Finger Lakes Wine Country...Here We Come

Work is going to be crazy next week. We're re-launching large chunks of the website that I'm responsible for, so posting will be sparse at times as we make the final push to production.

But, this project isn't getting me down like it might. Why? Well, the morning after the site is launched, Nena, Jackson, Ben Roethlisbeagle and I are packing up the car and heading to Finger Lakes wine country -- specifically to a lake-front cottage just outside Hammondsport on beautiful Keuka Lake.

This will be our first time in the region, but you all know that I love the riesling in those parts and some of my favorite producers are on Keuka, including Ravines Wine Cellars and Dr. Konstantin Frank. I'm hoping to taste at those places as well as some producers less know by the LENNDEVOURS staff.

I'm trying to keep this trip a family one, so I won't be setting up many tastings or meetings ahead of time, but some wineries do seem excited that I'm coming.

If you have any winery or restaurant recommendations, leave them in the comments please.

Comments

[Drink, Memory]

Have a wonderful time! The Finger Lakes are my next destination as well, with the wineries you mentioned in mind. I love the Chateau Frank wines, particularly the Gewurztraminer and the Rkatsiteli. I look forward to reading about your trip!
bon voyage,
memoree

[Jon]

Dano's Heuriger on Seneca (Lodi, NY) is an AMAZING restaurant to stop at during your wine tour or for a nice dinner after. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Dana]

Restaurants:
On Keuka Lake - the cafe/bistro at Bully Hill winery is good and an easy stop on your way to/from Dr Frank.
On Seneca Lake - I second the recommendation of Dano's and also recommend the Stone Cat Cafe and the Bistro at Red Newt Winery. both are on the east side of Seneca south of Dano's. We've eaten at Red Newt a number of time with no disappointments. Any of these would be a good lunch or dinner stop if you're visiting the many fine wineries on that side of Seneca.

[Dana]

Found a moment to add some wineries to my restaurant recommendations.
West side of Keuka - Dr Frank of course and Hunt Country
West side of Seneca - Fox Run, Wiemer, Anthony Road, Lakewood
East side of Seneca - Chateau Lafeyette Reneau, Red Newt, Leidenfrost, Standing Stone, Shalestone, Lamoreaux Landing
West side of Cayuga - Hosmer, Thirsty Owl

Of course this barely scratches the surface and undoubtedly misses some fine wineries. We've been going to the Finger Lakes for years and last year was the first time we tried Leidenfrost and we were sorry we didn't stop in years ago.

[Peter]

Restaurant suggestions while in Finger Lakes.
Geneva- Madderlake (on rt. 14) & The Red Dove (on Castle St.)
Madderlake is owned and run by California transplants and the food is great with a very nice wine list. The Red Dove is a gastro pub owned and run by Philly transplants. Great food and decent selection of drinks - kid friendly.
Penn Yan - You should hit Lloyds on Main St. This is the local haunt with good pub fare and large beer selection. Very kid friendly.
Watkins Glen - For a inexpensive lunch go to Mr. Chicken - Kid Friendly. Across from the State Park. Rooster Fish Brew Pub is another idea.
East side of Seneca Lake - Dano's Heuriger (I recommend the Austrian Bento Box). Suzanne Fine Regional Cuisine is a real nice spot that is a dinner destination in an old farmhouse. Stone Cat Cafe is a special spot featuring local organic ingredients. Red Newt Bistro is open for lunch and dinner and serves really nice meals. All of these restaurants are sourcing from local farmers as much as possible.
Canandaigua - For lunch hit the Culinary Center. I have had some really nice lunches there while enjoying a glass of NY wine.
El Rincon Mexicano Dos (On Beeman St. just off of the main drag).
Great Mexican joint that specializes in regional Mexican cuisine. They are working on their liquor license but are BYOB, so bring a nice Semi Dry Riesling. Kid Friendly.
If this doesn't help then pack a lunch.

[Steve]

Red Newt Bistro? Very good.
Dano's Heuriger? Very good.
Stone Cat Cafe? Freaking awesome.

[Brian]

East side of Keuka, directly above Ravines is McGregor Vineyard where we always try to end a day - not only a good selection (Muscat Ottonel, Saperavi Rkatsiteli, late harvest wines, etc) but they have the best place to watch the sun set (over the lake, with Dr. Frank's on the other side). 2nd best place for the sun set is
Keuka Overlook Wine Cellars which is directly above McGregor - and if you are quick you can do both!

[Bryan]

I can vouch for Stone Kat Cafe if it's open this time of year. Since most of the wineries were already recommended, I think Seneca Shore Winery on the west side of Seneca Lake is worth a visit for the weird ambience and their extracted reds...which includes a Lemberger!

[John Sperr]

While it has undergone many changes of ownership in recent years, I always make time to stop at the Rongovian Embassy in Trumansburg when I am in the area. It's a short hop east on CR1 / Searsburg Road from the "bananna belt" wineries in Valois and Caywood on RT 414.

http://www.rongo.com/musicschedule.cfm