We discovered the Finger Lakes region of New York State some 20 years ago and we have been living here in this beautiful place for fourteen years. There is always something new to see and do but since the Finger Lakes region is comprised of over 11,000 acres, it takes about 45 minutes of travel from Canandaigua to reach some of our favorite destinations. We haven’t forgotten what it was like to be young, but for us the trip is just as important as the destination.
I planned a little wine tour for Susan and Cindy, our 4th of July weekend guests. We headed to Naples which is at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake. Out destination was the Red Cat Wine Cellars and we were hoping for a tour through the old Widmer Wine buildings, but that was not to be as New York State laws will not permit public tours through the old buildings unless the buildings are handicap accessible. We remember the old narrow stone steps and the huge wine fermenting casks which were brought over from Europe perhaps two hundred of years ago. The tasting was nice but we were disappointed that the tours have been cancelled this summer.
Our next destination was Penn Yan and Keuka Lake. We stopped at McDonald’s Restaurant in Penn Yan for a sack of hamburgers which we took to the Red Jacket Park and just enjoyed having lunch along Keuka Lake. Cindy said that she couldn’t remember when she has enjoyed a McDonald’s hamburger so much without the kids and with Keuka Lake in the background; a hamburger was just as good as a prime rib sandwich!
Our next destination was McGregor’s Winery. It’s located up on a hill across from the point of Keuka Lake. The people are friendly and the wines are excellent. To my way of thinking, it just doesn’t get any better than this. And to those folks who live in the hills around Keuka Lake, a four wheel drive car or truck is pretty much standard transportation in the winter.
Our last stop was at the Keuka Springs Winery. The winery sits on top of a hill overlooking Keuka Lake. The view and the wines are magnificent. How long is it to home from here? It just 45 minutes by car and pay attention as we might see an Old Order Mennonite Buggy along our way home.
What I post is what I have actually experienced and seen at places that I have visited in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.