Seneca Lake is the largest Finger Lake by volume 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 over 50 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: 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 the Phoenician 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.