Damiani Wine Cellars

About

Damiani Wine Cellars is one of the most celebrated and consistently excellent wineries on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake — a premium producer founded in 2004 by long-time friends Lou Damiani and Phil Davis, built on a simple but powerful maxim: "Premium Without Pretense." Situated in Burdett just minutes north of Watkins Glen, Damiani has earned a reputation as a premier producer of world-class dry red wines in the Finger Lakes, alongside outstanding whites and a sparkling wine program that rivals anything on the East Coast.

The vineyards sit in the so-called "Banana Belt" on the southeastern shores of Seneca Lake — a microclimate of warmer temperatures, abundant sunlight, and an extended growing season uniquely suited to red grape cultivation. Under the guidance of winemaker Katey Larwood, whose journey spans California, Australia, New Zealand, France, and finally the Finger Lakes, Damiani continues to push the quality ceiling for what the region can produce. Minimal intervention, maximal expression of the vineyard — wines that you don't just taste, you feel.

The tasting room offers breathtaking views of Seneca Lake from the balcony and patio — widely regarded as some of the best views on the trail. Walk-in tastings welcome for groups of six or less. Private VIP tastings offer an in-depth guided experience with current releases, library wines, vertical tastings, and charcuterie pairings. On-site vacation rentals and The Cellar event space round out one of the most complete estate experiences on Seneca Lake.

In Our Words

Our Story

Damiani is the winery on the east shore that consistently silences skeptics about Finger Lakes reds. The Cabernet Franc is world-class. The Merlot and Lemberger are as good as anything in the region. And the sparkling program — award-winning Bruts that genuinely hold their own against the best of France and the West Coast — is something most visitors don't expect and immediately become fans of.

The balcony and patio view over Seneca Lake is legitimately one of the best on the entire trail. Add a game of bocce, a private VIP tasting with Katey or one of the wine educators, and the option to stay in one of their on-site vacation rentals — Damiani delivers a complete experience that earns the "Premium Without Pretense" tagline in every possible way.

— South East Seneca

Why Visit

What to Expect

World-Class Dry Reds

Premier Finger Lakes red wine producer — Cab Franc, Merlot, Lemberger, and blends that rival anything in the Northeast.

Best Views on the Trail

Balcony and patio overlooking Seneca Lake — widely considered some of the most spectacular tasting room views on Route 414.

VIP Private Tastings

Guided 60–75 minute experiences for groups of 2–16 — library wines, verticals, chocolate pairings, and deep dives into 20 years of DWC history.

Award-Winning Sparkling

Brut wines that rival France and the West Coast — a robust sparkling program that surprises and delights first-time visitors.

Vacation Rentals

Two on-site vacation rentals on the winery farm — wine club members receive priority access and a special welcome pack.

Bocce · Live Music · Food Trucks

Bocce court on the patio, summer live music and food trucks — a full outdoor experience alongside the wine.

Tasting Options

Choose Your Experience

🍷 Walk-In Tasting

No reservation required for groups of 6 or fewer. Build your own flight, choose by the glass, or share a bottle on the balcony or patio. Local beer, cider, and non-alcoholic options also available. Cheese and charcuterie available to order.

⭐ VIP Private Tasting

Hosted by a lead DWC wine educator for groups of 2–16. 60–75 minute deep dive with current releases, library wines, vertical tastings, or chocolate pairings — 20 years of DWC history brought to life. Reservation required at damianiwinecellars.com.

The Wines

What's Pouring

World-class dry reds are the house specialty, alongside whites with genuine character and award-winning sparkling. Winemaker Katey Larwood brings global experience to Seneca Lake terroir.

Cabernet Franc ★The flagship red — consistently one of the best Cab Francs produced in New York State
Merlot ★Rich, plummy, and age-worthy — a premier Finger Lakes red from the Banana Belt
Lemberger ★Spiced, earthy, and expressive — a Finger Lakes specialty done with exceptional precision
Brut Sparkling ★Award-winning — rivals the best of France and the West Coast; an unexpected standout
GewürztraminerAromatic and expressive — floral, lychee, and spiced in the classic Alsatian style
ChardonnayBalanced and site-expressive — a white with genuine character from the estate
RieslingBright and mineral — classic east shore Seneca Lake expression
Library & Reserve WinesAvailable in VIP tastings — verticals and library pours from 20 years of DWC history

Full wine list at damianiwinecellars.com — wine club available for priority access to new releases.

Plan Your Visit

Tips for Visitors

Lead with the reds — the Cab Franc, Merlot, and Lemberger are why Damiani has the reputation it does. Don't skip them.
Try the sparkling — the Brut is genuinely exceptional and surprises almost everyone who tries it.
Sit on the balcony — the Seneca Lake view from the Damiani patio is one of the best on the entire trail.
Book a VIP tasting for groups of 2–16 — the library wine and vertical options are a special experience worth reserving.
Walk-ins welcome for groups of 6 or fewer — no reservation needed for a standard tasting or glass on the patio.
4704 Route 414, Burdett — just 5 minutes north of Watkins Glen, one of the most convenient stops on the east shore.

Damiani Wine Cellars