Farm to Glass
Farm to Glass
Yates County sits at the heart of the Finger Lakes craft beverage region — a place where world-class wine, small-batch beer, orchard-pressed cider, and grain-to-glass spirits all begin on the farm. With a long history of grape growing, a thriving agricultural community, and some of the most innovative producers in New York State, our region has grown into a national destination for craft beverage enthusiasts.
From lakeside vineyards to organic grain mills and century-old orchards, the landscape here fuels an industry that supports local jobs, drives tourism, and continues to shape the identity of Yates County.
If you want to work, create, or simply explore in the craft beverage world, this is where your story begins.
Where Farming Meets Fermentation
FACTS ABOUT YATES COUNTY’S CRAFT BEVERAGE INDUSTRY
100+ WINERIES, BREWERIES, CIDERIES, & DISTILLERIES IN AND AROUND YATES COUNTY
YATES COUNTY IS THE LARGEST WINE GRAPE PRODUCER (1,700 ACRES) IN NEW YORK STATE
THE CRAFT BEVERAGE INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTES MORE THAN $30 MILLION ANNUALLY TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY
IN YATES COUNTY, THE CRAFT BEVERAGE INDUSTRY SUPPORTS 750+ FULL- & PART-TIME JOBS
Vineyards & Wineries
WORLD-CLASS WINES IN YATES COUNTY
With a grape-growing heritage dating back to the 1800s, Yates County is a cornerstone of Finger Lakes winemaking. Our unique microclimates, deep glacial soils, and three lake influences - Keuka, Seneca, and Canandaigua Lakes - create ideal growing conditions for cool-climate varietals.
Today, the region is home to celebrated producers crafting everything from dry Rieslings and elegant Pinot Noirs to méthode champenoise sparkling wines and award-winning Cabernet Francs. Many vineyards follow sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices, using minimal intervention, protecting soil health, and maintaining the long-term vitality of the land.
Visitors can explore both the Keuka Lake Wine Trail and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, enjoy tasting rooms with sweeping lake views, and experience the deep agricultural roots that have helped to make the Finger Lakes the 2025 Wine Enthusiast American Wine Region of the Year.
Local Brewing Scene
FARM-FRESH CRAFT BEER
Our brewing scene is young, creative, and growing quickly. Local brewers source ingredients directly from nearby hops farms and organic grain mills, embracing a farm-to-pint philosophy. From crisp lagers to innovative saisons and rich stouts, the breweries in and around Yates County offer a wide range of styles that reflect the character of the region.
Taprooms, seasonal beer releases, and community events make our breweries a favorite stop for visitors and locals alike.
From Orchard to Glass
YATES COUNTY’S EMERGING CIDERIES
With deep orchard heritage and generations of apple growers, Yates County is an ideal home for small-batch cider makers.
Many cideries like Tree Top Cidery and Wager’s Cider Mill work directly with local orchards, including long-established farms that grow traditional and heirloom apple varieties. For example, Apple Barrel Orchards, a fourth-generation family-owned and operated fruit farm, recently expanded its operations and is producing high-quality, fresh ciders available in their tasting room, an original 1896 farm barn.
From dry, European-style ciders to sparkling and fruit-forward blends, our cider producers are gaining recognition for quality and craftsmanship.
Yates County Distilleries
FROM GRAIN TO GLASS
Our distilleries such as Barrington Distillers, bring together high-quality local grains, pristine water sources, and a growing community of craft spirit makers. Many produce Empire Rye — a New York–born style of whisky made with grains grown exclusively on state farms, celebrating the region’s pre-Prohibition roots.
Visitors can enjoy tasting rooms featuring vodka, gin, bourbon, and specialty spirits, many of which highlight Yates County agriculture from grain to glass.
Craft Beverage Trails
SIP YOUR WAY THROUGH YATES COUNTY
Yates County is uniquely positioned along multiple beverage trails that make exploring easy, scenic, and unforgettable. These collaborative trails help visitors plan their route, discover new producers, and get a true taste of the Finger Lakes.
Each trail provides curated maps, itineraries, and event calendars to help visitors explore at their own pace.
KEUKA LAKE WINE TRAIL
A collection of wineries circling the historic “Y-shaped” lake, offering unique tasting experiences and diverse wine styles. Trail maps make it easy to plan your next journey around the KLWT.
SENECA LAKE WINE TRAIL
One of the largest wine trails in the U.S., featuring dozens of wineries known for exceptional Rieslings and cool-climate varietals. Visitors can explore via event guides and downloadable trail maps.
FLX CIDER TRAIL
Celebrates the growing cider industry with stops at orchard-based cideries across the region. Trail maps and route suggestions help visitors customize a cider-focused adventure.
ROC/FLX CRAFT BEVERAGE TRAIL
Stretching from Rochester into the Finger Lakes, the ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail connects more than 30 wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries. This trail makes it easy to plan your next route.
NEW YORK WINE & GRAPE FOUNDATION
A statewide leader supporting growers and wineries through research, marketing, trail promotion, and education, headquartered in Penn Yan — an excellent resource for travelers wanting to understand the broader wine region.