Idol Ridge Winery & Alder Creek Distillery

About

Idol Ridge Winery & Alder Creek Distillery

Idol Ridge Winery is one of the most welcoming and visually stunning stops on the east shore of Seneca Lake — a lodge-style tasting room perched up on a ridge in Lodi with panoramic views of the lake stretching out below. Opened in November 2013 by the Martin family — owners of Montezuma Winery and Hidden Marsh Distillery in Seneca Falls — Idol Ridge brings the same warmth and creative spirit to the Finger Lakes wine trail that has defined the Martin brand for decades.

The wine program is extensive and adventurous — more than 20 different wines spanning dry to sweet, traditional vinifera, sparkling, fruit and honey wines under the Fossenvue brand, and the newer wild-fermented Local Culture series. Head Winemaker Phil Plummer and Assistant Winemaker Alex Bienvenue keep the cellar exciting, producing award winners like the WE 90-point Blanc de Noir and the Best in Sparkling Vinifera Sparkling Riesling String of Pearls alongside funky naturals like Pinot Noir Pét-Nat and Ramato.

Alder Creek Distillery runs alongside the winery, producing premium spirits including the signature Smoked Bourbon Whiskey and Best of Class Nashi Pear Brandy. The tasting room also features homemade fudge, local bites, a gift shop, and private Airbnb cabins for overnight stays on the ridge.

Why Visit

What to Expect

The Lineup

Wines & Spirits

One of the most diverse tasting menus on the east shore — flights available for wine, spirits, cocktails, and mimosas. Something for every palate.

• Sparkling Riesling String of Pearls ★Best in Sparkling Vinifera 2022 — crisp, celebratory, and beautifully made
• Sparkling Saperavi ★One of the most unique sparkling wines in the Finger Lakes — bold, deep, and effervescent
• Blanc de NoirWE 90 points — elegant and expressive, made from red grapes
• Semi-Dry RieslingA crowd favorite — bright, fruit-forward, and approachable
• Local Culture SeriesWild-fermented naturals including Pét-Nat and Ramato — for the adventurous palate
• Fossenvue Fruit & Honey WinesMead, fruit wines, and unique expressions from the Martin family tradition
• Smoked Bourbon Whiskey ★Alder Creek's signature spirit — rich, smoky, and distinctly Finger Lakes
• Nashi Pear Brandy ★Best of Class — a truly exceptional brandy made from locally grown pears

Full current wine and spirits list at mfwineriesdistilleries.com/wineries/idol-ridge

Gallery

Photos

Photos · Idol Ridge Winery, Lodi NY

Plan Your Visit

Tips for Visitors

• Try the Sparkling Saperavi — it's one of the most unique sparkling wines you'll find anywhere on the Seneca Lake trail.
• Add a spirits tasting — the Nashi Pear Brandy won Best of Class and it's genuinely exceptional.
• Don't leave without trying the homemade fudge — it's a signature of the Martin family tasting rooms.
• Sunday live music runs 1:30–4:30 PM from Memorial Day through August — plan around it if you can.
• Groups of 12 or more require a reservation — call (607) 582-7773 ahead of your visit.
• Dogs are welcome on the grounds — one of the more pet-friendly stops on the north end of the trail.
• Private Airbnb cabins are available for overnight stays — book through their website or Airbnb directly.