Spouse and I embarked on our first very Finger Lakes winery tour - her birthday gift from last year delayed by Covid. After much research, positive reviews, and several phone calls, I chose Crush Tours and we would be based in Geneva, the northern tip of Seneca Lake. Our specific tour was the Castle Views and Windy Waters tour. We had the flexibility to do the tour on a Wednesday in July, and as it happens, it was a beautiful day. Our driver, Gary, arrived promptly at our hotel at the scheduled pickup window. And as it turns out, it was just the two of us in a very clean and comfortable van. Gary was friendly, knowledge about grapes, the wine making process, and the area. He also was an excellent driver. He shared with us the schedule for the day, and the approximate time we would have at each location.
The wineries chosen I believe were a good cross-section of the numerous wineries around northern Seneca Lake. Some were more hands on with the tastings; others let you be. We both appreciated the hands on approach, especially since this was our first time. Our first stop was like this, setting a high bar for the rest of the day but also giving us the knowledge at other places we stopped. All locations included a broad selection of dry, semi-dry, and sweet wines, both white and red.
Gary offered to take our picture at each winery; something we probably wouldn't have thought of, or certainly not capture as well as a selfie. Gary also had bottled water and pretzels ready for us in the van in between the four stops. He also got us a box for our wine purchases at each location.
The third stop on the tour included lunch, which was excellent. Gary had the menu items for us to choose so when we finished the tasting in one room, we were able to go to the patio for lunch, which also included a glass a wine.
I can say enough positive things about our experience. If you are reading this, I will say this. Yes, you can do this on your own, but it's worth having someone knowledgeable escort you from place to place, make your lunch accommodations, and make you feel special. Treat yourself!