48 Hours on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail: The Perfect 2-Day Finger Lakes Itinerary

Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Marisa

Planning a fall getaway to New York’s Finger Lakes? This 48-hour Seneca Lake Wine Trail itinerary includes beautiful wineries, lake views, a scenic boat tour, delicious local restaurants, and a waterfront hotel stay. Here’s how to spend a long weekend exploring Seneca Lake, New York.

Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Seneca Lake is surrounded by rolling vineyards, charming small towns, waterfront restaurants, and some of the state’s best wineries. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a girls’ getaway, or a wine-filled road trip, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail offers an incredible mix of experiences.

What makes Seneca Lake interesting isn’t just that it’s pretty in the fall. It’s home to one of New York State’s largest and most visited wine trails, with more than 30 wineries, over 70 miles of tasting opportunities, and a reputation for award-winning Rieslings. Plus, you have Watkins Glen’s waterfalls right nearby

We visited Finger Lakes once before and fell in love with the area. With that said though, it is a HUGE region so visiting lake by lake is the best way to really enjoy and discover the place.

If you’re wondering how to spend two days on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, here’s our complete itinerary for a fall weekend in the Finger Lakes.

Seneca Lake Wine Trail itinerary at a glance

• Length: Two full days, plus a departure morning
• Best time to visit: Spring, Summer or Fall ( for reference we went October 16-18th and it was PEAK fall colours!!!)
• Where to stay: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
• Best for: Wine lovers, couples, foodies, and weekend getaways
• Distance: 5 Hours from NYC, 4 hours from Toronto

Where to stay on Seneca Lake?

Located right on the southern shore of Seneca Lake, this waterfront hotel is an ideal base for exploring the wineries, restaurants, and attractions around Watkins Glen.

The hotel offers a lovely setting for a fall getaway, with lake views, comfortable accommodations, and convenient access to downtown. After checking in, take some time to unpack, relax, and enjoy the scenery before heading out for dinner.

Day 1: Wineries and dinner in the Finger Lakes

Stop 1: Three Brothers Wineries & Estates

Kick off your Seneca Lake wine weekend at Three Brothers Wineries & Estates, a unique stop on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

Rather than a traditional single tasting room, Three Brothers offers several distinct beverage experiences on one property, including wine, beer, cider, and more. They even have wine slushies!!!! With a total of 3 different wineries and a brewery, each spot has a big personality and you can really spend an entire afternoon here! Tip: I would allocate about 2-3 hours to really see each one

My personal favourite was Bagg Dare Wine Co., inspired by the Louisiana Bayou. Between its quirky atmosphere and eclectic details, every corner is seriously Instagram-worthy! A great way to see the property is to purchase one of their “Passports” which gives you a tasting at each spot. If you are DD, they do have a mocktail passport as well!

Travel tip: Three Brothers is located near Geneva, at the northern end of Seneca Lake, so plan your route accordingly if you’re driving south toward Watkins Glen afterward.

Stop 2: Boundary Breaks Vineyard

Next, head to Boundary Breaks Vineyard, a winery known for its focus on Riesling and other cool-climate wines.

The property has stunning views overlooking Seneca Lake, with a beautiful back patio complete with fire pits. But what really made this experience stand out for us was the people. The staff were SO knowledgeable and welcoming, and we had the chance to chat with the owner, who was honestly one of the most interesting people we met on our trip! You can tell there’s a lot of heart and soul behind this place.

Another little detail we absolutely loved? Their build-your-own snack baskets! You can fill them with cheeses, olives, crackers and other goodies, along with a mini charcuterie board. Such a fun concept, especially because you can easily take your snacks out to the patio, wander around the property or settle in with a glass of wine overlooking the lake.

It’s these little touches that make a winery experience feel extra special

Dinner at Stonecat Café

End your first day with dinner at Stonecat Café, a popular Finger Lakes dining destination in Hector.

