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Finger Lakes
Ithaca
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Experience! The Finger Lakes
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Experience! The Finger Lakes

See all things to do
See all things to do
Experience! The Finger Lakes
5
#1 of 10 Food & Drink in Ithaca
City ToursWine Tours & Tastings
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
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About
USA Today 10Best Wine Tour Company in the US. Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Winner for over 10 years. Experience! The Finger Lakes is the premier tour company in the Finger Lakes. We specialize in premium guided tours unlike anything else available in the region. Our experiences include wine tours, gorge and waterfall tours, and cultural tours of the area. We also offer Boat Tours and Food Tours out of Ithaca NY. Owned by a certified sommelier, our wine tours are fully-immersive, exclusive experiences where guests meet owners and winemakers at some of the best producers in the region. Private vineyard and cellar tours, reserve wines, and sommelier-curated food and wine pairings are designed into each tour. On-line booking available 24/7 on our website.
Ithaca, New York
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Experience! The Finger Lakes
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
683 reviews
Excellent
646
Very good
33
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Flyer778008
1 contribution
Swirling good time! 😄
Aug 2020 • Couples
We booked the private tour for the East Seneca Lake region (pickup at The Inn at Taughannock) and let me tell you we were NOT DISAPPOINTED! We felt very safe and the proper precautions were in place to ensure we had a good time and were safe! The vehicle had plexiglass between us and our AMAZING tour guide Laura S. Our temperatures were taken and a questionnaire was filled out prior to entry into the vehicle. We were also given hand sanitizer.
Moving on to the wine tour...
We had an amazing time, we visited 3 wineries and had an awesome lunch at Steelcat. All 3 wineries were fatastic and the staff was courteous and fun. However, Laura made the trip. She provided us with fun information about the area and her personal wine recommendations from her expertise (since we aren't seasoned wine tasters). We 100% recommend booking with them and see how much depth they can add to a wonderful experience in a unique and captivating area. You won't regret it!!! Cheers! 🥂
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
Thank you for the wonderful review, Nick and Courtney! I am so glad you enjoyed your private tour. Our premium tour experiences start with providing premium safety so that you can feel comfortable and relaxed on your tour, so I am so glad that we met that goal so you could enjoy your tour. We agree that Laura Sanders is awesome. All our tour guides are wine professionals, and in my opinion, are the best in the business, hands down! (and yes, I am biased😉 ) Thank you for entrusting us with you special getaway to the Finger Lakes, and we certainly hope you will return. Cheers, Laura Winter Falk
Written August 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Blessed17
Quincy67 contributions
Splendid Professionals
Aug 2021 • Friends
I’m not sure that bargain shopping and wine touring really go together. I think that if you’re more interested in how much you’re spending than you are what you’re doing, then don’t hire a wine touring company. However, if you want to experience something quite memorable, then hire these guys.
I think natural hospitality and natural humility go together. Laura and Michael serve. We felt like we were being taken care of. Every little detail. From the very selection of the 6 wineries in two days, and the two lunch spots, then the water bottles and candy and selection of music on the tour bus, these people don’t miss a beat. Get the premium package and let them plan for you. Just go. Let them do the rest. Laura (coordinator) and Michael (guide) are phenomenal ambassadors for the wine industry around Finger Lakes. If I do this 10 more times, 10 times I’d call them.
Just hire them. Let them put it together while you work your butt off to pay for it, and then go. And enjoy!!!!!!
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
Dear Brad, It was our pleasure to be able to share the Finger Lakes wine region with you and your family. We also appreciate you enthusiastically sharing your comments on the value of a curated wine experience. Laura Sanders expressed to me how much she enjoyed planning the two tours with you from the very start, (and was kind of jealous that she couldn't take you out on the tour herself) 😉 But she knew you were in excellent hands with Michael, and that you would enjoy sharing the two days of touring with him. I LOVE our premium option where we can share special reserve and library wines that the wineries offer just to our groups! We do it because those who choose to experience it are always blown away with the quality wines that they get to try (and bring home). It has been one of my favorite program enhancements added since starting the company 14 years ago. Thank you for choosing to spend two of your days exploring our wonderful wine region with us. It's guests like you all that reinforce why we love what we do! Enjoy all your wine and memories, and we hope to see you back again. Still so much more to share!! Cheers, Laura Winter Falk
Written August 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ip1275
New York6 contributions
Fantastic wine tasting and cheese pairing online experience!
