The Design Lover's FLX Itinerary: 3 Wineries with Stunning Architecture & Style

Written By Curtis Brown

The Finger Lakes is a stunning landscape of rolling hills and deep blue water, home to over a hundred wineries. But for the traveler who appreciates not just the contents of the glass but the architecture and interior design of the space it's poured in, the sheer volume can be overwhelming. Where do you find the quiet, architecturally significant Finger Lakes tasting rooms? The places where the aesthetic is as considered as the viticulture?

View of Pleasant Valley Vineyard, Overlooking Keuka Lake

This is where curation matters. We've distilled the options into a perfect one-day Finger Lakes wine tour focused on design, atmosphere, and, of course, exceptional wine. This is the trail for the discerning visitor.

1. Architectural Purity at Hermann J. Wiemer

Our journey begins on the western shore of Seneca Lake at a pillar of Finger Lakes wine. While Hermann J. Wiemer is revered for its legendary, bone-dry Rieslings, it’s the tasting room that sets the tone for a design-led day.

Forget cluttered gift shops. You step into a serene, high-ceilinged space that feels more like a modern art gallery. Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century barn, the interior is a masterclass in minimalist design, with clean white walls, polished concrete, and a stunning back bar that draws your eye. The focus is entirely on the wine and the view, creating a tasting experience that is both educational and deeply calming. This is a place to think, to taste, and to appreciate form as much as function.

Our Recommendation: Book the "Library Tasting" for a more intimate, seated experience that befits the space.

2. Culinary Design at Ravines Wine Cellars

After a morning of architectural purity, our next stop on Seneca Lake introduces a perfect marriage of wine and culinary arts. Ravines Wine Cellars is celebrated for its elegant, European-style dry wines, but its greatest contribution to the visitor experience is the Ravinous Kitchen.

This isn't a simple café; it's a true destination restaurant housed in a rustic-yet-refined space. The aesthetic is warm and inviting, with wood tones and an open kitchen that buzzes with energy. They masterfully translate the terroir of the Finger Lakes onto the plate. Having lunch here, with perfectly paired wines, is an essential part of the modern Finger Lakes experience. It’s a testament to the idea that a winery can be a holistic sensory destination.

Our Recommendation: The multi-course wine-pairing lunch is an unforgettable experience. Reservations are essential and book out far in advance.

“Elevate Your Finger Lakes Journey

Is this itinerary inspiring you, but you wish the entire trip could be this seamless? For a truly bespoke journey, consider our Personalized Trip Consultation service. We design an entire multi-day trip based on your unique style.”
— FLX Vines & Stays
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3. Natural Aesthetics at Living Roots Wine & Co.

Our final stop takes us to a different kind of aesthetic—one focused on authenticity and a modern, natural approach. Living Roots, with tasting rooms in both the FLX and Rochester, champions a vibrant, low-intervention style of winemaking.

People-Enjoying-Wine-At-A-Finger-Lakes-Winery

Their Finger Lakes tasting room is housed in a repurposed barn that reflects this ethos perfectly. It's stylish but unpretentious, with a relaxed, almost Californian vibe. The design is eclectic, warm, and inviting, creating a space where you are encouraged to linger and explore their unique portfolio, which often includes varietals and styles not found elsewhere. This isn't about grand architecture; it's about the beauty of an honest, authentic, and forward-thinking brand.

Our Recommendation: Try any of their "pet-nat" sparkling wines for a taste of the modern FLX.


Planning Your Design-Focused FLX Tour: FAQ

Do I need reservations for these wineries?

Absolutely. For the caliber of experience at places like Hermann J. Wiemer and Ravines, reservations are essential and should be made weeks, or even months, in advance, especially for weekend visits.

What is the best time of year

to visit the Finger Lakes?

For the best weather and full vineyard foliage, September and October are prime. However, a visit during the quieter months of May or June can offer a more intimate and relaxed experience.

Is this wine trail suitable for a large group?

This specific itinerary is curated for individuals, couples, or small groups (up to four) to maintain an intimate, design-focused experience. For larger group inquiries, we recommend our Personalized Trip Consultation service.

“A trip to the Finger Lakes can be so much more than a simple checklist of wineries. By focusing on the places where design, passion, and quality intersect, you can craft a journey that is not just memorable, but truly inspiring.”

Pro Tip:

This itinerary covers significant ground. To fully enjoy the experience without worry, consider hiring a local driver or car service for the day.

Curtis Brown