Do you love wine almost as much as you love life itself? If so then check out this insanely comprehensive guide to the best wineries in New York.
Because regardless of whether you’re traveling to the posh AF wine estates of Long Island or want to feel a bit more rustic amidst the deep woods of the Adirondacks, this post has one of the best vineyards in New York for you.
Trust me, I should know. I’m a vineyard-loving New Yorker who has lived and worked in this great state for 30+ years.
So, I can help you ditch the tourist traps and visit some of the best wineries New York has to offer like an ultra-rad local.
Therefore, leave the generic guidebook at home and check out this guide to the top vineyards New York has before planning your next wine weekend getaway.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Best Wineries in New York – Chautauqua-Allegheny
1. Johnson Estate Winery – Westfield, NY
Way over in Westfield, almost as far west as you can go in New York State before you enter Pennsylvania, you can find the Johnson Estate Winery.
Initially, an early 19th-century house and farm, the land was bought in 1908 and used to grow apples, cherries, peaches, and – of course – grapes.
Since then, three generations of the Johnson family have come together to make this New York winery what it is today.
As a family-owned and operated business, they take pride in the quality of their wines, and the number of different grape varietals (to use the technical term) used demonstrates that.
In fact, there are European versions of classics like Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir, as well as French-American hybrids like Chancellor, Traminette, and Vidal Blanc.
Plus, you’ve got types from good old America like Concord, Delaware, and Niagara to choose from.
It’s part of what makes Johnson Estate Winery one of the best wineries in New York!
FYI, this is one of the best New York wineries that also sells bottles of Ice Wine.
And just in case you’re not in the know, Ice Wine is made from grapes that have ripened and then frozen naturally while on the vine. They are then harvested and made into wine. I mean, how cool is that?
Address: 8419 W Main St, Westfield, NY 14787, United States
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, except Friday through Sunday when they are open until 6:00 pm.
Price: Tastings start at $4.00 for three samples of wine.
2. 21 Brix Winery – Portland, NY
It’s hard to miss the entrance to 21 Brix Winery. And that’s mainly because you have to go past Ella the Elephant, their bright pink, elephant-sized (duh!) mascot to get into one of the best wineries in New York.
Yup, not many of the top wineries New York has to offer have their very own colorful animal friends to welcome you!
So, Ella sets the tone for 21 Brix Winery; she’s eye-catching, fun, and unique – just like the wines created here – and she lends her name to more than one of them.
But, Ella is not the only animal winemaker on the farm. Visitors can also find Barry the Bull, who has his own, more robust, flavorful wine that he lends his name to.
All in all, there are 17 varietals available here, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Blueberry, Riesling to Raspberry, and Merlot to Cherry.
And while you do not have to make a reservation at Brix Winery, they do appreciate a courtesy call to let them know that you’re on the way if you’re part of a large group (8+ people).
That way they’ll be prepared to give you the warm welcome you deserve when you arrive at one of the top New York wineries of them all.
Address: 6654 West Main Road, Portland, NY 14769, United States
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: Around $12.99 per bottle.
Best Wineries in New York – Niagara Frontier
3. Spring Lake Winery – Lockport, NY
If you’re heading out to Niagara Falls and you find yourself on Highway 31, make sure you stop by one of the best wineries in New York on the outskirts of Lockport, NY.
The folks at Spring Lake Winery are happy to show visitors and wine aficionados the fruits of their labors as you enjoy the best wineries Niagara has to offer.
Founded by the Varallo family, who bring strong Italian inspiration to their vineyard, visitors can enjoy Merlot, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and more.
Spring Lake also has a couple of unique wines found only at their winery. These include a Red Zinfandel wine made from the grapes on a vine that’s over 150 years old!
The winery also sits in a beautiful location on the shores of a lake surrounded by gorgeous woodlands.
It’s a great place to enjoy the on-site cafe’s selection of barbecue entrees and salads, perfectly paired with a glass (or two) of their delicious wine!
You can also enjoy live music events and, during the winter season, take part in some cross-country skiing before settling down by one of their outdoor fire pits.
Address: 7373 Rochester Rd, Lockport, NY 14094, United States
Hours: Open Friday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Price: A flight of five tastings starts at $10.00 each.
Best Wineries in New York – Finger Lakes
4. Standing Stone Wines – Hector, NY
One thing you can do when you’re up in the Finger Lakes looking for colorful New York fall foliage is to stop by Standing Stone Wines.
