Seneca Lake is the biggest Finger Lake in New York and is a fantastic place to visit not just for its scenery, but also for its varied range of exquisite wineries.
If you’re not sure which wineries and vineyards to go to during your trip to this breathtaking destination, don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best wineries on Seneca Lake to help you narrow down your options.
What Wine Is Seneca Lake Known For?
Seneca Lake is one of the most popular Finger Lakes in New York and it’s not hard to see why. Its breathtaking scenery and relaxing setting make it a must-visit for those in need of a moment of calm.
But in addition to its tranquil background, Seneca Lake is home to a few fantastic wineries offering spectacular wines. Some of the most popular wines in Seneca Lake include Riesling, Chardonnay, Gruner Veltliner, and Cabernet Franc.
The area’s cool climate provides the ideal growing conditions for Vinifera grapes like these.
Related Read: Keuka Lake Wine Tasting: 5 Best Wineries To Visit
10 Best Wineries on Seneca Lake
Best wineries on Seneca Lake map:
Lakewood Vineyards
- Address: 4024 NY-14, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, United States
- Website: https://lakewoodvineyards.com/
- Contact Number: +1 607-535-9252
First up is Lakewood Vineyards, boasting 80 acres of vineyards, panoramic views of Seneca Lake, and 14 grape varieties. They have a comfortable indoor tasting room and a delightful outdoor patio for you to sit back and relax in.
Their wine tasting options include a Guided Tour & Tasting, Signature Tasting, and Vineyard Hike & Tasting. The latter takes you on a peaceful walk through the estate vineyards guided by one of the winery’s knowledgeable staff, alongside plenty of mouthwatering wines to sample.
Lakewood Vineyards has won awards for a lot of their wines, which show just how flavorful and high-quality they are. No matter your experience in wine tasting, you’re sure to have a memorable stay at this Seneca Lake winery.
Belhurst Castle and Winery
- Address: 4069 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, United States
- Website: https://www.belhurst.com/
- Contact Number: +1 315-781-0201
Nestled on the northwestern shore of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region is the majestic Belhurst Castle and Winery. As you might have guessed from its name, the winery is located in a grand 1880s stone castle.
The exterior is truly breathtaking and is surrounded by towering trees and foliage, creating a fairytale and magical atmosphere. Belhurst Castle and Winery has a staggering number of features, including comfortable lodging, fine dining, wine tastings, and even a salon and spa.
You can enjoy a varied assortment of wines, craft beers, and hard ciders at their stunning tasting room. Many of the wines produced at Belhurst have won awards and medals in wine competitions, so the estate’s charm isn’t just limited to its atmosphere and appearance!
Belhurst offers classic wine tastings ($10 for 5 wines), wine and cheese flights, craft beer flights, and hard ciders flights. All that tasting is hungry work, so if you’re feeling peckish, why not sit down for a decadent meal at either Edgar’s Restaurant or Stonecutter’s Tavern?
The former serves sophisticated and luxurious cuisine, whereas the latter focuses on hearty pub-style food.
With such jaw-dropping grounds and a breathtaking estate, Belhurst is a magnificent venue for weddings. The Castle Ballroom can accommodate up to 250 guests and features gorgeous views, a spacious dancefloor, an indoor and outdoor bar, and restrooms.
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards
- Address: 5712 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841, United States
- Website: https://hazlitt1852.com/
- Contact Number: +1 607-546-9463
Situated on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards has been crafting top-notch wines since 1985. While they produce an array of delicious wines, they’re most famous for their sweet wines.
The winery also produces a variety of ciders, so if you’re not in the mood for wine, their line of crisp ciders is sure to quench your thirst. There are several tasting areas at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards you can unwind in, as well as a gift shop that stocks a range of souvenirs and goodies.
The horseshoe tasting bar, high-top table, and an outdoor space nicknamed The Oasis all provide an enchanting experience, but we particularly like the latter. It has a large pit fire and tropical atmosphere, as well as jaw-dropping views of rolling hills and ponds so you can enjoy your wine in peace and quiet.
Live music occurs at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards every week, but if you’d rather host your own event, the winery is the perfect venue thanks to its enchanting atmosphere and setting.
