Sips and Trips with Paige

This September, I had the pleasure of visiting the Finger Lakes for the third time and returning to the enchanting Glen Hollow—a place that truly feels like magic. Nestled along the Wine Trail, just off Canandaigua Lake, this English-style cottage beautifully blends history with modern comforts. It was built in the early 1900s and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Glen Hollow features a Main House with two luxurious bedroom suites, a grand fireplace, an indoor garden, and a designer kitchen. There’s also a cozy guest house with a stable bedroom, romantic hayloft, and a waterfall shower. My favorite part? The relaxing hot tub, sauna, and tranquility room tucked behind the guest house!

The Finger Lakes AVA, located in Upstate New York, is known for its vineyards, especially around Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lakes. Since its establishment in 1982, these lakes have held the majority of the region’s plantings.

During this visit, Chris, the owner of Glen Hollow, invited us to explore some standout varieties: Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and, of course, sparkling wine. The region’s unique climate is shaped by the 11 Finger Lakes, which help moderate the otherwise cool temperatures, creating ideal conditions for grape growing.

These deep lakes, formed by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, retain warmth well into autumn, giving grapes extra time to ripen. The best vineyards are found on slopes where cool air naturally drains away, and the soil, rich in dark shale and limestone, contributes to wines with vibrant acidity and beautifully ripe, aromatic profiles.

You can find my full guide on our first visit here.

Travel

• From Richmond, the drive to Glen Hollow is about eight hours
• We spent most of our time near Seneca Lake, a quick 45-minute drive from Glen Hollow
• Book your stay here

Day 1: Discovering Living Roots Wine Co.

Our first day began at Living Roots Wine Co., the passion project of husband-and-wife duo Colleen and Seb Hardy. Seb, a sixth-generation vintner from South Australia’s renowned Hardy family, brings his heritage and expertise from the Adelaide Hills, while Colleen draws from her family’s Finger Lakes roots. Together, they unite these two regions through a commitment to minimal intervention winemaking.

Seb’s winemaking journey is steeped in tradition, while Colleen’s family ventured into viticulture more recently, purchasing their Finger Lakes property over a decade ago. In 2016, they planted 13 acres of vines, laying the foundation for their unique winemaking collaboration.

At Living Roots, the philosophy is all about letting nature take the lead. They focus on wild fermentation with only added sulfites, allowing the true essence of the Finger Lakes and Adelaide Hills to shine through in each bottle.

Dinner at Timberstone Grill

Day 2: Glen Hollow Vineyard, Heron Hill Winery, Once, and Vinifera

Day two started at Glen Hollow Vineyard, Chris and Lisa’s new passion project, where they are collaborating with renowned winemaker Jordan Harris. Known for his vibrant, expressive wines from Heron Hill Winery, Jordan has made a name for himself with his 2020 vintage Chardonnay, which earned a spot in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100.

During my visit, Jordan gave us a tour of Heron Hill’s portfolio, showcasing the depth and precision he brings to his winemaking. His passion for the craft was evident in every wine we sampled, from bright Rieslings to his signature Chardonnay.

A highlight of the visit was getting a sneak peek of what’s to come at Glen Hollow Vineyard. We had the opportunity to taste their Chardonnay cuvée mid-fermentation, which is set to become Glen Hollow Blanc de Blanc—a sparkling wine that will undoubtedly reflect Jordan’s high standards.

It was thrilling to witness the early stages of this new venture, and I can’t wait to try the inaugural vintage once it’s released. With Jordan Harris at the helm, Glen Hollow Vineyard is poised to become a standout player in the Finger Lakes wine scene, offering wines that capture the region’s unique character and charm. Keep an eye out for Glen Hollow’s debut; they’re sure to impress!

Lunch at Bully Hill Vineyards

Once Finger Lakes is a must-visit spot for its unique wine-tasting experience. This spot focuses on showcasing the diverse wine offerings from local vineyards. I was impressed by the variety and quality of wines they have on-site, representing the entire region. The friendly staff and their deep knowledge of Finger Lakes wines made the experience even more enjoyable, offering a chance to truly connect with the local wine culture.

Vinifera Speakeasy is the first and only speakeasy in the Finger Lakes, featuring New York State wines and spirits. They proudly offer their own wine, Le Chevalier, which includes Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. The name “Le Chevalier,” meaning “The Knight” in French, was chosen for Vinifera’s proprietary wine production to symbolize genuine authority, skill, fortitude, and authenticity. This aligns with their commitment to selecting only the finest wines and producers that showcase the exceptional climate and terroir of the Finger Lakes region.

Dinner at Geneva on the Lake

Day 3: Hosmer Winer and Boundary Breaks

Our final day began with a visit to Hosmer Winery, where Glen Hollow will be sourcing Cabernet Franc for their wines. Hosmer Winery is a family-owned gem located on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake. Hosmer Winery specializes in cool-climate varietals, with a particular focus on Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. During our visit, Adrian, aka @wino_dino, walked us through their extensive wine list and took us on a tour of the Cabernet Franc block, where we had the opportunity to see the grapes just a few weeks before harvest.

Lunch at Ryan William Vineyard

We then headed to Boundary Breaks Vineyard, a standout winery known for its commitment to producing high-quality wines that express the region’s unique terroir. Boundary Breaks crafts exquisite Rieslings, including dry, semi-dry, and sweet styles that highlight the grape’s versatility. Their dedication to sustainable practices and meticulous vineyard management ensures that each bottle reflects the character of the land.

We also had some additional time, so we stopped by Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars and Hector Wine Company for a quick tasting.

Dinner at Kindred Fare: On Monday evenings, Kindred Fare offers a three-course chef’s menu with wine pairings, which we couldn’t resist! I loved the creativity of the dishes and the thoughtful pairings.

Already excited for my next adventure in the Finger Lakes! Big thanks to Chris and Lisa for being such great hosts, and to Becca for the unforgettable memories!