This vineyard has been sitting on the shores of Seneca Lake, right in the middle of the Finger Lakes region since the 1970s, expertly growing all the amazing grapes that go into their wines.
In fact, the fortunate location of this winery directly affects the quality of its wines.
Yeah, the slope of the land and the type of soil next to the lake is a vital component of what makes Standing Stone Wines so unique.
Beginning with Chardonnay and Riesling in the early days, the vineyard has since expanded to include Saperavi, Merlot, Gewürztraminer, Petit Verdot, and more on their list of varietals.
And if you want to visit, groups of up to six people can attend a tasting session. You’ll just need to make a reservation in advance.
So, make sure you don’t miss one of the best wineries in New York in one of the most naturally beautiful areas of New York!
Address: 9934 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841, United States
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
5. Keuka Spring Vineyards – Penn Yan, NY
Just as you’d expect, Keuka Spring Vineyards can be found on the shores of Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes.
This is where the Wiltberger family decided to establish one of the best wineries in New York back in the early 1980s.
And the vines they planted they were able to harvest and produce Keuka Spring Vineyards’ first vintage in 1985, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Daily tastings are available at the Keuka Spring tasting room, with no reservation needed. Just show up and enjoy one of the top vineyards in New York.
Additionally, all the grapes used at this vineyard are sourced from within New York State. So, you know you’ll be enjoying the true taste of New York’s best wine!
Keuka Spring also has a wine club that you can join for free.
That’ll give you access to discounts, special events, early releases of new wines, and free wine tastings when you visit their tasting room. Yup, sign me up!
Address: 243 Route 54, East Lake Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527, United States
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: $10.00 for a six-wine tasting.
6. Boundary Breaks – Lodi, NY
Because grapes grow best around deep lakes, Boundary Breaks has taken advantage of its strategic location in the Finger Lakes to utilize the depth of Seneca Lake for its varietals.
And from those grapes, they exclusively produce Riesling wines, which they deem their “first love.”
So, if you love Riesling as much as they do, this will be a must-visit winery as, not surprisingly, the Riesling you’ll get at Boundary Breaks is unlike any other.
And rest assured, if you were on the fence about Riesling beforehand, a visit here will turn you into a total lover!
However, unlike many of the other best wineries in New York, Boundary Breaks does not accept reservations and only serves visitors on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Additionally, they limit groups to 6 people and will not break up groups.
Address: 1568 Porter Covert Rd, Lodi, NY 14860, United States
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Bottles start at around $18.95 each.
Best Wineries in New York – Thousand Island-Seaway
7. Thousand Islands Winery – Alexandria, NY
Originally opened in 2003, the Thousand Islands Winery has excelled over the years to become one of the best wineries in New York.
Now, this premium New York winery is situated next to the St Lawrence River in Alexandria Bay, right on the border with Canada.
And here, owner Steve Conaway and his family make twenty-three different kinds of wine, many of which have gone on to win awards, both in New York and internationally!
See, Steve was inspired while living in Germany near the Rhine River. During his visit, he developed a love of Riesling wine, and from there he used his newfound passion to develop some vineyards of his own.
So, on the tasting menu today you’ll find classics like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay (and Riesling, obvs) as well as other treats such as Frontenac, Niagara, and Gewürztraminer.
Thousand Islands also has quite a large selection of sweet wines and dessert wines – perfect for finishing off a meal!
However, it’s not just the wine that’s fancy in this region of good old NY. In fact, Thousand Islands Winery is less than 10 miles from Castle Boldt, one of the best castles in New York State.
Address: 43298 Seaway Ave, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607, United States
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: You can taste two wines for free, four wines for $3.00, and six wines for $5.00.
Best Wineries in New York – The Adirondacks
8. Adirondack Winery Lake George Tasting Room – Lake George
Mike & Sasha Pardy are the husband and wife team behind the wonderful family-run Adirondack Winery.
Both have been interested in wine since a young age. And it is that love and passion that shines through in every wine they make.
In fact, what first opened in 2008 as a small-capacity tasting room, has expanded into one of the best wineries in New York!
It has also seen Mike and Sasha through many major life changes, including a new addition to the family.
Now, there are currently two tasting rooms: one in Lake George and one in Queensbury. As you can see, I recommend the Lake George location.
Walk-ins are also welcome at Adirondack Winery for small groups (under 8), but it’s still recommended that you book ahead if you want to do any tastings or tours.
Plus, the winery offers a wide range of dry red and white wine options, as well as semi-sweet fruit infused in both.
But, I suggest trying the Moonlight Rosé or one of their premium wines!