Zugibe Vineyards – Wine With a View
- Address: 4248 E Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, United States
- Website: https://www.zugibevineyards.com/
- Contact Number: +1 315-585-6402
Zugibe Vineyards is an excellent winery to visit, featuring gorgeous views overlooking Seneca Lake and a multitude of estate-grown wines. They offer tastings, wine by the glass/bottle, ciders, beers, food, and snacks every day.
For those looking to expand their wine tasting knowledge, the winery offers wine tastings at their bar, which are carefully guided by a knowledgeable member of staff. Standard tastings cost $10 and include 5 samples of wine.
If you’re in the mood for food, Zugibe Vineyards has a Phonecian bistro and grill that serves an assortment of Mediterranean-inspired dishes like falafel, hummus, shawarma rice bowls, pitzas (pizza pitas!), and grape leaves.
The winery’s charming setting provides a wonderful backdrop for weddings and other private events, so if you need a stellar venue for your special occasion, Zugibe Vineyards is definitely worth considering.
Chateau LaFayette Reneau
- Address: 5081 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841, United States
- Website: https://www.clrwine.com/
- Contact Number: +1 607-546-2062
Located on the eastern side of Seneca Lake in a fully-restored charming century-old barn, Chateau LaFayette Reneau is a must-visit. They’ve been operating for several decades and have ample experience in producing estate-grown vinifera wines.
Their 110-acre grounds have plenty of sun exposure and airflow, which allows them to craft aromatic, rich white and red wines. In addition, the estate’s stony shale soil and sloped land are ideal for growing vinifera grapes, resulting in impeccable flavor.
The tasting room is situated on a sloped driveway in a historic barn, which provides a stunning backdrop and calm atmosphere for sipping wines. As soon as you arrive at the estate, you’ll be greeted by one of the winery’s friendly staff to make you feel welcome.
Chateau LaFayette Reneau offers wine by the glass and flight, as well as a selection of Tapas-style menu items. Flights cost $10 and include 5 samples of either red, sweet, and semi-sweet wines.
The winery has a couple of outdoor decks overlooking Seneca Lake and surrounding scenery, as well as a garden if you’d rather sit outside with your wine. You can also book a Vineyard Picnic experience during the warmer months, which is great when done with friends and family!
If you need a place to stay during your trip to Seneca Lake, Chateau LaFayette Reneau’s 5-room guest inn is a great option. Views of the lake and surrounding area can be seen from every room.
It features complimentary wifi, a full kitchen with dishware and cookware, air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, and a gas barbeque on the deck.
Additionally, the winery is available for private event rentals like wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, birthday parties, and bridal showers.
Glenora Wine Cellars
- Address: 5435 NY-14, Dundee, NY 14837, United States
- Website: https://www.glenora.com/
- Contact Number: +1 800-243-5513
Another excellent winery located on Seneca Lake is Glenora Wine Cellars, well-known for their delicious and award-winning wines. They were first established in 1977, making them the first winery to open on Seneca Lake.
You can enjoy daily wine tastings and tours at the winery so you can get a sneak peek at how they produce their outstanding beverages. They have plenty of different wines to try, including Riesling, red, white, sparkling, fruit, and dessert wines.
You can also spend a night or two at their cozy 30-room inn, which has its own restaurant. Veraisons Restaurant offers a wide range of seasonal and locally-sourced dishes, all of which are an utter delight on the palate.
The dining room features a gorgeous cherry trim, cathedral ceilings, a stone fireplace, large windows, and views of the vineyards. There’s also a small terrace outside to soak up some sun in the warmer months.
Weddings that occur at Glenora Wine Cellars are unlike no other thanks to the winery’s fantastic hospitality, stunning event spaces, spectacular wines, and delicious farm-to-table cuisine. If you’re interested in booking the estate for your private gathering, make sure to give them a call.
Fox Run Vineyards
- Address: 670 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY 14527, United States
- Website: https://foxrunvineyards.com/
- Contact Number: +1 315-536-4616
With panoramic views of Seneca Lake, wine tastings, vineyard tours, and even a locally sourced cafe, Fox Run Vineyards offers a charming experience for wine lovers.
Tastings are done in their lovely indoor tasting bar, but you can enjoy wine flights on their outdoor patio. No bookings are necessary for tastings too!
