Rochester may be famous for its vibrant arts scene and historic neighborhoods, but it’s also a surprisingly good base for exploring New York’s wine country. Just a short drive away, the Finger Lakes region offers rolling hills, waterfront views, and a variety of wineries. Among the many options, we especially like the Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience for its personalized service and scenic routes, and the Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting in Conesus Lake, perfect for a cozy afternoon. If you’re interested in sampling wines from around the world, the Fingerlakes Wine selection, Wines around the world tour offers a unique, multi-day experience. Below, you’ll find detailed overviews of each, helping you decide which suits your style and schedule.
Quick Overview
Our list includes three top-rated wine tours, each with a distinct approach. The Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience stands out for its guided visit to four small, exclusive vineyards with round-trip hotel transfers and a personal guide. The Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting in Conesus Lake offers an intimate, budget-friendly tasting paired with local cheeses and chocolates. For those wanting a broader scope, the Wines around the world tour provides a multi-day exploration of New York State’s wines alongside international selections. Now, let’s get into the details of each.
1. Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience
At number 1 on our list, the Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience offers a well-rounded, personalized way to enjoy Finger Lakes wine without the hassle of driving. For around $245, you’ll spend approximately 5 to 6 hours exploring four distinct vineyards, some of which are small-batch “microfacilities” focusing on limited releases. The tour includes round-trip transportation from select Rochester hotels, which is a huge plus if you prefer to relax and leave the driving to someone else.
What makes this tour stand out is the regional guide, who shares insights on local wine culture and the stories behind the vineyards. You get to visit Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery, famous for its sweet wines and family-owned charm, and the Heron Hill Tasting Room on Canandaigua Lake, with its scenic views and educational tastings. The tour often includes a delightful lunch at the New York Kitchen, which nicely complements the wine tastings.
With a maximum group size of just 12, this tour offers a more intimate experience. Guests rave about the knowledgeable driver and the chance to sample some exceptional wines while enjoying the vistas. The value is high, given the rich itinerary, personalized service, and scenic settings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, guided experience that blends scenic views, small winery visits, and insider knowledge.
2. Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting in Conesus Lake
At number 2, the Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting in Conesus Lake is a budget-friendly, 45-minute seated experience that suits those looking for a fun, casual outing. For just $20 per person, you’ll sample four award-winning wines—Conesus White, Runway Red, Pebble Beach Blush, and Max Black—paired with cheeses and chocolates.
What makes this tasting special is its local flavor and personal touch. The experience is hosted at a cozy venue on Conesus Lake, and you’ll hear detailed descriptions of each wine, making it ideal for beginners or those wanting a quick, delightful indulgence. The owner and staff are praised for their enthusiasm and friendliness, creating an engaging atmosphere. Several reviews mention how the pairing of wine with cheese and chocolate elevates the tasting, turning it into a sensory experience.
While it’s a shorter, less comprehensive tour, it offers excellent value, especially if you’re short on time or budget. It’s best suited for couples or small groups wanting a relaxed, social experience with a focus on quality over quantity.
Bottom Line: An affordable, enjoyable way to sample local wines paired with gourmet treats — perfect for a quick romantic stop or a first taste of Finger Lakes wines.
3. Fingerlakes Wine selection, Wines around the world
At number 3, the Wines around the world tour is a multi-day, extensive experience costing only $5 per person. Spanning about 2 days and 3 hours, this tour is designed for adventurous wine lovers who want to explore a wide variety of New York State wines alongside international selections. It’s an excellent choice if you’re planning a longer stay and interested in a comprehensive tasting experience.
This tour features an array of wines representing local Finger Lakes wineries as well as global varieties. Participants can expect to taste everything from bold reds to delicate whites, with expert guidance on tasting notes and pairing suggestions. The tour’s format allows for a relaxed, educational exploration across multiple wineries, making it ideal for those who want to deepen their wine knowledge and try diverse styles.
One potential downside is that this is a self-paced, multi-day experience, which requires some planning, but it offers tremendous value for the price. It’s best suited for wine enthusiasts with time to spare and a desire to learn more about regional and international wines.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, flexible option that balances local Finger Lakes wines with global varieties, ideal for dedicated wine lovers.
$5.00 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, think about your schedule, budget, and what kind of experience you want. The Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience is ideal if you want a guided, scenic day with hotel pickup and a small group. If you prefer a quick, fun tasting with delicious pairings, the Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting is perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Meanwhile, the Wines around the world tour offers flexibility and depth for those prepared to spend multiple days exploring.
Consider your budget: the guided tour provides a comprehensive experience at a higher price, but with included transportation and a meal. The tasting on Conesus Lake is very affordable and suitable for a short stop or a casual outing. The multi-day tour, while more involved, costs very little and suits travelers eager to enjoy a wide variety of wines.
Finally, book early — especially for the guided Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience, which is popular and limited to small groups.
In Summary
Rochester offers a diverse range of wine tours catering to different tastes and plans. Whether you’re after a full-day guided adventure through scenic vineyards, an intimate tasting of chocolates and cheeses, or a multi-day exploration of local and international wines, there’s something here for you. For a personalized, scenic day, the Canandaigua Wine Trail Experience is a standout. If you’re looking for a quick, fun indulgence, the Conesus Lake tasting hits the mark. And for the dedicated wine lover with extra time, the Wines around the world tour delivers a comprehensive, budget-friendly deep dive.
No matter which you pick, booking early will ensure you secure your spot in these popular experiences. Cheers to discovering Rochester’s excellent wine scene—sip and enjoy!