Water & Wine Weekly • Penn Yan, New York • September 21-27, 2026 • Issue 17
The last weekend of September is upon us and its flannel weather!
Head out for apple picking and cider donuts! The pumpkin patches are bursting with orange and are prime for picking. Concord grapes & Niagara grapes (my favorite!) are vine ready and the sweet scent is filling the air! Oh and Grape Pie!
The Naples Grape Festival is Saturday and Sunday this weekend and if Grape Pie is not checked off your Finger Lakes Bucket List then this is the festival to get to!
Fabulous Fall
What does a fabulous fall day look like? Keep reading for your curated Saturday itinerary, this weekend we have the perfect day for you in the Finger Lakes planned! But first here is a list of U-Pick Farms and Vineyards to enjoy on any fall day!
U-Pick Farms and Vineyards
In the Finger Lakes the rolling hills are dotted with farms and vineyards. And around every corner the harvest is ready for a U-Pick Adventure! Gather the family and hit the road. Wear layers for the cooler fall temperatures and comfy shoes for the uneven walking surfaces at the farms. What’s prime for picking now:
Apples (Loads of varieties)
Grapes (Concord and Niagara)
Pumpkins galore!
Here are a few of our favorite stops for a U-Pick adventure:
Apple Barrel Orchards
An 86 acre family-owned and working fruit farm with a cider and u-pick apples and grapes. Have a cider tasting inside the original 1896 farm barn.
Location: 2681 County House Rd. Penn Yan, New York 14527
Phone: (315) 536-2744
Website: https://applebarrelorchards.com/
Fulkerson Winery & Farm
Located on the west side of Seneca Lake, Fulkerson is a winery and working farm with estate grapes available for pick-your-own in the fall. With 96 acres of grapes, 5 acres of fruit, 40 acres of disc golf, and 3.5 miles of hiking, Fulkerson Winery and Farm offers something for everyone.You can combine grape picking with wine tasting and enjoy the farm's other activities. U-pick varies during the season and year, generally offering apples, grapes, and peaches.
Location: 5576 NY-14, Dundee, NY 14837
Phone: (607) 243-7883
Website: https://www.fulkersonwinery.com/
Hunt Country Vineyards
Hunt Country Vineyards in Branchport is a family-owned Finger Lakes winery known for its award-winning wines, beautiful vineyard views, and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Stop in for a tasting, enjoy the scenery, and discover why this longtime Keuka Lake favorite is a fun stop along your wine-country adventure. Offering U-Pick Concord grapes in the fall!
Location: 4021 Italy Hill Rd., Branchport, New York 14418
Phone: (315) 595-2812
Website: https://www.huntcountryvineyards.com/
Jerome’s U-Pick Fruit Farm
Located 30 mins from Penn Yan, just outside of Naples, Jerome’s offers 20 varieties of grapes and sold by the pound. The season generally begins shortly after Labor Day and continuing into October.
Location: 8936 Rt. 53, Naples, NY 14512
Phone: (800)-874-2548
Website: https://www.jeromesupick.com/
Keuka Harvest
A family-owned farm offering delightful experiences through u-picks (sunflowers & pumpkins), corn mazes, Christmas trees, and more!
Location: 2932 Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY14527
Phone: (706) 972-4788
Lilyea Farms
The quintessential family-owned pumpkin patch with the best prices in town. Offering U-Pick pumpkins as well as pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, straw bales and corn stalks for sale.
Location: 1320 Pre Emption Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 694-1529
Wager Cider Mill
Established in 1977, family-owned and operated offering apples, cider, donuts and hard cider! Gather the family for a u-pick adventure and a corn maze in the fall!
Location: 256 East Main St., Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 536-6640
Website: https://wagerscider.com/
Your Saturday Curated Itinerary starts here…
There’s something special about fall in the Finger Lakes—and if you want to experience it at its most festive, put the Naples Grape Festival on your calendar. Held each September in the charming village of Naples, New York, this annual celebration brings together everything we love about autumn in wine country: grapes, great food, local artisans, live music, and plenty of small-town fun.
This year’s festival takes place September 26–27, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, making it a perfect weekend adventure for couples, families, and anyone who loves exploring the Finger Lakes.
Naples Grape Festival
Location: 154 N Main St, Naples, NY 14512
Website: https://naplesgrapefest.org/
Rise & Shine
For our guests of the Finger Lakes, stay at The Laurentide Inn. The Laurentide Inn offers a beautiful blend of historic charm and modern luxury right in the heart of Penn Yan. Set in a beautifully preserved historic home, the inn surrounds guests with timeless architecture, thoughtfully decorated rooms, plush accommodations, and those little details that make a stay feel truly special.
The Laurentide Inn
Location: 158 Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 719-3445
Website: https://thelaurentideinn.com/
With your stay at The Laurentide Inn, you’ll Rise & Shine to a gourmet breakfast. Savor “The Fat Stack”, Penn Yan’s finest Buckwheat Pancakes with New York Maple Syrup and a choice of maple flavored thick cut bacon or country sausage. Sip on their signature mimosa: Sparkling Wine with a sidecar of Red Jacket Orchards freshly pressed juice.
A Grape Celebration
Hit the road and head west to Naples, a charming small village and widely known as the Grape Pie Capital! Take it slow and enjoy the scenery along the way. From farms to rolling hills, curvy roads and expansive state forests, it’s a different kind of drive compared to the vineyard lined routes.
As you come into downtown Naples and turn left onto Main Street, you’ll feel the burst of excitement in the air with a view of the festival in front of you. Yes, you have arrived!
Naples has long been known for its connection to grapes and winemaking, and the festival celebrates that heritage in a wonderfully down-to-earth way. You’ll find vendors filling the streets with handmade crafts, artwork, specialty foods, and local products while the aroma of festival food fills the air.
And then there’s the grape pie.
If you’ve never tried Finger Lakes grape pie, this is your chance! Naples is famous for this sweet, slightly tangy regional specialty, and the festival is a great place to sample it. In fact, the Greatest Grape Pie Contest is one of the weekend’s highlights, with the competition on Saturday afternoon.
Generally the festival is the last weekend in September and runs from 10:00am - 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy live music from local & regional performers on the purple stage! Have a sip at the Brahm-Moore Beverage Garden for tastings from 12 Finger Lakes wineries, brew crafters & distillers! When hunger strikes savor at one of the 20+ food vendors. Shop the 100+ vendors offering original handcrafted items to locally made goods. And be sure to catch the Worlds Greatest Grape Pie Contest at 12:30pm on Saturday (9/26/2026). You can even buy a slice after the competition to savor the flavor yourself!
If you can, squeeze in a little farm adventure to top off your Grape Day and head over to Jerome’s U-Pick for the widest varieties of grapes to pick from.
Roam through the Vineyards and Pick Grapes
Just 2 miles south of Naples, Jerome’s U-Pick is open daily from 10am-5pm and is a delightful way end to the day. Jerome’s became part of an eight-generation “Century Farm” operation in 1958, making it one of the area’s early pick-your-own farms and a longtime part of Naples’ agricultural tradition. Today, visitors can wander through the vineyard and pick their own grapes, choosing from a variety of table, wine, and juice grapes as they ripen throughout the fall. The experience is wonderfully simple—grab your shears and a container, head into the vineyard, and enjoy the beautiful Naples Valley views and changing autumn foliage as you fill your basket.
There’s something especially fun about picking grapes straight from the vine, and it’s an experience that works just as well for families as it does for couples looking for a relaxing fall outing. Jerome’s is also a great way to connect with the grape-growing traditions that make Naples so special, especially during the harvest season.
The Road is Half the Adventure
Now that you’re on the south side of Naples, take a different route home. Get ready for the scenery and Keuka Lake views as you head back to Penn Yan. If hunger strikes again, there is a variety of destination restaurants available:
The Blue Eagle Tavern
A laid-back local favorite where you can enjoy a hearty meal, a cold drink, and plenty of Finger Lakes hospitality. With its casual atmosphere and welcoming feel, it’s a great spot to unwind after exploring Keuka Lake and the surrounding wine country.
Location: 2051 Italy Hill Rd, Branchport, NY 14418
Phone: (607) 522-3030
The Mansion at Keuka Lake - Inn & Fine Dining
An elegant dining experience surrounded by the beauty of the Finger Lakes, making it a memorable stop for a special meal. With its historic charm, inviting atmosphere, and beautiful lake setting, it’s a lovely place to slow down and enjoy dinner in true Keuka Lake style.
Location: 3456 NY-54A, Keuka Park, NY 14478
Phone: (315) 239-4800
Website: https://themansionny.com/
Antique Inn Restaurant
A charming local favorite, serving up hearty American fare in a cozy, historic setting. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a relaxed meal, enjoy friendly service, and get a true taste of small-town Penn Yan.
Location: 2940 NY-54A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 536-6576
Seneca Farms
A beloved local stop for homemade ice cream, delicious comfort food, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to end a day exploring the Finger Lakes—grab a cone, soak up the laid-back country charm, and enjoy a sweet taste of the area.
Location: 2485 NY-54A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 536-4066
Website: https://senecafarmsny.com/
A Night Cap
With an incredible day complete in the Finger Lakes, it is time to unwind and relax. End your evening in Penn Yan with a nightcap at Laurentide Brewing Company (located in the Carriage House at The Laurentide Inn), where you can settle in with a locally crafted beer and soak up the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring the Finger Lakes, sharing stories, and raising one last glass to a great day in wine country.
Weekly Events List
10am-5pm • Pretzel & Wine Pairing • Fulkerson Winery
11am • Vineyard Hike & Tasting • Lakewood Vineyards
11am-4:30pm • Tabora Cookie & Wine Pairings • Tabora Farm & Winery
1pm • “Zentangle” Coasters with Toni Johnson • Arts Center of Yates County
5-7pm • Open Mic • Abandon Brewery
5-8pm • Live Music, Wine, and Beer with Logan Route Music • Glenora Wine Cellars
5-8pm • Open Mic Night • Keg & Barrel
10am-5pm • Pretzel & Wine Pairing • Fulkerson Winery
11am-4:30pm • Tabora Cookie & Wine Pairings • Tabora Farm & Winery
5-7pm • Thursday’s Farmer’s Market with Live Music by River Lynch • Point of the Bluff Vineyards
5:30-8pm • Pizza & Wine with Live Music by Marve Lobb • Tabora Farm & Winery
10am-5pm • Pretzel & Wine Pairing • Fulkerson Winery
10am-5pm • Wine & Pickle Pairing • Toast Winery
11am • Vineyard Hike & Tasting • Lakewood Vineyards
11am-4:30pm • Tabora Cookie & Wine Pairings • Tabora Farm & Winery
3pm • Open Doors: Farm Tour • Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
3-6pm • Live Music with John Bolger • Castle Grisch Winery
4-7pm • Live Music Friday with Cooper Scotti • Weis Vineyards
4-7pm • Live Music with AJ Dinoto • Keuka Brewing
5pm • Art Guild Show: When Shapes Come Together Opening Reception • Arts Center of Yates County
5-7pm • Live Music with Alex Myth • Abandon Brewery
5-7pm • The Beerocracy Brit Social at the Pub • Seneca Lake Brewing Company
5-8pm • Farm Dinner Series • Dean Lane Dining
5-8pm • Live Music with River Lynch • Keuka Lake Vineyards
6-8pm • Fire Pit Friday Nights - Food, Music, Cigars & S'mores • Krooked Tusker Distillery
6-8pm • FLX Trivia • Lyonsmith Brewing Company
8am-12pm • Green Doctors Farmer’s Market • Lake Street Plaza
8am-4:30pm • Farmer’s Market & More • The Windmill Farm & Craft Market
9am • Saturday Yoga • Hunt Country Vineyards
9am-1pm • Farmer's Market • Yates County Office Building
10am • Guided Wine Tour • Lakewood Vineyards
10am-5pm • Naples Grape Festival • Main Street Naples
10:30am-3pm • Grape Stomp (Tickets Req'd) • Lakewood Vineyards
10am-3pm • Chicken BBQ • Oak Hill
10am-5pm • Pretzel & Wine Pairing • Fulkerson Winery
10am-5pm • Wine & Pickle Pairing • Toast Winery
11am-4:30pm • Tabora Cookie & Wine Pairings • Tabora Farm & Winery
11:30am-2:30pm • Live Music with Seneca Jam • The Windmill Farm & Craft Market
1-2:30pm • Princesses at the Farm • The Apple Barrel
3-6pm • Live Music with Tropical Cream • Krooked Tusker Distillery
5-8pm • Farm Dinner Series • Dean Lane Dining
6-8pm • Music and Wine Series with Rocco Sole • Keuka Spring Vineyards
10am-5pm • Naples Grape Festival • Main Street Naples
10am-5pm • Sparkling Sundays • Glenora Wine Cellars
10am-5pm • Pretzel & Wine Pairing • Fulkerson Winery
10am-5pm • Wine & Pickle Pairing • Toast Winery
11am-3pm • Boozy Coffee Flights • Krookid Leyk Distilling
11am-3pm • Sunday Brunch • Castle Grisch
11am-4:30pm • Tabora Cookie & Wine Pairings • Tabora Farm & Winery
Noon-4pm • Bloody Mary Sundays • Krooked Tusker Distillery
1pm • Guided Wine Tour • Lakewood Vineyards
1-4pm • Food Truck by Keuka Farm Market • Apple Barrel Orchrds
1-6pm • The British Sunday Roast & Brit Car Sunday Social • Seneca Lake Brewing Company
2-4pm • Live Music with Tom Chamberlain • Abandon Brewery
2-5pm • Live Music with Dave Peterson • Krooked Tusker Distillery
Thank you for reading another issue of Water & Wine Weekly! I hope to see you out there this weekend!
Claudia
Curating your experience in Penn Yan, New York
