegance, and breathtaking sunset views.
🌮 Global Cuisine with Local Flair
26. Gola Osteria – Ithaca
Rustic Italian in a romantic setting. Handmade pasta is the highlight.
27. Saigon Kitchen – Ithaca
Authentic Vietnamese cuisine, perfect for pho lovers.
28. Moosewood Again – Yes, It’s That Good
Deserves a double mention for their ever-changing menu and iconic status.
29. Red Newt Cellars Bistro
Pair small plates with their estate wines in a cozy setting.
30. Thai Elephants – Watkins Glen
Delicious Thai food just minutes from wine country.
🍴 Cooking Classes, Tours & Tasting Events
31. New York Kitchen – Canandaigua
Hands-on cooking classes using local ingredients and wine pairings.
32. Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty
Check the calendar for seasonal food and wine festivals.
33. Wine & Herb Weekend (Cayuga Trail)
Taste herb-inspired pairings in spring.
34. Cheese and Wine Trail (Keuka Lake)
Perfect for foodies who want to taste the region’s best.
35. Pop-Up Farm Dinners
Local chefs, farms, and winemakers collaborate for unforgettable evenings.
🚜 Bonus Ideas for a Gourmet Getaway
36. Stay at a Winery B&B
Many wineries offer boutique lodging with gourmet breakfasts.
37. Join a Wine Tour Shuttle
Skip the driving and sip safely.
38. Visit Finger Lakes Distilleries
Not just wine—try local gin, vodka, and whiskey too.
39. Explore Ethnic Bakeries in Auburn & Geneva
Polish, Italian, and German pastries to take with you.
40. Lakeview Picnics with Wine & Cheese
Pack your favorite bottle and snacks for a serene sunset picnic.
41. Seasonal Harvest Festivals
Celebrate fall with apples, pumpkins, cider, and farm delights.
42. Wine & Yoga at the Vineyard
Yes, it’s a thing. Relax and sip after a stretch in the vines.
With its scenic beauty, rich soil, and passionate makers, the Finger Lakes region is a paradise for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. From elegant Rieslings to rich goat cheeses, artisanal charcuterie to hands-on cooking classes, this destination offers immersive experiences that delight every sense.
So grab your glass, book your tasting tour, and indulge in the culinary charm of Finger Lake
I’m Lily Wilson, a traveler, storyteller, and soul-searcher from the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. At LilyOnTheGo.com, every journey begins with curiosity, courage, and a trusty carry-on. Travel, for me, has never been about ticking places off a bucket list. It’s about chasing sunrises in unfamiliar cities, sharing laughs with strangers who become friends.