Finger Lakes
Wine + Culture Tour
Next Tours in the Finger Lakes
Welcome to the Finger Lakes
Set in the heart of New York State, the Finger Lakes is one of the most compelling cool-climate wine regions in the United States, shaped by deep glacial lakes and a landscape dotted with dramatic waterfalls. Winemaking here dates back to the 19th century, and today the region is internationally recognized for its precision and quality, especially with Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and increasingly impressive Chardonnay. This tour pairs private tastings at standout wineries with memorable dining experiences that showcase the area’s seasonally-driven cuisine. Between visits, there’s time to take in the natural beauty—lakeside views, vineyard-covered slopes, and easy walks to some of the region’s most striking waterfalls. A stop at the Corning Museum of Glass adds a cultural layer to a wonderful six days in the Finger Lakes.
Finger Lakes Tour Highlights
Each of our tours is designed to offer an authentic experience, where local traditions meet the pleasure of fine wine and rich heritage. From renowned wineries to charming towns, we’ll guide you through the people, places, and flavors that make every destination truly unique.
Guided wine tastings at boutique and historic wineries found around the main lakes
Boat ride on Seneca or Cayuga Lake
Farm-to-table Cuisine at its finest: delicious tasting menus at winery estates, special dinners and locally-loved spots
Waterfall hikes at two state parks
Visit to the Corning Glass Museum.
Unesco World Heritage Sites in Tuscany
(Starred Sites are on the Tuscany wine tour)
Cuisine of Mendoza
Tuscany is for meat and cheese lovers. Meals typically start off with antipasto plates piled with different salumi and cheeses, especially the locally-made pecorino. Pici, a thick hand-rolled spaghetti, are often topped with different meat ragus. Florentine steak (bistecca fiorentina) is found on the menus throughout Tuscany, as are other cuts of beef, rabbit, hare, wild boar, etc. However, vegetarians, do not fear! Wineries and restaurants have delicious non-meat options. The region embraces garden vegetables and make delicious soups such as the white bean and kale-based ribollita. And, for dessert, Tuscany is known for its cantucci biscuits (often dipped into a class of Vin Santo) as well as the hearty panforte di Siena packed with fruit and nuts.
Your Extraordinary Accommodations in the Finger Lakes
We will stay in a charming inn nestled between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes
What Clients are Saying About Us
Finger Lakes Tour Details
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We depart from Syracuse this morning westward to the Finger Lakes wine country. We'll visit two wineries making wines from the regions' most famous cool-climate grape varieties today. Lunch will be had at one of them. We'll then check into our hotel and settle in. Dinner will be a short walk away in the town of Trumansburg.
This morning, we start with a short hike to the scenic Taughannock Falls. We'll then head to the eastern side of Seneca Lake where will enjoy two winery visits and a stellar lunch. Enjoy some rest back at the hotel. Dinner will be at a casual farm-to-table restaurant known for its cider.
Today will be dedicated to two beautiful winery estates on the western side of Lake Seneca. In the afternoon, we're in for a treat: we'll enjoy a boat ride taking in the stunning summer sunset. Dinner is at a local favorite.
We'll take a break from wine to visit two wonders in the region: Watkins Glen State Park and the Corning Museum of Glass. We'll first visit enjoy a light hike on the Watkins Glen State Park's scenic Gorge Trail. After lunch in the town of Watkins Glen, we will head to the Corning Museum for a guided tour of the impressive institution complete with live demonstrations.
On our last full day, we will visit one of the oldest wineries in the region on Keuka Lake. We'll stop in at one more back on Seneca Lake and then stroll the streets of Geneva before a show-stopping Farewell dinner at the most creative restaurant in the region!
Have a wonderful last breakfast and pack up. This morning, we'll be driving back to Syracuse with a drop off at the airport and another in downtown for those who need it.
We depart from Syracuse this morning westward to the Finger Lakes wine country. We'll visit two wineries making wines from the regions' most famous cool-climate grape varieties today. Lunch will be had at one of them. We'll then check into our hotel and settle in. Dinner will be a short walk away in the town of Trumansburg.
This morning, we start with a short hike to the scenic Taughannock Falls. We'll then head to the eastern side of Seneca Lake where will enjoy two winery visits and a stellar lunch. Enjoy some rest back at the hotel. Dinner will be at a casual farm-to-table restaurant known for its cider.
Today will be dedicated to two beautiful winery estates on the western side of Lake Seneca. In the afternoon, we're in for a treat: we'll enjoy a boat ride taking in the stunning summer sunset. Dinner is at a local favorite.
We'll take a break from wine to visit two wonders in the region: Watkins Glen State Park and the Corning Museum of Glass. We'll first visit enjoy a light hike on the Watkins Glen State Park's scenic Gorge Trail. After lunch in the town of Watkins Glen, we will head to the Corning Museum for a guided tour of the impressive institution complete with live demonstrations.
