Things to do / Travel Guide
Vineyards and orchards thrive in the Finger Lakes area, western New York, and south-central Ontario. Fertile valleys, moderate microclimates, and century-old vines all combine to make the Finger Lakes the second-largest winemaking country in the United States, after California's Napa Valley. With a grape-growing history that dates back to 1860, western New York is a must-visit both for enthusiasts, and those who just like a nice glass of wine. Western New York's viticulture and more than 90 wineries are primarily centered around six lakes: Lake Canandaigua, Lake Cayuga, Lake Conesus, Lake Keuka, Lake Ontario, and Lake Seneca.
While the region has generally been known for sparkling and sweet wines produced from Catawba and Concord grapes, in the last several decades wineries have begun growing European vitifera - and to wonderful effect. The wineries of the Finger Lakes region now produce every variety of grape and vintage and their award-winning wines include Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Ice Wines.
Nearly every winery offers tasting-rooms and tours. Vineyard visits are always best when scheduled during early fall, though many of the wineries' tasting-rooms are open year-round. In the summer, many wineries receive up to 2,000 visitors a day.
For a great winter wine experience, head to the Finger Lakes on the coldest days of the year! Close to a dozen family-run wineries, particularly around Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake, produce ice wine and serve the arctic delicacy to any visitors who brave the bitter cold to try it!
Canandaigua is home to the New York Wine and Culinary Center (NYWCC). The NYWCC has a beautiful tasting-room that features wines from all across New York State. The tasting menu changes weekly, but generally features four different tasting menus ranging in price from $3 to $10, including complex, award-winning wines. On-site staff provide visitors with information about winemaking, wine styles, and wine-producing regions.
Believe it or not, the area around Niagara Falls in both NY and Ontario was not only endowed with the Falls themselves, but it is also a blessedly fertile wine country! Niagara's over 70 wineries grow award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, red, white, and ice wines. The large majority of Niagara's wineries have wine tasting-rooms and boutiques open to the public. Wineries on the New York side of Niagara Falls have organized a wine trail, featuring six world-class wineries that are certainly worth your while.
Wineries in Toronto, Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes in Western New York and South Central Ontario
Wineries
Anthony Road Wine Company
Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery
Chateau Renaissance Wine Cellars
Dr. Konstantin Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars
Four Chimneys Farm Winery
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
New York Wine and Culinary Center
Niagara Landing Wine Cellars
Sheldrake Point Vineyard & Cafe
The Winery at Marjim Manor
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