Blue and red round fruits — Wagner Vineyards
Photo by Luke Hodde on Unsplash

Wagner Vineyards sits on 250 acres along Seneca Lake’s eastern shore near Lodi, making it one of the larger family-run estates in the region. Founded by Bill Wagner in 1979, the winery produces an unusually broad range of wines—over 30 varieties at last count—spanning dry Riesling, Cabernet Franc, ice wine, and everything in between. The octagonal tasting room is a regional landmark, and the attached Wagner Valley Brewing Co. gives beer drinkers a reason to come along.

The real draw here may be the setting. The estate’s outdoor deck sits directly above the vineyard as it slopes toward the lake, offering an unbroken view of the water. Wagner does not chase critical acclaim the way some neighbors do, but the breadth of offerings means most visitors find something they like. The Rieslings and Cabernet Franc are the strongest bets, and the brewery’s lagers are solid. An efficient, well-run operation that handles large crowds without losing its character.