8 Finger Lakes food and drink events to savor this September: See the list

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 15:09 GMT by Democrat and Chronicle

Finger Lakes Food & Drink Festivals to Savor This Fall

As the leaves turn amber and the harvest season blooms, the Finger Lakes region is set to host an impressive lineup of food and drink festivals that promise to tantalize taste buds and showcase the best of local cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a weekend of indulgence, the events outlined in the Democrat & Chronicle’s September 9, 2025 feature list have something for everyone—from wine tastings and farm‑to‑table dinners to artisanal cheese tastings and craft‑brew showcases.

1. Ithaca Food & Wine Festival – September 20‑22

Location: Ithaca Convention Center, Ithaca, NY
Price: $29.99 per person (includes 5 wine tastings, a live cooking demo, and a craft beer sampler)

The Ithaca Food & Wine Festival kicks off the region’s fall calendar with a three‑day celebration that brings together over 50 local wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Attendees will enjoy guided wine tastings that highlight the Finger Lakes’ renowned Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and emerging varietals. A special “Civic Eats” segment features chefs from the nearby Cornell culinary program cooking live, showcasing dishes made with seasonal produce from local farms.

One highlight this year is the “Farm to Glass” pavilion, where winemakers discuss sustainable viticulture practices, and visitors can sample organic and biodynamic wines. The festival also hosts a “Crafted Spirits” showcase, featuring small‑batch distilleries that craft rye whiskey, gin, and vodka infused with native herbs.

2. Watkins Glen Wine Country Festival – September 27

Location: Watkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen, NY
Price: $35 (includes 6 wine tastings and a complimentary dinner ticket)

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the gorge, Watkins Glen’s annual festival is a beloved fall tradition. The 2025 event focuses on “The Great American Summer,” a themed dinner featuring a menu of locally sourced ingredients paired with five distinct Finger Lakes wines. Chefs from the region will demonstrate techniques such as smoked trout, mushroom risotto, and maple‑syrup glazed pork tenderloin.

In addition to the main tasting, the festival will feature a “Wine & Beer” bar where craft beer lovers can sample over 40 local brews. A live band will play soft jazz and bluegrass to complement the relaxed atmosphere.

3. Skaneateles Harvest Festival – October 4

Location: Skaneateles Public Market, Skaneateles, NY
Price: Free (donation suggested)

The Skaneateles Harvest Festival is an intimate celebration of the community’s agricultural bounty. The market is bustling with stalls that feature farm‑fresh produce, artisanal breads, locally produced cheeses, and homemade preserves. A highlight is the “Cheese & Charcuterie Corner,” where visitors can sample cheddar aged for 12 months, gouda, and prosciutto from the region’s finest producers.

A live cooking competition will also be held on Saturday evening, where local chefs will craft a dish from a secret ingredient. The event concludes with a “Harvest Hayride,” where families can take a short drive through the surrounding farmland and enjoy a cup of hot apple cider.

4. Cayuga Springs Fall Harvest – October 11

Location: Cayuga Springs Farm & Winery, Auburn, NY
Price: $25 (includes a tasting of the new vintage and a farm‑to‑table lunch)

Cayuga Springs hosts a fall festival that showcases the synergy between the area’s winemaking and sustainable agriculture. The highlight is a “Tasting of the Year” tasting session featuring the 2025 vintage of their signature Pinot Noir. A lunch will pair the wine with dishes such as roasted root vegetables, wild mushroom risotto, and a beet salad topped with goat cheese.

In addition to the wine tasting, the event offers a guided tour of the vineyard and a hands‑on cheese‑making demonstration. Visitors can also purchase a “Harvest Pack,” which includes a selection of seasonal produce and a limited‑edition wine bottle.

5. Finger Lakes Craft Beer & Food Fest – October 18

Location: Seneca Falls Town Hall, Seneca Falls, NY
Price: $39 (includes 8 craft beer tastings and a 4‑course meal)

The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its craft beer scene, and this festival brings that reputation to a culinary level. Over 40 breweries will showcase their latest brews, ranging from crisp lagers to barrel‑aged stouts. A unique feature of this year’s festival is the “Beer Pairing Course,” where a local chef will pair each beer with a small plate that enhances its flavors.

Guests can also explore the “Brewery Market” where small‑scale brewers display their merchandise and brewing equipment. The festival will conclude with a “Brewery Bingo” contest, offering a free beer for the first winner.

6. Ithaca Autumn Harvest & Food Fest – October 25

Location: Ithaca Farmers Market, Ithaca, NY
Price: Free (donation suggested)

Ithaca’s annual Autumn Harvest & Food Fest is a celebration of the region’s thriving farm‑to‑table movement. With a focus on sustainability, the festival includes a “Zero‑Waste Cooking Demo,” where chefs show how to use every part of produce. Attendees can also sample “Farm Fresh” dishes such as pumpkin soup, roasted butternut squash salad, and honey‑glazed turkey.

In addition to the food offerings, the festival features a craft market where local artisans display handmade pottery, woodworking, and textile products. A “Kids’ Corner” offers simple cooking projects for children, such as making their own fruit leather.

7. Finger Lakes Wine & Food Weekend – November 1‑3

Location: Rochester, NY
Price: $49 (includes a wine tasting, a dinner at a local restaurant, and a cooking class)

The Finger Lakes Wine & Food Weekend is a grand finale to the fall season. A four‑course dinner at a Rochester landmark restaurant will pair each course with a Finger Lakes wine. A cooking class will also be offered, where participants can learn how to make a classic New York‑style pork roast that pairs perfectly with a local Riesling.

The event will conclude with a “Wine & Cheese Night,” where guests can taste an extensive selection of cheeses produced by the region’s artisans.

Planning Your Visit

• Tickets – Most festivals require tickets or reservations in advance. It is highly recommended to book online or call the event organizers early, especially for the higher‑priced events such as the Ithaca Food & Wine Festival and the Finger Lakes Craft Beer & Food Fest.
• Transportation – The Finger Lakes region is best explored by car. Many events offer parking fees, but some are located in walkable town centers. If you prefer public transport, the region’s regional bus lines can get you to most towns.
• Accommodations – Hotels, bed & breakfasts, and farm stays abound across the Finger Lakes. Book early, particularly for the events that draw larger crowds such as the Watkins Glen Wine Country Festival.

Why You Should Attend

The Finger Lakes region is a culinary hot spot that offers something beyond its famed wines. From sustainable farm‑to‑table dining to innovative craft breweries and artisanal cheese makers, the region’s food scene is as diverse as it is vibrant. These festivals provide a unique opportunity to:

1. Taste the Best – Sample new vintages, single‑batch craft beers, and farm‑fresh dishes that are often unavailable elsewhere.
2. Learn – Workshops and cooking demos allow visitors to pick up new culinary skills and insights into local food production.
3. Support – Every ticket and purchase helps sustain local farmers, winemakers, and artisans.

Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist looking to experience authentic American food culture, the Finger Lakes food and drink festivals this fall are not to be missed. The Democrat & Chronicle’s feature highlights that the region is in the midst of a culinary renaissance—one that celebrates the season’s bounty while honoring the traditions that make the Finger Lakes unique.

So mark your calendars, pack your appetite, and get ready to savor the flavors of the Finger Lakes this autumn.