Finger Lakes winery guide

Red Tail Ridge Winery

Red Tail Ridge is a boutique winery located in the heart of the Finger Lakes on the western shore of Seneca Lake, known for innovative wines that show…

Red Tail Ridge Winery

About Red Tail Ridge Winery

Red Tail Ridge is a boutique winery located in the heart of the Finger Lakes on the western shore of Seneca Lake, known for innovative wines that show precision, varietal expression and terroir-driven character. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Nancy Irelan (winemaker) and Michael Schnelle, the estate spans roughly 30-52 acres of cool-climate vinifera including Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Dornfelder, Teroldego, Lagrein, Zweigelt, and Cabernet Franc. The first vines were planted in 2005, the winery was constructed in 2009, and in 2011 it became New York's first LEED Gold-certified green winery, powered by geothermal heating and cooling.

The elegant Main Tasting Room, completed in 2023-2024, offers sweeping views of Seneca Lake through garage doors that open to the fresh air, with ceilings clad in six native Finger Lakes tree species. Visitors can taste at the hand-made bar, at Black Walnut tables for seated tastings, or in the outdoor Pavilion open spring through late autumn. Leashed dogs are always welcome, and there is a dedicated Dog Friendly Tasting Room with dog beds, toys, water bowls, and a dog-treat tasting option.

The winery specializes in limited-production cool-climate varietals, with particular acclaim for its sparkling wines (Pet Nats, Sekt, and the Perpétulle Change Cuvée series), innovative whites and rosés, and cool-climate reds. Red Tail Ridge has been nominated by Wine Enthusiast in the American Winery of the Year category.

Plan your visit

Address
846 State Route 14, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone
+1-315-536-4580
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (June-October), 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (November-May); Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visitor amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Reservations available

Wines to explore

  • Riesling — Bright, citrus, stone fruit
  • Pinot Noir — Layered, earthy, elegant
  • Dry Rosé — Crisp, juicy, refreshing
  • Chardonnay — Cool-climate, mineral
  • Sparkling (Pet Nat / Sekt) — Dry, dynamic, mineral
  • Teroldego — Deep, brambly, spicy
  • Lagrein — Bold, dark, savory
  • Cabernet Franc — Structured, savory, herbal
  • Zweigelt — Juicy, peppery, medium-bodied
  • Dornfelder — Fruit-forward, dark berries
  • Port-style Fortified — Rich, sweet, warming

More at this winery

Main Tasting Room & Outdoor Pavilion

Elegant modular tasting room with garage doors opening to Seneca Lake views, ceilings clad in six native Finger Lakes tree species, hand-made bar, and Black Walnut tables. The outdoor Pavilion operates spring through late autumn.

Dog Friendly Tasting Room

A dedicated reservation-only space for guests with their dogs, featuring dog beds, toys, water bowls, and an optional dog treat tasting.

LEED Gold Certified Estate Vineyard

30+ acres of cool-climate vines set on a ridge overlooking Seneca Lake. First LEED Gold-certified winery in New York State, powered by geothermal systems.

Events & Visiting Chef Dinners

Ongoing Food & Wine Experiences, Art in the Vineyard, live music, and wine dinners with visiting chefs.

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