Oct 27 2020 11:10 | Updated Nov 24 2021 09:11
Wineries in the New York state are said to be as good as those in Napa Valley California for both quality and choice. In this article we introduce you to 14 upstate New York wineries that are reputable and also great to visit.
These wineries are located variously across the state. The Finger Lakes region is the biggest wine region in New York state. Hudson Valley Region, Niagara and Long Island have some great vineyards and wineries to visit and shop at.
The fun part is many of the wineries are also “wine country hotels” that you can stay at on your visit.
Brotherhood Winery is America’s oldest winery established in 1839. The underground cellars in Washingtonville are the first to be dug in America and are still in use today. Their vintages include ciders, sparkling wines and imported wines. The winery offers tours, tastings and even for hosting events.
100 Brotherhood Plaza Drive, Washingtonville, NY 10992
View Brotherhood Winery in the New York State Tourism Directory
Founder Dr Frank was the one to introduce vinifera or European grape varieties to the Finger Lakes region. He is responsible for starting the winemaking renaissance and making the Finger Lakes the wine region that it is. His family has been running this winery for four generations. Their wine club is a great introduction to the wines of Finger Lakes.
9749 Middle Road, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Named one of the World’s Best Wine Hotels by Wine Enthusiast, the Belhurst Castle offers historic castle rooms and private cottages. The tasting room overlooks Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region. Many of the wines are award winning and you can have a six-course wine paired meal at their restaurant.
4069 West Lake Road, Geneva, New York 14456
View Belhurst Castle in the New York State Tourism Directory
Wine tours introduce you to the viticulture and are 45 minutes long. End your tour with a wine flight to taste five of the wines of the Fox Run Vineyards. The cafe serves food from the Fox Run farm.
670 State Route 14 West side of Seneca Lake, Penn Yan, NY 14527
View Fox Run Vineyards in the New York State Tourism Directory
Known for their Rieslings, Glenora Wine Cellars is attached to a 30 room inn and the Veraisons Restaurant serving locally sourced, regional cuisine. An overnight stay includes a glass of sparkling wine at check-in, a bottle of Glenora wine and a complimentary wine tasting at the winery.
5435 State Route 14, Dundee, Starkey, NY 14837
View Glenora Wine Cellars in the New York State Tourism Directory
This Long Island vineyard has a similar climate to France’s wine region of Bordeaux. Growing Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Gewurztraminer variety grapes, Pellegrini uses traditional as well as modern winemaking techniques.
23005 Main Rd, Cutchogue, NY 11935
View Pellegrini Vineyards in the New York State Tourism Directory
Bedell Cellars’s main focus is on sustainable farming. Their main varieties of grape grown are Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. This winery is one on the North Fork wineries map and known for their full bodied reds, so much that Kip Bedell — the founder of Bedell Cellars — came to be called, “Mr Merlot”.
36225 Main Rd, Cutchogue, NY 11935
View Bedell Cellar in the New York State Tourism Directory
New York Kitchen is not so much a winery as it is a stop where you discover the wines of New York state. They are wine experts and indeed, they are a location where aspiring wine concierges can take one part of the dreaded sommeliers exam. New York Kitchen focuses on local agriculture. They serve some of classic wines from all New York State wineries in their tasting room.
800 S Main Street Canandaigua , NY 14424
View New York Kitchen in the New York State Tourism Directory
On the Upper Hudson Wine Trail, the Capital Craft Beverage Trail and the Washington County Cheese Tour is family owned and operated Victory View Vineyard. Marquette, maréchal foch, frontenac, la crescent, lacrosse, petite pearl and melody are the grapes grown here.
1975 State Route 40, Schaghticoke, NY 12154
View Victory View Vineyard in the New York State Tourism Directory
Originally a peach and apple orchard, the Stamp family started to grow grapes in the farm which turned into Lakewood Vineyards almost two decades after the first grape was planted.
4024 State Route 14 Watkins Glen, NY 14891
View Lakewood Vineyards in the New York State Tourism Directory
While grapes need warmer days to grow, the Thousand Islands region is able to grow cold-hardy grape varieties for winemaking. Grapes like La Crescent and Frontenac Gris make Thousand Island Winery wines unique. Located in the beautiful Thousand Islands region this winery makes for a great wedding venue.
43298 Seaway Ave Suite 1, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
Named Winery of the Year 2019 by New York Wine Classic, Wagner Vineyards offers many award winning wines. The vineyard has added a beer microbrewery to their offerings.
9322 State Route 414, Lodi, NY 14860
The vineyard is attached to the farm which offers u-pick, kids activities, a wine shop and lodging. This 5th generation farm has been around for more than 100 years.
3724 Quaker Rd Gasport, NY 14067
View Vizzcara Vineyards in the New York State Tourism Directory
Focused on sustainable farming, this vineyard is on the Niagara Wine Trail. Grapes like Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling and Vidal Blanc are grown without the use of any sprays and herbicides.
4746 Town Line Road, Cambria, NY 14094
View Arrowhead Spring Vineyards in the New York State Tourism Directory
Images from facebook.