Finger Lakes Wine Guide: Why Riesling Defines the Region

By American Winery Guide Staff on 2025-11-05

The Finger Lakes region has become synonymous with exceptional Riesling, and for good reason. What started as an unlikely bet against conventional wisdom about cool-climate viticulture has transformed into one of North America's most distinctive wine regions. Today, more than 108 active wineries operate across the Finger Lakes, producing world-class wines that emphasize balance, acidity, and a strong sense of place. While Riesling leads the conversation, the region also produces compelling Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.

The story of Finger Lakes Riesling is fundamentally about persistence. Before the 1950s, most wine experts believed that only hardy native grape varieties like Concord and Catawba could survive the region's notoriously cold winters. Then Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant with a PhD in Plant Science, arrived as a janitor at Cornell University's Geneva Experiment Station and quietly proved everyone wrong by planting Vitis vinifera varieties from Europe. His success planted the seeds—literally—for what would become a regional renaissance. Hermann J. Weimer, a German immigrant, followed with his own vineyard in 1970 and became the principal advocate for Riesling cultivation in the region. Now, decades later, Finger Lakes Riesling has earned recognition from major wine publications and high-end restaurants across the United States.

Geographic Orientation

The Finger Lakes region sprawls across central New York State, approximately 50 miles northwest of the city of Ithaca. The area takes its name from the distinctive glacially-carved lakes that run north to south through the landscape—the two principal lakes for wine production are Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake. The Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area (AVA) encompasses portions of several counties, with the densest concentration of wineries between the towns of Hammondsport (south) and the communities around Penn Yan and Geneva (north). Interstate 390 provides primary access from the south, connecting to New York State Route 414 and Route 89, which run directly through vineyard country. Most wineries sit along or near Routes 414 and 89 on the eastern and western shores of the lakes, making touring relatively straightforward by car.

From New York City, the drive to the Finger Lakes is approximately 4 hours (250 miles) via I-87 north, then I-90 west, then south on I-390. From Buffalo, the drive is about 1.5 hours (70 miles) south via I-190 and I-390. The nearest commercial airport is Rochester International Airport (ROC), roughly 45 minutes north. Most visitors base themselves in small towns like Geneva, Ithaca, or Corning and visit wineries within a 20- to 40-minute radius. The landscape is intentionally rural—vineyards occupy hillsides with steep, shale-heavy soils that overlook the narrow, deep lakes.

Why Finger Lakes, Why Riesling?

The region's success with Riesling stems directly from its climate and geology. The lakes function as massive heat sinks, moderating temperature swings that would otherwise be brutal at this latitude. In spring, cold air rising off the water delays bud break until the risk of frost passes. In autumn, the lakes release stored warmth, extending the growing season by delaying the first hard freeze. Winter temperatures can still drop sharply, but the lakes' thermal mass provides critical protection to the vines during dormancy. The steep vineyard slopes, composed largely of weathered shale and glacial deposits, drain readily and impart minerality to the wines.

Riesling thrives in these conditions. The varietal naturally produces high acidity, which balances beautifully against the region's cool-climate ripeness levels. Finger Lakes Rieslings typically show vibrant citrus, stone fruit, and herbaceous notes, with a characteristic flinty, mineral undertone from the shale. Most are produced in a dry to medium-dry style, though the region also produces off-dry and dessert Rieslings. Unlike some warm-climate Rieslings, Finger Lakes versions maintain tension and food-friendliness, making them excellent matches for spicy cuisines, shellfish, and poultry dishes.

Top Wineries to Visit

Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars (Hammondsport, Seneca Lake)
The historical anchor of the region. Founded in 1958, this winery remains family-operated and continues Dr. Frank's legacy of vinifera experimentation. The estate holds some of the oldest Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir vines in the Eastern United States. Visitors can tour the historic cellar and taste a range of dry and off-dry Rieslings, traditional-method sparkling wines, and elegant reds. Tasting fees typically range from $15–25. Open daily 10 AM–5 PM (last tasting 4 PM). Visit Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyards (Dundee, Seneca Lake)
The modern torchbearer for Riesling quality and a pioneer of biodynamic farming practices in the Northeast. This winery produces benchmark dry Rieslings that showcase the region's minerality and aging potential. The tasting room offers an intimate experience with knowledgeable staff who can discuss the vineyard's sustainable practices and the wines' terroir. Tasting typically costs $15–20. Open Monday–Saturday 10:30 AM–4 PM; Sunday 11 AM–4 PM. Visit Hermann J. Wiemer.

Ravines on Seneca Lake (Geneva, Seneca Lake)
A modern winery focused on expression through terroir and traditional winemaking techniques. Known particularly for dry Rieslings and other cool-climate varietals, this winery emphasizes sustainability and minimal intervention in the cellar. The tasting room overlooks Seneca Lake with a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere. Tasting fees are typically $10–15. Open daily 10 AM–5 PM. Ravines on Seneca Lake.

Bully Hill Vineyards (Hammondsport, Seneca Lake)
A sprawling lakefront estate with a long history in the region. Bully Hill offers a full range of wines from dry to sweet, plus a restaurant on the grounds overlooking the water. The winery has a casual, approachable vibe and welcomes walk-ins. Tasting fees range from $10–20 depending on the experience. Open daily 10 AM–5 PM. Bully Hill.

Heart & Hands Wine Company (Union Springs, Cayuga Lake)
A smaller, artisanal producer specializing in Pinot Noir and Riesling with a focus on quality over volume. The intimate tasting room emphasizes education and conversation. Tasting fees typically range from $15–20. Open Friday–Sunday 12–5 PM (May–December); Saturday–Sunday 12–5 PM (mid-February–April). Heart & Hands.

Sheldrake Point Vineyard (Ovid, Cayuga Lake)
A producer committed to sustainable viticulture and elegant, food-friendly wines. This winery offers a relaxed tasting environment with views across the vineyard toward Cayuga Lake. Tasting fees are typically $12–18. Open daily 11 AM–5:30 PM (Monday–Thursday), 11 AM–6 PM (Friday–Sunday). Wine service ends 30 minutes before close. Sheldrake Point.

Planning Your Visit

Best Times to Visit
Summer (June–September) brings warm weather and the highest winery traffic. Fall (September–October) is particularly striking, with harvest underway and foliage beginning to change. Spring (May–June) can be beautiful but wetter. Winter (November–March) means shorter hours at many wineries and occasional road closures from snow, though the quieter experience appeals to some visitors.

Reservations and Fees
Many Finger Lakes wineries accept walk-ins, but calling ahead is recommended, especially on weekends. Tasting fees typically range from $10–25 per person, with discounts often available for wine club members. Plan on visiting 3–4 wineries per day comfortably. Each tasting takes 30–60 minutes depending on the winery's approach and crowd size.

Practicalities
The region is best explored by car—there is limited public transportation. Designated driver services and wine tour companies operate in the area if you prefer not to drive. Parking is free and readily available at most wineries. The drive between the northern and southern ends of the region takes approximately 45 minutes. Many visitors split their time between Seneca Lake (more developed infrastructure) and Cayuga Lake (quieter, more intimate experiences).

Getting There

From Rochester International Airport (ROC), take I-390 south toward the Finger Lakes (approximately 45 minutes). Once in the region, Route 414 and Route 89 run parallel to Seneca and Cayuga Lakes respectively and connect most wineries. From Ithaca, Route 89 north toward Cayuga Lake is the primary access. Parking at wineries is complimentary. The region's main towns—Geneva, Corning, and Ithaca—offer restaurants, lodging, and services.

Related Resources

Finger Lakes is part of the larger New York wine region. Visitors interested in cool-climate Riesling should also explore Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake, which are designated sub-AVAs within the broader Finger Lakes region. For broader context on American wine regions, see our guide to cool-climate viticulture.