Slow Sips, Handmade Moments, & Holiday Wine Stops

December settles gently around Canandaigua Lake. The vines are resting, the crowds thin out, and each winery along the Trail takes on its own quiet, winter personality. It’s a month of slower visits, hands-on workshops, and a little bit of holiday magic tucked inside every tasting room.

Here’s what’s happening across the eight wineries this month — perfect for planning your next lakeside wine day, last-minute shopping, or a cozy outing with friends and family.

20 Deep Winery: A Handcrafted Start to the Season

There’s something timeless about creating décor from natural materials, and 20 Deep Winery leans right into that spirit with their Grapevine Wreath Workshop on Wednesday, December 10. Fresh cedar, boxwood, pine, fir, and hand-selected pinecones come together on a grapevine base, and guests craft their own 22–24” wreath to take home.

It’s the kind of simple, seasonal activity that feels good this time of year — hands busy, evergreens everywhere, and a glass of wine close by.

Check 20 Deep’s website for details and tickets.

Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars: Winter at The Wine Chalet

December brings winter hours to The Wine Chalet: Fridays and Saturdays, 2–6 PM. It’s a relaxed spot for wine, cider, or a Red Cat slushie after an afternoon in Naples.

Wine and gift ideas are available on Hazlitt’s website.

Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery: Holiday Gifts Made Easy

Arbor Hill is one of those places that makes last-minute gifting feel effortless. Their shelves are stocked with Finger Lakes wines, locally made sauces, preserves, mustards, and specialty treats — all perfect for host gifts or stocking stuffers.

It’s an easy stop to warm up, taste a few wines, and pick out something local to wrap up for someone special.

Heron Hill Tasting Room on Canandaigua Lake: Winter Wine & Lake Views

Heron Hill’s tasting room overlooking the lake is a beautiful December stop. Whether you’re picking up Rieslings for holiday dinners, grabbing a gift set, or simply taking in the peaceful lake views, it’s a relaxing place to pause during the season.

Check Heron Hill’s website for updated winter hours before heading out.

Acquilano Wine Cellars: Main Street Moments

Right on Main Street in Canandaigua, Acquilano Wine Cellars offers a small-batch lineup that’s perfect for a quick tasting while running holiday errands. Their wines lean into thoughtful, old-world techniques with a modern sensibility — a great reminder of how much local craft fits into the downtown scene.

Barrel Necessities at Randall Standish Vineyards: Winter Ordering Open

The tasting room is closed after November, but Barrel Necessities is still very much available through their online wine request form. Fans can order grape juice directly from the vineyard, keeping local Finger Lakes juice on hand for gatherings or quiet nights at home.

Inspire Moore Winery: A Naples Reset

Inspire Moore offers an easygoing Naples visit this time of year with winter tastings and bottle sales available. It’s a simple way to take a breath during the busy season and bring home a bottle or two for upcoming gatherings.

Be sure to check Inspire Moore’s website for winter hours before visiting.

Song Hill Winery: New Year Bottles

While their tasting room is closed for the winter, you can still enjoy your favorite Song Hill wines from home. Order online for convenient delivery, place an order for easy pickup at the winery, or give them a call and they’ll help you put together the perfect selection. The tasting room will reopen in March.

Visit Song Hill’s website to purchase wines and digital gift cards.

Wrapping Up the Year Around the Lake

December is a month of simple joys on the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail — a wreath workshop here, a cookie class there, winter tastings, and a chance to support the small wineries that make this lakeside region so special.

Whether you’re exploring a new stop, returning to an old favorite, or picking up bottles for holiday dinners, we’re grateful you’re spending part of your winter with the Trail.

Here’s to a warm, easy season — and another year of good wine around Canandaigua Lake. 🍷