Rochester, NY is the western gateway, or the “front door,” to the majestic Finger Lakes region. The Finger Lakes region is a 9,000 square mile, four-season playground, set against a backdrop of natural beauty and picturesque views: from waterfalls and gorges to rolling hills to miles of spectacular shoreline around 11 glacial lakes and one Great Lake.
Finger Lakes Wine
In addition to outdoor experiences, the Finger Lakes may be best known as one of the top wine producing regions in the world. More than 100 wineries (half of the total number in New York State) are located in the Finger Lakes. Finger Lakes wineries, which are all within a 90‐minute drive of Rochester, produce 85 percent of New York State wines. (Insider tip: Enjoy wine tasting right in Rochester with a visit to Casa Larga Vineyards, just 20 minutes from downtown, or Living Roots, the first urban winery in the Finger Lakes region).
Many wine publications consider the Finger Lakes vineyards to be the most important for wine production in this country. The Vinifera Revolution, which proved that European grapes could not only thrive outside Europe but also produce world‐class wines, was born in the Finger Lakes region.
The grapes’ success is due to the influence of the Finger Lakes themselves. Each lake acts as a natural air conditioner, keeping its surrounding hillsides warmer in summer and cooler in winter. This serves as an insulating blanket for the vines, preventing them from experiencing the extreme temperature swings that can be so destructive to the quality of the grapes and the vines themselves.
In addition to award-winning wines, the Finger Lakes region is also home to many craft breweries, distilleries, farm-to-table restaurants and seasonal farm stands.
