Atwater Estate Vineyards

About

Established in 1999, Atwater Estate Vineyards is a family-owned winery spread across 80 scenic acres on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, 7 miles north of Watkins Glen. As a true estate winery, Atwater is intimately connected to every vine they grow — all 19 grape varieties cultivated with precision and genuine care across a microclimate uniquely suited to cool-climate viticulture.

The tasting room features panoramic views of Seneca Lake and a warm, knowledgeable staff who guide visitors through thoughtfully produced wines in a range of styles — from crisp whites and sparkling expressions to serious reds and skin-contact wines. Guided seated tastings available with advance reservation, walk-ins welcome for most visits. The outdoor Vista Bar is one of the most beloved spots on the east shore, and stays open late on Thursday through Saturday evenings — making Atwater the perfect sunset destination.

The winemaking program embraces variety and technique: neutral barrels, skin and stem inclusion, Pétillant Naturel sparkling, and a rotating cast of whites, reds, and blends that change with each vintage. The Atwater After Hours series — Thursday Singer-Songwriter nights, Friday evenings, and the select-Saturday SunSET DJ Series — have turned the Vista Bar into one of the most vibrant evening destinations on Seneca Lake.

In Our Words

Our Story

Atwater is one of the more complete experiences on the east shore — the wines are genuinely interesting and thoughtfully made, the tasting room staff are knowledgeable without being precious about it, and that view of Seneca Lake is about as good as it gets anywhere on Route 414. The Riesling is a standout. The Pét-Nat is something to seek out.

But what really sets Atwater apart is the Vista Bar in the evening. If you haven't watched the sun set over Seneca Lake from that outdoor bar with a cold glass of something excellent in hand, add it to the list immediately. The Thursday After Hours Singer-Songwriter series and the Saturday SunSET DJ nights have made Atwater one of the most fun places to be on the east shore after 6 PM.

— South East Seneca

Why Visit

What to Expect

19 Grape Varieties

80 estate acres producing whites, reds, sparkling, skin-contact, and blends — one of the most diverse lineups on the trail.

Vista Bar

Outdoor bar serving wine by the glass, cocktails, and small bites — open daily and until 9 PM Thursday through Saturday.

Atwater After Hours

Thursday Singer-Songwriter series, Friday evenings, and select Saturday SunSET DJ nights — one of the best evening scenes on Seneca Lake.

Guided Seated Tastings

5 wines with cracker and cheese sampling, guided by knowledgeable staff. Reservations recommended — especially for weekends.

Thoughtful Winemaking

Neutral barrels, skin and stem inclusion, Pét-Nat sparkling, and a commitment to expressing the estate's unique terroir.

Cocktails Available

The Vista Bar serves wine cocktails and zero-proof options alongside the full wine program — something for everyone.

The Wines

What's Pouring

An adventurous, evolving portfolio from 19 estate varieties — guided tastings available daily, Vista Bar open late Thursday through Saturday.

Riesling Lahoma ★Vineyard-designated Riesling from the estate — pure, mineral, and site-expressive
Chardonnay ReserveBarrel-fermented estate Chardonnay — structured, food-friendly, and beautifully made
ÉktasiA signature red blend — structured, expressive, and one of the most talked-about wines in the lineup
Pét-Nat Zweigelt-GewurzNaturally sparkling — effervescent, aromatic, and wildly food-friendly
SymvolíA carefully crafted estate blend — visit the tasting room for current vintage notes
Seasonal & RotatingNew expressions each vintage — follow @atwaterwine on Instagram for latest releases

Reserve tastings at exploretock.com/atwatervineyards · Walk-ins welcome for smaller parties.

Experiences

Ways to Visit

Guided Tasting

5 wines, cracker and cheese sampling, guided by an experienced staff member. Allow 45–60 minutes. Groups of up to 4 without reservation, up to 6–8 with advance booking.

Vista Bar

Outdoor bar serving wine by the glass, cocktails, zero-proof, and small bites. Open daily 11 AM–6 PM. Open late Thu–Sat until 9 PM. Dogs welcome in the outdoor area.

Atwater After Hours

Thu: Singer-Songwriter series 6–9 PM. Fri: Vista Bar open until 9 PM. Select Sat: SunSET DJ series 6–9 PM. The best evening experience on Route 414.

Private Groups

Groups of 6–8 can book private tastings by emailing the tasting room. Special events and wine club gatherings also available.

Plan Your Visit

Tips for Visitors

Start with the Riesling Lahoma — the vineyard-designated expression is one of the best whites on the east shore.
Come back Thursday or Friday evening for the Vista Bar — watching the sunset from that outdoor bar is a Finger Lakes must-do.
The Thursday Singer-Songwriter series at After Hours (6–9 PM) is low-key and consistently excellent.
Reservations recommended for weekends — book at exploretock.com/atwatervineyards.
Try the Pét-Nat if it's available — the Zweigelt-Gewürztraminer sparkling is genuinely one of the most fun wines in the region.
5055 State Route 414, Burdett — 7 miles north of Watkins Glen, directly across from J.R. Dill.

Thursday	11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday	11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday	11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday	11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Atwater Estate Vineyards