Stonecat Café is known for its creative, regionally inspired cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxed evening after a day spent exploring vineyards, especially if you appreciate restaurants that highlight local ingredients and pair well with the region’s wines. If you look up “Where to eat in Finger Lakes” this spot comes up on almost every list and for good reason!

Tip: There are no reservations here and I would recommend coming during sunset or before as part of the magic of this place is the outdoor atmosphere!

Day 2: Hiking, more wine pairings, and an evening in Watkins Glen

Saturday is the day to slow down a little and enjoy the scenery that makes Seneca Lake such a special destination.

Breakfast at Blackberry Inn Kitchen

Start your morning with breakfast at Blackberry Inn Kitchen in Watkins Glen. They have over 10 varieties of HOMEMADE bagels to choose from, and you can build your own insanely good breakfast sandwich! If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the options, they also have a big menu of delicious combinations to make the decision easier.

Between the freshly made bagels, coffee, pastries and cozy atmosphere, this is the kind of place that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. There was a lineup when we visited (which moved surprisingly quickly!), and after eating here, we totally understood why!

Hike Watkins Glen Gorge Trail

This might genuinely be one of the most BEAUTIFUL hikes I’ve ever done! Picture 19 waterfalls, winding stone staircases, dramatic cliffs and paths that take you right behind cascading waterfalls. It honestly feels like something out of a fairytale.

A few things to know before you go:

• Go EARLY! This is one of the area’s most popular attractions, and the narrow pathways can get crowded. Earlier means fewer people and better photos!
• Allow 1.5–2 hours. The Gorge Trail is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) one way, but you’ll want plenty of time to stop and take it all in.
• There are LOTS of stairs. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as the stone pathways can be slippery.
• Don’t miss Rainbow Falls! It’s one of the most photographed spots along the trail, and for good reason.
• Check seasonal closures. The Gorge Trail typically opens in May and closes in mid-to-late October, depending on weather conditions. The surrounding park remains open year-round.
• Travelling with kids? It’s absolutely doable for active families, but not stroller-friendly. Be prepared for plenty of climbing! We did take our kids here once and did have to carry our 3 year old after a bit…( FAIR!)

Lunch and wine tasting at Red Newt

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a winery that ALSO serves amazing food, and Red Newt Cellars is exactly that! Located on the eastern side of Seneca Lake, this cozy winery and bistro has been around since 1998 and is especially known for its Rieslings. When we were there the owner was even in the kitchen!! Hands on kind of spot!

Their menu focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with everything from shareable plates and artisan cheeses to homemade soups and their famous grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy a leisurely lunch and squeeze in another wine tasting while you’re at it!

Tip: The full bistro menu is currently available Friday through Sunday from 12–6 PM, while wine tastings are offered daily. Very much recommend copying my order of butternut squash soup, grilled cheese and fall salad!!!

Afternoon: Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars

Your next stop is Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars. This is only about 5 ish minutes from Red Newt so super close!

The winery is known for its estate-grown wines and tasting room overlooking the lake. Unlike some wineries, they bring out the bottles for each tasting versus pre-setting a few glasses at a time.

After trying their popular Rose, we quickly made the decision to try another sample of it verse trying anything else! It was delicious andddd we ended up buying 2 bottles to take home!

Dinner at GRAFT Wine + Cider Bar

Finish your Saturday with dinner at GRAFT Wine + Cider Bar in Watkins Glen.

GRAFT is a great choice for an evening out, with a focus on wine, cider, and food in a contemporary setting. After a full day exploring the region, it’s the perfect opportunity to settle in, enjoy a delicious meal, and reflect on your favourite stops along the wine trail. They don’t take reservations so go put your name down and walk around downtown if there is a bit of a wait. WORTH IT!

While wine is the focus on the Seneca Lake Wine trail, the food scene is also INSANE!

Read some other helpful guides to the area:

• The Ultimate Finger Lakes Guide: Perfect guide for first timers
• 13 Unique Things to do in Rochester, NY
• 10 of the best murals in Buffalo, New York

Day 3: One last winery and lunch before heading home

Although the main itinerary covers two days, we recommend leaving Sunday morning open for one final winery and a relaxed lunch before departing.

