Best Finger Lakes wineries?

March 24, 2008 1:51 PM

Looking for wine tasting recommendations in the Finger Lakes region of New York. I'll be spending a long day up there in late May and would like recommendations for wineries worth visiting. Preferences are for dark and dirty reds, but I like a good riesling, too. I know very little about the area and the wine, so please suggest away!
posted by idest to Travel & Transportation around Finger Lakes, NY (4 answers total)

Go to Dr. Konstantin Frank's for riesling.
posted by beagle at 2:04 PM on March 24, 2008

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard located near Seneca Lake. They have top-notch semi-dry and dry riesling which are pretty much the only wine that the Finger Lakes are known . It's also a really pretty location. I haven't been there in a couple of years but May is always a great time to hit up the Finger Lakes.
posted by Stynxno at 2:12 PM on March 24, 2008

Sheldrake Point is a tremendous winery. The Meritage red was our favorite (on our honeymoon!)

Also note that while you're in that area, you are extremely close to Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, which is gorgeous and there's a drive-through trail. We went to this area on our honeymoon and even drove the trail at night, seeing dozens of deer and a coyote as well as many other animals.
posted by agregoli at 2:26 PM on March 24, 2008

Glenora Wine Cellars has some of the best Finger Lakes rieslings, IMHO.

+1 on Dr. Franks.

If you can get to Ventosa Vinyards, give their Saggio a try. Nice dark earthy red.

Have fun!
posted by angry.polymath at 3:54 PM on March 24, 2008