Wineries Around Watkins Glen to Enjoy

With the current Coronavirus situation we’re all facing, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has extended the “temporary pause” until May 15th. Traditionally (although, not set in stone), tourism in Watkins Glen kicks off around Memorial Day weekend, so there is a small window for places to begin reopening. I’m writing this post as if things go back to normal, or as they were before the pandemic. I hope you enjoy this post and consider these wineries to enjoy when you come to Watkins Glen!

The Watkins Glen area is known for its many wineries. You can drive up either side of Seneca Lake and you’ll never run out of winery options. Because there are so many wineries to enjoy a glass of wine or a tasting, I have listed a few of the wineries I’ve visited or know from the residents to be a stellar winery. Many local eating establishments sell wines from our local wineries. Check out my best places to stay in Watkins Glen here.

Castle Grisch

Castle Grisch has been around since the early eighties. Originally founded by a Swiss-German couple, Castle Grisch has been consistently delivering quality wines of all varieties. The grapes are locally grown, and the wines are made on-site. 

Atwater Estate Vineyards

Offering many varieties of wines, Atwater is a staple winery in the area. Located on the Southside of Seneca Lake, Atwater has an eighty-acre property, with a majority of their grapes grown on the property and the wines are produced there.

Silver Springs Winery

This winery has a relaxing atmosphere, carrying sweet, semi-sweet, and dry wines. A wine for every enthusiast and occasion! Embellishing the tasting room is some extraordinary art. Available for eating is a Napoli style brick oven pizza, infused dough with 7 herbs and spices. Imported EVOO from Greece and infused with the same herbs and spices the owner’s ancestors used in Italy.

I have a more personal connection to Silver Springs. My daughter-in-law Sarah works there and she gets all the credit for these pictures and a majority of the writing about the winery! If you’re not able to get out to get pizza, or if you’d like to make pizza at home, check out this gadget!

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

This is one of my favorite wineries! I like it for its fun atmosphere, the layout of the tasting room, and the exceptional service. Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is known for its Red Cat Wine. The winery has been in the Hazlitt family for generations, dating back to 1852, when David Hazlitt purchased 153 acres of land that had fruit trees and vineyards. The winery was officially established in 1985, by Jerry and Elaine Hazlitt.

In the tasting room, you can purchase the wines that you tasted. Also on site is a cool gift shop.

Care to venture outside when the weather and the fun is hot? Welcome to the Oasis; where the wine and the fun never stops! Some people have reported that this is the place to be during the summer!

Penguin Bay

I love penguins, so this winery is right up my alley! 

Whether you’re a wine expert, or just beginning to appreciate wine. Penguin Bay has a wine to cover the bases! You will find Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Gruner Veltliner, and a whole host of other wines to suit your taste. They also produce some hybrid wines like Marechal Foch. Stop in and give your taste buds a great experience!

Do you consider yourself a wine aficionado? Do you have a preference when it comes to wine?


 

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