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy breakfast at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel before checking out. Make sure to visit the pier and see the famous Seneca Lake sign!

The hotel actually has coffee stations on each floor so fill a cup up and walk with it down there. Truly serene moments!

Pre Lunch Stop Lakewood Vineyards

Before leaving the region, make one final stop at Lakewood Vineyards, a family-owned winery on the western side of Seneca Lake. And when I say family-owned and operated, I REALLY mean it! One brother is the winemaker, another family member manages the vineyards, and even the next generation has taken on their own roles in the business. I love seeing places where the whole family is so involved!

Lakewood has deep roots in the Finger Lakes wine industry, and you can tell there’s a lot of pride behind what they do. I’d highly recommend booking one of their winery experiences or keeping an eye out for their seasonal events. They even host a Christmas event that sounded SO fun!

Our personal favourite was their sparkling Riesling, although the adorable winery dog (who you can spot in the photo!) was a pretty close second!

Lunch at Tabora Farm & Winery

Your final stop is Tabora Farm & Winery, where you can enjoy lunch before heading home. ( and buy a million pastries and goodies to take home!!)

Tabora combines a winery with a farm market, bakery, and deli, making it a convenient place to pick up something delicious for the road. The pies were flying off the shelves so we got one to take and we stopped mid drive to eat it LOL. It was insane.

Additional things to do in Seneca Lake:

• Falling Waters Boat Tour: Explore Seneca Lake by boat, taking in gorgeous waterfalls and vineyard views, with a stop for a drink beside Hector Falls!
• Hector Falls: A stunning 250-foot waterfall along Seneca Lake. You can catch a glimpse from the road, but the best views are from the water!
• Montour Falls: If you have an extra day, this is a great 2nd stop after Watkins Glen- it’s just a few minutes away. It is home to the beautiful Shequaga Falls, which cascades right into the heart of town!

Tips for planning a Seneca Lake wine weekend

• Plan your route in advance: The Seneca Lake Wine Trail includes wineries spread around the lake, so it’s important to map out your stops before you go. Avoid assuming you can walk between wineries (you cannot), and allow enough time for driving, tastings, and meals.
• Book your tastings and dinners ahead of time : Summer + Fall is a popular season in the Finger Lakes, especially during October. Reserve experiences where possible, particularly boat tours, food pairings, and dinner reservations.
• Arrange transportation for wine tasting: If everyone in your group plans to enjoy wine, book a designated driver or professional wine tour service. This allows everyone to relax and enjoy the experience safely. They have a wine trolley that goes around the Finger lakes too if you want to jazz it up!! It looks SO cool and I want to do this next time
• Leave time for spontaneous stops: Although this itinerary includes several planned wineries, part of the fun of visiting the Finger Lakes is discovering places along the way. There are SO many cute markets, smallery wineries + quirkly signs worth pulling the car over for

Is two days enough to explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail?

Two days is a great introduction to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, particularly if you want to combine wine tasting with great food and outdoor experiences.

This itinerary includes five wineries, several restaurant stops, a 2 hour hike and a waterfront hotel, without trying to squeeze every winery around the lake into one weekend. We did have some downtime too!!

Of course, you could easily spend longer exploring the Finger Lakes and I think if we had to re-do this itinerary we would do 1 more night and add in some more hikes…..and maybe one more winery;)

For a first visit, however, a two-day itinerary is an excellent way to experience the area’s wine, food, and scenery.

Final thoughts: A fall weekend on Seneca Lake

A weekend on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is about more than just wine tasting. It’s about enjoying the scenery, discovering local restaurants, spending time on the water, and slowing down enough to appreciate everything the Finger Lakes has to offer. It feels like you are transported somewhere really unique!!

Save this itinerary for your next Finger Lakes getaway and use it to plan your own weekend of wineries, food, and lake views.