Finger Lakes winery guide

Castel Grisch Winery

Established in 1983 by a Swiss-German couple, Castel Grisch Winery sits on roughly 200 acres above the western shore of Seneca Lake, with more than 40 acres…

About Castel Grisch Winery

Established in 1983 by a Swiss-German couple, Castel Grisch Winery sits on roughly 200 acres above the western shore of Seneca Lake, with more than 40 acres under vine. Reached by a winding drive just off Route 14 outside Watkins Glen, the estate is known for a one-of-a-kind panoramic view of the lake and surrounding hills. For more than three decades the winery has focused on producing consistent, handcrafted, small-production wines, vintage after vintage.

The wine list runs from dry to dessert and red to white. It features classic viniferas such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Chardonnay alongside Cornell hybrids like Cayuga White and Traminette. Successful hybrid reds include Baco Noir and Chancellor, and the lineup is rounded out with light, fruit-forward native varieties and both red and white sparkling wines.

Beyond the tasting room, Castel Grisch is a popular wedding and special-event venue offering indoor and outdoor spaces against the Seneca Lake backdrop. Visitors can taste flight-style on the outdoor deck or enjoy a guided tasting indoors, play the on-site Wild Vines disc golf course, and, in season, join the winery's Sunday Brunch or its winter Festival of Lights.

Plan your visit

Address
3380 County Road 28, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Phone
607-535-9614
Hours
Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Friday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Summer hours, June 1 - October 31; tasting room open year-round, winter hours may vary)

Wines to explore

  • Riesling — Aromatic, off-dry white
  • Gewurztraminer — Floral and aromatic
  • Chardonnay — Crisp, dry white
  • Cayuga White — Light and fruity
  • Traminette — Floral, semi-dry white
  • Baco Noir — Velvety dry red
  • Chancellor — Medium-bodied dry red
  • Estate Reserve — Dry red blend
  • Seneca Dream White — Semi-sweet sparkling white
  • Seneca Dream Red — Sweet sparkling red
  • Vivacious Cayuga — Semi-dry sparkling white
  • Vidal Blanc Ice — Sweet dessert ice wine

More at this winery

Wild Vines Disc Golf Course

An 18-hole disc golf course on the winery property with a mix of open and wooded holes (the front 9 is shorter and easier than the back 9). Players check in at the tasting room when open, with Tee #1 located southwest of the building across the grapevines, and can grab wine or beer before, during, or after a round. Listed on UDISC at https://udisc.com/courses/wild-vines-U828.

Weddings & Events Venue

A premier wedding and special-event venue offering both outdoor and indoor ceremony and reception spaces set against vine-covered hills and Seneca Lake. An on-site event coordinator assists with planning; inquiries are handled through the form on the winery's Weddings page.

Dazzling Liffe Festival of Light

A seasonal winter light festival held on select Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings (the 2025-26 run is December 12, 2025 - January 18, 2026, 4:30 PM start). Visitors walk through immersive 3D light sculptures while the Tasting Room & Eatery serves seasonal treats. Tickets are available in advance via Eventbrite or at the entrance.

Sunday Brunch

A seasonal Sunday brunch served on the outdoor patio with Seneca Lake views (on winter break, returning in late May 2026). Year-round, the tasting room offers charcuterie boards, chips, and other snacks paired with Castel Grisch wines in the indoor seating area.

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