08.22.2025

A Warm Welcome to Cool Wine Country

11 AM - Arrival & Welcome to Geneva on the Lake

Check in early or drop your bags at Geneva on the Lake Hotel, a stunning Italianate villa nestled above Seneca Lake, surrounded by formal gardens and sweeping water views. Enjoy a walk through the grounds, take in the tranquility, or sip a glass on the veranda before our journey begins.

12 PM - We'll enjoy a welcome lunch together and dive into some local history before our journey begins

1:30 PM – We’ll gather and board our private coach to our first visit to one of the region’s most iconic producers:

2–4 PM – Private Wine Tour #1: Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard

Experience a guided tasting and tour of this legendary estate, known for setting the benchmark in Finger Lakes Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and sparkling wines. We'll be walking through the estate vineyards and learning about Wiemer’s biodynamic practices and minimal intervention philosophy.

4:00–5:00 PM – Return to the hotel for a short break to refresh and prepare for a memorable evening ahead.

5:45 PM – An Intimate Chef’s Table Dinner at FLX Table

We’ll dine at FLX Table, ranked among the top restaurants in the country. This intimate, 12-seat chef’s table offers a multi-course seasonal tasting menu, paired with wines that may surprise and delight.

08.23.2025

A Day of Cool-Climate Excellence

7–9 AM – Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the terrace or in the dining room at Geneva on the Lake.

10 AM – Private Wine Tour #2: Heart & Hands Wine Company

Start the day with an intimate tasting at this small-production winery perched on the east side of Cayuga Lake. Known for its Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and racy Rieslings, Heart & Hands crafts wines with precision and passion. The tasting will include limited-production bottlings and vineyard-designate expressions.

12:30–2 PM – Lunch at 1833 Kitchen & Bar, Aurora Inn

Dine lakeside at this elegant, historic inn, where locally sourced ingredients and classic hospitality set the tone. Enjoy a relaxed, refined lunch with options designed to complement your morning tasting.

3–5 PM – Private Wine Tour #3: Forge Cellars

Next, we’ll head to Forge, a boutique winery overlooking Seneca Lake. Known for their structured, cellar-worthy Rieslings and Pinot Noirs, Forge offers a deeper look into the Finger Lakes’ soil and climate diversity. Taste side-by-side comparisons that highlight their terroir-driven winemaking philosophy.

5–6:30 PM – Return to the hotel to unwind and prepare for a cozier, more relaxed evening.

7 PM – Dinner at Kindred Fare

Our final group dinner is at Kindred Fare, a rustic-chic eatery beloved by locals and visiting chefs alike. The menu changes daily, inspired by the Finger Lakes’ farms and seasons. Expect wood-fired flavors, vibrant vegetables, and soul-warming hospitality in a relaxed, celebratory setting.

08.24.2025

Final Tastes & Fond Farewells

7–9 AM – Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy your final morning in the lakes region with a stroll through the gardens or one last coffee by the water. Then, we’ll check out and head to our final tasting together.

11:00 AM–1:00 PM – Private Wine Tour #4: Boundary Breaks Vineyard

Perched on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, their single-vineyard expressions, often fermented bone dry or with elegant off-dry balance, offer a masterclass in cool-climate winemaking. We’ll enjoy a seated tasting with vineyard views and a toast to the weekend.

Depart at your leisure, with full hearts and (perhaps) full trunks.