For a small batch vineyard experience, check out Barnstormer Winery in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
Barnstormer Winery is a small batch vineyard found in Rock Stream, New York. It's housed in a 170-year-old barn and uses grapes from multiple local growers to make dry reds and Riesling, along with a few other types.
It was one of several stops we made while exploring our way around Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes in upstate New York.
This region of the country is bursting with wineries — too many to see in one trip! Are you considering which ones to add to your travel plans? Here's what a visit to Barnstormer Winery is like.
Do I Need Reservations at Barnstormer Winery?
Because of the small facility size, reservations are recommended. You can fill out a request online.
We didn’t have reservations, but we stopped by on a Thursday morning and got a tasting without a problem. Weekends are often more crowded.
Occasional tours or exclusive tastings are also offered, and for these you'll definitely need a reservation.
Tasting Options
The tasting price depends on which flight you choose. As of 2024, the flights range from $12 to $16. You get to try five wines.
We opted for two different flights that had lots of dry wines. Our favorites of the day were their Blaufrankish (a slightly funky, in a good way, dry red) and the Cab Sauvignon.
The Cabernet Sauvignon, like most of the dry reds we tried in the area, was a little lighter and fruitier than California cabs, and is perfect for making cranberry orange sangria or this camping apple sangria.
We also got to try their mulled wine, which was a delicious mix of red wine, locally sourced apple cider and spices. Plus it wasn’t too sweet.
The indoor guided tasting can last around 30 minutes, but if you prefer a more casual vibe, you can get a flight to take outside while you walk around the property.
Ordering Food at Barnstormer Winery
Barnstormer offers cheese boards to pair with their tastings. We got one, and it was bigger than I expected and delicious. The items on the board will vary because everything is locally sourced!
The typical cheese board is meant for two people, but you can order a larger board in advance if you have a group of 6 to 8.
Barnstormer also sells other beverages besides their own wines; you'll find local beers and ciders on the menu.
After our tasting, we took our cheese board outside to finish it off. The grounds are gorgeous, so we really enjoyed ourselves. There are three cabanas, which are reservable if you have a group!
During the summer, you can stop by the Hangar Bar and Pavilion outdoors, which offers a tapas menu in addition to drinks.
The winery is open every day in the warmer months, with a modified schedule in the winter.
What Else Should I Check Out in the Area?
Lakewood Vineyards is the closest other winery to Barnstormer (a one-minute drive).
Within about 15 minutes, you can be eating at the lakeside café The Elf in the Oak or sampling whiskeys at Finger Lakes Distilling.
And of course, the natural beauty of Watkins Glen State Park, at the southern end of Seneca Lake, is not to be missed! The gorge and waterfalls are stunning, and there's a great campground too.
Do you have any questions about winery hopping in the Finger Lakes? Let us know in the comments.
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