And while you’re in this beautiful area, also take advantage of some of the stunning hikes in the Adirondacks too!
Address: 395 Big Bay Rd., Queensbury, NY 12804395
Hours: Open Thursday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm., and Monday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Starts at $3.00 per 2-ounce pour.
Best Wineries in New York – Central NY-Mohawk Valley
9. Rustic Ridge Winery – Burlington Flats, NY
Rustic Ridge Winery is one of the best wineries in New York if you are looking to support local, family-run businesses.
In fact. Burlington’s oldest winery – as it is known locally – is 100% family owned and operated by the Bennetts.
And for 50 years, the Bennetts have opened the Rustic Ridge Winery to the public and have run the business right out of their own family farm.
Additionally, this is one of the best vineyards in New York that has a partnership with another well-established Finger Lakes winery, allowing them to produce a more diverse range of NY wines.
These include several dry and sweet wines, a buttery Chardonnay, and their incredibly popular rosé wine, the Wildcat.
So, the Bennetts welcome you to come for a tasting, and to bring along your own supplies for a picnic afterward.
They’ll even provide delicious locally made Amish cheeses and jams – for a price, of course!
And while you’re here, be sure to check out all the fun things to do in Cooperstown, which is just a 20-minute drive away.
Address: 2805 St Hwy 80, Burlington Flats, NY 13315, United States
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Best Wineries in New York – Capital-Saratoga
10. Galway Rock – Saratoga Sparkling Winery – Ballston Lake, NY
If you’re in Saratoga Springs and looking for fun – and educational – day trips, or an exciting day out with the girls then this is one of the top vineyards in New York for you.
See, this winery is family owned and one of the few in the region. That also makes it one of the most beloved and best wineries in New York.
Plus, visitors have the option to both taste wine and learn more about how it’s made.
Personally, I recommend the incredibly comprehensive winemakers tour which includes a tour of the winery, complete with an easy overview of how everything is made.
You will also get a chance to ask one of the winemakers any questions you might have! Spaces are limited though and the tour is only offered once a month. So, book early.
You’ll also love that Galway Rock offers a fantastic wine club for those looking to discover new wines at home.
In fact, you can sign up to receive 4 or 6 bottles a month. Yup, their stunning tree logo will definitely be a talking point whenever guests come over and want to discuss the best wineries New York has to offer.
Address: 998 Saratoga Rd, Ballston Lake, NY 12019, United States
Hours: Open Wednesday/Thursday/Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Friday/Saturday from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Price: Tastings are $12.00 per flight.
Best Wineries in New York – Catskills
11. Bashakill Vineyards – Wurtsboro, NY
Bashakill Vineyards was inspired by a trip to Napa Valley and a desire to leave unfurling work.
Because this Sullivan County vineyard is all about building community – while that community tastes wine, of course!
And this is one of the best wineries in New York that achieves this goal by hosting live music every day [that they’re open], and by selling art and crafts produced by local artisans.
It’s also one of the top New York wineries for dog owners since furry friends are welcome so long as they’re leashed.
Plus, Bashakill Vineyards specializes in Germanic-style whites and oak-aged reds. But, they have a wide variety of wines available on-site if those options don’t tickle your fancy.
They are also licensed brewers and offer two of their own unique beers, though supplies are limited and tend to run out quickly!
If you want you can even come for an afternoon tasting, and stay for a delicious meal since their food menus are constantly changing and are as varied as their wine selection.
You’ll also love that this vineyard is located directly across from the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area, where you can spend an afternoon enjoying nature.
Address: 1131 S Rd, Wurtsboro, NY 12790, United States
Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Price: You can sample any three wines for free or any six wines for $12.00 with a souvenir glass to take home with you.
12. Benmarl Winery – Marlboro, NY
Our next winery proudly claims to hold New York Farm Winery license no. 1. So, you know that they mean business when it comes to being one of the best wineries in New York.
Located just to the south of Marlboro on the Hudson River, Benmarl Winery is less than a 2-hour drive from NYC – the perfect distance for a day trip.
And visitors can enjoy wine tastings in an indoor or an outdoor setting, with 17 varietals to choose from and sample.
Plus, if you plan to be there between Friday and Sunday, you can dig into one of their delicious brick oven pizzas.
Also, for anyone thinking about what to do next Valentine’s Day, Benmarl Winery has a special annual Valentine’s Day wine and cheese pairing event.
Couples can enjoy a carefully curated selection of wines and Hudson Valley cheeses, plus jams, homemade chocolates, and more to create a truly romantic experience.
