Travel Recommendations: Finger Lakes, NY (Lake Geneva)
I was always curious about this wine region, so when I wanted to visit somewhere I hadn't been at the end of my maternity leave with an 11 week old baby, I decided it was the right time (call me crazy). Also, it was fall and the foliage was gorgeous at that time. It's daunting to choose one of the five lakes to focus on, and, let's just say I was short on time with a new baby. I did a little research, cut my losses, and chose Lake Geneva. If you are traveling that way, check out my favorites!
Hotel - we stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Geneva Finger Lakes. It's brand new, clean, and a nice location
Wineries:
Lamoreaux Landing - beautiful tasting room with bright airy windows and respectable wine
Wagner Vineyards Estate - somewhat rowdy tasting room (totally fine to bring kids), large lawn over looking the lake. There's also a restaurant here (Ginny Lee) that seemed to be a senior citizen hangout inside, but filled with wine tasters eating hearty meals to soak up the wine overlooking the lake outside - it did the job, as this didn't make us go out of our way on our wine tasting route
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard - favorite winery we visited, hands down. Gorgeous, rustic barn and with a classy tasting. This vineyard best displayed the dry Riesling that the region is known for. This is a must do
Red Tail Ridge Winery - plain tasting room, but great wine. Purchased many bottles here
Belhurst - very pretty old castle-like winery with a beautiful view of the lake while you sip your wine. Wine is average
Ventosa Vinyards - gorgeous Tuscan style tasting room and beautiful lake view. Wine is average, but if you hit this one while you are hungry, they had casual Italian food that you could take to-go (pizza, calzone, etc.) - it hit the spot, as this was our sixth (!) vineyard of the day
Glenora Wine Cellars - the wine is okay. But, they have gourment cheese - and LOTS of it
Driver - I highly recommend a driver, for at least one day. Finger Lakes Limo was straightforward to book, the driver was pleasant and prompt, and we were safe - a win, win
