While wholly different in story, the geological or mythical realities still share a common denominator of their lasting impact. These large reservoirs, natural in their formation and supernatural in their story, have influenced society and culture for a very long time, transforming millions of acres into a climate that balances its gray skies and plentiful white snow of winter with Norman Rockwell-level serenity during the spring and summer. It is a harsh and beautiful place to be.

Among the certainties the Finger Lakes provide are their conditions for wine. Comparable to Germany’s Rhine River, grapes thrive in the local microclimate thanks to the deep bodies of water that moderate the harsh temperatures of winter. Going back nearly 200 years, growers have benefited from this pact between Man and Nature, building an industry that now features more than 100 wineries dotting fields and along the edges of Seneca, Cayuga, and Keuka lakes.