Savoring the Grapes of Gainesville, New York: A Guide For Wine Lovers
Western New York often flies under the radar when discussing popular places to vacation in. This area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. Amongst the culture scene is a variety of wineries just waiting for you to come taste test their drinks. From small-batch reds to fruit-forward whites, the tasting selection is worth a day trip, with a few unexpected surprises along the way.
Whether you're looking to camp with your friends, or enjoy a weekend stop, the wine scene around Gainesville, NY adds something new to your itinerary—all without the crowds. Join us today as we explore what New York wineries can offer you and your group on your next vacation here.
Small-Town Sips With Big Tastes
Fifteen minutes from our property is Main Street Winery, Wyoming County's only full-fledged winery. The wines are crafted with New York-grown grapes and local fruit, giving them an authentic taste. With its easygoing environment, it's ideal for first-time sippers who are discovering what the hype is about with taste testing. Try their wine sorbetto (wine sherbet), perfect for cooling off after a warm day.
About twenty miles away, there's Savage Winery in Chaffee, offering plenty of red and white wines, along with hard ciders. Enjoy some live music during the warmer months, perfect for a fun night out with friends.
Worth The Drive
Anyone up for a road trip? If you head about 30 minutes northeast, you'll come across Deer Run Winery on the edge of the Finger Lakes region. Right near Conesus Lake, this family-owned spot has varietals that are surprisingly bold, including dry Rieslings, blends, and a few barrel-aged reds. The lake view is hard to beat, and with plenty of events, this winery is a great spot to settle in for a couple of hours.
Another good bet is Autumn Moon Winery, about 45 minutes away from Gainesville in Bergen, NY. They offer a selection of sweet, apple, and dry wines, among others. With a quirky little gift shop attached, you can collect some one-of-a-kind finds during your sipping session.
Niagara Wine Trail
Why not make a full day's trip out of wine tasting and head over to the Niagara Wine Trail? The trail includes multiple wineries, each loaded with its own personality. The trail borders Lake Ontario and benefits from a unique microclimate that supports a variety of grape types not commonly found in American Viticultural Areas (AVA).
The trip can be taken at your own pace, with most wineries offering taste rooms, bottles for purchase, and often small bites or snacks. If you're planning on stopping at multiple locations, consider taking advantage of the trail's designated driver service to ensure safety for you and your group.
More Than Wine
Western New York may charm you with its local vineyards and scenic sips, but there's so much more waiting for you beyond the glass. Specifically in Wyoming County, there's plenty of small-town character and outdoor adventures that make it well worth the stay. Letchworth State Park, the "Grand Canyon of the East", offers jaw-dropping waterfalls, and some of the best photo opportunities in all of New York State. Also worth visiting is Silver Lake State Park, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or soaking up the sun.
During the summer, check out the Perry Chalk Art Festival, a festival full of fine arts, fantastic food, and live music. Top it all off with a scenic drive through the countryside, spotting small-town Americana. So yes, come for the New York wine—but stay for the adventure.
Tips for Your Visit
Visit during the weekdays: The best time to visit the area, specifically the wineries, is during the weekdays, without the weekend crowds.
Check hours: You'd hate to drive to the wineries, just to find out they closed an hour earlier than your arrival.
Ask for local pairings: Some places sell snacks that pair perfectly with their wines, elevating the tasting experience.
Book Your Stay at Woodstream Campsite Today!
Woodstream Campsite is our family-owned RV and tent campground, just minutes from the action. We have plenty of sites to go around, regardless if you're packing everything in your backpack or your RV. We additionally have cabins for a cozy night in. Our tent and RV sites all come with a fire ring, perfect for s'mores, hot dogs, and, of course, ghost stories!
Stop on by our campground during your next venture through New York; you won't regret it. You won't need a long itinerary or a tour bus to experience all the wonders Gainesville and Wyoming County have to offer—just a tank of gas and a little curiosity.
