Cideries, Breweries, and Creameries -- Oh My!
The Finger Lakes may be known for its wine, but if you haven’t had the chance to try the beers, ciders, and cheese from the region, you’re missing out! There’s just something about aging and fermentation that makes quality ingredients even more fabulous and the Seneca Lake region is home to some of the absolute best in the nation.
As you plan your Finger Lakes escape, think about adding a creamery, cidery, or brewery into your rotation as a way to break things up. Or, if these culinary delights are your preferred way to indulge, then be sure to explore all this area has to offer. Trust us -- it’s a delicious trip!
The Finger Lakes Cider Trail
There’s a longstanding tradition of apple growing in the Finger Lakes and those farmers have turned nature’s bounty into yet another treasure: cider. This elixir is by no means a fall-only treat. In fact, cideries are making delicious drinks year round and are a great way to explore the flavors of the Finger Lakes.
Around Seneca and Cayuga Lake, you’ll find cideries that offers year-round opportunities to taste and enjoy, including Apple Barrel Orchards, Lake Drum Brewing, Blackduck Cidery, Finger Lakes Cider House, Bellwether Hard Cider and Wine Cellars, Black Diamond Farm, Redbyrd Orchard Cider, New York Cider Company, and South Hill Cider. Learn more about the Finger Lakes Cider Trail.
The Finger Lakes Cheese Trail
What better pairing for wine than cheese? Cheesemaking is an artform that Finger Lakes farmers have perfected and if you haven’t sampled their wares, you’re missing out! The Finger Lakes Cheese Trail showcases family-run dairy farms with gorgeous views of rolling hills and even better selections of fresh cheeses. Cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, cheddars, jacks, aged, and alpine, there are TONS of options to sample as you tour the region.
Located throughout the Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka Lake areas, you’ll find favorites from producers like Seneca Farms, Hemlock Ridge Farm, Stewart’s Family Farm, Heaven Scent Farm, Shtayburne Farm Creamery, Keeley’s Cheese Co. and Sunset View Creamery, either at their own locations or at your favorite wineries and breweries.
There’s even a dedicated cheese shop that we love -- Seneca Cheese Co. - a must if you’re making a cheese board or picnic basket to take on the trail with you! And don’t even get us started on the incredible ice cream (that’s a future trail we can explore!)
The Finger Lakes Beer Trail
With more than 100 craft breweries to explore around the Finger Lakes region and surrounding areas, it’s no wonder that beer drinkers love to visit upstate New York to experience some of the best in the region. We’re talking award winners at the New York State Craft Beer Competition good.
As for where to go, Seneca Lake is a perfect spot to craft your tour around (no pun intended) as you’ll find breweries from Watkins Glen to Geneva and back again. Along the lake, there are favorites like War Horse Brewing Co., Wagner, Two Goats Brewing, Rooster Fish, Seneca Lodge, Rock Stream, G.C. Starkey Beer Co, Miles Craft Ales, Climbing Bines Craft Ale, and Scale House Brewery. If you’re willing to go a little farther out, you can also add in Finger Lakes Beer Co., Keuka Brewing Co., Abandon Brewing Co., and LyonSmith Brewing to the list.
Grab a flight and explore!