Summer in New York is for saying yes to one more weekend getaway, one more golden-hour picnic, and, if we’re being honest, one more glass of wine. After all, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere—and sipping a crisp local vintage with sparkling lake views feels like one of the season’s greatest pleasures.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to raise a glass, this award-winning New York winery deserves a spot at the top of your summer bucket list. Crowned the state’s best winery for the third time in 2025, this breathtaking destination pairs exceptional wines with sweeping views of glacial waters, dramatic waterfalls, and one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Finger Lakes.
The Undisputed Reign of Weis Vineyards
To understand why this specific destination is dominating the Northeast wine scene, you have to look at the New York Wine Classic. This massive annual competition acts as the definitive ranking system for the state, evaluated through blind tastings by a rigorous panel of master sommeliers and beverage directors.
At the event, Weis Vineyards—located in Hammondsport on the scenic shores of Keuka Lake—officially secured the coveted Winery of the Year title. This marked a historic, back-to-back achievement for the vineyard, having also taken the ultimate crown in 2022 and 2024.
Founded in 2017 by German-born winemaker Hans Peter Weis and his wife Ashlee, this powerhouse estate has rapidly evolved from a hidden gem into New York’s most decorated wine destination.
A Sweep of Best-In-Class Bottles
What sets Weis Vineyards apart isn’t just one lucky vintage; it’s their absolute dominance across multiple categories. In addition to winning top overall honors, they practically ran the table for individual varietals, taking home nine major category wins.
If you are planning a tasting flight for your visit, these are the exact award-winning pours to keep on your radar:
- Best White Wine & Best Grüner Veltliner: 2024 Grüner Veltliner (Scored a near-perfect 97 points)
- Best Pink Wine & Best Rosé: 2024 Dry Rosé
- Best Sauvignon Blanc: 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
- Best Chardonnay: 2024 Unoaked Chardonnay
- Best Sweet Riesling: 2023 Winzer Select A Riesling
The Ultimate Finger Lakes Summer Road Trip
Ready to pack your bags? Escaping the city heat for a weekend in wine country is remarkably straightforward. Weis Vineyards sits on the eastern finger of Keuka Lake, roughly 280 miles northwest of Manhattan.
By Car (The Direct Route)
The drive from midtown Manhattan takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. You’ll follow I-80 West through the scenic Delaware Water Gap, eventually moving onto I-81 North and NY-17 West toward the Southern Tier. It is a highly straightforward, beautiful drive that transitions from rolling highway into the dramatic, steep hillsides of the Finger Lakes region.
By Train and Rental (The Relaxed Alternative)
If you prefer the romance of the rails, you can take Amtrak’s Empire Service from Penn Station up to Syracuse or Rochester. From either station, you can grab a rental car for a highly scenic, 1.5-hour drive south into the heart of the lakes, cruising past deep glacial valleys and roadside farm stands along the way.
Pro Tip: While you’re in the neighborhood, make the short 30-minute detour to Watkins Glen State Park to witness its famous 19 cascading waterfalls before heading to the winery for a golden-hour sunset pour.
