Even if you think you know Rochester, you may not immediately think of it as a center of tourism. However, with theaters, film and music festivals, museums and art galleries among its many attractions, there is much to appeal to anyone visiting upstate New York whatever the time of year. Naturally, Rochester has a particular allure for the wine enthusiast. With wineries and vinyards abundant in and around Rochester, many visitors arrive every year expressly to attend wine appreciation classes, enjoy wine tastings or take guided tours or the wine region.
Rochester is well situated for visitors to experience the wineries of Finger Lakes, which is the main wine producing region of New York. There they will be able to experience the locally produced versions of such well known wines as Pinot Noir and Riesling as well as Ice Wine. There are also other wine producing areas within traveling distance of Rochester to explore. The variety of micro climates means that growers may produce such well loved wines as Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In total, New York has nine AVAs or American Viticultural Areas. AVAs are wine growing areas. One viticultural area is distinguished from others nearby in that its climate, soil type or other kinds of growing conditions are not the same as those of its neighbors.
If you are visiting Rochester, you will find yourself within striking distance of many wineries and vineyards where you may be offered the opportunity to sample and purchase some of the local wines. Some of these wine producers may also offer tours, wine tasting evenings or other wine related events where visitors can meet and mingle with others who share their interest. Wine lovers who are prepared to travel further afield may even decide to head north into Canada to discover the famous Ice Wine region of Ontario.

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