Award-winning small-batch spirits on the ridge above Seneca Lake — at Idol Ridge Winery in Lodi, NY.
Lodi, NY
Open Daily
~20 min from Watkins Glen
Best in Class Nashi Pear Brandy
Sunday Songs on the Ridge
Pet & Family Friendly
About
Alder Creek Distillery
Alder Creek Distillery is the Martin Family's second distilling venture — a small-batch craft distillery producing premium spirits from locally farmed grains, nestled on the ridge above Seneca Lake in Lodi, NY. The tasting room is located at Idol Ridge Winery, one of the most beautiful properties in the region with a lodge-style building, sweeping lake views, and a welcoming outdoor patio.
The spirits lineup is tight, distinctive, and award-winning. The Nashi Pear Brandy took Best in Class honors. The Smoked Bourbon is unlike anything else in the Finger Lakes. And the Cranberry Liqueur has become a regional favorite. From classic spirit tastings to handcrafted cocktails and mimosa flights, there are plenty of ways to explore what Alder Creek has to offer.
Combine your visit with a full wine tasting from Idol Ridge — 6 wines plus a featured Sip of the Month — and you have one of the most complete tasting experiences on Seneca Lake's east shore. Private Airbnb cabins are available on-site for those who want to make a full weekend of it.
In Our Words
Our Story
Alder Creek is a special stop — and not just because the Nashi Pear Brandy is genuinely one of the most interesting spirits produced in this region. It's the whole package. The ridge setting at Idol Ridge is stunning, the tasting room is warm and inviting, and the combination of wine and spirits in one visit makes for a really memorable afternoon.
The Smoked Bourbon alone is worth the trip. It's bold, complex, and distinctly Finger Lakes. Pair a tasting with the Sunday Songs on the Ridge series and you have one of the best ways to spend a summer afternoon in South East Seneca. Don't miss it.
— South East Seneca
Why Visit
What to Expect
Small-Batch Spirits
Smoked Bourbon, Nashi Pear Brandy, Cranberry Liqueur, Gin, Vodka — all crafted from locally farmed grains.
Idol Ridge Winery
30+ wines on the same campus — combine your spirit tasting with a full wine flight for a complete experience.
Craft Cocktails
Handcrafted cocktails, mimosa flights, and mocktails — all available at the tasting bar.
Sunday Songs on the Ridge
Live music every Sunday, 1:30–4:30 PM, May through August. One of the best summer views in the region.
Private Airbnb Cabins
Stay the night in one of the private on-site cabins — the perfect home base for a Finger Lakes getaway.
Pet & Family Friendly
Dogs welcome on the grounds. Family friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating and beautiful open spaces.
The Spirits
Alder Creek Lineup
All spirits are small-batch and crafted from locally farmed grains. Ask about seasonal and limited releases when you visit.
Nashi Pear Brandy ★Best in Class award winner — unique, elegant, and unlike anything else in the region
Smoked BourbonBold, complex, and distinctly Finger Lakes — the signature spirit of Alder Creek
Cranberry LiqueurA regional favorite — bright, tart, and endlessly versatile in cocktails
GinSmall-batch craft gin with local botanicals — crisp and approachable
VodkaClean and smooth — made from locally farmed grains in the Finger Lakes tradition
Seasonal ReleasesLimited and rotating expressions throughout the year — ask at the bar what's new
Lineup rotates seasonally — visit mfwineriesdistilleries.com or call (607) 582-7773 for current offerings.
Tasting Options
What's at the Bar
Mix and match tastings, flights, and cocktails — or combine wine and spirits for the full Idol Ridge + Alder Creek experience.
Spirit Tasting
3 samples of Alder Creek spirits — the perfect introduction to the lineup.
Starting at $6
Wine Tasting
6 samples plus a complimentary Sip of the Month feature. Includes homemade fudge sample.
Starting at $10
Wine, Mimosa & Cocktail Flight
4 pours, Cheeky Monkey tomato oil sample, and homemade fudge — the full experience.
$15
Cocktails & Mocktails
Handcrafted cocktails featuring Alder Creek spirits. Mocktails available for non-drinkers.
Starting at $8
Gallery
Photos
Photos · Alder Creek Distillery at Idol Ridge Winery, Lodi NY
Plan Your Visit
Tips for Visitors
Start with the Nashi Pear Brandy — it's the award winner and unlike anything else you'll taste on the trail.
Combine with an Idol Ridge wine tasting — the $15 flight is the best value on the property.
Sunday Songs on the Ridge runs May through August, 1:30–4:30 PM — plan your visit around it.
Groups of 12 or more require a reservation — call (607) 582-7773 to book ahead.
Private Airbnb cabins available on-site — book through Airbnb for an overnight stay on the ridge.
Pets welcome on the grounds — great outdoor seating with Seneca Lake views.
Homemade fudge and local snacks available — a perfect pairing with your tasting.
What's On
Events & Happenings
Every Sunday · 1:30–4:30 PM
Sunday Songs on the Ridge
Live music every Sunday from May 31 through August 30. New local musician each week. Incredible ridge views with wine, cocktails, and handcrafted spirits.
Weekly · Summer
Daily
Spirit & Wine Tastings
Spirit tastings, wine flights, mimosa flights, and handcrafted cocktails available every day. Walk-ins welcome — groups of 12+ require a reservation.
Daily
Coming Up
Axe Throwing on the Ridge
Live music, great drinks, and free axe throwing — a unique Idol Ridge experience. Check socials for upcoming dates.
Seasonal
Year-Round
Seneca Lake Wine Trail Events
Alder Creek and Idol Ridge participate in Seneca Lake Wine Trail events throughout the year — ticketed tastings, seasonal passes, and regional celebrations.
