Best Finger Lakes Wineries for Dry Red Wines

The Finger Lakes wineries have a well established reputation for great white wines, but what is only recently becoming known is that they make some great dry red wines too. The trick is you have to know where to go. Not all the Finger Lakes wineries specialize in making dry red wine so it helps to have some guidance from the local innkeepers who have taken the time to do the research. So here are our innkeeper's recommendations for the best Finger Lakes wineries for dry red wines.

Shalestone Vineyards

If you are looking for the best winery in the Finger Lakes for Dry Red wine, I recommend Shalestone Vineyards on the east side of Seneca Lake. In fact, Shalestone is the only winery in the Finger Lakes that produces only red wine. That's quite a feat since the growing conditions here are far more conducive to grapes that go into white wines. I especially enjoy their Merlot. ~ Donna Cunningham - Yale Manor Bed and Breakfast

Red is all they do, and with good reason ... They excel at it! Rob Thomas, the owner and winemaker is like the wine whisperer, he knows how to get those little red grapes to be their best. He's an interesting character too, so enjoy the experience while he is pouring at the tasting bar. ~ Steve and Kathy Wirt - Wine Country Cabins Bed and Breakfast

As I don't like dry red wine and that's what my son prefers, I asked him for his recommendation. He said, hands down, Shalestone Vineyards on the East side of Seneca Lake is the VERY best. ~ Glenda Nash - Gentle Giants Bed and Breakfast

Bully Hill Vineyards - Walter S XXXXX's Meat Market Red would be our choice for Dry Red Wine matched with a sizzling thick grilled steak. Located on the southwestern hill overlooking Keuka Lake. ~ Nancy and Al - Gorham House Bed and Breakfast

Keuka Overlook Wine Cellars - on the east side of Keuka Lake, has by far the best selection of dry red wines in the Finger Lakes.  There are three Private Reserves - a luscious Cabernet Sauvignon with rich tannins and hints of cherries, a dynamite Cabernet Franc, and a Merlot, which is so dark in color and abounding with that varietal Merlot plummy character, that it could be cellared for years to come.  But in addition, the winery's signature wine, Triumph, the Meritage Blend (Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Merlot in a proprietary blend) is back.  The winery also has Pinot Noir and Forrest Lyle, another Meritage blend. ~ Terry - Keuka Overlook Bed and Breakfast <affiliated with the wine cellar>

Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars - is the best winery in the Finger Lakes for a dry red wine. The Cabernet Franc is rich, bold and heavier than most reds produced in the region. Full of flavor and robust, it's the best dry red in the Finger Lakes. Located on the southwestern side of Keuka Lake. ~ Sheryl Mordini - The Acorn Inn B&B

Miles Wine Cellars - We have been very impressed with red wines from Miles Wine Cellars in Himrod. Their Cabernets are very rich and smooth. The are located mid-way down the west side of Seneca Lake, south of Dresden - they even have a dock if you are touring the lake by boat! ~ Burney & Susan Baron Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast

Other opinions on Finger Lakes Red wine can be found on the Middle Finger Lakes Wine Guide.

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