Red Newt Cellars
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Red Newt Cellars

4.4
·215 reviews·Hector, United States

Rustic winery on Seneca Lake known for exceptional Rieslings and farm-to-table bistro fare, offering vineyard views and warm hospitality.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, afternoons

Lively atmosphere, but book ahead!

CrowdHigh
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Red Newt Cellars

Red Newt Cellars

Best Time

Weekends, afternoons

Lively atmosphere, but book ahead!

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Rustic winery on Seneca Lake known for exceptional Rieslings and farm-to-table bistro fare, offering vineyard views and warm hospitality.

4.4
(215 reviews)

"Absolutely fell in love with this sweet winery on Lake Seneca. Our experience was just wonderful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Reserve Your Patio Seat

Outdoor tables are popular! Book ahead to guarantee your spot with vineyard views.

🍷 Ask for Wine Club Perks

Consider joining the wine club for exclusive benefits and more frequent visits.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riesling Varieties

Riesling Varieties

Tasting Room

Discover the diverse range of Rieslings, from dry to sweet, celebrated for their quality and aging potential.

Farm-to-Table Bistro

Farm-to-Table Bistro

Bistro

Savor delicious food, including smash burgers and grilled cheese, perfectly paired with regional wines.

Vineyard Views

Vineyard Views

Outdoor Patio

Enjoy your wine and food with picturesque views of the vineyards and Seneca Lake.

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Planning Your Visit

Reservations for Prime Seating

While walk-ins are welcome, securing an outdoor table, especially on weekends, is best done with a reservation. This ensures you get the best vineyard views and avoid disappointment.

Explore Beyond Flights

While flights offer a taste, consider individual tastings or asking staff for recommendations to discover wines that truly suit your palate, especially if a favorite is slightly over budget.

Best Times

When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, but book ahead!
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
More relaxed, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Astros reliever Hector Neris wrongfully accuses Red Sox of relaying signs to the batter, a breakdown #MLB #baseball #sports #astros #redsox
@jomboymedia
9.7K likes • 152.8K views

🎯 Reserve Your Patio Seat

Outdoor tables are popular! Book ahead to guarantee your spot with vineyard views. Reddit

🍷 Ask for Wine Club Perks

Consider joining the wine club for exclusive benefits and more frequent visits. Reddit

Red Newt Cellars RED EFT is an exquisite blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Noiret, and Syrah. Sure to satisfy your thirst and quench your soul!
rednewtcellars
42 likes • 1.4K views
🍇 Did you ever just want to crush some grapes! 😎Check out my grape crushing form at @rednewtcellars several years ago. KJR was coaching me through this Lucile Ball experience 😂 📚For more information on Finger Lakes wines and Red Newt Cellars, check out the @sommation_live chat with @kelbyjamesrussell & @ordinairepierre E166 . . . #Sommation #Sommelier #crushinggrapes #Sommlife #crushing #wineg...
carrielynstrong
46 likes • 764 views

🍔 Don't Miss the Smash Burgers

These are a must-try! Perfectly complement your wine tasting experience. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy Live Music

Check for acoustic performances, adding a special ambiance to your visit. Instagram

Really enjoyed @viniferanewyork’s Meet The Winemaker event yesterday featuring @kelbyjamesrussell pouring several of his excellent wines. The highlight for me was this 2012 @rednewtcellars Merlot. 10 years in and it’s drinking so well, with the smoothness I usually associate with a California red. So when I returned to #ViniferaNY’s basement for a nightcap later, I was excited to get to have a w...
flxphile
56 likes • 889 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Reserve Your Patio Seat

Outdoor tables are popular! Book ahead to guarantee your spot with vineyard views. Reddit

🍷 Ask for Wine Club Perks

Consider joining the wine club for exclusive benefits and more frequent visits. Reddit

🍔 Don't Miss the Smash Burgers

These are a must-try! Perfectly complement your wine tasting experience. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy Live Music

Check for acoustic performances, adding a special ambiance to your visit. Instagram

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Parking is straightforward and convenient upon arrival. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(215 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Red Newt Cellars is consistently praised for its exceptional Rieslings and other vinifera wines, complemented by delicious farm-to-table bistro fare. Visitors rave about the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the warm atmosphere, and the beautiful vineyard views from the patio. While flights can be a bit limited, the overall experience is highly recommended for wine lovers and foodies alike.

