It’s safe to leave our houses and socialize again without fear of encountering a massive snowpocalypse. Winemakers are just as excited as you are to toast to Spring, and perhaps it’s our own wishful thinking, or perhaps it’s a bad case of Spring Fever, but the events they have in store in the coming months seem more numerous and tempting than ever.
No matter where you live in New York, chances are, there is a tasting room throwing a party soon within easy driving distance. It’s hard to believe, but there are now more than 450 wineries located in 11 distinct American Viticultural Areas, with 32,000 acres of grapes under vine in the Empire State.
We wish we could cover all of the amazing events happening across New York, but we’ve shared a few highlights from major regions and wine trails below. Get ready to pop some corks…and go follow your favorite local wineries on social media for the scoop on what’s fermenting in their tasting room next.
Lake Erie Wine Country
Lake Erie Wine Country spans a 50-mile scenic stretch meandering along the southern shore of Lake Erie, from Silver Creek, NY, into Harborcreek, PA.
There are 20 wineries within this vast 30,000-acre region, producing a diverse range of wines, including vitis vinifera, ice wines, fruit wines, and more. The family and pet-friendly region offers a diverse array of activities, beyond “just” wine tasting.
Lake Erie is toasting to America’s 250th birthday April 17-19 with American-inspired food and special wine pairings. Three-day tickets are $45 and two-day tickets are $35. Find more fun events and visiting information here.
Niagara Wine Country
More than 20 wineries in Niagara Wine Country produce a wide variety of wines with something for everyone and beloved ice wines just minutes from Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Rochester, between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment.
The Niagara Wine Trail offers a 60-mile, scenic route between largely family-owned wineries with a range of intimate and family-friendly tasting experiences.
One of the most popular wine trail-wide events is the Derby Dash on May 2. A general tasting ticket ($35) gets participants a wine glass and three tastes of wine at participating wineries. A VIP ticket ($75) provides a general ticket plus transportation between wineries and a 6-bottle bag. Get all the details here and check out other fun tastings and attractions across 60 miles here.
Finger Lakes Wine Country
There are more than 100 wineries in the Finger Lakes, with production focused around Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lakes. A wide variety of grapes can thrive in the varied soils, including vitis vinifera, French-American hybrids, and natives.
There are several very active wine trails producing creative and inclusive tasting experiences.
Keuka Lake Wine Trail offers several signature events, in addition to frequent pop-ups at wineries on the trail. Mark your calendar for Sips & Succulents, April 24-April 26. Participants will toast the arrival of spring at six wineries, with paired wine samples and small bites. Every winery will offer a 3” succulent. $85 per person.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail: “We’ve already seen an uptick in visitors with the warmer days we’ve had recently,” says Brittany Gibson, executive director at the Seneca Wine Trail. “Folks are ready to shake off the winter cold and get back to the lake!”
The trail will host Spring Wine and Cheese from April 17-19, with self-guided visits to wineries around Seneca Lake with special cheese and wine pairings. Explore a range of cheesy dishes, paired with specific wines. Tickets are $65. Get the full scoop here.
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is serving up a Taste of Spring, One Herb at a Time. The party starts April 24, with 10 participating wineries offering herb-infused dishes paired with wines. The event will happen on the weekend of April 24-26 and May 1-3. Tickets are $65.
The best way to explore the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail is via the Canandaigua Wine Trail Passport. The 30-mile experience of Finger Lakes wine and food tastings showcases a diverse range of small and large wineries, two wine centers, a brewery, and a panoply of shops, restaurants, and scenery.
Hudson Valley Wine Country
The Hudson Valley, about 90 minutes north of New York City, has some of the deepest winemaking roots in the country. It spans two major AVAs—the Hudson Region and Upper Hudson—and produces cool-climate wines, including Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay, plus French-American hybrids and native grapes, at 50 wineries ensconced in the beautiful rolling farmland and bucolic countryside scenery.
The Shawangunk Wine Trail is home to 13 wineries.
“After this winter, we’re expecting a surge of visitors,” says Shawangunk’s operations manager, Jude DeFalco. “Everyone is eager to get out and enjoy the Hudson Valley!”
Two trail-wide highlights wine lovers are clamoring for:
The Trail is toasting Earth Day April 18-19 from 11 am to 5 pm. Ticket-holders will get tasting flights at five chosen wineries along with a choose-your-own pace of exploration. Tickets are $30. Find more Trail events here.
Long Island Wine Country
Long Island Wine Country is focused on the North Fork, with 60+ producers making still and sparkling wines from a range of grapes. Celebrated for its easy beach vibe—served up alongside award-winning, critically acclaimed wines—Long Island has become a go-to for elevated, convivial wine experiences.
Blanc & Franc Brunch: Long Island Wine Country is running a brunch series on Sundays in April, May, and June, featuring standout Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc with seasonal menus across the region. Get the full download, links to tickets, menus, participating wineries, and venues, here.
For more options every week (and soon, every day!), find a roster of fun tasting, live music, and social events across Long Island Wine Country here.
For a complete list of all Wine Trail events happening in New York, you can also visit newyorkwines.org/wine-events!
Happy trails!
