When the colorful leaves have fallen, the summer crowds have disappeared, and the chill air settles over the lakes, I take a deep breath and whisper Welcome, November.
November in Wine Country
If you think wine country is only worth visiting during the summer sunshine or fall foliage season, think again!
November offers its own kind of magic as wine country slows down and the scenery takes on a quieter kind of beauty. Think cozy winery tasting experiences, rich red wines, quiet lake views, hearty meals, and afternoons spent discovering new places.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a romantic afternoon, or simply looking for an excuse to explore your favorite wine trail, here's why November deserves a spot on your Finger Lakes travel calendar. My top 6 reasons to visit Penn Yan, this month… (click to keep reading)
Your November Curated Saturday Itinerary
Rise & Shine: Start your day in downtown Penn Yan with coffee and breakfast. Take a little time to explore Main Street and browse the local shops.
Sip & Savor at Amity Coffee Co. for fall inspired lattes and savory scones.
Location: 3 Main Street Penn Yan, New York 14527
Phone: 315-279-4440
Website: https://amitycoffee.co
Shop at Simplicity on Main for a new fall flannel.
Location: 1 E Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Shop at Long’s Cards & Books and pick up a new read. How about the New York Times Best Selling Novel The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards, where the setting is a fictional town in the Finger Lakes Region.
Location: 115 Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 536-3131
Website: http://longscardsandbooks.com/
Early Bird Tasting: Migrate towards the Seneca Lake Wine Trail for a leisurely wine tasting.
Sip at Anthony Road Wine Company. For a late morning sip, try their Rose of Lemberger and wander the art gallery in the tasting room.
Location: 1020 Anthony Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 536-2182
Website: https://anthonyroadwine.com/
A Handheld Lunch: For a leisurely meal but an upscale menu, cozy up at Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars. The view of rolling vineyards and glistening lake reflections is worth the stop alone.
Savor at Veraisons Restaurant - try the Bobsled Red Blackberry BBQ Pulled Pork Handheld. Served on a Brioche Bun with fabulous flavor and a delightful crunch of slaw and pickled onions.
Savor dessert & Sip wine with Glenora’s Chocolate and Wine Experience, head to the tasting room for this incredibly tasteful pairing.
Location: 5435 NY-14, Dundee, NY 14837
Phone: (800) 243-5513
Website: https://www.glenora.com/
Meet a Wine Maker: This weekend’s event pick is the Harvest Festival Open House at Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard from 1-5pm.
Sip at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard for their Harvest Festival Open House. This is wonderfully casual event where you wander the facility at your own pace, meet the wine makers, sample the young 2026 wines directly from the tanks, and sip on new releases as well as old classics. Count on finding a wine or two perfect for your upcoming holiday parties.
Location: 3962 NY-14, Dundee, NY 14837
Phone: (607) 243-7971
Website: https://www.wiemer.com/
As the Sun Sets: Check into a charming bed and breakfast, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and settle in for a relaxing evening.
Stay at The Laurentide Inn for the architectural charm, plush accommodations, and prime location to downtown Penn Yan.
Location: 158 Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 719-3445
Website: https://thelaurentideinn.com/
Savor a cozy autumn dish at 18th Amendment Kitchen and Cocktail Bar. For a fall menu favorite order up the Thicket.
Location: 7 Main St, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: 315-694-9032
A Little November Magic in the Finger Lakes
There is something wonderfully underrated about November in wine country. It's quieter, a little cozier, and full of opportunities to discover places you may have driven past a dozen times during the busier months.
It's a chance to reconnect with the region, support local businesses, enjoy exceptional wines, and appreciate the beauty of the Finger Lakes in a different season.
So grab your favorite sweater, invite a friend, plan a weekend away, and raise a glass to November!
We'll save you a seat in wine country.
Cheers!
Weekly Events List
8am-4:30pm • Farmer’s Market & More • The Windmill Farm & Craft Market
9am • Saturday Yoga • Hunt Country Vineyards
10am • Guided Wine Tour • Lakewood Vineyards
10am-4pm • Howley Honey and Wine Pairing • Vineyard View Winery Keuka Lake
10am-5pm • Pretzel & Wine Pairing • Fulkerson Winery
11am-4:30pm • Tabora Cookie & Wine Pairings • Tabora Farm & Winery
1-4pm • Cellar Sessions, Live Music with Dan Eaton • Weis Vineyards
1-5pm • Harvest Festival Open House • Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
2-5pm • Live Music with River Lynch • Krooked Tusker Distillery
3pm • Live with Levi Gangi • Barrelhouse 6 Distillery
4-7pm • Live Music with Magic Terry Bellamy • Steuben Brewing Company
10am-5pm • Sparkling Sundays • Glenora Wine Cellars
10am-5pm • Pretzel & Wine Pairing • Fulkerson Winery
11am-2pm • Plant Bingo & Lil Dippers Mini Pancakes • Krookid Leyk Distilling
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 Bar • Krooked Tusker Distillery
1pm • Guided Wine Tour • Lakewood Vineyards
1-6pm • The British Sunday Roast & Brit Car Sunday Social • Seneca Lake Brewing Company
Thank you for reading Water & Wine Weekly and cheers to November! May you find a new favorite wine this weekend!!
Claudia
Curating your experience in Penn Yan, New York
