After a late frost surprised the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake Wine Trail continues to gear up for a summer of new and popular outdoor wine experiences. Exclusive library tastings, expanded and revitalized tasting rooms, immersive hikes, celebratory carnivals, and al fresco events comprise the line-up for what’s sure to be a summer of memories.
A number of these experiences also provide guests with the opportunity to dive into the wine world’s latest buzz: Finger Lakes hybrid grapes.
Per the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, here’s a breakdown by winery of what’s on the agenda this summer:
Three Brothers Wineries and Estates Bagg Dare Carnival and Revitalized Bagg Dare Tasting Room: Three Brothers Wineries and Estates is welcoming back its revitalized Bagg Dare Tasting room, previously lost to a devastating, total-loss fire in 2021. Guests can take in live music, carnival games, circus performances, axe throwing, painting, and food trucks. $25 per person, June 17-18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
New Passion Feet Tasting Room: The Three Brothers’ newly renovated Passion Feet Tasting Room celebrates their Passion Feet wines, a recently rebranded family of wines that pays homage to historical, strong women and focuses on social issues. The labels memorialize women like Rosa Parks, Annie Oakley, and Susan B. Anthony as part of its Women of Distinction brand. The updated tasting room boasts a sophisticated feminine atmosphere where guests enjoy the brand’s limited-production wine, spritzers, and slushies.
Wagner Vineyards New Library Tasting: Previously only available for Wagner’s Octagon Cellar Wine Club members, Wagner’s library of more than 16,500 bottles and 133 wines is now available through the Library Tasting. Guests can experience either a seated tasting or flight of four library-aged wines. Unlike ever before, guests have the opportunity to take home bottles from the library that they’ve tasted. $20 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 607-582-6450.
Anthony Road Wine Company Sunday Suppers: On the first Sunday of the summer months, guests have the chance to experience intimate, three-course meals prepared by South African chef Samantha Buyskes and accompanied by select Anthony Road wines. June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, 6-7:30 p.m. $75. Pre-purchased tickets required and can be found HERE.
Boundary Breaks Sunset Saturdays: There’s no better way to relax than watching the sun set over Seneca Lake. Guests can join Boundary Breaks for stunning sunsets this summer on a number of Saturday nights complete with wine, local food vendors, music, and a beautiful dusk view. $10, June 18, July 16, Aug. 13, Sept. 17.
Lakewood Vineyards Do It Yourself Steak Dinners: In one of their longest running traditions, Lakewood Vineyards invites guests to the vineyard to communally grill their own steaks. Diners enjoy a bottle of wine, a cheese tasting, a premium steak provided by Lakewood, a dinner roll, a garden salad and dessert. Lakewood prepares everything else while guests get to cook their steak to perfection. Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, 6:30 p.m. Reservations required by calling 607-535-9252.
Vineyard hike and tasting: Outdoor enthusiasts and wine lovers are invited to hike through the vines and taste the wines from the grape the vines produced. This experience is guided by a winery team member who walks hikers through the grape varietals and winemaking process. Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11 a.m. $20 per person. Reservations can be made HERE.
Atwater Vineyards The Vineyard Table: Guests are invited to drink in some of the best views of Seneca Lake while local chefs from Dean Lane Catering work table-side to provide a farm-to-table meal with local and seasonal ingredients, perfectly paired with Atwater wines. Diners enjoy conversations with the chefs and winemakers and finish the night watching the sunset from the winery’s expansive deck. June 25 (Bistro Menu), July 16 (Asian Menu), July 30 (Menu TBD), Aug. 27 (Menu TBD). Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Fox Run Vineyards Food and Wine Experience: This experience begins with a glass of welcome-wine, views of Seneca Lake, and a tour of the vineyards and winemaking facility. Guests will then join chef Brud Holland and the vineyard owners for seven small plates and seven paired wines. This light lunch is enjoyed in the barrel room, a historic dairy barn from the 19th century. $55 per person, July 7, 21, 28; August 18, 25; September 1, 8, 15, 22; October 6, 13, 20. Reservations can be made HERE.
J.R. Dill Winery Bubbles and Breakfast: J.R. Dill Winery offers the best way to start a summer day with their Bubbles and Breakfast events. Guests can enjoy live music, mimosas, and a hot breakfast bar at J.R. Dill on select dates during the summer season. Each Bubbles and Breakfast event has two seatings; 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. $25 per person, June 4, July 30, and September 3. Tickets must be purchased in advance HERE.
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