Travelers can enjoy tours along several Finger Lakes wine trails, formed and named for the lakes they border. Wineries, both on and off these trails, offer year-round tasting rooms where visitors can sample the region’s signature Rieslings, its fruity native varieties, award-winning Finger Lakes Champagnes and a growing number of delicious varietals including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.
The New York Wine & Culinary Center in Canandaigua provides a perfect starting point for visitors entering the region from the north. And the Finger Lakes Wine Center in Ithaca (opening summer ’08) provides an equally inviting portal from the south. Both provide wine trail maps and travel information, along with educational materials and tastings.
Along with a busy schedule of festivals and winery events, the wine region is seasoned with fabulous lakeside restaurants, where fresh local foods and regional wines are paired to perfection. These cafes and bistros offer memorable meals amid a glorious backdrop of vineyards, fields and sparkling blue water.
For the ultimate in enjoyment, take advantage of the chauffeured winery tours offered throughout the region. Options range from fun-loving party buses to private luxury limousines, from pre-packaged itineraries to individually customized tours. But regardless of how you travel, you’ll find Finger Lakes wine touring unforgettable. Santé! |
