We will ship you a carefully curated case from top Seneca Lake producers
About the Region: Seneca Lake is the largest of the Finger Lakes at over 600 feet deep. Due to the large volume of water, the lake does not freeze in winter, and acts as a giant heat storage unit for the vineyards surrounding the lake, extending the growing season. Thanks to this microclimate, Seneca Lake is home to more than 50 wineries.
About the Tour: While the specific bottles will change depending on availability, producers may include some of the following:
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
As a native of Bernkastel, Germany who emigrated to the Finger Lakes in the 1960s, Hermann J. Wiemer was uniquely qualified to help establish and creata wine region now known for its Riesling identity. At a time when very few thought it was possible to grow vinifera varietals on Seneca Lake, Hermann believed that the unique soil types and moderating weather effects of the Finger Lakes would make it possible to produce great wines here. Over the last thirty years, Hermann's consistency and quality have earned the winery a reputation for being one the nation's best white wine producers.
Silver Thread Vineyard
Silver Thread's original 6-acre vineyard and ecologically-designed wine cellar were established by organics enthusiast and author Richard Figiel. Since the late 1980's, the vineyard has followed the principles of sustainable farming, and it even held an organic certification from 1992-1997. They use mulch, compost and cover crops instead of chemical fertilizers and herbicides to provide the vines with a healthy, living soil. This strengthens the link between the wine and its terroir, the special character of its site.
Chateau Lafayette Reneau
In the heart of the Finger Lakes, down a sloping driveway and against the dramatic backdrop of Seneca Lake, lies Chateau LaFayette Reneau. When their doors opened in 1985, the dream was to earn a reputation for quality grapes and outstanding wines. Today, Chateau LaFayette Reneau produces some of the finest Finger Lake wines, among them winners of Governor’s Cups, Jefferson Cups, and Gold from Riesling du Monde.
Lakewood Vineyards
Growing grapes has been the Stamp family's passion for 4 generations. Since 1988 they've used these Finger Lakes grapes to craft distinct, delicious wines that have helped characterize the area as a dynamic, respected wine region.
Red Newt Cellars
During the first 13 years of Red Newt, winemaker David Whiting and Chef Debra Whiting was a husband and wife, food and wine team that rocked the Finger Lakes wine and food scene. They were part of the community that saw the region change from an emerging wine region to one that is firmly planted on the world stage. The food scene in the Finger Lakes changed as well: from just a few farmers and as few restaurants focused on local cuisine to a localvore wine and food mecca.
Wagner Vineyards
Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery is one of the oldest and most recognized wineries in the Finger Lakes and has been one of the region's most popular wine tasting destinations since opening in 1979. Wagner Vineyards has over 30 award winning wines ranging from bone dry to sweet dessert wine. Whether your palate prefers red wine, white wine, light or sweet wines made from grapes native to the Finger Lakes region or dry European vinifera style wines you will be sure to find the wine for you.
Red Tail Ridge Winery
At Red Tail Ridge Winery they specialize in limited production wines because they believe that quality is more important than quantity. Keeping production down allows them to better monitor the details of the wine making process. They produce small-lots (sometimes less than 50 cases) to further preserve and enhance the varietal characteristics that start in the vineyard. Red Tail Ridge Winery is New York State's first LEED®- Gold Certified Winery. The winery building runs on geothermal energy for heating, cooling and refrigeration.
Damiani Wine Cellars
At Damiani, they celebrate the unique microclimate and dramatic landscape of the Finger Lakes. They cultivate several vineyards nestled along the eastern shores of Seneca Lake where they purposefully limit the amount of fruit per vine to achieve concentrated flavor, and work with other premier growers in the area to source the finest grapes each vintage.
About the Region: Seneca Lake is the largest of the Finger Lakes at over 600 feet deep. Due to the large volume of water, the lake does not freeze in winter, and acts as a giant heat storage unit for the vineyards surrounding the lake, extending the growing season. Thanks to this microclimate, Seneca Lake is home to more than 50 wineries.
About the Tour: While the specific bottles will change depending on availability, producers may include some of the following:
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
As a native of Bernkastel, Germany who emigrated to the Finger Lakes in the 1960s, Hermann J. Wiemer was uniquely qualified to help establish and creata wine region now known for its Riesling identity. At a time when very few thought it was possible to grow vinifera varietals on Seneca Lake, Hermann believed that the unique soil types and moderating weather effects of the Finger Lakes would make it possible to produce great wines here. Over the last thirty years, Hermann's consistency and quality have earned the winery a reputation for being one the nation's best white wine producers.
Silver Thread Vineyard
Silver Thread's original 6-acre vineyard and ecologically-designed wine cellar were established by organics enthusiast and author Richard Figiel. Since the late 1980's, the vineyard has followed the principles of sustainable farming, and it even held an organic certification from 1992-1997. They use mulch, compost and cover crops instead of chemical fertilizers and herbicides to provide the vines with a healthy, living soil. This strengthens the link between the wine and its terroir, the special character of its site.
Chateau Lafayette Reneau
In the heart of the Finger Lakes, down a sloping driveway and against the dramatic backdrop of Seneca Lake, lies Chateau LaFayette Reneau. When their doors opened in 1985, the dream was to earn a reputation for quality grapes and outstanding wines. Today, Chateau LaFayette Reneau produces some of the finest Finger Lake wines, among them winners of Governor’s Cups, Jefferson Cups, and Gold from Riesling du Monde.
Lakewood Vineyards
Growing grapes has been the Stamp family's passion for 4 generations. Since 1988 they've used these Finger Lakes grapes to craft distinct, delicious wines that have helped characterize the area as a dynamic, respected wine region.
Red Newt Cellars
During the first 13 years of Red Newt, winemaker David Whiting and Chef Debra Whiting was a husband and wife, food and wine team that rocked the Finger Lakes wine and food scene. They were part of the community that saw the region change from an emerging wine region to one that is firmly planted on the world stage. The food scene in the Finger Lakes changed as well: from just a few farmers and as few restaurants focused on local cuisine to a localvore wine and food mecca.
Wagner Vineyards
Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery is one of the oldest and most recognized wineries in the Finger Lakes and has been one of the region's most popular wine tasting destinations since opening in 1979. Wagner Vineyards has over 30 award winning wines ranging from bone dry to sweet dessert wine. Whether your palate prefers red wine, white wine, light or sweet wines made from grapes native to the Finger Lakes region or dry European vinifera style wines you will be sure to find the wine for you.
Red Tail Ridge Winery
At Red Tail Ridge Winery they specialize in limited production wines because they believe that quality is more important than quantity. Keeping production down allows them to better monitor the details of the wine making process. They produce small-lots (sometimes less than 50 cases) to further preserve and enhance the varietal characteristics that start in the vineyard. Red Tail Ridge Winery is New York State's first LEED®- Gold Certified Winery. The winery building runs on geothermal energy for heating, cooling and refrigeration.
Damiani Wine Cellars
At Damiani, they celebrate the unique microclimate and dramatic landscape of the Finger Lakes. They cultivate several vineyards nestled along the eastern shores of Seneca Lake where they purposefully limit the amount of fruit per vine to achieve concentrated flavor, and work with other premier growers in the area to source the finest grapes each vintage.