Hands-On Charcuterie at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake

At Lakewood Vineyards on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen, New York, the Charcuterie Board Workshop transforms an evening at the winery into a hands-on lesson in edible design. For 1.5 hours guests move from tasting notes to tasting plates, guided by Graze & Gather as they assemble a board built around cured meats, cheeses, seasonal fruit and accoutrements, then leave with a handcrafted wooden platter. The setting matters: Lakewood Vineyards sits within the Finger Lakes, a landscape carved by glaciers and defined by steep vineyard slopes that create cool-climate wines and a quiet, rural backdrop for this kind of social class. The workshop runs evenings (recent dates include January 9 and 16) and pairs a glass of Lakewood wine with ingredient stations that include local cheeses, charcuterie, fresh produce and preserves. Attendees learn how to balance flavor, texture and color—where to stake a soft cheese, how to fan salami for visual movement, and how small garnishes can elevate a simple board to a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. What makes this experience special for Watkins Glen travelers is its combination of local product and practical skill. Rather than a passive tasting, this class flips the script: you practice composition and leave with tools and a board to repeat the ritual at home. The wooden charcuterie board you take with you is not a trinket; it’s a functional keepsake for future gatherings. For visitors focused on the Finger Lakes’ food-and-wine scene, this workshop offers a low-effort, high-return way to deepen a weekend itinerary. The workshop is adult-oriented (minimum age 21) and designed for small groups and friends looking for a convivial evening. Practical details: the session is 1.5 hours long, tickets include one glass of wine, all ingredients, and a board; bring ID and arrive a few minutes early to check in. The experience also pairs well with a day exploring Watkins Glen State Park’s gorges or a drive along the Seneca Lake wine trail—both are close enough to make this an ideal evening cap. Expect instruction on pairing textures and preserving leftovers: hosts suggest packing soft cheeses with an acidic jam, firm cheeses with honey or mustard, and arranging crackers to avoid soggy spots. Lakewood Vineyards sources many accompaniments from Finger Lakes producers when possible, so you’ll taste regional honey, charcuterie with provenance. The venue’s tasting room and wooden tables make it easy to spread out your work; photographic opportunities include the bar and the vineyard-facing windows at sunset. Whether you want a flavorful souvenir or a new hosting skill, Lakewood Vineyards’ Charcuterie Board Workshop is an accessible, sensory-driven way to connect with local foodways and Finger Lakes wine culture. It’s equal parts creative classroom and social night out.