Wine Travel – Finger Lakes and Canandaigua Wine Trail
Tours TravelLocated in West Central New York, the Finger Lakes region is an ideal destination for anyone. Families, couples, seniors, and college kids will feel right at home here. It is an area of four seasons with numerous outdoor activities and a natural bounty derived from a delicious combination of elements.
The Finger Lakes themselves are a phenomenon. They are actually glacial lakes, formed thousands of years ago by retreating glaciers that carved the land. Looking at a map, the lakes look like fingers, long and narrow, stretching from north to south. There are 11 in the region by our count, with the two largest, the Cayuga and Seneca, forming the centerpiece.
The region is full of valleys, hills and spectacular landscapes, especially in autumn. Charming small towns abound, and there is a sense of art here, perhaps inspired by the surroundings. To tweak a sentence from the Finger Lakes Visitor’s Guide, it’s all about a Napa Valley and Scotland scenic partnership here. I take your word for it, but if Scotland is half as pretty as the Finger Lakes, I’d like to go tomorrow!
The Finger Lakes region is easy to get to, located just south of the New York State Thruway (I-90). You’re about a 90-minute drive from either Rochester or Syracuse, two underrated cities that are worth a visit.
Canandaigua Wine Route
Canandaigua is a true slice of Americana, with a historic downtown and all kinds of unique places to visit. Our eagerly awaited first stop was the New York Wine and Culinary Center, on Main Street in Canandaigua.
The NYWCC is a perfect place to get acquainted with New York food and wine. The emphasis here is on educating visitors about New York’s rich wine, food, and culinary traditions. You can take a class here, enjoy dinner with wine, learn what a sommelier does, and much more. There is an educational theater and a hands-on kitchen where you can create your own masterpiece. Also, don’t miss the New York Garden located outside the building. Depending on the season, you may find ready-to-harvest grapes, apples, tomatoes, or any number of other native crops.
Wilhelmus Estate Winery
Open since 2007, Wilhelmus Estate Winery is the pride of Buon and Karen Keunen, who named it after Buon’s father. We loved their Cayuga White, a light and fruity white offering. Even better in our estimation was the Traminette Free Run. “Free run” is a term used to describe the situation where the grape harvesting process breaks the skin of some of the grapes. The juice from those grapes accumulates in shipping containers, resulting in a high concentration of sugars, fruit esters, and tannins. We particularly enjoy the spiciness of this wine, and thought it would make an excellent companion to a pork dish or stir-fry.
Just a general comment on these Finger Lakes wineries… each one offers incredible scenery. A better word is awesome. It’s like Mother Nature at her best here, with fresh, clean air and valleys that cascade down to lakes. The soil is rich, the climate invigorating. You really need to experience this area to really feel all that it offers to your senses.
Finger Lakes Wineries in Naples
At the southern end of Canandaigua Lake, you’ll find the charming town of Naples and Arbor Hill Grapery and Winery. Arbor Hill is a cozy place as can be. The main building looks like a country house, white clapboard with a big sign over the awning.
Once inside, it becomes even more attractive. There’s a lovely gift shop where you can peruse all sorts of special Finger Lakes products, from grape pies to clothing and housewares. But here the star is the wine.
Our first taste was one of Arbor Hill’s newer wines, the Vergenne. We hadn’t heard of this style before, and it’s reminiscent of a Riesling in some ways, especially the crisp finish. We learned that this wine is made from a grape that is part Lambrusco, so essentially this is a white wine made from a red grape. A new one for us, but decidedly tasty! And at less than $11 a bottle, it’s the best buy.
Another variety we had never tried before was Arbor Hill’s Sparkling Chardonnay. Dry like a Chardonnay but effervescent like a good sparkling wine, it is a perfect combination of two styles.
We loved Onnalinda White, a mix of Cayuga White, Traminette and Vidal. We expected this to be sweet but it is only mildly so, an easy drinker joining us on our ride home.
Imagine Moore and Widmer
With a unique name and gorgeous setting, Imagine Moore Winery was next on our list. They’re housed in a restored Civil War-era barn, with panoramic views of the Naples Valley from the wraparound deck. We even found some olive trees right next to the patio.
This is where you should come to buy a great dry Riesling. The name, Joy, fits the bill perfectly. The blend of fruit flavors and aromas is everything a Riesling should be. Of all the Imagine Moore wines, don’t miss this one.
Since we’re always looking for wisdom, we felt compelled to try Imagine Moore’s Cabernet Franc. His name is really Wisdom. And it was a smart choice indeed, a tasty, complex and fruity wine that we felt would pair well with pasta dishes. PS: it does!
This was an ideal place to relax for a bit in the afternoon. Words don’t do the scene justice. The air is fragrant and cool, with a warm breeze from the valley. We immediately knew why so many things grow here, as it seems that this area is blessed with all the necessary natural resources. Also of note, Imagine Moore partners with Brown Hound Bistro for dinners and wine tasting events. We didn’t make one, but we can’t understand how you got it wrong.
Last but not least on our day trip to Naples was a visit to the Widmer wine cellars. Widmer is one of the largest and most successful wineries in the United States. You may be familiar with the Manischewitz brand – it is produced here.
We highly recommend a tour of this bustling, modern facility. It’s about 45 minutes long, and you’ll see everything. Of course, you’ll end up in the tasting room and gift shop! When you’re here, try Widmer’s Lake Niagara Harvest Blush, an easy sip you’ll want to take to your next picnic. The gift shop is equally attractive, with shelves stocked with gifts of wine, jellies, juices, and gourmet treats.
final thoughts
The Finger Lakes area of New York is an ideal destination for wine travel lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and artisans. There’s something for everyone here, including spectacular scenery and a slow, laid-back pace. Whether it’s a family vacation or just a weekend getaway, you’re sure to find the Finger Lakes a welcoming travel destination.