Red Newt Cellars operates on two fronts: a focused winery program built around single-vineyard Rieslings and a restaurant—the Red Newt Bistro—that has been one of the Finger Lakes’ best dining options since it opened. Winemaker Kelby Russell, who took over from founder David Whiting, has pushed the Riesling program toward vineyard-specific bottlings that reveal real site differences along Seneca Lake’s eastern slope.

The Circle and Lahoma Rieslings regularly earn top marks from critics and represent some of the most terroir-driven white wines in the region. The Cabernet Franc is also noteworthy. The property is located along Route 414 between Hector and Watkins Glen, and the combination of a strong tasting room and an adjacent farm-to-table restaurant makes Red Newt one of the most complete stops on the Seneca Lake wine trail.