VIP vineyard tours are guided by the president and co-owner of the winery, giving you a glimpse at how they produce their marvelous wines. You’ll also enjoy a private wine tasting in their historic barrel room and a specially prepared cheese and charcuterie board made by their head chef.
Alongside tours and tastings, the winery hosts other events like Tastings Blocks Dinners on a regular basis.
After you’ve finished sampling the scrumptious wines Fox Run Vineyards has to offer, why not sit down for a delectable meal at their on-site cafe?
All the dishes are created using high-quality ingredients sourced from various New York businesses and producers, as well as the odd tomato or strawberry plucked from the winery’s own garden.
Three Brothers Wineries and Estates
- Address: 623 Lerch Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, United States
- Website: https://www.3brotherswinery.com/
- Contact Number: +1 315-585-4432
Three Brothers Wineries and Estates offers 3 wineries, a microbrewery, and a cafe all in one estate. They are located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Country, with picturesque views of Seneca Lake.
The estate produces a diverse range of beverages, including wine, beer, hard cider, and craft soda, so no matter what you fancy, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Three Brothers Wineries.
All of the winery’s tasting rooms are stunning and offer a casual atmosphere for the ultimate relaxing stay. The Stony Lonesome Wine Cellars stocks vinifera wines like Riesling, Barbara, and Chambourcin, while the other spaces serve different types of wines.
Nestled on 40 acres of vineyard, the estate cottage provides luxurious accommodation and features amenities like vineyard tours, on-site dining, massages, and more.
Billsboro Winery
- Address: 4760 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, United States
- Website: https://www.billsborowinery.com/
- Contact Number: +1 315-789-9538
Billsboro Winery specializes in dry classic European wine varietals which are made in small batches to ensure their quality and taste. The delightful tasting room is situated at the top of Seneca Lake in a restored 19th-century barn.
The winery’s helpful and knowledgeable staff will guide you through each wine for an unforgettable experience. Why not try a wine and chocolate pairing that are crafted by local chocolatier, Cary Becraft? Perfect for wine and chocolate lovers alike!
Ventosa Vineyards
- Address: 3440 NY-96A, Geneva, NY 14456, United States
- Website: https://ventosavineyards.com/
- Contact Number: +1 315-719-0000
Last but certainly not least is Ventosa Vineyards, a Tuscan-inspired estate with a terrace and cafe that overlooks acre upon acre of luscious vineyards. They specialize in vinifera varietals and are renowned for their dry red wines.
The hand-painted Tuscan–esque tasting room features a custom-made granite bar and offers a friendly, warm atmosphere for sipping wine. It’s open daily for tastings and food, with live music every Wednesday.
Ventosa Vineyards’ cafe serves mouthwatering Mediterranean-style dishes like salads, wraps, homemade soups, paninis, and pizzas. There is ample seating indoors and on their outdoor terrace, alongside a few picnic tables dotted across the lawn.
Looking for a homely and casual venue for a wedding or private event? Look no further than Ventosa Vineyards! They’d be honored to host your special occasion, ensuring you and your guests have a memorable visit.
The La Vista e Bella Ballroom is a beautiful setting for ceremonies, complete with delightful views of Seneca Lake and the vineyards, as well as hand-painted Tuscan-inspired murals.
Seneca Lake Wineries with Restaurants
Many wineries on Seneca Lake feature an on-premise restaurant so you can satisfy both your thirst and hunger in one visit.
Among some of the Seneca Lake wineries with restaurants are Belhurst Castle and Winery, Zugibe Vineyards, Glenora Wine Cellars, Fox Run Vineyards, and Ventosa Vineyards.
All establishments serve different food options, from Mediterranean-style to -pub-style dishes, so there’s bound to be something for you to enjoy no matter what you’re craving!
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Final Thoughts
Although Seneca Lake is mostly known for its scenic hiking trails and boat rides, there is an extensive list of world-class wineries scattered around the area.
From Tuscan-inspired estates to a grandiose castle, Seneca Lake has some of the most diverse (and best!) wineries in the United States.
The wineries above have been selected for their exquisite atmosphere, views, and wines, ensuring your wine tasting experience is as relaxing as it is delicious. So, the next time you’re in Seneca Lake, be sure to add these vineyards and wineries to your “must-visit” list!