Host to more than 130 wineries, New York‘s Finger Lakes destination was recently named the top wine region in a USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice national poll. Growing in popularity as an affordable wine region alternative without the crowds, as well as a quick northeastern escape, the region spans 9,000 bucolic square miles of vineyards, women’s history, picturesque landscapes and excellent culinary options. It invites visitors to sip world-class wineries and oenophile-centric activities, including a new tasting room at America’s first hemp winery opening this year, electrically powered vineyards and even water-to-wine boat hopping on one of the 11 lakes. Any time is a good time to visit, however now with picturesque fall foliage may be the best time.

Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery

For accommodations, visitors can book overnight at spots like:

Glenora Wine Cellars

The hotel room-to-winery experience at the Inns at Glenora Wine Cellars

Inns of Aurora-New Rowland House

The Inns of Aurora, offering guests the Aurora Cooks! Demonstration Kitchen for wine tasting experiences with the wine director

Belhurst Castle

Belhurst Castle, with a complimentary wine spigot in the hallways of its Castle Chambers section

If fall is too soon to visit the Finger Lakes, winter season offers exciting activities.

Wassail in the Orchards
A truly once in a lifetime experience, those that visit the “Napa Valley” of the east during January will take part in the centuries old tradition of apple orchard Wassailing. Cideries like Redbyrd Orchard Cider and distillery Apple Country Spirits invite visitors to sing to the trees to make them happy (guaranteeing a good crop the following year), burn effigies symbolizing bad luck, and pick up pots and pans to clang while reciting a spell-infused poem to scare away evil spirits amongst the agriculture.

On the wine side, ice wine reigns supreme during January. Visitors who head to the central New York region will learn all about this winter wine treat that is made from keeping grapes on the vine until they freeze.

Between sips, travelers can check out the many ski destinations in the area including Greek Peak Mountain Resort, with its own indoor waterpark.

Another property to consider is Bristol Mountain Ski Resort – the highest vertical between the Rockies and the Adirondacks.

Pleasant Valley Wine-Champagne Room

Glenora Wine Cellars

Boundary Breaks