Just remember that reservations are a must at Benmarl Winery. So, make sure to book in advance at one of the best vineyards in New York!
Address: 156 Highland Ave, Marlboro, NY 12542, United States
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: Tastings are $15.00 per person,
Best Wineries in New York – Hudson Valley
13. Brotherhood Winery – Washingtonville, Orange County
Widely considered the oldest operating winery in the USA, the Brotherhood Winery has been in operation since 1839 – though it went by a different name way back when.
See, in 1839 the winery produced its first-ever commercial vintage and it’s been going strong ever since as one of the best wineries in New York.
And while the business was initially opened by John Jaques, in 1858 one of the best vineyards in New York was passed down to his three sons, who are the inspiration behind the winery’s current name.
In fact, Brotherhood Winery was one of the few to survive Prohibition as it was responsible for providing the Catholic Church with sacramental wine.
So, it is because Brotherhood Winery has more than 175 years of experience that it is now one of the best wineries in New York that generates some of the most amazing wines in the country.
In fact, one of their specialty wines is the Rosario, the recipe for which derives from one used as an altar wine.
And two of their other most popular specialty wines are the Holiday, which is their take on traditional mulled wine, and the Sheba Te’j, which is an Ethiopian-inspired mead (honey) wine.
However, Brotherhood Winery truly does a little bit of everything.
So, whether you’re looking for Sangria, Merlot, Riesling, or even a fun sparkling Rosé, they will help find the right wine for you!
Just know that while public tasting tours are available throughout the weekends, it is recommended that you book in advance. Guests also get to choose five different wines from a menu of ten.
But, tastings aren’t all that goes on here. Because as an active member of the community, Brotherhood Winery hosts regular events, including seasonal events and even a murder mystery dinner!
Address: 100 Brotherhood Plaza Dr, Washingtonville, NY 10992, United States
Hours: Open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Friday/Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: Public tastings are $15.00 per person.
14. Hudson-Chatham Winery – Ghent, NY
Originally a dairy farm, the Hudson-Chatham Winery is now a popular vineyard and wedding venue. It’s also the first winery in Columbia County, having first opened in 2006.
And while high-quality wine is its top focus, the Hudson-Chatham Winery never fully left its farming roots.
So, this is one of the best wineries in New York that has evolved into a hybrid farm winery, slowly expanding to introduce several dozen French Maran chickens and an apiary too.
And as they have welcomed more responsibilities onto one of the best vineyards in New York, the premises itself has grown from a modest 4 to 8 acres, with around 18 different varietals.
Though dairy is no longer the focus, the winery does sell a range of its own artisanal cheeses too.
You can also pair any one of their incredible cheeses with mouth-watering sauces and jams that have been created in collaboration with other local farms.
Address: 1900 NY-66, Ghent, NY 12075, United States
Hours: Open Thursday/Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Friday/Saturday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Price: A formal flight experience starts at $25.00 per person.
15. Warwick Valley Winery – Warwick, NY
There’s something for everyone at Warwick Valley Winery.
Beginning with growing apples, the farm expanded its output with cider, wine, and spirits, winning plenty of awards along the way.
In fact, Warwick Valley Winery was actually the first place to establish a cidery in New York State back in 1994, making the appropriately named New York’s Original Cider.
It’s super tasty – in fact, their cider is so good that they deliver it to over half of the United States!
And if you can, make sure you visit on the weekend since they have live music events every Saturday and on Sunday afternoons too.
They also host seasonal apple picking! every autumn and there are lots of different apple varieties to pick, depending on when you go.
You’ll also walk away with many bushels of your faves, including Braeburn, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Gold Rush, Gala, Sundance, and more.
FYI, Warwick Valley Winery doesn’t take reservations – just turn up whenever you want!
Address: 114 Little York Rd, Warwick, NY 10990, United States
Hours: Open 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: Guided wine tastings start at $7.00 per person.
Best Wineries in New York – New York City
16. Rooftop Reds – Brooklyn, NY
Rooftop Reds might be one of the newest vineyards on this list. But, it’s most definitely one of the best vineyards in New York – ESPECIALLY cuz it’s in NYC.
Because for any wine connoisseurs out there, no visit to NYC is complete without a visit to Rooftop Reds extraordinary rooftop vineyard.
Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that they made a splash when they officially opened the world’s first commercially-viable urban rooftop vineyard in 2016?
Yeah, so this place not only sells amazing wine, but they do it while showing off their stunning views of the NYC skyline.
