Spring in the Finger Lakes will once again revolve around wine, food, and fresh herbs as the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail brings back its annual Wine & Herb Weekends for a 32nd year.
The long-running event is scheduled across two weekends — April 24–26 and May 1–3 — offering a self-guided experience that lets visitors explore participating wineries at their own pace while sampling seasonal pairings.
At each stop along the trail, guests will find herb-inspired dishes matched with wines, highlighting creative ways to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients. This year’s menu includes items like dill pasta salad, smoked pork and tomato ragu with gnocchi, and garlic white bean basil hummus, with a majority of pairings either gluten-free or offering gluten-free alternatives.
The event also leans into its gardening theme, with each ticket including a potted herb or vegetable plant at every winery. Offerings range from staples like basil, parsley, and thyme to vegetables such as green peppers and tomatoes, giving attendees a chance to take part of the experience home.
In addition to tastings, guests will receive a recipe collection featuring all featured pairings, along with a souvenir wine glass. Each winery stop also includes three additional tastings beyond the featured pairing.
Organizers say the multi-weekend format continues to be a key draw, allowing visitors to spread out their visits or return to favorite locations without feeling rushed.
“Wine & Herb has become a spring tradition for so many of our visitors,” said Executive Director Katherine Chase. “It’s a chance to slow down, explore the trail, and enjoy the connection between food, wine, and the season.”
New this year, attendees can add a wooden garden stake to their ticket package, designed for labeling herbs or adding a decorative element to home gardens.
Participating wineries include Buttonwood Grove Winery, Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery, Hosmer Winery, Lucas Vineyards, Montezuma Winery, Sheldrake Point Winery, Six Eighty Cellars, Six Mile Creek Vineyard, Swedish Hill Winery, and Thirsty Owl Wine Co.
Tickets include all food and wine pairings, additional tastings, plants at each stop, and event materials.
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