Upstate New York is replete with award-winning wineries and vineyards, stretching from far western Erie County, through the famous Finger Lakes, and all the way to the lower Hudson Valley.
Thousands visit these places each year for tastings, delicious foods, live music and, of course, our spectacular Upstate views.
If you want to make your wine visit as comprehensive as possible, we suggest you check out these 10 organized wine trails throughout our state and pick your favorite (or two). You do not want to miss any of these wonderful destinations!
Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail: One of many wine trails in the Finger Lakes region. At 30 miles in length, this is a small trail but has some of the area’s most spectacular scenery to behold. Created in 1990, the trail runs from Naples up to Victor. Get the trail’s mobile “Wine Tasting Passport” to access special deals. Features eight great wineries for your “buds to taste.”
Lake Erie Wine Country: A large trail (53 miles) that encompasses some of the finest wineries in Western New York. A whopping 21 different locations to enjoy. Don’t miss the South Shore Wine Company, the county’s oldest, and its gorgeous Civil War-era restored stone wine cavern. This is historically one of the Empire State’s largest wine regions. Visit the Grape Discovery Center in Westfield for a fascinating look at the history of grapes and wine in Erie County.
Shawangunk Wine Trail: Gorgeous part of the state! The “Gunks” mountain range towers above the eastern side of the Hudson Valley, and this tour takes you to 13 of the best wineries the valley has to offer. It is 100 miles north of New York City. Of special note, a real must-see spot is Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville. It is the oldest winery and vineyard in the United States (1839). Awesome place!
Seneca Lake Wine Trail: The biggest and most active wine trail in the state. Approximately 30 wineries along the trail, which runs from Geneva to Watkins Glen and then back up the other side of Seneca Lake. Check out Glenora Wine Cellars in Dundee. They are the oldest winery along Seneca Lake, and they have expanded over the years to include a great tasting room, a delicious restaurant and a comfortable 30-room inn for overnight stays.
Thousand Islands-Seaway Wine Trail: Features wineries in some of the prettiest small towns in the St. Lawrence Seaway region, including Theresa, Ogdensburg, Clayton, Alexandria Bay and Sackets Harbor. The trail is a whopping 78 miles in length.
Niagara Wine Trail USA: About a dozen great wineries to enjoy as you travel through the heart of Western New York tourism. From Buffalo to Niagara Falls to historic Lewiston and beyond, this wine trail is the perfect experience for those wishing to explore this popular region of the Empire State.
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail: “America’s First Wine Trail.” Started in 1983. Their 10 wineries and vineyards are all located on the west side of Cayuga Lake. Start your day in historic Seneca Falls and meander south to end up in Ithaca. All the while, the beautiful backdrop of Cayuga Lake will be within sight to your east. Be sure to pay a visit to Americana Vineyards. They were the first and founding member of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
Lake Ontario Wine Trail: A fun trail that covers parts of Monroe, Wayne and Cayuga Counties. From the Rochester area to just west of Syracuse, several of these wineries are located right on the shores of Lake Ontario, offering some of the best waterfront views in the region. Along with the wonderful wineries on the trail, you can also find cideries, breweries and distilleries within reach.
Keuka Lake Wine Trail: The third-largest of the 11 Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake (also called “Crooked Lake” because of its unique configuration) is known as the “Birthplace of Finger Lakes Winemaking.” Their history goes back to the 1800s, and there are several great wineries and vineyards in full operation around this 20-mile-long body of water. From Penn Yan in the north to Hammondsport in the south, this is a perfect region to go “wining.” Now in its 40th year of operation.
Upper Hudson Wine Trail: The newest wine trail in the group. And it will be a sprawling one. When in full operation, the UHWT will encompass 1,600 square miles and 19 vineyards covering these counties: Albany, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie and Washington. Events are already scheduled, so check out their website and help welcome this new wine trail to the family.
Beverage trails: There are several “beverage trails” in the Upstate New York area which, while not populated with a large variety of wineries, still offer organized beverage trails including distilleries, cideries, craft breweries and other tourism destinations. These include the Cooperstown Beverage Trail, Catskills Beverage Trail, Capital Craft Beverage Trail, Hudson-Berkshire Beverage Trail, St. Lawrence Beverage Trail and several others. The selection of vineyards, orchards, and growing farms to visit is extensive.