Winery & Bistro · South East Seneca

Red Newt Cellars

Elegant Finger Lakes wines and farm-to-table fare on the east shore of Seneca Lake — since 1998.

Hector, NY · Tichenor Rd
Tasting Bar Daily 11–5
Riesling & Gewürztraminer
Bistro Lunch & Dinner
Scenic Deck & Views
Est. 1998

About

Red Newt Cellars

Red Newt Cellars is one of the Finger Lakes' most beloved and enduring winery-and-bistro destinations, perched on the east side of Seneca Lake in Hector. Founded in 1998 by David and Debra Whiting, it has spent nearly three decades at the leading edge of the region's wine scene — with a scenic deck view that's worth the trip on its own.

The wines are the foundation: elegant, expressive, and rooted in Seneca Lake. Red Newt is best known for Riesling — including its iconic "Circle" Riesling — alongside standout Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, and more. The portfolio earned a place among Wine & Spirits Magazine's Top 100 Wineries, and it's built a devoted following for good reason.

Then there's the Bistro, a farm-to-table pioneer since 1999. Founding chef Debra Whiting helped lead the region's local-food movement, and the kitchen still cooks in a wine-inspired, shared-table style — from famous grilled cheese on house-made Anadama bread at lunch to composed dinner plates on weekend evenings. Whether you come for a standup tasting, a casual glass with cheese on the deck, or a full bistro meal, it's a genuine Finger Lakes institution.

In Our Words

Our Story

Red Newt is one of those places that helped define what the east side of Seneca Lake could be. Nearly thirty years in, it still carries that pioneering spirit — serious, elegant wines paired with genuinely great food and a deck view that makes you want to stay all afternoon. The Riesling is the star, but honestly, everything here rewards a slow visit.

What we love most is the hospitality. The Red Newt team treats visitors like old friends, and whether you're grabbing a quick tasting at the bar or settling in for a full bistro dinner, you feel it. It's a Finger Lakes institution for a reason — and one of the true anchors of South East Seneca.

— South East Seneca

Why Visit

What to Expect

Iconic Riesling

Home of the famous "Circle" Riesling, plus standout Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris.

Farm-to-Table Bistro

A local-food pioneer since 1999, cooking wine-inspired plates in a shared-table style.

Scenic Deck & Views

Relax with a glass on the outdoor deck and drink in the Seneca Lake view.

Standup Tastings Daily

Walk-in tasting bar, 11–5 every day — first come, first served, no reservation needed.

Casual Wine & Food

Wines by the glass with cheeseboards and lite fare, daily — indoors or on the deck.

A Finger Lakes Original

Founded in 1998 — nearly 30 years at the leading edge of Finger Lakes wine.

The Wines

What's Pouring

Red Newt is renowned for elegant, food-friendly Finger Lakes wines with a special devotion to Riesling. Available as a traditional tasting, by the flight, glass, and bottle.

  • "Circle" Riesling ★The flagship — crisp, mineral, and endlessly food-friendly
  • Riesling FlightsCompare different styles and vintages side by side
  • GewürztraminerAromatic and expressive — a Red Newt signature
  • Pinot GrisCrisp and citrusy, a Seneca Lake staple
  • Cabernet FrancLight, dry, and layered with bright berry fruit
  • Dry Rosé & RedsRosé plus Merlot, Blaufränkisch, and foot-stomped reds

Portfolio spans current releases plus reserve, single-vineyard & library wines — see the full list and reserve a visit at rednewt.com.

The Bistro

Wine-Inspired Dining

The Bistro at Red Newt has been a Finger Lakes farm-to-table landmark since 1999, cooking in a shared-table style built around the wines.

Lunch & Dinner

Lunch · Friday–Sunday, noon–3:30pm — tapas-inspired sharing plates plus the timeless Red Newt grilled cheese with NY Cheddar on house-made Anadama bread.

Dinner · Friday & Saturday, 5–8pm — small and shared plates alongside composed entrees, with wines by the glass and half-glass. Reservations recommended.

Plan Your Visit

Tips for Visitors

  • The walk-in Tasting Bar is open daily 11–5 — no reservation needed for a standup tasting.
  • Want to linger? Casual Wine & Food runs daily 11–4 — wines by the glass with cheeseboards and lite fare on the deck.
  • Bistro lunch is Friday–Sunday and dinner Friday & Saturday — reservations are recommended.
  • Don't miss the Riesling — a flight across different styles and vintages is the way to go.
  • At lunch, order the famous grilled cheese on house-made Anadama bread.
  • 3675 Tichenor Road in Hector — easy to pair with other east-shore stops.