The first craft brewery on Seneca Lake — brewed right here since 1997.
Lodi, NY
Open Daily 10 AM–5 PM
~14 miles from Watkins Glen
Since 1997 · First on Seneca Lake
Friday Sunset Music Series
Winery & Cafe On-Site
About
Wagner Valley Brewing Co
Wagner Valley Brewing Co holds a distinction no other brewery in the region can claim — it was the first craft brewery ever established on Seneca Lake, opening in 1997 on the grounds of the historic Wagner Vineyards estate in Lodi, NY. Founded by Bill Wagner, the brewery has been pouring award-winning craft beer from one of the most iconic properties in the entire Finger Lakes for nearly three decades.
The brew system is a 20-BBL imported German-style, steam-fired, four-vessel brewhouse — specifically designed for decoction mashing. For many of its flagship beers, Wagner adheres to the Reinheitsgebot of 1516, the German Purity Law requiring only malt, hops, yeast, and water. The result is 12 rotating draft lines spanning everything from light lagers to robust dark ales, with something for every palate.
And the brewery is just one part of the experience. The full Wagner campus includes Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery with over 30 award-winning wines, the beloved Ginny Lee Cafe serving lunch with original recipes, stunning Seneca Lake views, and the Friday Sunset Music Series running Memorial Day through Labor Day.
In Our Words
Our Story
Wagner is one of those places that feels like the Finger Lakes distilled into a single stop. The history is real — this is where craft beer on Seneca Lake began — and the campus delivers on every front. The beer is excellent, the wine is award-winning, the cafe is genuinely good, and the view of Seneca Lake from the deck on a Friday evening with live music playing might be one of the finest moments this region has to offer.
Don't rush it. Get a flight, try a few wines, have lunch at the Ginny Lee, and let the afternoon stretch. Wagner rewards the people who aren't in a hurry — and once you've been, you'll understand why it's been drawing visitors for nearly 30 years.
— South East Seneca
Why Visit
What to Expect
12 Beers on Draft
Rotating lineup from light to dark — flights, pints, and Coloss-o-Cans to go. German brew system on-site.
Wagner Vineyards
30+ award-winning wines on the same campus — dry to dessert, red, white, and native Finger Lakes varieties.
Ginny Lee Cafe
Full lunch menu with original recipes designed to pair with Wagner wine and beer. Deck seating with lake views.
Friday Sunset Music
Live music on the deck every Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day — music starts at 6:30 PM.
Seneca Lake Views
One of the most scenic properties on the lake — panoramic views from the deck and grounds.
Family Friendly
Kids' flight option (root beer, lemonade, grape juice, popcorn) — one of the only breweries to offer this.
Craft Beer
What's on Tap
Wagner keeps 12 draft lines flowing with rotating styles year-round. Many flagship beers are brewed to the Reinheitsgebot of 1516 — malt, hops, yeast, and water only. Flights available; Coloss-o-Cans (32oz sealed to-go pours) available for any beer on tap.
Sled Dog Bock ★German-style Bock · Rich, malty, and one of the most beloved beers in the lineup
Frostbelt IPAIndia Pale Ale · Hop-forward and a regional fan favorite
Maple PorterPorter · Smooth and malty with local maple character — a standout every season
TripelbockStrong Lager · Big, complex, and brewed in the German tradition — not for the faint of heart
Wagner Root Beer ★House-made craft soda · Legendary — one of the best non-alcoholic options in the region
Seasonal Rotation12 lines total — styles shift regularly from light lagers to dark strong ales
Tap list rotates — visit wagnerbrewing.com or call (607) 582-6450 for today's lineup.
The Full Experience
The Wagner Campus
Wagner is more than a brewery — it's one of the most complete tasting destinations in the Finger Lakes. Plan to spend a few hours.
Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery
Over 30 award-winning wines ranging from bone dry to dessert sweet. Tastings available daily. One of the earliest wineries established in the Finger Lakes, founded in 1979.
The Ginny Lee Cafe
Full lunch menu with scratch-made recipes crafted to pair with Wagner wine and beer. Deck seating overlooking Seneca Lake — a perfect mid-day stop.
Friday Sunset Music Series
Live music on the deck every Friday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Music starts at 6:30 PM. Open until 9:30 PM on Fridays during the season.
The Brewery Store
Pick up beer, wine, merchandise, and Wagner's legendary house-made root beer. Coloss-o-Cans (32oz sealed to-go pours) available for any beer on tap.
Gallery
Photos
Photos · Wagner Valley Brewing Co, Lodi NY
Plan Your Visit
Tips for Visitors
Friday Sunset Music Series runs Memorial Day through Labor Day — open until 9:30 PM on Fridays, music at 6:30.
Don't skip the winery — Wagner Vineyards has 30+ wines and tastings available right next door.
Ginny Lee Cafe is great for lunch — the recipes are designed to pair with what's in your glass.
Grab a Coloss-o-Can to go — any beer on tap, sealed fresh right in front of you, great for the road.
One of the only breweries in the region with a dedicated kids' flight — root beer, lemonade, juice, popcorn.
About 14 miles north of Watkins Glen on Route 414 — easy to combine with other South East Seneca stops.
Tastings can get busy on weekends — arrive early for the best experience at the bar.
What's On
Events & Live Music
Every Friday · 5–9:30 PM
Friday Sunset Music Series
Live music on the deck every Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Music starts at 6:30 PM. One of the best evening experiences in the region.
Weekly · Summer
Daily · 10 AM–5 PM
Beer & Wine Tastings
Brewery and winery tastings available daily. Flights of craft beer plus access to 30+ Wagner Vineyards wines — all on one campus.
Daily
Year-Round
Seasonal Beer Releases
New and rotating brews drop throughout the year — from seasonal lagers to limited strong ales. Check the website for current tap list.
Seasonal
Year-Round
Festivals & Trail Events
Wagner participates in Seneca Lake Wine Trail events and regional festivals throughout the year — always something worth planning around.
