Seneca Lake Wine Tasting & Tour

If you’re thinking about exploring New York’s Finger Lakes wine region, the Seneca Lake Wine Tasting & Tour offers an excellent way to sample some of the area’s best vineyards without the hassle of driving. This tour, organized by Crush Beer & Wine Tours, promises a day full of beautiful scenery, excellent wines, knowledgeable guides, and the convenience of round-trip transport—all in a small-group setting. Whether you’re a wine newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, this experience is designed to give you an authentic taste of the region.

Two things stand out about this tour: first, its small size, capped at just 12 travelers, which ensures a friendly, personalized atmosphere; and second, the carefully curated selection of four wineries, each with its own unique vibe and specialties. One potential drawback is the fixed itinerary that might shift based on winery availability—so if you’re particular about visiting specific vineyards, it’s worth confirming ahead. This tour suits travelers seeking a relaxed, educational, and scenic day with good company and great wine.

Key Points

• Intimate small-group experience enhances personalized attention
• Visits four handpicked wineries with expert-guided tastings
• Optional delicious lunch overlooking vineyards adds value
• Seamless round-trip transportation from select hotels
• Duration of 5 to 6 hours makes it a manageable day trip
• Price reflects a comprehensive experience, including tastings and lunch

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The journey begins at the 41 Lakefront Hotel in Geneva, NY, where you’ll be greeted by your driver-guide. This initial pickup point offers easy access and sets the tone for a relaxed, hassle-free day. The full tour lasts around five to six hours, giving ample time at each location without feeling rushed.

First Stop: Fox Run Vineyards

Your first vineyard visit is to Fox Run, owned and operated under the leadership of Scott Osborn. Known for its focus on sustainability, Fox Run produces wines that speak to the quality of well-managed vineyards. Here, you’ll have the chance to taste Rieslings crafted by winemaker Peter Bell—an opportunity to appreciate what makes Finger Lakes Rieslings so distinctive. The reviews highlight this as a standout: “Taste the quality that sustainable farming practices make” and “explore the razor-sharp Riesling.” You’ll spend about an hour here, soaking in the views and sampling wines that are both compelling and indicative of the region’s style.

Second Stop: Ventosa Vineyards

Next is Ventosa, a favorite for its stunning setting and wide-ranging wine portfolio. With breathtaking vistas overlooking Seneca Lake, Ventosa offers tastings of both dry and dessert wines. The experience is often praised for its scenic beauty—many reviews mention the picturesque views as a highlight. If you opt for the Small & Mighty plus Lunch tour, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting followed by a delightful meal at Café Toscana, featuring wraps, pizzas, salads, and panini—all served with a glass of wine and a view.

This stop typically lasts an hour, giving you time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the ambiance. Guests note that Ventosa’s wine experience is “second to none,” and the lunch option adds a welcome touch of culinary delight to the day.

Third Stop: Torrey Ridge Winery

The third vineyard, Torrey Ridge, offers an authentic family-run vibe. Located in Amish country, surrounded by Mennonite farms, it presents a more traditional, down-to-earth winery experience. Here, you might find yourself appreciating the simplicity and honesty of local wine-making. One reviewer appreciated the “great tasting” and the friendly atmosphere—an experience that resonates with travelers looking for genuine connections rather than corporate gloss. Expect about an hour at this stop, with an opportunity to taste wines in a cozy, rustic setting.

Fourth Stop: Anthony Road Wine Company

Finally, you’ll visit Anthony Road on the northwestern bank of Seneca Lake, a pioneering property with 100 acres of vineyards. The owners, Anne and John Martini, have cultivated a reputation for producing a broad array of wines—from dry to sweet. The reviews speak highly of the tasting experience here: “Taste through the crafted portfolio” and “the wines were excellent.” With a variety of tastes on offer, this stop caps off the day with a chance to reflect on your favorites and perhaps purchase a bottle or two to take home.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides excellent value for the price of approximately $250 per person, especially considering the inclusiveness of tastings, the guided educational experience, and the optional lunch. Your driver/guide is a key part of the experience, offering insights into the wineries, the region, and wine tasting tips.

