Is transportation included in the tour?

Transportation recommendations are provided, but guests must arrange their own transport or follow suggested options.

Are food pairings included with the wine tastings?

Yes, the tour includes creative small bites specifically paired to complement the wines at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery.

How long does the entire tour last?

Expect to spend approximately 4 to 6 hours enjoying both wineries and their tasting experiences.

Are these wineries wheelchair accessible?

Both wineries strive to be accessible; however, guests are encouraged to contact Experience Finger Lakes directly for specific accommodations.

Can I purchase wines at the wineries?

Yes, both Dr. Konstantin Frank and Heron Hill offer wine sales onsite, including bottles featured in the tastings.

Is this tour suitable for beginners in wine tasting?

Absolutely. The guided tastings are designed to educate and engage both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.

Keuka Lake Wine & Food Pairing Tour by Experience Finger Lakes

Keuka Lake, one of New York’s distinctive Finger Lakes, forms a striking Y-shaped waterway framed by steep hillsides and rich agricultural land where vineyards stretch to the water’s edge. This region has quietly risen to prominence for its cool-climate wines shaped by deep glacial soils and a heritage of innovative vintners. Experience Finger Lakes brings you a refined way to savor this landscape with their Curated Keuka Lake Fine Foods and Wine Pairing tour, an immersive journey into the heart of the local wine country. The tour launches at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, an iconic estate credited with pioneering vinifera grapes in the Finger Lakes. Here, the 1886 Wine Experience offers more than a tasting—it’s an education in terroir and technique. Set against panoramic views of Keuka Lake, visitors engage with passionate wine educators who guide guests through a thematic tasting of award-winning wines paired thoughtfully with gourmet small bites. Each pairing is designed to accentuate the vineyard’s unique expressions, balancing crisp acidity with rich, artisanal flavors. Following this, the journey continues to Heron Hill Winery where nearly 50 years of winemaking tradition are concentrated in one of the region’s most acclaimed tasting rooms. The setting is both intimate and grand, with vistas extending across terraced vineyards to the lake beyond. Here, guests enjoy a private tasting that highlights a range of varietals and the story behind their craft, underscoring the Finger Lakes’ reputation for diverse, world-class wines. This tour is tailored for discerning palates eager to understand how geography, climate, and creativity converge in every bottle. The combination of food and wine elevates appreciation of local flavors, making it an essential experience for visitors looking beyond the usual winery visits. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply enjoy beautiful settings paired with memorable flavors, Experience Finger Lakes’ guided tour offers an accessible yet sophisticated way to connect with the landscape and its producers.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

4–6 hours.

Fitness level

Minimal physical exertion required; participants should be comfortable walking short distances between tasting stations.

Wildlife

White-tailed deer grazing near vineyard edges
Seasonal bird species including bald eagles and great blue herons

History

Dr. Konstantin Frank is renowned for his pioneering of European-style winemaking in the Finger Lakes during the mid-20th century, changing the region’s viticultural landscape.

Conservation

Wineries here emphasize sustainable vineyard management practices to protect soil health and water quality, balancing production with environmental stewardship.

Experience Finger Lakes is a small Ithaca, New York–based tour operator that designs and delivers guided experiences across the Finger Lakes region. The company organizes curated wine tours, guided natural‑history hikes, multi-course chef‑and‑sommelier dining, educational wine courses, and fully customizable private tours. Experience Finger Lakes leads the Curated Cayuga Westside Wine Discovery Tour featuring three partner wineries: Buttonwood Grove, Six Eighty Cellars, and Bet the Farm, with elevated tastings and planned lunch and transportation recommendations. Guided hiking options include the Ithaca is Gorges & Waterfalls Guided Natural History Hikes, with routes to Taughannock Falls or through Enfield Gorge led by knowledgeable naturalists. The business also offers a community class series, Ithaca Community Wine Course: Demystifying French Wine, taught by certified sommelier Dr. Laura Winter Falk. For private dining, Experience Finger Lakes pairs regional chefs with Certified Sommelier Laura Winter Falk for a Private Chef‑Somm Wine‑Paired Lunch or Dinner Experience delivered at private venues or in‑home settings. Additional offerings listed include a Guided EAST SENECA Lake Wine Tour with Lunch, a Curated Keuka Lake Fine Foods and Wine Pairing tour, and a CUSTOM TOUR option to tailor itineraries. Experience Finger Lakes handles logistics, tasting reservations, and coordination with local partners to create seamless days exploring vineyards, gorges, and regional cuisine. The company’s programming focuses on high-quality tastings, expert-led education, and personalized service for visitors seeking curated Finger Lakes wine and nature experiences. Bookings are available year-round with seasonal itineraries and flexible private group scheduling to suit travel preferences and timing needs.

Base locationLansing, New York

Tours offered7+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace