Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting in Conesus Lake: A Practical Review
Imagine savoring four award-winning wines while sitting lakeside on Conesus Lake, with expertly paired cheese and chocolates at your side. For just $20 per person, this 45-minute tasting tour offers a relaxed yet engaging way to explore local wines in a scenic setting. Hosted at Deer Run Winery in Geneseo, NY, this experience is designed to be intimate—capped at six travelers—which allows for personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.
What we particularly love about this tasting? First, the quality of the wines—all four are gold-medal winners—and the thoughtful pairings that elevate each sip. Second, the friendly, knowledgeable guides, who make the tasting both fun and informative, sharing stories and descriptions that deepen your appreciation.
One thing to keep in mind is the small group size, which is perfect for those who enjoy a quiet, more personal experience but might feel a bit cramped if you’re expecting a lively crowd. Also, since this is a seated tasting without a broader tour or food included, it works best if you’re looking for a quick, focused experience rather than a full-day winery visit.
This tour suits wine lovers, couples seeking a relaxed outing, or anyone curious about local wines paired with gourmet treats. If you appreciate authentic experiences with friendly hosts and quality wines, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
Key Points
- Affordable and high-quality: Just $20 covers four wines with pairings, offering great value.
- Intimate setting: Limited to six guests, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
- Expert guidance: Friendly hosts, like Hailey, make the tasting engaging and educational.
- Award-winning wines: All four wines have received medals, including gold and double gold awards.
- Beautiful location: Lakeside setting on Conesus Lake adds a scenic touch to your tasting experience.
- Flexible and convenient: Open Monday afternoons, with easy mobile ticketing and free cancellation.
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An In-Depth Look at the Experience
The Setting and Meeting Point
The tasting begins at Deer Run Winery in Geneseo, a short drive from Rochester. The venue is situated at 3772 W Lake Rd, offering a peaceful environment near Conesus Lake. The outdoor or indoor seating options provide a relaxed atmosphere—ideal for quiet conversation or simply soaking in the scenery.
The Tasting Itself
Your 45-minute journey features a seated tasting of four carefully selected wines. These are the winery’s four best-sellers, renowned for their medal-winning status. The wines are served in three-ounce pours, which is generous enough to savor and discuss without feeling rushed.
The lineup includes:
- Conesus White: A semi-dry white wine with grape-forward notes, paired with cheese. Its gold-medal recognition suggests a well-crafted, approachable white. Guests consistently praise its balance and refreshment value.
- Runway Red: A red blend that’s best in category and a gold medal winner, described as smooth with hints of berry and black pepper. Perfect for those who prefer reds but like a crowd-pleaser.
- Pebble Beach Blush: A double gold awarded sweet blend, featuring peach and melon flavors. Its pairing with chocolate allows the sweetness and fruit notes to shine.
- Max Black: The winery’s top-selling sweet red blend, boasting gold medal credentials and grape jelly notes, also paired with chocolate.
The pairing process is straightforward but thoughtful. Two wines are paired with cheese, adding savory richness, while the other two are complemented by chocolates for a sweet finish. The guide describes each wine’s story, grape variety, and flavor profile, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
The Guide and Atmosphere
Guests consistently mention friendly hosts, like Hailey, who go out of their way to make the tasting engaging. Reviews highlight her delightful company and her ability to share interesting details about the wines. The small group size allows for interaction, making it feel more like visiting a friend’s cozy home than a commercial tasting room.
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Value and Additional Offerings
For $20, you receive four 3-ounce pours—a generous amount—paired with cheese or chocolates. The price is especially appealing considering the medals the wines have earned, indicating a high-quality product at a very reasonable cost. Many reviewers mention buying bottles afterward; one even bought a bottle of Black Max to take home, indicating the wines’ appeal beyond the tasting.
While no lunch is included, the experience is ideal for a short visit, perhaps combined with a lakeside walk or a meal afterward at nearby eateries. The tour operates seasonally but has a long window of availability, from November 2023 to June 2026.
What Travelers Say
Reviews overwhelmingly praise the knowledgeable guides, delicious wines, and friendly atmosphere. One reviewer raved about the “great bargain,” noting that they received twice the amount of wine compared to other tastings at half the price. Another mentioned the “beautiful winery” and the personal attention from the owner, which adds a special touch.
Many noted that the pairings elevated the experience, turning simple tastings into a memorable event. Several reviews mention dining on site, with one enjoying a “delish burger and chips” after the tasting, suggesting the venue offers more than just wine.
Practical Details and Tips
- Booking: Tours are usually booked a week in advance, so plan ahead.
- Duration: About 45 minutes—perfect for a quick escape or a break during a day of sightseeing.
- Price: At $20, it offers excellent value for four award-winning wines and pairings.
- Accessibility: Service animals are permitted, and most travelers can participate.
- Group size: Limited to 6 people, making for a more personal and relaxed experience.
- Timing: Open Monday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, ideal for lunch plans or early afternoon visits.
Who Should Consider This Tasting?
If you’re seeking a low-key, authentic experience with approachable wines, this tasting is ideal. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the medal-winning selections, while casual drinkers will enjoy the friendly guides and tasty pairings. It’s a lovely activity for couples, small groups of friends, or anyone interested in a scenic, educational outing that won’t break the bank.
Final Thoughts
This shared wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting at Deer Run Winery offers genuine value, with high-quality wines, friendly hosts, and an inviting lakeside setting. The limited group size ensures a personal experience that feels less like a tour and more like a visit to a friend’s cozy cellar. The focus on medal-winning wines paired with carefully selected cheeses and chocolates makes it a satisfying treat for both your palate and your sense of adventure.
Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this tasting provides a relaxed way to enjoy the local wine scene without the fuss or expense of larger tastings. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate authentic stories behind each wine and enjoy a friendly, intimate atmosphere. If you’re in the Rochester area and craving a brief, flavorful escape, this quick stop by Conesus Lake could become a highlight of your trip.
FAQ
How long does the tasting last?
The experience lasts about 45 minutes, making it a perfect short activity to fit into your day.
What is included in the tasting?
You get four three-ounce pours of wine, paired with cheese or chocolate, depending on the wine.
Are there any food options besides the tasting?
No lunch is included, but many guests enjoy a meal afterward, like the burger and chips mentioned in reviews, or explore nearby eateries.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is it suitable for kids or non-drinkers?
While the focus is on wine and pairings, service animals are allowed. Non-drinkers may find the experience less engaging unless they opt to observe and learn.
How do I make a reservation?
Booking is straightforward and typically done a week in advance, using the mobile ticket option.
Final Note
This tasting at Deer Run Winery provides a genuine taste of local wines paired with gourmet treats, all in a relaxed lakeside setting. It’s a smart choice for those seeking affordable, friendly, and authentic wine experiences. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a pleasant afternoon, you’ll leave with a few bottles, new knowledge, and a lovely memory of Conesus Lake.