Ithaca is well-known for its stunning lakeside scenery and thriving wine scene, making it a perfect destination for those who love to sip and relax. While many visitors focus on hiking or exploring waterfalls, the Finger Lakes region offers a surprising variety of wine tours that showcase its vibrant vineyards and delicious varietals. Notably, tours like the Keuka Lake Winery Tour combine easy, guided transportation with visits to top wineries, making wine tasting both accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re a dedicated oenophile or a casual sipper, the region rewards you with excellent wineries, breathtaking views, and a chance to learn about local winemaking.
For us, the standout is the Seneca Lake South Wine Tastings Tour, which offers an immersive experience around one of the region’s most famous lakes. But if you prefer a private, tailored experience, the All day Guided Winery Transport for Six provides flexibility and a personal touch. Each tour has its own charm, and we’ll help you compare their highlights so you can find the best fit.
1. Keuka Lake Winery Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Keuka Lake Winery Tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive, scenic experience. This 5 to 6-hour tour takes you through four wineries around Keuka Lake, with a guide handling all the driving—so you can focus on tasting. The highlight here is soaking in the stunning views of the Finger Lakes while sampling award-winning wines, especially at Hunt Country Vineyards and Bully Hill, which can be added to your experience with lunch. The tour’s focus on regional varietals and winemaking history makes the experience both educational and relaxing.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance of scenic beauty and quality tasting. Rated a perfect 5.0 from 50 reviews, travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and the smooth logistics. The option to add lunch at Bully Hill enhances value, especially if you want a more leisurely day. It’s best suited for those who want a guided, all-inclusive day without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: The Keuka Lake Winery Tour offers a well-rounded, scenic, and educational experience. It’s ideal for those who want a guided group with the option to indulge in a gourmet lunch.
2. Seneca Lake South Wine Tastings Tour
At number 2, the Seneca Lake South Wine Tastings Tour is equally highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 from 49 reviews. Covering four wineries around Seneca Lake, this tour emphasizes education and a personal touch with small-group sizes. The tour departs from Watkins Glen or hotel pickups, making it flexible and convenient. The highlight is the visit to Chateau Lafayette Reneau, known for estate-grown wines, and the potential to upgrade with lunch at Ventosa Vineyards, overlooking the lake.
This tour is particularly good for those wanting a laid-back, informative experience with a friendly guide. Its focus on diverse regional varietals and scenic stops makes it a versatile choice. The reviews reflect appreciation for the knowledgeable hosts and smooth logistics, with many mentioning how the driver’s friendliness added to the enjoyment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an educational, relaxed day with scenic views and the chance to customize their experience with an optional lunch.
3. All day Guided Winery Transport for Six
Number 3 on our list is the All day Guided Winery Transport for Six. For $420, you get a private, 7-hour tour for up to six people—making this a great option for friends or small families who want control. The tour is fully customizable, allowing you to choose among wineries on the Seneca, Cayuga, or Keuka Lakes. The driver-guide handles all logistics, including reservations, so you can relax and enjoy.
What sets this apart is the personal attention and flexibility. You can explore tasting rooms at your own pace, and the experience is entirely private, so you won’t be competing with other groups. Reviews note the driver Orlando’s knowledge and helpfulness, making it clear that this tour gives you a tailored, stress-free experience. Ideal for those who prefer a private, curated adventure rather than a set itinerary.
Bottom Line: If personalized service and flexibility top your list, this private tour is a smart choice, especially for small groups wanting to customize their wine day.
4. Keuka Lake Wine Tour – Customizable
Number 4 is the Keuka Lake Wine Tour – Customizable. For around $329, this private VIP experience is designed for up to 4 guests. It offers the chance to pick four wineries, breweries, or distilleries—or let a local expert suggest hidden gems. The tour includes door-to-door pickup from Hammondsport or Penn Yan and takes about six hours.
This tour is unique because it provides a private, bespoke experience. You can focus on your wine interests—whether that’s Rieslings, ice wines, or craft spirits—and enjoy a relaxed pace. It’s especially recommended for those who want exclusivity and tailored recommendations. Guests love how Jeanine, the guide, helped them plan every detail, making the day effortless.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups seeking a private, flexible tasting day with personalized attention and curated stops.
5. Seneca Lake Wine Tour – Customizable
Number 5 is the Seneca Lake Wine Tour – Customizable. This private tour is designed for groups up to four and lasts about six hours. It allows you to select any four wineries, breweries, or distilleries from a curated list, or have a local guide craft a perfect route. Pickup is available from Geneva, Watkins Glen, or Penn Yan, and the SUV is stocked with bottled water.
This experience appeals to travelers who want total control over their itinerary. While it currently has no reviews, the flexibility and private setting make it a good option for those who appreciate custom planning. It’s best suited for groups with specific wineries or styles they want to explore without the constraints of a preset tour.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private choice for groups who want to design their perfect wine day and enjoy tailored stops.
$329.00 per group (up to 4)
6. Ithaca to Wine Country Guided Finger Lakes Tasting Experience
Finally, the Ithaca to Wine Country Guided Finger Lakes Tasting Experience is an intimate 4- to 5-hour private tour for groups up to 3, at $570. It combines visits to a historic Ithaca vineyard, a lakefront estate winery, and an organic cider farm with a scenic stop at Taughannock Falls. This tour emphasizes a leisurely pace, scenic views, and local flavor, with no party buses involved.
This experience is ideal for couples or small groups wanting a personalized, scenic journey that includes a bit of everything—wine, cider, waterfalls, and local cuisine. The guide’s personal touch ensures a relaxed, informative day without rushing. Reviews are not available, but the itinerary suggests a well-rounded, flexible outing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a cozy, personalized experience with a mix of wine, cider, and scenic nature — perfect for small groups or couples.
$570.00 per group (up to 3)
How to Choose Your Ithaca Wine Tour
When selecting a wine tour in Ithaca, consider your budget, how much flexibility you want, and whether you prefer a group experience or private outing. For a guided, all-inclusive day with multiple wineries, the Keuka Lake Winery Tour and Seneca Lake South Wine Tasting are excellent choices. If privacy and customization are your priorities, the All day Guided Winery Transport and Keuka Lake Private Tour shine.
For those with a tighter schedule or seeking a small, scenic experience, the Ithaca to Wine Country Tasting offers a curated adventure. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months, to secure your preferred date and winery visits.
In summary, Ithaca’s wine scene offers a variety of tours tailored to different interests and budgets—from scenic group outings to private, customized days. If you want a relaxed, guided experience with stunning lakeside views, options like the Keuka Lake Winery Tour are hard to beat. For a more personalized journey, the private tours provide the flexibility to craft your perfect wine adventure. Whichever you choose, early booking helps ensure a smooth, memorable day in the Finger Lakes.