The 2 Best Wine Tours in Rochester
Rochester might be better known for its vibrant arts scene and historical museums, but it also offers some surprisingly delightful wine experiences. The Finger Lakes region, just a short drive away, fuels the city’s wine culture with award-winning vineyards and innovative tasting options. Whether you’re after a cozy, educational session or a global wine tour, Rochester has something for every curious palate.
In this guide, you’ll find two of the best wine tours that showcase the area’s local flavors and international varieties. The first is a charming shared tasting at Conesus Lake, pairing four of their top wines with cheese and chocolate — perfect for a quick, relaxed indulgence. The second takes you on a broader two-day journey, exploring wines from around the world made with New York’s best grapes. Each offers a different kind of experience but both promise authentic, enjoyable sips.
Quick Overview
The list includes a short, seated tasting experience focused on local wines paired with cheese and chocolate, ideal for a half-hour escape. The other option is a multi-day tour that introduces wine lovers to a spectrum of global flavors, highlighting New York’s diverse wine scene. Whether you want a quick, tasty break or an educational deep dive, these tours cover different interests and budgets.
The Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting offers a charming, intimate tasting experience on Conesus Lake. For just $20.00 per person, you get about 45 minutes of seated tasting, making it perfect for a quick afternoon stop. The tasting features four gold medal-winning wines: Conesus White, Runway Red, Pebble Beach Blush, and Max Black.
This tour is particularly appealing because of its relaxed setting and personalized approach. The host describes each wine, explaining what makes them special, and pairs them thoughtfully — Conesus White and Runway Red with cheese, Pebble Beach Blush and Max Black with chocolate. Guests consistently praise the hospitality and the quality of the wines, with one reviewer noting, “Hailey welcomed me right in and made the experience both interesting and fun.”
What makes this tasting stand out is its focus on local wines paired with gourmet accompaniments in a scenic lakeside location. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking a short, relaxed, and educational experience with excellent value. The only potential downside is its limited scope — it’s a quick session, so if you’re after a full winery tour, this isn’t it.
Bottom Line: A friendly, affordable, and high-quality tasting that’s perfect for a quick stop, ideal for those who want a taste of local wines without a long commitment.
2. Fingerlakes Wine Selection, Wines Around the World
The Fingerlakes Wine selection, Wines around the world offers a different experience altogether. This multi-day tour costs $5.00 per person and lasts approximately 2 days and 3 hours. It’s designed for those eager to explore New York’s diverse wine scene while sampling wines from around the globe.
This tour provides an overview of local wineries and their offerings, presenting everything from bold reds to sweet whites, showcasing the range of New York’s grape-growing capabilities. The experience is less about individual wineries and more about understanding the variety of wines produced in the region and how they compare to international styles.
Though this tour currently has no reviews, it’s an appealing option for those interested in educational tasting and wine appreciation over an extended period. You’ll get to sample different types, learn about the characteristics of New York wines, and see how they stack up against wines from other regions.
Because of its multi-day format, it’s best suited for serious wine enthusiasts or travelers with a flexible schedule. The low price makes it accessible, but the lack of reviews means you should check the details and schedule your bookings early. Keep in mind, you’ll need a bit more time and curiosity to fully enjoy this experience.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, educational multi-day tour perfect for wine lovers keen to compare New York wines with international styles, with room for more reviews to confirm its popularity.
How to Choose
Selecting between these tours depends on your interests and schedule. If you’re after a quick, intimate tasting with a focus on local wines, the Conesus Lake session offers a relaxed, charming experience that’s easy to fit into a day. It’s especially good for those who want a taste of the region without committing to a full day.
On the other hand, if you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast looking to expand your knowledge over several days, exploring wines from around the world made with New York grapes, the multi-day tour offers a broader perspective. Keep in mind, this option requires more time and curiosity about both local and international wines.
Booking early is wise for both, especially the multi-day tour, which might fill up quickly. Consider your budget — the Conesus Lake tasting is economical, while the longer tour offers more depth for a slightly higher price.
Final Tips
- For the quick tasting, try to arrive early or reserve ahead to secure your spot.
- For the longer tour, check the schedule and availability in advance, especially if you want to combine it with other local activities.
- If you’re traveling with a group, verify capacity and group rates.
- Weather isn’t a concern for these tours since they are mostly indoors or seated, but outdoor options open up in good weather.
To sum it up, Rochester offers a surprising variety of wine experiences. Whether you want a casual lakeside tasting or a multi-day exploration, you’ll find options that suit your schedule and wine curiosity. Booking ahead and reading reviews can help ensure you pick the right adventure for your taste buds. Cheers to discovering great wines right in New York’s backyard!