Jun 2020
Laura is a fantastic host and educator for this wine tasting and cheese pairing class, featured at the Cornell University virtual reunion. I didn't know anyone in the group and Laura kept everyone engaged, we all learnt a lot and were amazed at the quality of the wine and cheese, and the balance between the pairing. Highly recommend for any online family, friends or corporate event, and when we can visit in person, I am sure Experience Finger Lakes will be even more awesome!
Written June 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
Thank you so much for your review! As a Cornellian myself, I had a blast sharing our high quality Finger Lakes wines and cheeses with my fellow alumni! These sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging, so I am thrilled that yours did just that for you! Thanks for popping in, and if you have a chance to come back to Ithaca, please come tour with us in person! Cheers, Laura Winter Falk
Written July 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
uchimiami6
Miami, FL13 contributions
Fun and Informative Virtual Wine and Cheese Pairing
Jun 2020 • Couples
My husband and I participated in a virtual wine and cheese pairing via zoom for the Cornell Reunion weekend. Laura Winter Falk lived across the hall from me my freshman year and it was great to “see” her in action as a sommelier. She explained all the basics and nuances of the Tres Colores wine tasting which included a white, a dry rose and a red. It was so fun to smell and taste the different fruits in each of the wines and to learn about the Finger Lakes wines. The cheese pairings amplified the taste of the wines and as Laura said it was “like a party in your mouth.” I would highly recommend the virtual wine tastings at Expetience the Finger Lakes - everything arrived on time and in perfect condition. Next time I’m in Ithaca I would love to attend an in person wine tasting. I highly recommend Laura for her knowledge and fun loving personality!
Written June 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
Thank you again for the wonderful review, Monica! It sure was great spending the time enjoying, sharing and learning about wines with all the Cornell Alums. The great turnout from the class of 1987 was definitely a bonus, though! We would love to share one of our tours with you, so once all this crazy is behind us, we look forward to seeing you back in Ithaca! Cheers, Laura
Written July 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janessa D
Rochester, NY6 contributions
Best wine tour I have ever experienced
Apr 2021 • Friends
We were blown away by how amazing Laura (the owner) was. She took us on a personalized wine tour to 3 quant and vibrant wineries and 1 cidery for lunch. I would, hands down, recommend this tour to anyone looking for a fun, enjoyable, customized tour that you not only get to drink great wine but learn about the process they use to make the wines and with Laura's expertise, what kinds of wine go best with your pallet. I have gone on several wine tours in Europe and at the end of this one, we all agreed that this was by far the best we have ever had.
Written April 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
Thank you such a kind review, Janessa! I must say that I also had a wonderful time with your mom, Sam, and Renee! I loved opening your eyes and palates to the wonderful wines of the Finger Lakes and the world of wine in general! I look forward to coming to Rochester for the wine dinner that I hope Pane Vino and Bet the Farm do together! I hope the rest of your special weekend went well, and that your mom loved her spa treatment at La Tourelle to cap off the trip. Please come back again, as there is still so much more to share with you all! Cheers, Laura Winter Falk
Written April 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elizabeth C
2 contributions
Virtual Wine Pairing Was Amazing!
Apr 2020 • Couples
My boyfriend and I recent had a "double date" with friends without having to leave the house! Laura, the owner of Experience the Finger Lakes, sent us three different wines, three cheeses to pair with them, and two spreads to complete the set. We all meet up on Zoom and she walked us through the tasting notes for each wine, and then explained how food pairings change the way we experience both the wines, and the food we were eating. The entire experience was very fun and very informative. This is a new service that Experience the Finger Lakes is offering and I HIGHLY recommend it!
Written April 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
Thank you so much for this review, Liz! I truly appreciate it. There is so many wonderful things to share about the world of Finger Lakes wines and food, and I'm so happy that technology today still gives me the opportunity to do so, even to people who like you, you live right here in the region! I am so thrilled you enjoyed your tasting, and I hope that you walked away with a few tips that you can use to keep exploring other local wine and food combinations! Thank you for support us and your local wine and food producers during this difficult time. We look forward to seeing you both again on another tour once we can visit our amazing wineries again. All my best, Laura
Written May 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristen P
Albany, NY27 contributions
First timer visitor - great experience!
