Wine, Whiskey & Cheese Bar on Seneca Lake — a relaxed, seated bar experience unlike anything else on the trail.
Hector, NY
Open Daily · Fri until 7 PM
~15 min from Watkins Glen
Wine & Cheese Pairings
Premium Whiskey Cocktails
Pet Friendly
About
Either Oar Wine, Whiskey & Cheese Bar
Opened in August 2025 in the former Penguin Bay Winery location in Hector, Either Oar is one of the freshest and most distinctive experiences on Seneca Lake's east shore. Part of the Martin Family's portfolio, it takes a completely different approach from a traditional tasting room — think relaxed, seated, unhurried, with a focus on curated pairings and conversation.
The name says it all — wine or whiskey, Either Oar. You can sit down with a wine and cheese pairing flight, work your way through a whiskey cocktail flight, order a Bait Plate of local cheese and crackers with a glass, or simply pull up to the bar and see what's pouring. The setting overlooks the vineyard with views stretching out to Seneca Lake — it's the kind of place you settle into and lose track of time.
The wine selection features Either Oar's own labels — Riesling, Dry Rosé, Saperavi Dessert Wine, and more — alongside premium wheat whiskeys, including a signature expression finished in jackfruit barrels. The events calendar adds even more reason to plan your visit around it: Hook & Sip happy hours on Fridays, Blind Tasting in the Vineyard sessions, and a live music series throughout the season.
In Our Words
Our Story
Either Oar is exactly what the Seneca Lake trail needed — something that slows you down and invites you to actually sit with what you're drinking. The wine and cheese pairing flights are genuinely thoughtful, the whiskey program is unlike anything else in the region, and the Blind Tasting sessions are one of the most fun things you can do on the east shore.
It's new, it's confident, and it's already earning its place as a must-visit. Whether you come for a Friday Hook & Sip happy hour or a lazy Sunday afternoon Bait Plate on the vineyard patio, Either Oar delivers every time. Put it on the list — especially if everyone in your group can't quite agree on wine versus whiskey.
— South East Seneca
Why Visit
What to Expect
Wine & Cheese Pairings
Choose dry or sweet — curated wine and cheese pairing flights served at your table.
Whiskey Cocktail Flights
Four whiskey cocktails to explore — including premium wheat whiskey finished in jackfruit barrels.
Bait Plates
A glass of wine paired with a mini board of local cheese and crackers — the perfect light bite.
Hook & Sip Happy Hour
Friday happy hour specials — the perfect way to end the week on Seneca Lake.
Blind Tasting Sessions
Guess the wine or whiskey and win a prize. A unique tasting challenge available weekly.
Cast & Cords Live Music
Live music twice a month featuring local performers — great sound, laid-back energy.
Bar Menu
What's Pouring
Either Oar keeps the menu focused and intentional — every option is designed to be enjoyed slowly, paired well, and remembered.
Wine & Cheese Pairing Flight ★Choose dry or sweet — curated pours paired with local cheese selections
Wine FlightSelect four wines from the Either Oar lineup — mix and match to your taste
Cocktail FlightFour whiskey cocktails — the best way to explore the full spirits program
Bait PlateA glass of wine with a mini board of cheese and crackers — ideal for a light afternoon
Wine by the GlassSingle pours from the full Either Oar wine list — ask what's open
Specialty Cocktails & MocktailsHandcrafted cocktails and non-alcoholic options always available
The Wine List
Either Oar Wines
Either Oar produces its own wine labels — available to taste in the bar and purchase online or to-go.
2024 Riesling Cast-A-NetCrisp and expressive — a classic Finger Lakes white
Dry RoséElegant and food-friendly — pairs beautifully with cheese
Borrowed Lure LaCrescentSemi-sweet white with bright fruit and floral notes
2024 Saperavi Dessert WineRich and complex — a rare dessert expression from a distinctive grape
Wine list rotates seasonally — visit mfwineriesdistilleries.com or call (607) 546-5115 for current selections.
Gallery
Photos
Photos · Either Oar Wine, Whiskey & Cheese Bar, Hector NY
Plan Your Visit
Tips for Visitors
Start with the wine and cheese pairing flight — the dry version is exceptional if you prefer something less sweet.
The wheat whiskey finished in jackfruit barrels is a genuine conversation starter — don't skip a whiskey sample.
Hook & Sip happy hour is every Friday at 4 PM — one of the best deals on the lake.
Blind Tasting in the Vineyard runs weekly — show up Thursday or Friday at 5 PM and test your palate.
Groups of 12 or more require a reservation — call (607) 546-5115 ahead of your visit.
Pet friendly — well-behaved dogs welcome on the grounds.
Either Oar wines are available to purchase online — great to take home after your tasting.
What's On
Events & Happenings
Every Friday · 4:00 PM
Hook & Sip Happy Hour
Weekly happy hour specials every Friday — the perfect way to kick off the weekend on Seneca Lake. Special pricing on select wines, whiskeys, and cocktails.
Weekly
Weekly · Thu & Fri · 5:00 PM
Blind Tasting in the Vineyard
Test your palate — wines or whiskeys poured without revealing what's in the glass. Guess them all correctly and win a prize. A one-of-a-kind Finger Lakes experience.
Weekly
Twice Monthly
Cast & Cords Live Music
Local performers at the tasting bar twice a month throughout the season — great sound, laid-back energy, and a beautiful backdrop overlooking the vineyard.
Bi-Monthly
Year-Round
Seasonal Wine Releases
Either Oar's wine lineup evolves throughout the year — new labels and seasonal releases available in the bar and online. Check socials for what's new.
