During my weekend in Rochester, NY we spent Saturday afternoon exploring the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. This area is about a one hour drive from Rochester and the entire route is lush and green. There are wineries all along the perimeter of Seneca Lake. I had never done a wine tour before and was quite excited!
Our first stop was the Billsboro winery. You turn into the drive and up a steep gravel path. The winery sits at the top of the hill with a magnificent view of the lake.
For two dollars you can sample all the signature wines. Several whites, a rosé and a few reds. Along with the wine they provide bread, cheese and sausage to taste. If you want to indulge further, you can order a full glass (or a full bottle) and a block of cheese to enjoy on their outdoor patio overlooking the lake.
When we first walked in, I immediately noticed the beautiful label on their rosé. It turned out that of all the places we would eventually tour, the Billsboro rosé was my favorite wine we tasted all day! I also loved the Billsboro sauvignon blanc.
Our second stop was the Earle Estates Meadery. A meadery is a place where food and wine products are made from honey. For two dollars you could taste six types of mead (honey wine). We tried the original, the pear, the strawberry, the blackberry and a few more. I wasn't particularly into the mead. While I could see how they might be yummy over ice cream or pie, they were entirely too sweet on their own, in a glass.
Our third stop was the Miles Wine Cellars. Miles is located down a hill, directly on the lake. The winery itself is a beautiful, white colonial house.
We were told during the tasting that the building is haunted. In fact, they sell a wine called Ghost which pages homage to the haunted winery. This was one of my favorite labels:
The Miles Wine Cellars is a perfect place to stop on the trail to enjoy a bottle of wine with friends or dig into snacks or a meal you may have packed yourself (guilty). Their location is unbeatable. Another fun perk is you get to keep your wine glass from the tasting!
As we headed home, we stopped just past the wineries at produce stand which was right next to a horse farm. Of course I had to skip over to the fence and snap their picture:
Our final stop on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail wasn't for wine at all. It was for soft serve ice cream at Mr. Twistees. Those who know me well know every great experience ends with ice cream. Mr. Twistees serves up enormous portions for cheap and has several outdoor tables overlooking the lake.
If you have the time to make the trip to Seneca Lake, touring the wineries is an absolute delight. Its a great way to learn more about wine, sample many brands and types, all in a picturesque setting.
For more information check out the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.
