Fulkerson Winery

About Fulkerson Winery

Fulkerson Winery and Farm sits on the western slopes of Seneca Lake, where the Fulkerson family has farmed since 1805. As family lore tells it, founder Caleb Fulkerson marked his claim by pushing a black willow walking stick into a spring on the property; it took root and grew into a great tree. The farm raised raspberries before transitioning to grapes in the 1960s, and Sayre Fulkerson opened the winery in 1989. Today his son Steven represents the seventh generation to work this historic ground, making Fulkerson one of the oldest continuously family-run operations on the lake.

The estate produces more than 25 varieties of wine across three families: classic vinifera, heritage native, and regional hybrids. Alongside Finger Lakes staples like dry and semi-dry Riesling, the winery is known for less common varietals such as Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, and Syrah—Fulkerson farms nearly three acres of Syrah, among the largest plantings in New York State. Its 2023 Estate Syrah Rosé was named Best Rosé Wine in New York at the 2024 New York Wine Classic. The farm is also a major supplier of fresh, unpasteurized grape juice, offering more than 30 varieties to home winemakers along with winemaking and brewing supplies.

Beyond the tasting room, Fulkerson leans into its identity as a working farm. Visitors can play the 18-hole "Back Forty" heritage disc golf course, pick their own seasonal fruit (grapes, cherries, peaches, apples, and even asparagus), and walk 3.5 miles of self-guided trails through the vineyards. Picnics are welcome under the grape-covered arbor overlooking the lake, and an 1856 farmhouse on the property sleeps up to ten for overnight stays. The winery is certified sustainable under the New York Sustainable Winegrowing program.