2 Exceptional Wine Tours In New York State

The 2 Best Wine Tours in New York State

New York State is a fantastic place for wine lovers. Beyond the famous vineyards of California, the Finger Lakes and Long Island produce some of the country’s most acclaimed wines, with scenery and experiences to match. Whether you prefer a relaxed tasting, a scenic bike ride, or a full day of exploring multiple wineries, New York offers options for every taste and schedule.

We’ve curated this list based on reviews, ratings, and unique experiences that stand out. The NYC: Classic Wine Country Guided Bike Tour combines outdoor activity with wine tasting on Long Island, while the Seneca Lake: Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch offers a full day exploring premium wineries in the Finger Lakes with hassle-free transfers.

In this guide, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, including what makes them special, who they’re ideal for, and what value they offer. Whether you’re after a fun bike adventure with live music and olive oil tastings or a more relaxed, comprehensive wine tasting day, there’s something here for you.

Quick Overview

The best wine tours in New York State provide a mix of active and relaxing experiences. The NYC bike tour offers a 5-hour guided ride through Long Island’s north shore, including olive oil tastings and scenic views, perfect for active travelers who want a personal touch. Meanwhile, the Seneca Lake wine tour is a 7-hour journey visiting four wineries, with lunch and round-trip hotel transfers, ideal for those seeking a hassle-free, in-depth tasting experience.

1. NYC: Classic Wine Country Guided Bike Tour

This guided bike tour offers a lively way to explore Long Island’s North Fork wine country. For $134 per person, you get five hours of cycling, sightseeing, and tastings, making it one of the most engaging options for active wine lovers. The tour includes single and tandem hybrid bikes, helmets, chilled lemonade, and water, ensuring comfort along the route.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of scenic views with curated stops. You’ll visit a carefully chosen vineyard, where you’ll enjoy VIP treatment and listen to live music—adding a festive touch to your day. An added bonus is the olive oil tasting from Long Island’s Crushed Olive, which provides a delicious pairing with local wines and adds a layer of culinary exploration.

Tour guide Kelly, with her 25 years of experience, is praised for her local knowledge and ability to bring the area to life. Guests often comment on the relaxed pace and the opportunity to capture photos throughout the ride, with free downloads afterward. The route is smooth and scenic, with views of Peconic Bay, making it a balanced mix of activity and leisure.

Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you enjoy cycling, live music, and a personalized experience with the chance to sample olive oil alongside wines. It offers excellent value for the price, especially for those who want an active yet relaxed day in wine country.

2. Seneca Lake: Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

This full-day wine tasting tour takes you through some of the Finger Lakes’ best wineries with round-trip transfers from select area hotels. For $312 per person, it’s a higher-end experience offering hassle-free visits to four wineries, each showcasing different styles from dry to dessert wines.

The tour includes guided tastings lasting about an hour at each stop, offering a broad variety of wines to sample. Plus, you’ll enjoy a lunch at one of the wineries with a glass of wine included—an ideal chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. Pickup at your hotel simplifies logistics, letting you focus on tasting and exploring.

The itinerary hits four different wineries, providing diversity in wines and atmospheres. The day is well-paced, with about an hour at each tasting, plus an hour for lunch. This setup makes it perfect for those who want a comprehensive and convenient wine experience in the Finger Lakes.

Guests praise the seamless transportation and the opportunity to visit top wineries without the hassle of driving. The tour is best suited for those interested in a relaxed, educational experience, with enough time to savor each tasting and enjoy the regional scenery.

Bottom Line: If you prefer a stress-free, all-in-one wine tasting day that includes lunch and multiple wineries, this tour offers excellent value and comfort.

How to Choose

Deciding between these two tours depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re looking for an active day with scenic biking and a lively atmosphere, the NYC: Classic Wine Country Guided Bike Tour is ideal. It’s more informal, perfect for those who want to combine outdoor activity with wine tasting, live music, and a bit of olive oil sampling.

On the other hand, if your priority is to visit several well-known wineries without worrying about transportation, the Seneca Lake wine tour offers a structured, relaxing day with lunch included. It’s better suited for those who want a more traditional, all-inclusive wine tasting experience.

Consider your budget, physical activity level, and whether you prefer a guided day with transportation or a more active, personal outing. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall when New York’s wine regions are at their most beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Both tours showcase the best of New York’s diverse wine regions — from Long Island’s scenic vineyards and lively vibe to the Finger Lakes’ rich variety and relaxed charm. The bike tour offers a fun, energetic way to experience Long Island, while the full-day Finger Lakes tour provides a comprehensive tasting adventure with minimal planning on your part.

If you enjoy outdoor activities and live music, the bike tour is a fantastic choice. For those seeking a hassle-free, in-depth exploration of premium wineries, the Finger Lakes tour is hard to beat. Whichever you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences in New York’s wine country.