2021: 35 Years of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail

The Seneca Lake Winery Association, also known as the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, was formed in 1986, by a few wineries who had the idea that working together was the best way to accomplish their goals. 2021 marks the 35th Anniversary of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail!
From those humble beginnings, 35 years later, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is one of the most heavily visited Wine Trails in the northeast and one of the premier cool-climate growing regions in the world.
With wines ranging from dry red and white vinifera-based varietals and blends to decadent ice wines and truly everything in between, wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail produce wines that are "Grown Here, Made Here" from grapes including vinifera, hybrid, and even native varieties. Riesling, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer are just a few of the most well-known aromatic whites. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Blaufrankisch (Lemberger) are a few of the most notable dry reds.
The Trail has grown from just a few wineries in the mid-eighties to dozens today. In addition to growth of the wineries and operations, vineyards have expanded as well, and new techniques and technologies have helped grape growers maximize quality. We can't wait to see where the next 35 years take us!
Our thanks to Gene Pierce of Glenora Wine Cellars, Liz Stamp of Lakewood Vineyards, John Wagner of Wagner Vineyards, Suzy Hayes and Jane Miles of Miles Wine Cellars, Scott Osborn of Fox Run Vineyards, and John Martini of Anthony Road Wine Company for sharing their insights with us.