On our last full day, we will visit one of the oldest wineries in the region on Keuka Lake. We'll stop in at one more back on Seneca Lake and then stroll the streets of Geneva before a show-stopping Farewell dinner at the most creative restaurant in the region!
Have a wonderful last breakfast and pack up. This morning, we'll be driving back to Syracuse with a drop off at the airport and another in downtown for those who need it.
Double Occupancy
$5800 / person
Single Supplement
$1100
Inclusions
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Accompanying sommelier guide
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Transportation + Driver from our meeting point to our farewell for all group activities
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5 Nights luxury accommodations
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All meals with wine and other beverages
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All guided wine tastings + activities (special events, private tours, guest experts, entrance fees, etc.)
Exclusions
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Flight to and from New York
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Travel expenses before and after the tour period
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Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
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Anything not specified as being included (If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!)
Requirements
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You must be 21+ years of age.
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You must be in good physical condition as your trip will involve walking, hiking, and other physical activities.
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You must sign La Dolce Vigna’s travel agreement.
Wine Tour Details
In the months leading up to the tour, you’ll receive your confirmed itinerary, tips on what to pack, essays, articles + excerpts related to the Finger Lakes, and a waiver form, which must be signed and returned to us prior to the tour.
Deposit + Cancellation Policy
A deposit of $1500 per person is required at the time of booking to guarantee your space. Balance of the full amount is due 90 days prior the tour start date. If there are still spots available less than 90 days prior to the tour start date, the full sum will be due upon booking.
All cancellations must be received in writing. If made 90 days or more prior to the tour start date, a refund less the deposit will be made. If made between 89-31 days prior to the start date, you will be issued a credit in the amount of 50% of the total cost already paid, less the deposit and any and all costs/fees that La Dolce Vigna, LLC has already paid third party vendors, such as room reservations, etc., towards future trips or services. No refunds will be made for cancellations made 30 days or less prior to the tour start date, nor for a cancellation made during the tour.
We urge all clients to book travel insurance for their trip as we unfortunately cannot make exceptions for inclement weather or personal emergencies.
La Dolce Vigna reserves the right to cancel a tour. In this unlikely situation, you would receive a complete refund of your tour fees. La Dolce Vigna will not assume any other liability and is not responsible for any personal expenses as a result of a tour cancellation, such as airline tickets or personal hotel reservations.
Meet Your Guide: Leslie Rosa
Meet Your Guide: Leslie Rosa
Sommelier + Owner of La Dolce Vigna
After a decade of working in the art world for eminent institutions and artists in New York and London, I moved to Italy, fell in love with the diversity of Italian wine and became a certified sommelier with the Associazione Italiana Sommelier. As an art-curator-turned-sommelier, I founded my company to offer trips that give an in-depth look at the history and culture of a particular region through the lens of local wine, spirits, and food. Over the years, my portfolio of trips has grown from Italy and California to include other places I love: Mendoza, Argentina and Oaxaca, Mexico and now Somerset, England. When not leading tours, you can find me doing pop-up wine tastings, writing for the Slow Wine Guide, or getting lost someplace beautiful with my watercolor set.
La Dolce Vigna Difference
Our tours are always limited to a maximum of 12 people to assure you an intimate experience.
You will always have a certified sommelier guide to answer all of your wine-related questions on the road.
Our tours are centered around small, eco-conscious, family-run wineries that make truly outstanding wine, and are packed with cultural insights.
Be prepared to eat. A lot. We've picked out amazing spots for you, from the small, loved-by-locals osteria to the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Depending on the season and local events, we will custom organize the best and most insider experience for each group.
Rest assured that your tour price includes all meals (except one), activities, hotels, transportation from the moment we meet until our fond farewell.
For those of you who have been on other group tours, you know what we're talking about. Part of living la dolce vigna is taking the time to truly savor your experiences and surroundings. We've built in time for you to do just that at your own pace and on your own terms. Long live slow travel!
Besides helping local, artisanal economies through visiting small wine and food producers, eating at traditional trattorie and staying at boutique hotels, a donation on behalf of each individual that takes one of our tours will be made to 10,000 Gardens in Africa, a Slow Food initiative aimed at cultivating sustainable and healthy communities throughout Africa.
Any Other Questions?
Looking for a Private Wine Tour of Italy?
Look no further! In addition to our intimate group tours, La Dolce Vigna curates private wine tours—with or without a guide—based on your dates, travel style and interests. We will open the doors to authentic experiences complete with exceptional food and wine, colorful personalities, warm hospitality, not-to-be-missed cultural sites and many, many photo-worthy moments. (Trust us.)
The Adventures of La Dolce Vigna in Italy