"Walked in on a Saturday afternoon and had a great time. Went because one of the close by wineries that have food, glad we did. All the staff we interacted with were exceptionally nice. Food was good (grilled cheese and wine, come on - what a combo! (mad I never thought of that)) Wine was good. Sat inside with a good view, but if you want to guarantee an outside table, make a reservation. Would definitely recommend.

Easy parking as expected."

John H.

"We had a nice snack and a couple of flights of wines. I should have done a tasting, as the flight selection was a little limiting, but I enjoyed it nonetheless, and sitting out on the deck was lovely. Matt and the other staff were pleasant and helpful. We liked the wines but the one my wife loved was a little over budget for us so we did not get a bottle to bring home."

Pablo Delvalle

"What an absolutely lovely stop. We always make sure to go there at least once on every trip to Seneca lake. This year we finally broke down and joined their wine club. Needless to say we now stop in even more often. The smash burgers are to die for and the friendly staff is the best. High marks to Roxanne for having such an amazing and knowledgeable staff who are a joy to spend time with, you know Danielle and Liz. We look forward to our next visit. JEFF & Marina"

Jeff Delong

What People Like

Excellent Rieslings
Friendly staff
Delicious bistro food

What People Dislike

Limited flight selection

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Red Newt Cellars is located in the Finger Lakes region. From NYC, it's typically a 4-5 hour drive. Consider scenic routes through upstate New York. Public transport options are limited, so driving is recommended. Reddit

Yes, Red Newt Cellars offers easy and convenient parking for visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! Red Newt Cellars is a popular stop on Finger Lakes wine tours, especially for those focusing on Seneca Lake. Many tour operators include it. Reddit

Driving yourself allows flexibility, but consider a designated driver or a wine tour service for a relaxed experience. Red Newt Cellars is well-situated for exploring other Seneca Lake wineries. Reddit

Yes, Red Newt Cellars is surrounded by numerous wineries on Seneca Lake, making it easy to create a full day of wine tasting. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the tasting room and bistro is generally free, but tastings and wine flights have a fee. Reservations are recommended for outdoor seating. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

While walk-ins are accepted, making a reservation, especially for groups or on busy weekends, is highly recommended to ensure availability for tastings and seating. Reddit

Tasting fees can vary. It's advisable to check their current pricing on their website or inquire upon arrival. Flights might offer a more limited selection than individual tastings. Reddit

Yes, Red Newt Cellars offers wine club memberships, which come with benefits like discounts and exclusive access. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Red Newt Cellars features a farm-to-table bistro with a menu that perfectly complements their wines. Popular items include smash burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. InstagramReddit

Reviews consistently praise the food, with many highlighting the deliciousness of the smash burgers and grilled cheese. It's considered a great pairing with their wines. Reddit

Yes, the bistro offers a curated menu suitable for a full meal, not just snacks. It's a popular spot for brunch and lunch. InstagramReddit

While specific menus can change, the farm-to-table approach often includes fresh, seasonal ingredients that can accommodate vegetarian preferences. It's best to inquire directly. Reddit

Typically, wineries do not allow outside food to be consumed on their premises, especially when they have their own bistro. It's best to enjoy their culinary offerings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The outdoor patio with vineyard and lake views offers stunning backdrops. The tasting room's rustic charm and the vineyards themselves are also great for photos. Instagram+1

Yes, you can generally take photos inside the tasting room, but be mindful of other guests and staff. Capturing the ambiance and wine displays is encouraged. Instagram

While generally welcoming, it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and staff. Professional photography might require prior arrangement. Instagram

Focus on capturing the wine bottles, tasting glasses with scenic backgrounds, vineyard landscapes, and the cozy interior of the winery. Instagram+1

