Within thirty minutes of Rochester, you’ll find several great wineries, perfect for an easy outing – many of them part of larger wine trails in the region. The Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario wine trails offer scenic routes, lakeside views, and a variety of tasting experiences. The Finger Lakes are best known for their Riesling, with a range of styles from dry to sweet. The region also produces excellent cool-climate whites, sparkling wines, and lighter-bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, this area of New York has something for everyone to enjoy.
Favorite Wineries Near Rochester
20 Deep Winery | Honeoye Falls
With its family-friendly Sunday bingo, wood-fired pizza, and wine, 20 Deep Winery – just 15 minutes from Rochester – might become your new family hangout! Not only do they have more typical red and white wines, but they also make sparkling and rosé wines. Their menu also includes beer and a wide range of non-alcoholic options. 20 Deep comes alive in the nicer weather with live music, food trucks, and plenty to occupy kiddos – and leashed dogs! This really is a gem of our region. 20 Deep Winery is a part of the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail.
Casa Larga Vineyards | Fairport
Casa Larga’s design and setting transports you to enjoy its whites, reds, and sparklings made with New York grapes but inspired by Italian tradition. Tastings range from walk-in individual opportunities to elevated group experiences and celebration party packages. Unsurprisingly for its Italian heritage, Casa Larga boasts the most robust food menu. The charcuterie, soup, pizza, and sweets pair perfectly with the award-winning wines. Casa Larga Vineyards is one of the stops on the Lake Ontario Wine Trail.
Mayer’s Lake Ontario Winery & Vineyards | Hilton
It’s not often that you can get wine and pancakes at the same place but Lake Ontario Winery & Vineyards has both covered! Whether it’s snow covered or sun-drenched, this Hilton estate features over 50 different styles of premier wines. Grab a bite at the bistro, reserve a spot for the all-you-can-eat pancakes, or stop by to learn about their winemaking process! There really is something for everyone. Lake Ontario Winery & Vineyards is actually the most Eastern stop on the Niagara Wine Trail.
Living Roots Rochester | Rochester
Living Roots stands out as Rochester’s urban winery, producing wine right in the city rather than at a vineyard. Instead of growing grapes on-site, the winemakers source fruit from the Finger Lakes and beyond. The owners have a unique story, working across two growing seasons each year between family vineyards on Keuka Lake and in South Australia. The Rochester tasting room offers excellent charcuterie, and even kangaroo jerky—a nod to their South Australia farm. While the Rochester site isn’t part of an official wine trail, you can also visit their Keuka Lake location near the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.
Young Sommer Winery | Williamson
Young Sommer Winery sits on idyllic property in Williamson along the Lake Ontario Wine Trail. Known for its wide variety, the winery offers red, white, blush, and fruit wines, along with ciders and beers for those who prefer apples or hops to grapes. Sometimes the best winery experience needs nothing more than beautiful surroundings and a good pour.
These wineries offer a great introduction—but they’re just the beginning. Many are part of larger wine trails that make it easy to turn a single stop into a full day of exploring.
Wine Trails Near Rochester
Wine trails connect a group of wineries along a scenic route, making it easy to plan a day of tasting. The Finger Lakes region is home to four official wine trails—Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca—each centered around a different lake. In Western New York, the Lake Ontario Wine Trail offers another nearby option along the shoreline. Each trail offers something different—explore their websites to learn more and sign up for updates.
Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail
The small but mighty Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail stretches from Victor to Naples. Almost every four miles you can use the mobile Wine Tasting Passport to redeem available discounts at each of the nine wineries along the trail. Each winery’s inviting atmosphere offers a different experience to enjoy the wines created but all of them are set against the same stunning background of a beautiful lake.
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is America’s first wine trail and has spent over 40 years building its visitor experience. Use the trail’s fifteen page full-color brochure to plan your trip before you travel. The trail’s ten wineries host truly unique events all year long. If you bring your family, at any of the tasting rooms you can pick up a free kids’ activity book. The Cayuga Lake region is full of hands-on adventures including the Ithaca Children’s Garden, Cayuga Nature Center, Sciencenter, and Museum of the Earth.
Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Known as the birthplace of New York’s wine industry, the region’s rich soil inspired balanced fruit-flavored wine. Its six member wineries offer a tasting or glass passport, which are valid for a year. Since Keuka is about an hour from Rochester, this is an easy day trip. However, its local attractions and lodging might encourage you to stay for longer! If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options on Keuka Lake, this resource is a great guide. And for a sweet treat, Seneca Farms is a must-stop for ice cream.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is New York State’s largest and most visited wine trail and home to dozens of award-winning wineries. To help you plan your visit, the wineries maintain an updated events schedule. The lake views, food for purchase, friendly people and delicious wine make Seneca Lake Wine Trail worth a return visit. One way to enjoy the experience is through Sip Back & Relax Tours which includes transportation. Wineries on Seneca Lake like Three Brothers Winery and Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery offer non-alcoholic options like grape juice or root beer and great food. Don’t forget a stop at Spotted Duck for some farm fresh, frozen custard.
Lake Ontario Wine Trail
The Lake Ontario Wine Trail stretches from the eastern corner of Monroe County, encompasses the vast majority of Wayne County and now stretches into Cayuga County. With only an afternoon, you can stop at 2-3 wineries to sample their selection. The trail also offers a passport to take advantage of samples and discounts from wineries. And for a sweet pick-me-up, Dar’s Delights ice cream treats can melt away any disappointments of the day.
While other regions may be better known for winemaking, New York’s wine scene is truly exceptional—and the best part? It’s right in your backyard.
