Ryan William Vineyard

About

Ryan William Vineyard

Ryan William Vineyard is one of the most complete and celebrated destinations on Seneca Lake — a 76-acre estate perched on the southeastern shore with 100% estate-grown wines, a stunning historically restored 1865 barn tasting room, and one of the most acclaimed winery restaurants in the United States. The property sits just minutes from Watkins Glen and the villages of Hector and Burdett, with vineyard plantings that extend to the lake shoreline.

The winery's guiding principle is simple: preserve the sanctity of the site. Strict viticulture practices and insistence on vine balance have produced exceptional quality fruit year after year. Minimal intervention in the cellar lets the estate speak through every bottle — from the precise, mineral-driven Dry Riesling to perhaps the best rosé ever made from Merlot. The Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Gruner Veltliner round out a portfolio that earns European comparisons with regularity.

The Tasting Barn — meticulously restored over four-plus years by Ryan and his wife Samira — is simultaneously a world-class tasting room and farm-to-fork restaurant. Samira's kitchen draws from ingredients grown and raised on the 76-acre farm itself: meats, produce, herbs. The result is a brunch and lunch menu of tapas-style snacks and full plates that are as thoughtfully constructed as the wines they accompany.

Why Visit

What to Expect

The Wines

What's Pouring

100% estate-grown, minimal intervention, European in style. Tastings available Thu–Mon — call ahead or book online.

• Dry Riesling ★Peach, slate, and lime — smooth richness balanced by natural acidity. Super versatile and consistently excellent
• Rosé of Merlot ★NY State Rosé of the Year — described as perhaps the best Finger Lakes rosé ever made. Not to be missed
• GewürztraminerAsian pears, rosewater, honeysuckle — spiced and aromatic in the classic Alsatian tradition
• ChardonnayEstate grown and thoughtfully made — balanced, food-friendly, and site-expressive
• Gruner VeltlinerA rare and impressive Finger Lakes expression of this Austrian variety
• Reds & SeasonalPinot Noir and seasonal releases — call the tasting room for current availability

Call (607) 882-9098 for current wine list and tasting availability.

The Tasting Barn Kitchen

Farm-to-Fork Menu

Samira's kitchen produces fresh, made-to-order plates using ingredients from the estate and sustainably sourced local partners. Menu changes seasonally.

Plan Your Visit

Tips for Visitors

• The Rosé of Merlot is a must — it won NY State Rosé of the Year and is as good as anything on the trail.
• Reserve ahead for lunch — The Tasting Barn kitchen is popular and fills up quickly on weekends.
• Request outdoor patio seating if weather permits — the Seneca Lake views from the deck are spectacular.
• Open Thursday through Monday — closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Kitchen closes 1 hour before tasting room.
• Ask about the Barn Box — a CSA-inspired box of estate provisions and artisan partner goods to take home.
• 4156 NY-414 in Burdett — about 8 miles north of Watkins Glen, easy to pair with Atwater or Forge Cellars.