Three Lakes in One Week: Our August Escape to FLX Wine Country

There’s something about giving yourself a full week in the Finger Lakes. It lets you explore without rushing, revisit favorite spots, and leave room for unexpected finds. In early August, we set out to do just that, visiting wineries, restaurants, and local stops across Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lakes.

We covered a lot of ground, from longtime favorites to new-to-us tasting rooms, and balanced the wine with great meals and a few non-wine detours along the way.

Keuka Lake: Classic Charm + Hidden Gems

Our time on Keuka began with lunch on the east side of the lake. We had lunch at Main Deck in Penn Yan, then visited the newly renovated Keuka Spring Vineyards tasting room. From there we stopped at McGregor Vineyard, then tasted through flights at Weis Vineyards and Domaine LeSeurre Winery, where the view is as strong as the wine. Dinner that evening was at The Park Inn—always a solid choice.

Later that week, we had a fantastic lunch at Bully Hill Vineyards, taking in the beautiful lake views, followed by a quick walk through their museum. Next up were tastings at Heron Hill, Divided Sky Vineyard, and Dr. Konstantin Frank. We ended that day with dinner at Burnt Rose Wine Bar in Hammondsport—a great spot with a relaxed vibe and a smart wine list.

Seneca Lake: A Mix of Classic and Emerging Stops

On the west side of Seneca Lake, we spent a day tasting at a great lineup of wineries: Anthony Road Wine Company, Scout Vineyards, Hermann J. Wiemer, and Fox Run Vineyards. Each offered something different, from elegant Rieslings and structured reds to a mix of traditional and experimental bottlings.

We capped the day off with dinner at Kindred Fare, which remains one of our go-to spots for an evening meal in town.

Cayuga Lake: Familiar Favorites and Local Flavor

Our Cayuga visits were spread across a few days and mixed in with some downtime at the lake house. We spent one afternoon visiting Lively Run Dairy for a cheese sampler before heading to Sheldrake Point Winery for a relaxed tasting.

On another day, we had friends visiting and we explored a few classic Cayuga stops: Goose Watch Winery, Thirsty Owl, and Lucas Vineyards, followed by lunch at Cayuga Shoreline, a casual lakeside spot that worked perfectly for a group.

Final Pour

Over the course of the week, we tasted across three lakes, visited more than a dozen wineries, and ate at restaurants that ranged from casual lakefront spots to refined dining rooms. What made it special wasn’t just the wine, it was the chance to move at our own pace, discover new places, and share the experience with friends.

Each lake brings its own character, and we’re glad we gave ourselves the time to take it all in.

For even more ideas on where to spend time in the Finger Lakes, check out this post where we talk about hot spots near Geneva.

Thanks for joining us on this journey! Before you leave, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog and also check out our Facebook group, Finger Lakes Food and Wine Adventures.

Cheers from the lake!
—Niki and Scott