The Nation's First Wine Trail, The Seneca Wine Trail
The general opinion is that if you're looking for wine country in the United States, you have to fly to the West Coast. While California and Washington State have some excellent wines, there's a fun adventure to be had in the Northeast, in upstate New York. While it might be a lesser-known fact, New York is third in the U.S. in terms of grape production, only trailing the aforementioned two states. I decided to make a road trip out of it and check out the Seneca Wine Trail while making a number of stops along the way. If you're a wine enthusiast heading into the Finger Lakes region, follow along for the ideal itinerary:
Ravine Wine Cellars
This boutique winery is nestled in a picturesque setting. The tasting room is inside a barn at White Springs Farm, which offers a really cozy and country feel. On warm days, the doors will be open, and you can sit up at the countertop and get a view of Seneca Lake. Go for the white wines, which are quite enjoyable.
If you have some time afterwards, make the short walk down the hill to check out owner Lisa Hallgren's miniature donkeys.
Ravinous Kitchen
Ravinous Kitchen is one of the best kept secrets on the Seneca Wine Trail. Chef Scott Riesenberger has worked in some of Manhattan's top restaurants for many years and has quite the resume. He's cooked for the likes of Madonna, Jerry Seinfeld, and Bono, but he's had enough of stars and Michelin stars. His heart is in the Finger Lakes, which is why he's settled in upstate New York at a winery instead of amidst the hustle and bustle. His daily menu is mostly light tasting fare (local cheese and charcuterie) but during the warmer months there is a full menu Thursday to Sunday.
What you'll want to add to your to-do list is the once-a-month themed dinners — one recent offering was the "Fête de Fat," where the chef celebrated all types of fats for a creative tasting menu complete with wine pairings. Talk to the winery for more details on themes and dates.
Kindred Fare
Kindred Fare calls themselves a spirited cookery, but that's their modest way of saying they're the coolest kids on the block. While a lot of the dining in the neighborhood is classical old school, Kindred Fare is fun, with a creative menu that emphasizes seasonal ingredients. Seared scallops topped with pickled watermelon radish and a lentil-farro-wild mushroom mélange are two of the highlights. The homemade charcuterie boards are bites of salty, meaty heaven. They have an enticing menu that's exciting to eat through.
Geneva On The Lake
While Kindred Fare is the new and cool, Geneva on the Lake is that classic throwback. Step inside and you'll feel what the top-notch restaurant standard used to be: warm candlelight, gentle piano and resplendent white tablecloths. You're not going to find a menu with creative ventures into the raw or molecular gastronomy. Instead, it's just the timeless staples, like steak and lamb, that are well executed. Go during the day for a spectacular view of Seneca Lake or in the evening for that special night out.
New York Wine and Culinary Center
If you're looking for some higher learning, the New York Wine and Culinary Center has an extensive menu of classes. From various food and wine pairing lessons to lunch-and-learns to wine seminars, you're able to drop in and take your knowledge to the next level. I dropped into the chardonnay edition of the wine club series, where the sommelier lined up 10 different types of the popular white wine and walked us through the different nuances.
The New York Wine & Culinary Center is a nonprofit designed to educate, and it's really welcoming to cooks and epicures of all skill types. You don't have to come in as an expert.
3 Brothers Winery
You'll probably make stops at Atwater Vineyards, Fulkerson Winery, and Wagner Vineyards — some of the top makers in the area — but 3 Brothers should also be on your to-do list.
In terms of wineries, 3 Brothers is a deviation from the norm. Comprised of three distinctly different wineries, the vibe is really fun inside. Yes, they have one tasting room (Stoney Lonesome) with the traditional sip-swirl and haute couture behavior. However, they have two others that cater to the casuals. Passion Feet Vineyards is for the hopeless romantic. Lovey-dovey females will feel right at home in a warm atmosphere with pleasant wines and colorfully-labeled bottles. And those who normally drink beer or hard liquor and feel like wines have a snobby air to them will be pleasantly surprised at the Bagg Dare Wine Company. It has a loud, boisterous atmosphere in which everyone is welcome to have fun. The bottles are a hoot too, including the "69 Ways To Have Fun," which is a diamond, Niagara and riesling blend, and 'Skirt Lifter', which is a Zweigelt and riesling blend.
Overall, the winery, the branding, and the experience are a lot of fun. It's a must-see on the Seneca Wine Trail.
Belhurst Castle
The Belhurst Castle is an iconic stop on the Seneca Wine Trail. It's a stone castle from the 1880s with an illustrious tale. Talk to the right people and you might even hear a good ghost story.
History aside, the Belhurst Castle has a winery, luxury accommodations, and dining, all of which come with their great view of the lake. And when you've had your fair share of all of the above, step into the Isabella Spa to recharge with a relaxing massage.
Painted Bar Stables
If you've escaped the city to spend a weekend on the wine trail, make sure you actually get out and enjoy the countryside. Our method of choice was to do it by horseback with Painted Bar Stables. Even if you have no riding experience as I did, you'll still have a blast astride their horses. It's typically about a two-hour trail ride that's paced around your level of comfort. It's a really fun way to get off the beaten path — pun intended — and out into nature.
Roseland Waterpark/Wake Park
Since you're hanging out on the lake, why not get wet? One of the more adventurous options to do that is to visit the Roseland Waterpark or Wake Park. If you're in with the family, the waterpark is the better option. It's the largest one in the Finger Lakes, with 56 acres worth of slides, raft rides, and a lazy river ride. If you're looking to pump the adrenaline a little bit, the wake park is the better choice. It's the first full-sized cable wakeboarding park in the Northeast and features all sorts of obstacles to get a rip off of or ride through. For couples looking for a more peaceful option, paddleboarding is available.
Locke's Glen On The Lake
If you're looking for the cottage-y feel on the Seneca Wine Trail, Locke's Glen is a sweet spot to stay. Owner Dave Locke has transformed a home into an Airbnb-type guesthouse, which has four units. Propped up right on the lake, you can't beat the view. There's a beautiful patio, a direct path to a dedicated dock, an outdoor fire pit, and a cozy fireplace indoors too.
The cherry on top is that Dave's mother lives next door and sometimes delivers freshly baked scones and cookies for breakfast. While the airy baked goods aren't guaranteed, the scenic view surely is.
