The Finger Lake Region in New York State has always been one of my favorite areas that I discovered during the time I lived in Northern Pennsylvania. The area around the lakes has the climate and soil which supports numerous vineyards and wineries. You could barely drive 100 yards without running into a winery.
Well the grape lovers need to move over, the craft beer revolution has moved into the Finger Lake Region. What is even more surprising is that a few of the area's traditional wineries have added breweries to their properties. So on a beautiful Sunday I ventured from the Northern Outpost ( State College, PA) to explore the southern portion of Seneca Lake near Watkins Glen. The experience of relaxing on a Brewery's outdoor deck, on a sunny day, overlooking vineyards along the banks of Seneca Lake, with a flight of Craft Brew is just..........well words cannot describe the feeling other than it was beervana. Oh, by the way a few of the wine makers secretly told me they were enjoying the craft breweries when they were not working at the wineries. Beware.........the beer Revolution is contagious.
Well the grape lovers need to move over, the craft beer revolution has moved into the Finger Lake Region. What is even more surprising is that a few of the area's traditional wineries have added breweries to their properties. So on a beautiful Sunday I ventured from the Northern Outpost ( State College, PA) to explore the southern portion of Seneca Lake near Watkins Glen. The experience of relaxing on a Brewery's outdoor deck, on a sunny day, overlooking vineyards along the banks of Seneca Lake, with a flight of Craft Brew is just..........well words cannot describe the feeling other than it was beervana. Oh, by the way a few of the wine makers secretly told me they were enjoying the craft breweries when they were not working at the wineries. Beware.........the beer Revolution is contagious.
- Rooster Fish Brewing Co.- Located along the main drag of Watkins Glen, Rooster Fish does not have a lake view. However. the bar area is very nice and is attached to a cafe with a good food selection. Rooster Fish has also recently purchased a BBQ Restaurant a few blocks down the street, so if you want BBQ with the beer, you have choices. My favorite brews in the sampler flight were the Cocoa Porter and the Raven Black IPA, they are must haves.
- G.C. Starkey Beer Co.- Located on the west side of Seneca Lake, this is one of the brewery/ winery combinations you find in the area. They have a very large indoor seating area with a nice tasting bar area. Unless you have an outdoor phobia, enjoying your beer on the outdoor patio, overlooking the lake is a must. The IPA was my favorite beer of the flight and the Tangerine Wit was a unique selection.
- Wagner Valley Brewery - This longtime tourist popular winery on the Eastern Shore of Seneca Lake added a brewery to the property which is becoming very popular. I just love a winery that has a sign wine drinkers to the left and beer drinkers to the right. After sampling and making a selection you can meet out on a large deck area that over looks the Eastern Shore of the lake. My favorite brews of the sample flight were the Tippelbock, Caywood Oatmeal Stout and the IPA.
- Two Goats Brewing- Heading south on the eastern shore you will find Two Goats Brewery (brewery only). This is my favorite Brewery in the Area. The owner and Brewmaster, John, had given up his career as an Accountant to start this brewery with his wife. This is a true beer lovers brewery. The small wrap around deck offers beautiful lake views. Every beer is worth tasting, my favorites of the day were the Danger Goat Blonde, Goat-Gasm and the Whiskey Richard Stout......the Whiskey Richard Stout is worth mentioning twice. If availalbe enjoy their beef on weck sandwich.