An Afternoon Adventure with the Finger Lakes B&B Association
There's a particular kind of magic that happens when you gather a group of curious and open-hearted people, point them toward some of the Finger Lakes' finest wineries, and let the afternoon unfold. That's exactly what happened on my most recent tour, where I guided a wonderful group of innkeepers from the Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast Association through a four-hour journey of three unforgettable stops: Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, Keuka Spring Vineyards, and Red Tail Ridge Winery.
If you've ever wondered what a guided Finger Lakes wine tour actually feels like, pour yourself a glass and read on.
A Portal to the Past with Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
We kicked things off at Hermann J. Wiemer, where our host, Cameron Mills, led us on a brief tour of the winemaking facility and into the winery's Library - a special space reserved for tasting older vintages alongside more current releases. I’ve long been a fan of Wiemer’s wines, but had no idea of the treat ahead.
The tasting began with the current 2024 Dry and 2022 Reserve Dry Rieslings, and then jumped back over ten years to showcase the 2014 Reserve Dry and 2015 HJW Vineyard Rieslings. With each glass, the aromas and flavors ripened and expanded in complexity, until they were almost bursting out of the glass! What started as grapefruit, peach, and clean mineral notes in the current vintages transformed into tropical candy, Meyer lemon, and subtle herb notes with age. What a great alchemist time can be for wine! Well-made Rieslings can age for years, and these bottles from Wiemer exemplify that claim, with their depth of flavor and balancing acidity ringing out.
We continued on to a 2010 Late Harvest Riesling, sweet and luscious but still not cloying, and capped off our white wines with a 2002 Reserve Gewürztraminer that blew us all away. The highlight of the red wines was a 2018 Magdalena Vineyard Cabernet Franc that was luscious and rich with beautiful structure. Cameron was a delightful host and fielded every question with warmth and expertise. It was the perfect way to begin the afternoon firmly rooted in the long history of the Finger Lakes Region.
Snacks and Stories at Keuka Spring Vineyards
By the time we arrived at Keuka Spring, everyone had worked up a bit of an appetite, so we settled into their spacious barrel room and ordered a cheese and charcuterie board to accompany the wines. The Barrel Room tasting welcomes you with a short video on the winery's history and its long roots in the region, a nice treat for our group, as we were already immersed in the past. We then continued into a choose-your-own-adventure style tasting of five wines, and this looser, more conversational format gave me the chance to really talk through the flavor profiles of each wine with the group, helping everyone figure out what suited their palate best. It's a different rhythm than a formal flight, and we relaxed into our own glasses and great conversations, while comparing our different wines.
Keuka Spring offers both sweet and dry wines, which makes it a wonderful stop for a group of varying tastes and exploration levels. I would highly recommend their Reserve Series for lovers of Champagne Method sparklers and top-notch examples of traditional Finger Lakes varieties. They also offer a Reserve Saperavi, the ubiquitous Georgian grape that is currently experiencing a surge in vineyards all around the Finger Lakes. Also, Keuka Spring has one of the best lake views of any winery, and their sprawling outdoor tasting area is a lovely way to spend the afternoon.
The Grand Finale - A Paired Culinary Experience at Red Tail Ridge
Our last stop was something truly special. At Red Tail Ridge, we were treated to a seated, paired tasting experience featuring small bites crafted by chef Matt Hummel, formerly of Hazelnut Kitchen in Trumansburg. Think delicate empanadas, roasted beets with goat cheese, crispy calamari, and other beautifully prepared little plates overflowing with flavor to elevate every pour.
Kristin Evans, the tasting room manager, is a wealth of knowledge, and she walked us through the harvest techniques and winemaking decisions that shape each bottle's character at Red Tail Ridge. It was a wonderful dialog, as the innkeepers asked questions based on their previous experiences that day, and Kristin and I could answer them earnestly with our shared passion for wine and Finger Lakes wines in particular. And while the winery does offer a bar-side tasting, I highly recommend the intimate seated experience, it’s truly a memorable experience.
While Red Tail Ridge offers classic Finger Lakes varietals, they also have a few surprises you won’t find anywhere else in the region. Teroldego and Lagrein, two grapes native to Northern Italy, blend with Cabernet Franc in their distinctive and delicious Rebel With a Cause, bottled both still and sparkling in the traditional method, which is reminiscent of a lovely Lambrusco. And their other champagne-style sparklers are truly delicious too, perfect for these hot summer days overlooking the lakes.
Why a Guided Tour Makes All the Difference
This afternoon excursion was such a fun experience, both for the wines and the company. Our small group of Innkeepers ranged in experience from a brand-new B&B owner to a couple who have been running their inn for over 20 years. We could discuss the ups and downs of hospitality while relaxing away from our respective businesses, a real treat before the start of the busy season. And no matter where everyone was in their B&B journey, we all ended the day with a newfound and deeper appreciation for the wines, the winemakers, and the vineyards that make the Finger Lakes so special.
This really gets to the heart of what I love to do - handle the logistics, take care of the details, and curate an experience where all you have to do is show up, sip, and enjoy. No planning stress, no guesswork about which wineries to choose, just a beautifully paced day built around great wine, great food, and great company.
Whether you're gathering friends, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking for a relaxed afternoon among the vines, I'd love to help curate an experience just as memorable as this one. Reach out and let's start planning your visit.
