Wine Touring on the Finger Lakes

Sipping Along the Eastern Shore of Seneca Lake

Aug 17, 2009 Jennifer Ward

Seneca Lake is just one of upstate New York's many wine producing areas. All you need is one day to sample some of this lake's best.

When it comes to wine, New York State's Finger Lakes offer quality and accessibility in one neat package. Both the beginner wine taster and the experienced sommelier will find something along one of the four major lakes, and a day is more than enough to sample the region's finest.

According to the official website for the Finger Lakes Wine Country, Seneca Lake is the largest and most active of the wine trails, with a community of over 35 wineries, a distillery, two breweries and a meadery. The number of wineries in operation is steadily growing, and variety and innovation flow freely at each one. Here's a guide to four along the Eastern shore that shouldn't be missed. By adding a few more from the Finger Lakes Wine Country website, a day spent along Seneca is one of the finest the state has to offer. Bring a hearty picnic to sustain you until the end, and dine in one of the surrounding towns' delectable eateries for a perfect ending to the day.

Atwater Estate Vineyards and Winery

On the Southeastern shore of the lake, Atwater Estate describes their wine offerings as a "portfolio." Creative blends fill the shelves, and passionate staff members bursting with knowledge are always at hand. According to their website, Atwater produces only 8,500 cases of wine annually. They are known for their consistent and clean wines, however, and their views are some of the most rewarding along the lake.

Located at 5055 Route 414, near Hectory, N.Y.: 607.546.8463

Bloomer Creek Vineyard

This cottage-style winery has not an ounce of pretension inside its wooden doors. Run by Kim Engle and his artist wife Debra Bermingham, the tasting and sales room is one of the most inviting along the lake. There's a charming attention to detail here that makes its way from the walls to the wine. Offering a fine selection of area Riesling, Chardonnay, and Gamay in their Victorian era carriage house, the folks at Bloomer Creek are conversational and warm.

At 5301 Route 414 near Hector, N.Y., Bloomer Creek is a sure stop along any Seneca Lake day trip. Their picturesque backyard offers a picnic area, and they also co-own a café just down the street called the Stonecat Café. 607 546 5027

Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars

Specializing in Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, Lamoreaux Landing has been a Seneca Lake mainstay since 1990. Mark Wagner took over the family wine business in 1978, and his creations are not to be missed. Open year-round, Lamoreaux boasts knowledgeable staff and splendid views of the lake.

Located at 9224 State Route 414 near Lodi, N.Y., tours can be booked by calling 607.582.6011.

Silver Thread Winery

This winery is unique in its adoption of sustainable production techniques. By using solar and geothermal heat along with natural forces like gravity, their winemaking takes on not only the character of the earth but gives back to it as well. Established in the early 1980s, Silver Thread originally kept within the European varieties Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In the late part of the decade, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grünerveltliner, among others, have been produced as well. Through composting, cover crops, and a traditional low-tech cellar, Silver Thread prides itself on its connection to the land.

Visit Silver Thread at 1401 Caywood Rd. near Lodi, N.Y., or arrange a tour by calling 607.582.6116.

The copyright of the article Wine Touring on the Finger Lakes in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Jennifer Ward. Permission to republish Wine Touring on the Finger Lakes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellar

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