Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting in Conesus Lake

If you’re looking for a delightful way to spend a relaxed afternoon near Rochester, the Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting at Deer Run Winery offers an inviting experience packed with flavor, authenticity, and a touch of local charm. Priced at just $20 per person, this 45-minute seated tasting pairs four gold-medal-winning wines with thoughtfully selected cheeses and chocolates, making it a perfect short escape into the world of wine appreciation.

One of the highlights we love about this experience is the personalized, warm atmosphere fostered by the friendly guides, especially the engaging and knowledgeable staff who truly make each tasting memorable. From the moment you arrive at the scenic Conesus Lake location, you’ll feel welcomed into a cozy yet lively setting that encourages tasting and conversation.

A possible consideration for some might be the timing, as the tour is primarily available from noon to 5 p.m. on Mondays, so travelers with tight schedules or specific time preferences should plan accordingly. This tasting suits wine lovers, couples, or small groups seeking a relaxed, authentic experience with a focus on quality and good company.

Key Points

• Affordable & value-packed: At just $20, you’ll receive four 3-ounce wine pours paired with cheese or chocolate, offering good value.
• Award-winning wines: The four wines include Conesus White, Runway Red, Pebble Beach Blush, and Max Black, all recognized with medals.
• Intimate group size: Limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Expert guidance: Friendly staff, including the highly praised Candi and Grace, provide insightful descriptions and warm service.
• Authentic local setting: Located on Conesus Lake, the winery offers a picturesque backdrop that enhances the tasting experience.
• Flexible booking: Confirmations are quick, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Meeting Point & Setting

Your journey begins at Deer Run Winery, situated at 3772 W Lake Rd, Geneseo, NY. The winery is reputed for its friendly and welcoming vibe, with many visitors mentioning the owner’s personal touch. The setting itself is a simple yet charming venue with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Though it’s close to Conesus Lake, reviews note that there’s no direct lake view—what’s more important is the warm ambiance and attentive service.

The Tasting Itself

The core of the experience is a seated tasting of four wines, each carefully selected for their popularity and awards. The wines are poured in three-ounce glasses, which is a generous amount for tasting, especially considering the pairing.

The first two wines, Conesus White and Runway Red, are paired with cheese, adding a savory dimension to the tasting. The Conesus White is a semi-dry white with grape-forward notes that showcase the region’s fresh fruit profile. Reviewers mention it as a gold-medal winning wine that pairs well with cheese, making it an excellent starter.

Runway Red, a versatile and smooth red blend, offers notes of berries and black pepper. Its reputation as a “best in category” wine underlines its quality. Guests often appreciate the opportunity to learn from staff like Candi or Grace, who provide detailed descriptions—what makes this red special, according to one reviewer, is its approachable style.

The latter two wines—Pebble Beach Blush and Max Black—are both sweets, but notably different. Pebble Beach Blush, awarded double gold, is described as a sweet blend with peach and melon notes that pairs wonderfully with chocolate. Reviewers have raved about its delicately balanced sweetness and fruitiness.

Max Black, the winery’s best-selling red blend, boasts grape jelly notes that make it particularly appealing for those with a sweet tooth. Both sweet wines seem to be crowd favorites, with visitors commenting on the generous pours and the overall value.

The Pairings & Tasting Notes

What sets this experience apart is the quality and thoughtfulness of the pairings. Guests consistently praise the cheeses and chocolates, which complement the wines perfectly. The cheese pairs help accentuate the wine’s acidity and mineral notes, while the chocolates enhance the sweet wines’ fruity and jelly-like qualities.

According to reviews, the staff, especially Hailey, makes the experience enjoyable by sharing stories behind the wines and offering insights into the winemaking process. Such knowledge, combined with the tasting’s relaxed pace, makes it easy to savor each sip.

The Guides & Service

From the glowing reviews, the staff’s enthusiasm and friendliness shine through. Candi and Grace receive particular praise for their attentive service and engaging descriptions. Guests mention how they went above and beyond by refilling waters and sharing personal stories, which adds a welcoming, almost community-like feel to the tasting.

The Overall Value

For $20, the tasting offers more than enough wine—each pour is generous—and the accompanying pairings elevate the experience from simple tasting to a genuine appreciation of regional wines. Many reviewers highlight that they felt they received excellent value compared to other tastings that often charge more for less.

Additional Offerings & Logistics

The event lasts about 45 minutes, making it a manageable stop for those exploring Rochester or nearby areas. The winery is open Monday from noon to 5 p.m., with reservations recommended, typically booked about a week in advance. Booking is straightforward, and the mobile ticket system makes it easy to secure your spot.

While lunch isn’t included, visitors often mention that the winery’s relaxed environment is perfect for lingering—whether to chat, buy a bottle, or even enjoy a nearby burger after the tasting, as some guests did.

Cancellation & Accessibility

The policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, which offers flexibility for travelers with changing plans. Service animals are permitted, and the experience is accessible to most travelers, making it a hassle-free option for many.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tasting is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to sample award-winning, regionally produced wines at a reasonable price. It’s perfect for small groups or couples who enjoy intimate, guided tastings with friendly experts. It also suits those seeking a relaxed, authentic experience without the fuss or crowds of larger wineries.

If you’re interested in learning about wine pairs in a casual setting or want a budget-friendly activity that still delivers quality and charm, this tasting hits the mark. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate stories behind the wines, as many reviewers note the engaging descriptions provided by the staff.

Final Thoughts

Deer Run Winery’s shared tasting offers a surprisingly rich and personal experience for just $20. The quality of wines, especially the gold-medal winners, combined with the thoughtful pairings and warm service, make it a standout option for those visiting Rochester and the surrounding Finger Lakes region.

Guests consistently mention the friendly guides, generous pours, and authentic regional character, which all contribute to a memorable visit. While it’s a brief experience—about 45 minutes—your taste buds will thank you for the thoughtful selections and the chance to learn from passionate staff.

For wine lovers, small groups, or anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxed, flavorful outing with friends or loved ones, this tasting provides a genuine taste of Conesus Lake’s best. Just remember to book ahead, as it’s popular and often booked about a week in advance, and arrive with a sense of curious anticipation.

FAQ

Is this tasting suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The staff provides approachable descriptions, making it easy for novices to appreciate the wines without feeling overwhelmed.

How long does the tasting last?
It lasts approximately 45 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the wines and pairings without feeling rushed.

Can I buy bottles to take home?
While the review mentions buying a bottle of Black Max, the tour details don’t specify sales. However, most wineries typically have bottles available for purchase.

Is there parking available?
The tour location is at Deer Run Winery in Geneseo, NY, which generally offers accessible parking, but specific details aren’t provided.

What wines are included?
Four wines—Conesus White, Runway Red, Pebble Beach Blush, and Max Black—each paired with cheese or chocolate.

Are the wines locally produced?
Yes, these are regional wines, with awards and recognition within their categories, emphasizing the local craftsmanship.

Is the experience family-friendly?
Since it involves alcohol consumption, it’s best suited for travelers 21 and over. Service animals are allowed, so pet-friendly for service dogs.

To sum it up, if you’re in the Rochester area and want a relaxed, authentic taste of local wines with friendly staff and excellent pairings, this Deer Run Winery experience is a real gem. It offers great value, a personal touch, and the chance to enjoy some award-winning wines amid a welcoming setting—all for just $20.