This is also one of the best wineries in New York within the Brooklyn Navy Yard, making this the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in NYC.
Just make sure you make reservations ahead of time or you won’t be able to access the rooftop!
Plus, don’t forget to check out some of the amazing rooftop bars in NYC, or some of the most unique restaurants in NYC for a fun night out!
Address: 63 Flushing Ave Building 275, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Price: Wines are $13.00 per glass.
17. The Red Hook Winery – Brooklyn, NY
This urban winery sits right on the waterfront and offers fantastic views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.
Despite being in Brooklyn, the winery is located in a former factory, making it a rather spacious space for both winemaking and visitors who want to enjoy a relaxing tasting.
Founded in 2008, the Red Hook Winery works with vineyards from around the state to highlight the best New York has to offer when it comes to wine.
However, all the wines are made on-site with the intent of creating wines that highlight the uniqueness of each of these different sites and what they have to offer.
So, their aim is to demonstrate why New York is the best place in the world for wine thanks to its diverse geology, climate, and viticulture.
Therefore, if you want a winery that showcases New York in everything it does then this is undoubtedly one of the best wineries in New York for you.
Address: 175 Van Dyke Street Pier 41, Suite 325A, 11231, United States
Hours: Open Friday/Saturday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Sunday/Monday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Price: Tastings start at $25.00 per person.
Best Wineries in New York – Long Island
18. Wölffer Estate – Sagaponack, NY
In the heart of the Hamptons is one of the best wineries in New York. Known as Wölffer Estate, this 55-acre property was first opened in 1988 by Hamburg-born entrepreneur, Christian Wölffer.
And his legacy and passion for wine-making live on today through his children.
Currently, this is one of the best vineyards in New York that produces over 50,000 cases of wine and hard cider annually.
They also offer several ranges of wine, with the White Horse wine range being their pride and joy.
Now, despite the name, the White Horse range features both reds and whites, many of which have won their own awards.
If I had to pick a fave though, The Caya Cabernet Franc and the Grandioso Rosé would come out tops!
Additionally, sustainability is a huge part of the family ethos. That’s why they are dedicated to sustainability throughout every step of the wine-making process.
So, Wölffer Estate is one of the few vineyards in the region vetted and certified by Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing.
Address: 139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY 11962, United States
Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and Friday/Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Price: Bottles of wine start at $20.00 each.
19. Croteaux – Southold, NY
Do you love rosé? Well so do the owners of Croteaux Vineyards in Long Island.
That’s why if you’re all about that sweet sweet pink stuff, then Croteaux is going to be one of the best wineries in New York for you.
That’s because rosé is all that Croteaux does. And so, as you can imagine, they are pretty darn good at it!
So, if rosé is your wine of choice, definitely make time to pay this beautiful winery a visit. Trust me, you won’t walk away disappointed.
And as an added bonus, their tasting garden is worth a visit too. It’s a beautiful spot that will certainly inspire more than a few photo-ops during your visit.
Just remember that this vineyard is not open year-round, with the tasting garden opening in April and closing in late November.
This is also one of the best vineyards in New York that only makes around 5000 cases of wine a year. So, you’ll want to make a reservation ASAP!
Address: 1450 S Harbor Rd, Southold, NY 11971, United States
Price: Bottles start at $27.00 each.
20. Macari Vineyards – Mattituck, NY
With nearly 500 acres of land to grow varietals and produce wine, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best wineries in New York.
See, this waterfront farm is located along the North Fork of Long Island and has been run by the Macari family for over 50 years. But, the winery itself actually first opened its doors to the public in 1995.
Founded by Joseph Macari Sr and his son, Joseph Macari Jr, and daughter-in-law Alexandra Macari, the Macari Vineyards remain a family affair to this very day.
And their love of winemaking shines through in every bottle of wine, as well as in the exceptional tasting experiences they offer.
Plus, there are several tasting experiences available, including private experiences in the extra swanky Private Tasting Suite. Just note that all experiences must be booked in advance.
And at any given time, they produce over a dozen different wines. But, for something special to Macari, try the Dos Aguas blend.
Yeah, it’s named for the “two waters” surrounding the vineyard and is made with a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc grapes.
Address: 150 Bergen Ave, Mattituck, NY 11952, United States
Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Price: Experiences start at $25.00 per person.
Map of the Best Wineries in New York
Additional New York Resources You’ll Love
There you have it! That wraps up this guide to the best wineries in New York.
Tell me, did your picks for the best vineyards in New York make the list? If not then let me know in the comments below.
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