Taking a 3 day trip to the Finger Lakes with some friends in early July and staying on the West side of Seneca Lake in Penn Yan. Looked through pots on here and they are all 3 years old or so…so looking for some recommendations for wineries, restaurants, and any other things to do (like hikes or such).
Right now we plan on hitting the wineries in Penn Yan: Kemmeter, Red Tail Ridge, and Fox Run and perhaps planning a trip to Herman Wiemar and Shaw Vineyard also not too far away…
I went in August this year and loved it. I tasted at Kemmeter, Forge, Ravines, and Hermann Wiemer. Oh, and Hillick and Hobbs, who currently only make a single Riesling.
Kemmeter and Forge were my favorite experiences, and the tasting room at Forge is gorgeous.
We didn’t get a chance to eat at FLX Table or Once, but heard really good things. We did eat at FLX Wienery a few times since we had our dog with us, that is a fun spot.
Thanks so much Amanda… I believe Forge is somewhere on the southern half of the east side of Seneca Lake… not sure where you stayed but was wondering if it was worth venturing over that way. Do they have boats that take you across the lake?
Penn Yan Diner is excellent for lunch. FLX Table is great, as are the smaller FLX restaurants. Spotted Duck for ice cream is excellent. Ichiro sushi in Geneva was pretty good (for the Finger Lakes) a couple of years ago. And if you are going to Kemmeter winery, try to schedule your visit when their dumpling shop Sans Dumplings is open. Really good, although not a lot of seating area (particularly during inclement weather)
As for wineries, Red Newt, Wiemer, Dr Frank, Kemmeter, Ravines, Keuka Lake and dozens more were regulars for us. The worst part of our son graduating Syracuse last year was no more week trips to the FL after dropping him off.
Also, consider taking part of an afternoon to walk through Watkins Glen State Park (park at the top, walk down, and take the shuttle back up. Breathtaking
Thanks - love the Watkins Glen State Park hike idea… will have to look into that… Mrs. Coupe will certainly enjoy the spotted duck recommendation … Will definitely try to get dumplings with my Kemmeter tasting…Truly appreciate the help
We did this exact trip. As a framework, I’d suggest
a day on the east side of the Lake. Hit Forge for sure, plus some combo of Hector, Boundry Breaks, Red Newt. Elf in the Oak is a good place to eat something midday. Stroll around Sampson State Park
a day on the west side of the Lake: hit Ravines, Red Tail Ridge, Herman W. lunch at Sans dumplings is a must
a day up near Geneva: Trestle 31, Element, Hickory Hollow, dinner at FLX Table
non-drinking: Farm Sanctuary was the highlight of our trip, but not for everyone. Corning Glass museum isn’t too far and surprisingly interesting. Walk around Corning to shop and snack - pizza at Aniellos, Thali of Inddia
DEFINITELY fit in Watkins Glen State Park as someone suggested. Grab pizza and cannolis at Scuteris when you are feeling good about yourself after the walk.
No boats but definitely worth a drive on the other side. I forgot to mention the views at Hillick & Hobbs were also spectacular, lots of money put into the winery tasting area. Make sure to check the websites of different wineries as some also have special weekend events with live music and food trucks.
Thanks for the itinerary Kyle…it sounds like i am going to have to fit in a day on the East Side as well… I am definitely planning on a morning hike at Watkins Glen State Park
dang you all for adding so many other good options … i had not realized Hillick and Hobbs was owned by Paul Hobbs (duh)… sounds like i may have to head East one day…
I was inspired by this thread to pull out the 2020 Hillick and Hobbs for dinner with quiche Lorraine, it’s delicious and actually showing better than I remember. A little pricey for FLX at around ~35 but the tasting is cheap.
They also pour wines from his other projects there too - Crossbarn and Viña Cobos when I visited.
Wiemer and Ravines are still the top. I think Kemmeter, though relatively new, will get there.
FLX table and the Wienery are awesome. Make sure to go watch the sunset on the park just above Seneca lake (They say it closes at sunset. It does not).
A little further north on the west side of Seneca, Scout Vineyards is great. Also like Nathan Kendall/Hickory Hollow on that side. On the east side, we also liked Forge Cellars, Atwater, and Damiani.
… i had not realized Hillick and Hobbs was owned by Paul Hobbs (duh)… sounds like i may have to head East one day…