Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
📍 18.5 Miles 🚘 24 Minutes 🚲 1 hour 46 Minutes
A Legacy in Every Glass: Visiting Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard from North Forest FLX
Just a short, scenic 24-minute drive from North Forest FLX, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard offers a world-class wine experience that beautifully blends old-world tradition with Finger Lakes innovation. Tucked along the western edge of Seneca Lake, this acclaimed winery is known for its exceptional Rieslings, sustainable practices, and a tasting experience that’s both elevated and approachable. For wine lovers, curious travelers, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich viticultural history of the region, a visit to Wiemer is a must.
Getting There from North Forest FLX
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard is located in Dundee, NY, about 17 miles north of North Forest FLX. The drive takes you through winding country roads lined with vineyards, open farmland, and glimpses of Seneca Lake glistening through the trees. As you arrive, you’ll spot the vineyard’s iconic red barn and perfectly aligned rows of grapevines—an inviting introduction to one of the most respected wineries in the region.
A Vineyard with a Vision
Founded in 1979 by Hermann Wiemer, a German-born winemaker who brought generations of winemaking tradition from the Mosel Valley, the vineyard helped pioneer the Finger Lakes as a serious wine region. Wiemer recognized the area's potential for cool-climate varietals, especially Riesling, and his careful, European-style approach to viticulture set a new standard in the region. Today, the vineyard is led by winemaker Fred Merwarth and vineyard manager Oskar Bynke, who carry on Wiemer’s legacy with a passionate focus on organic and biodynamic farming, regenerative soil practices, and low-intervention winemaking.
The Tasting Room Experience
The tasting room itself is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century barn that blends rustic charm with modern refinement. It’s cozy yet polished, with exposed beams, warm lighting, and vineyard views that stretch toward the lake. Tastings are seated and guided by knowledgeable staff who tailor your flight based on seasonal availability and personal preferences. Whether you're a longtime wine lover or just beginning to explore, the atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious.
Guests can expect a curated selection of five wines during the tasting, often highlighting Wiemer's famed Dry Rieslings, aromatic Gewürztraminers, and perhaps a surprise pour from their library or sparkling collection. Their single-vineyard offerings, such as the Magdalena and Josef Rieslings, showcase the diversity of Finger Lakes terroir, each expressing subtle differences in elevation, soil, and sun exposure.
From Soil to Glass: A Sustainable Approach
What truly sets Hermann J. Wiemer apart is the vineyard’s deep commitment to the land. Their 90+ acres are certified organic, and their vineyard management follows biodynamic principles—a holistic, regenerative farming method that treats the vineyard as a living, breathing ecosystem. Cover crops, composting, and minimal mechanical intervention all contribute to healthier vines and more expressive wines. It’s a philosophy that respects both the soil and the generations to come.
This dedication to sustainability also extends into the cellar. The winemaking process focuses on minimal intervention—native yeast fermentation, gravity-fed bottling, and selective use of oak—allowing the vineyard and vintage to shine through in every bottle.
Exploring the Grounds
While the wine is undoubtedly the main attraction, the setting at Wiemer invites guests to slow down and stay awhile. On a warm day, the outdoor patio offers a perfect perch for sipping wine with vineyard views. In cooler weather, the cozy interior of the tasting room—complete with a peek into the fermentation tanks and bottling area—adds a layer of connection to the craft behind the glass. You might also catch a glimpse of their winemaking team at work or take a walk along the vineyard’s edge to admire the quiet beauty of Seneca Lake in the distance.
What to Bring Home
Don’t leave without selecting a few bottles to enjoy back at the cabin. The Dry Riesling is a classic, but the Magdalena Vineyard Riesling is a standout single-vineyard offering that captures the Finger Lakes in a bottle. Their sparkling wines, like the méthode champenoise Cuvée Brut, are perfect for celebrating a special moment—or simply toasting to a perfect vacation day. For relaxed evenings at North Forest, the Field White or Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir makes an easy, crowd-pleasing choice. The tasting room also offers seasonal library releases and gift packs if you're looking to commemorate your visit or share a taste of the Finger Lakes with friends back home.
Planning Your Visit
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with seated tastings offered by reservation. While walk-ins may be accommodated on quieter days, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak fall foliage season. The tasting fee is typically applied toward wine purchases, and shipping is available to most states. Service animals are welcome, and the main tasting area is accessible. The winery’s staff is happy to help with special requests—just give them a call ahead of time.
Make It a Wine Day
If you’re making the trip, consider pairing your visit with a few nearby favorites. Just up the road is Anthony Road Wine Company, known for its welcoming atmosphere and wide variety of wines. For a more intimate, by-appointment experience, Kemmeter Wines offers micro-lot Rieslings with incredible precision and complexity. Shaw Vineyard is also close by, offering a rustic, barrel room vibe with bold reds and a relaxed approach to tasting.
Back at North Forest FLX...
Bring your bottles back to the cabin and recreate the tasting experience around the fire pit or on the deck. Pair your wine with local cheese, crusty bread, or a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Whether you're winding down after a hike or watching the stars come out above the trees, Wiemer's wines offer a delicious reminder of the day’s adventure.
Sip slow. Wander often.
Discover more of the Finger Lakes with North Forest FLX.
