The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is famous for award-winning wines, sweeping lake views, and charming tasting rooms. But beyond the well-known estates lie hidden wineries in the Finger Lakes for 2026 tours — cozy, lesser-visited vineyards with unique stories, artisanal wines, and intimate tasting experiences.
This guide highlights under-the-radar wineries worth adding to your 2026 Finger Lakes itinerary — perfect for couples, wine lovers, and anyone who enjoys exploring local gems.
What Makes a Winery “Hidden” in the Finger Lakes
When we say hidden wineries in the Finger Lakes for 2026 tours, we mean places that are:
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Smaller-production and family-run
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Off the major tourist routes
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Known more to locals than visitors
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Offering personalized tastings and tours
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Focused on quality over mass appeal
These wineries give you a closer view of Finger Lakes wine culture.
🍷 1) Lumina Wine Company — Seneca Lake
Why it’s a hidden gem:
Lumina specializes in small-batch, handcrafted wines that reflect Seneca Lake’s cool climate. It’s a boutique spot that often flies under visitors’ radars, so your tasting here feels relaxed and personal.
What to expect:
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Intimate tasting bar
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Seasonal outdoor seating
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Focus on Riesling and elegant reds
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Knowledgeable hosts who explain terroir
Recommended for: Riesling lovers, couples, wine education
Perfect for those seeking hidden wineries in the Finger Lakes for 2026 tours.
🍇 2) Bloomer Creek Vineyard — Keuka Lake
Why it’s special:
A family-run estate just off the main wine trail, Bloomer Creek is one of the hidden wineries in the Finger Lakes for 2026 tours that pairs excellent wine with a relaxed pace.
Highlights:
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Elevated deck with vineyard views
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Try their estate Pinot Noir and sparkling wines
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Seasonal events and small-batch releases
Best for: Scenic tastings, quiet afternoons, local favorites
🍷 3) Wartega Vineyards — Seneca Lake
What makes it a hidden stop:
Wartega is beloved by locals for its approachable wines and welcoming vibe. It’s less crowded than many Seneca Lake tasting rooms, making it ideal for relaxed conversation and deeper wine exploration.
Try these:
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Dry Rosés
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Aromatic Rieslings
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Estate red blends
Why nomads like it: Wine + view without the crowds.
🍇 4) Sirene Cellars — Keuka Lake
Why it stands out:
Tucked away near Keuka Lake’s quieter shorelines, Sirene Cellars blends small production with personal warmth. The tasting room is welcoming, and many visitors feel like they’ve discovered a secret.
Notable wines:
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Estate Pinot Gris
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Barrel-fermented Chardonnays
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Elegant reds
Perfect for: Quiet tastings, wine chats, slow travel
🍷 5) Rooster Hill Vineyards — Keuka Lake Hills
Why wine lovers seek it out:
Rooster Hill remains one of the best hidden wineries in the Finger Lakes for 2026 tours thanks to its spectacular views and handcrafted wine list. It’s slightly off the main lakefront tasting loop, so many visitors miss it.
Must-try:
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Riesling with floral notes
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Merlot and Cabernet blends
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Seasonal flight tastings
Best for: Views, relaxed porch evenings, intimate tastings
🍇 6) Lakewood Vineyards — Seneca Lake
Hidden for size, not quality:
Lakewood’s setting — over 20 rolling acres with panoramic lake views — is a draw, but its quaint tasting room and local follow keep it feeling like a local secret rather than a major destination.
Standouts:
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Dry and semi-sweet Rieslings
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Unique estate blends
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Seasonal cellar tours
Best for: Traditional Finger Lakes wine styles, lake vistas
🍷 7) Adirondack Winery — Finger Lakes Locale
Why it’s mixted between hidden & popular:
Although Adirondack has a broader New York footprint, some of its Finger Lakes tasting rooms feel like local discoveries. Not every traveler stops here, which earns it a spot on hidden winery lists.
Try these:
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Fruit-infused wines
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Crisp Chardonnays
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Light reds for food pairing
Best for: Easy, approachable flights; new wine explorers
📅 How to Plan Hidden Winery Tours in 2026
Here are quick tips when you’re exploring hidden wineries in the Finger Lakes for 2026 tours:
🗺️ Mix Big & Small
Start with one or two well-known wineries in a region (like Seneca or Keuka) and then plan hidden stops in between — that keeps your day lively and personal.
📱 Reserve Tastings Ahead
Smaller wineries often require or prefer reservations. Booking ensures you get personalized attention.
🍇 Time It Right
Late spring through early fall brings harvest events — but winter and shoulder seasons offer quiet tastings and more intimate tours.
🚗 Drive Smart
Distances between lakes (Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka) are manageable, but plan your route so you don’t backtrack.
🍷 2026 Tour Tips for Hidden Spots
✔ Call ahead for private tastings — many welcome smaller groups.
✔ Ask for flight pairings with local cheeses or charcuterie.
✔ Check seasonal events — many hidden wineries host intimate, themed tastings in 2026.
✔ Bring a light jacket — mornings on the lakes can be cool even in summer.
Final Thoughts
The best hidden wineries in the Finger Lakes for 2026 tours offer heartfelt hospitality, handcrafted wines, and authentic local flavor. These lesser-known gems are perfect for travelers who want lasting memories and wines you’ll talk about long after your trip.
Add a few of these hidden spots to your itinerary — and you’ll find the Finger Lakes’ quiet heart as impressive as its famed vineyards.