Included:

• Round-trip transportation from select hotels (if requested)
• Guided tour and tastings at four wineries
• Lunch at Ventosa Vineyards (if you select the Small & Mighty plus Lunch option)
• A maximum of 12 travelers ensures intimacy and personalized attention

Not Included:

• Tipping is not included but appreciated
• Extra food and drinks outside the scheduled tastings
• Any additional purchases made at wineries

The Experience You’ll Have

From the moment you’re picked up, the emphasis is on comfort and convenience. The small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, likely leading to engaging conversations with your guide and fellow travelers. Expect your guide to not only talk about wine but also share local stories and vineyard details, making the experience more than just tasting.

The wineries are carefully chosen to reflect the region’s diversity and quality—each offers a different vibe, from the sustainable practices at Fox Run to the scenic vistas at Ventosa and the family tradition at Torrey Ridge. The final stop at Anthony Road allows you to taste an impressive range of Finger Lakes wines, rounding out your palate and knowledge.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Seneca Lake, especially at Ventosa, where the landscape is a highlight. The optional lunch adds a leisurely break, giving you time to savor delicious food paired with local wines—an experience many guests find worth the extra cost.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Reviewers frequently praise the knowledgeable guides, with comments like “Gary was wonderful,” “Donna was great,” and “Patty was very accommodating and entertaining.” This shows that the tour’s success heavily depends on the guide’s personality and expertise, making it a more personalized and educational experience.

Many mention that the wineries were all “great” and that explanations of the wines’ flavor profiles added a valuable layer of understanding. The scenic views, delicious food, and friendly hosts are also consistently highlighted as high points. One traveler sums it up perfectly: “Beautiful scenery, delicious food, great tasting, and an awesome guide.”

Some reviews suggest that additional information about the wines or the tour’s organization could be improved, but these seem to be minor quibbles compared to the overall positive experience.

Practical Considerations

• The tour is best suited for those aged 21 and over, with valid ID required.
• The tour runs rain or shine—canceled tours due to weather will be rescheduled or refunded.
• The tour requires a minimum of 2 travelers; most travelers will find it accessible.
• The duration of 5–6 hours makes it a manageable day trip, but be prepared for some walking and tasting.
• You can request specific guides like John for future trips, based on reviews.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in wine and scenic views, this tour provides both in a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy learning about wine without feeling overwhelmed. Food lovers will appreciate the optional lunch, which complements the tastings beautifully. Travelers seeking convenience will value the hotel pickup, leaving the driving to someone else.

However, if you prefer visiting specific wineries or want a more flexible schedule, you might find the fixed itinerary limiting. Still, for most, this guided tour captures the essence of Finger Lakes wine country—delicious wines, stunning landscapes, and friendly hosts.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes round-trip transfers from select hotels, making logistics easier and more relaxing.

How long does the tour last? Expect approximately five to six hours, which includes four winery visits, tastings, and optional lunch.

Are the tastings educational? Yes, your guide provides insights into the wines and the region, making the experience both fun and informative.

Can I bring a group? The tour is capped at 12 travelers, ideal for small groups or couples looking for a personal experience.

Is lunch included? Only if you select the Small & Mighty plus Lunch tour. The lunch features wraps, pizzas, salads, and panini, with a glass of wine.

What if I have dietary restrictions? The provided menu includes various options, but it’s best to inform the tour provider beforehand for specific needs.

Can I request a specific guide? You can request guides like John for future trips, based on reviews.

What if it rains? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How much should I tip the guide? Tipping is customary but not included; consider 10-15% based on your satisfaction.

To sum it up, the Seneca Lake Wine Tasting & Tour offers an enjoyable, well-rounded introduction to Finger Lakes wine country. Its combination of beautiful scenery, expert-guided tastings, and convenient logistics makes it a smart choice for those looking to experience the region without the stress of driving. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small groups, educational experiences, and scenic views. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a relaxing day with good wine and good company, this tour delivers on many fronts—making it a memorable piece of your Finger Lakes adventure.