Aug 2021 • Friends
It was our first time to the Finger Lakes and this tour was worth every penny. My mom and I went on the East Seneca Lake tour and we stopped at three different wineries (each unique and different in their own way) and a cute little lunch spot in between. Recommend this particular tour for those who lean toward drier wines. We learned information about the vineyards and wine making process - which really makes you appreciate the wine you’re tasting. I don’t think we tried a wine we didn’t like! Michael was our tour guide and he was fantastic. He shared some fun facts about the area and suggested some places along the way that we went to on our own time the next day. It was also a huge plus that he tracked and carried any bottles we purchased at each spot. Kudos to him for great customer service. Would absolutely recommend and cannot wait to return and try another tour.
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
Hi Kristen, Thanks for detailed review! I'm thrilled you and your mother and enjoyed your East Seneca Lake tour, and loved the wines. You are right on point by clarifying that this tour is best for people who love dry white and red wine, as the Banana Belt really delivers so stellar examples. We really appreciate you recognizing the value of our tours, and the appreciate all the little details we take care of to ensure that your experience is exceptional. We look forward to the two of you returning, at there are still so many amazing examples wineries to discover! Cheers! Laura Winter Falk Owner
Written August 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashleigh
1 contribution
Highly Recommend Winery Tour
Oct 2021 • Couples
We had an incredible winery tour with Experience! The Finger Lakes. They had excellent protocols for COVID-19, and our tour guide, Laura, was prompt, knowledgeable, and passionate about wine. The tour took us to three local wineries, all of which gave us customized tastings and looks behind the scenes at how wine is made. Our tour also included lunch, snacks and bottled water on the shuttle, and insights into the Finger Lakes and winemaking from our tour guide. We would highly recommend this company if you’re looking to enjoy some local wine and learn more about winemaking. We will definitely be using Experience! The Finger Lakes should we find ourselves in Ithaca again!
Written October 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
Thanks for your review, Caitlin! I am glad you enjoyed your tour and felt safe, as that is our number one goal during these times! Thanks also for recognizing what makes our tours unique and unlike anything else available in the region. We're glad to hear that you will look us up again if (when!) you return to the region. There is still so much more to share with you! Cheers, Laura Winter Falk
Written December 12, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BKinIthacaNY
Ithaca, New York, United States58 contributions
Enjoyable Virtual Finger Lakes Wine & Cheese Experience
Feb 2021
We participated in the virtual "New Frontiers" Finger Lakes Wine & Cheese Experience, led by Laura. We received the wine - two reds and one white, three cheeses, and one jar of preserves well ahead of the event. Laura's team checked in with us several times between our registration and the event to make sure we had received our supplies correctly and we had the appropriate information to prepare to have an enjoyable event. Laura was a superb virtual guide, posing questions to get the group thinking and talking, answering questions we had, and providing a wealth of information about Finger Lakes wines and cheeses. The virtual session accommodated participants throughout the US and even in the UK. The size of the group was ideal -- we all fit on the Zoom screen. The technology, including interactive polling, worked seamlessly. A truly enjoyable evening, and the pairings were tasty! This was our third event with Experience! The Finger Lakes, second virtual. We will be back for more!
Written February 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
Thank you for the wonderful review, Barbara! I am so glad you have enjoyed our virtual experiences and exploring some of the wonderful wines in your backyard! I look forward to sharing what is coming down the pike with you and Kurt! Maybe we'll even be able to take you out in person one day!! All my best, Laura Winter Falk
Written April 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MaryA
Salisbury, MD16 contributions
Amazing Experience
May 2022
Experience the Fingerlakes private tour was amazing! We had a group of three ladies, my daughter took me and my very good friend on this amazing experience and we were all so impressed. Our tour guide George, was very attentive informative and great fun. He helped us all to feel comfortable and we all walked away feeling much more confident about wine! George provided a lot of information about the Cayuga Lake area, the three wineries that we toured and most of all about wine and how to best enjoy the experience. The wine experts at Buttonwood, Sheldrake and Bet The Farm wineries were all SO very knowledgeable without being pretentious. It is not often a person walks away from an expensive tour and says, we would do that again, but we all agreed this experience is worth the price!
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Experience! The Finger Lakes
Thank you so much for this special review! It warms my heart to know that not only did you have a wonderful time in our region, but that you walked away feeling more confident about wine. It is definitely one of our aims on our tours! We too think George is awesome, and the same goes for our fantastic Cayuga West winery partners. I am also glad you see the value in what we do. A lot of peoples' passion and energy go into delivering our tours, and it means so much to all of us when its appreciated. We do hope you come back and experience another one of our tours. So many more wonderful places and flavors to experience! Cheers, Laura Winter Falk
Written May 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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