Definitely! With its beautiful vineyard views, charming tasting room, and delicious food, Red Newt Cellars is very Instagrammable. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Red Newt Cellars can be a pleasant stop for families, especially if you plan to enjoy the bistro's offerings. While the focus is on wine, the relaxed atmosphere and the availability of good food like burgers and grilled cheese can appeal to younger palates.Reddit The outdoor patio offers space for children to be comfortable while adults enjoy their wine. However, it's important to note that it is primarily a winery, so supervision of children is essential, and activities are geared towards adults. Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While wine can add up, Red Newt Cellars offers ways to enjoy it on a budget. Opting for a tasting flight can be more economical than buying individual glasses, though some reviewers note flights can be limiting.Reddit Sharing a bottle on the patio or enjoying the bistro's more affordable items like the grilled cheese can also be cost-effective. Joining the wine club might offer discounts on bottles if you plan to purchase multiple. Reddit

💑 Couples

Red Newt Cellars is an ideal spot for couples seeking a romantic and relaxed outing. The vineyard views from the patio create a beautiful backdrop for enjoying wine together.Instagram Sharing a bottle or a charcuterie board while soaking in the scenery is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. The friendly staff and cozy ambiance add to the intimate experience, making it a memorable destination for a date. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Red Newt Wine

Red Newt Cellars is renowned for its commitment to vinifera-focused wines, with a particular emphasis on Riesling.Instagram+1 Winemaker Kelby James Russell is celebrated for his ability to craft wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Finger Lakes. His approach often balances the natural sweetness of the grapes with the region's signature bracing acidity, creating wines that are both complex and approachable. This dedication to quality has earned them a loyal following among wine enthusiasts.

Beyond Riesling, Red Newt Cellars also produces a range of other varietals, including blends like the RED EFT (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Noiret, and Syrah) Instagram and single varietals such as Merlot.Instagram Their wines are often noted for their aging potential, meaning a bottle purchased today could develop even more character over the next several years. This makes Red Newt Cellars a destination for those looking to explore wines with depth and longevity.

Visitors can experience these wines through tastings and flights, often guided by knowledgeable staff who can explain the nuances of each selection. The winery's commitment to quality extends from the vineyard to the glass, making every sip a testament to the Finger Lakes' winemaking prowess. Instagram

A Culinary Delight: The Red Newt Bistro

Red Newt Cellars isn't just about wine; it's also a destination for exceptional farm-to-table cuisine. The bistro offers a thoughtfully curated menu designed to perfectly complement their regional wines.Reddit This integration of food and wine is a cornerstone of the Red Newt experience, ensuring that each dish enhances the tasting notes of the wine, and vice versa.

Popular menu items, frequently praised by visitors, include the smash burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.Reddit These seemingly simple dishes are elevated by high-quality ingredients and expert preparation, making them a standout feature for many guests. The bistro provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed lunch, brunch, or a delightful snack while enjoying the vineyard views.Instagram

The staff's attentiveness and genuine warmth further enhance the dining experience. They are often commended for their ability to make guests feel at home, contributing to the overall charm and appeal of Red Newt Cellars as a complete destination for both wine and food lovers. Reddit

The Red Newt Experience: Ambiance and Staff

The atmosphere at Red Newt Cellars is consistently described as warm, inviting, and friendly. Whether you're seated inside the cozy tasting room or on the picturesque outdoor patio overlooking Seneca Lake, the ambiance is designed for relaxation and enjoyment.Instagram The rustic charm of the winery, combined with the stunning natural beauty of the Finger Lakes, creates a memorable setting for any visit.

A significant part of what makes Red Newt Cellars so special is its staff. Visitors frequently highlight the knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely welcoming nature of the tasting room and bistro team.InstagramReddit Staff members like Roxanne, Danielle, and Liz are often mentioned by name for their exceptional service, making guests feel like valued friends rather than just customers. This personal touch elevates the experience beyond just wine tasting.

Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a first-time visitor to the Finger Lakes, the combination of excellent wine, delicious food, and outstanding hospitality at Red Newt Cellars ensures a delightful and memorable outing. Reddit

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