{"id":941,"date":"2018-01-14T20:43:42","date_gmt":"2018-01-14T20:43:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=wine_region&p=941"},"modified":"2020-01-21T09:04:13","modified_gmt":"2020-01-21T14:04:13","slug":"seneca-lake","status":"publish","type":"wine_region","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/wine-region\/seneca-lake\/","title":{"rendered":"Seneca Lake"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re looking to please the widest range of palates, Seneca Lake is your best bet in the Finger Lakes. With over 60 wineries, breweries and distilleries, it is the largest and most active of the lakes in this region. During the summer, this lake is alive with busloads of wine lovers and parties visiting the larger wineries, as well as lake-wide festivals and events. <\/span><\/p>\n

During the winter, the quiet is perfect for #Winetravelers who prefer one on one interactions with winemakers and tasting room staff.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

History of Seneca Lake Winemaking\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Like the rest of the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake got its start growing native grapes like Delaware and Catawba in the late 19th century. The first commercial winery on this lake was Seneca Lake Grape Wine Company, which opened in 1866. <\/span><\/p>\n

In 1882, New York State opened an experimental agricultural station in Geneva at the north end of the lake for grape breeding and vineyard research, providing winemakers with data-backed agricultural advice. During Prohibition, the lake\u2019s wineries suffered, with many of them closing or converting to table grape production.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the early 1970s, young winemakers like Charles Fournier and Hermann Wiemer began planting Vinifera around the lake. The success of Fournier\u2019s and Wiemer\u2019s vineyard, plus the advice and aid of the agricultural station and the passing of the Farm Winery Act, led to the growth of the wine industry around the lake. Many of these early wineries that got their start in this period, like Glenora Wine Cellars, Wagner Vineyards<\/strong><\/a>, Hermann J. Wiemer<\/strong><\/a>, and Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards<\/strong><\/a>, continue to be active today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To Cruise or Not to Cruise the \u201cWine Trail\u201d\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Each of the four major wine-producing Finger Lakes each have a promotional entity that they can join. These organizations promote the individual lake, wineries, accommodation, dining and activity in the area. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail includes over 30 member wineries, and provides visitors to the region with a great start for learning more about where to go and what to do. Throughout the year, they also offer deals and host events that span the entire wine trail around the lake.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The trails are a great start to your visit, and if you\u2019re a frequent visitor, the trail wide tasting events can be a fun way to explore new places. But, don\u2019t limit yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of the 50 plus wineries on the lake, 20 or so are not members of the wine trail. There is a fee to join these \u201cwine trail\u201d organizations, and many wineries choose not be a member. Many of my personal favorite wineries are not part of these entities, so I also strongly suggest visiting places that do not belong.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Seneca Lake Grape Varieties<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Finger Lakes broadly have built their reputation on Riesling, and Seneca Lake in particular has the largest selection of styles and clones, from super sweet late harvest to bone dry. There\u2019s even a winery, Boundary Breaks<\/strong><\/a>, that focuses almost exclusively on Riesling<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. Other classic grape varietals on the lake are Cabernet Franc<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, Gewurztraminer, Blaufrankisch<\/strong><\/a><\/span> (also known as Lemberger) and Chardonnay<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Love dry red wine? Check out our tasting itinerary for the <\/span>west side of Seneca Lake that features red wine only<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternative Itineraries<\/b><\/h2>\n

If it\u2019s your first time visiting, you\u2019ll want to hit the highlights. We suggest checking out our <\/span>guide to doing a long weekend on Seneca Lake<\/a><\/strong>. This includes all the must-do wineries, dining, and accommodation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Want to try something a little different? Here\u2019s some alternative ways to tour the lake:<\/span><\/p>\n