Lakeside Views and Wine
Tucked on the southern tip of Lake Seneca is Watkins Glen, New York. Usually known for its race track that hosts NASCAR and was home to the American Grand Prix in Formula 1 in the 1940’s, its picturesque hikes, wealth of wineries, and interesting geographical features is what attracts me most.
Cut from glaciers, Seneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes at over 500 feet deep. Now fed by small creeks and other tributaries that cascade down the slopes surrounding the lake, the centuries of erosion has provided hikers amazing sights as the waters have cut countless gorges and fall over incredible waterfalls. The Watkins Glen Gorge State Park is one not to miss, including 830 stone steps to take on your hike along the gorge.
After summiting the 830 steps, wineries are the best reward. Each trip, Lakewood is a must-visit. They have an expansive view, an equally large tasting room, and of course some of my favorite wines.
Atwater is another favorite, making one of my favorite year-round red wine blends - Stone Bridge Red, named for the Stone Bridge that was a feature of the original Grand Prix circuit.
Next up is JR Dill and Damiani. JR Dill is a fun tasting environment, and their staff help to make wine an unpretentious fun experience. Also, their front patio is made to sip mimosas on.
The Finger Lakes aren’t known for their dry red wines, but Damiani is working to change that. Their wines are some of the driest you’ll find in the area, but the quality isn’t lacking. They also feature chocolate pairings from a local chocolatier.
Bloomer Creek crafts wine that will change what you think you expect out of wine. Fermented in an entirely different way, these effervescent ‘funky’ wines have turned a few of my beer-loving friends into wine nerds!
Red Newt’s head winemaker, Kelby James Russel has his own run of wine, and the rose is to die for. Every visit, a refill of the reserves is called for.
Finally, Boundary Breaks is a beautifully made tasting room with a wonderfully large outdoor area. Specializing in white wines, but with a few reds, they bring a certain ‘New England Style’ to the area.
Lamoreaux Landing, on the other hand, has a predominantly wood design that feels very much in tune with a sense of place - but with a modernist bent. Tall windows provide a great view off to the lake below.
If you’re a beer fan, never fear - as there are a handful of breweries as well, with Two Goats offering a perfect patio, accompanied by signature views, and often - live music!