The FLX, Keuka Lake, and Living Roots Wine & Co.

Bottles of wine at Living Roots in Hammondsport, New York on Keuka Lake

One of the greatest aspects of living in Rochester, New York, or in the Finger Lakes (FLX) region for that matter, is the accessibility to over 150 wineries spanning across eleven (11) lakes including Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco.

In New York, the Finger Lakes are a notable wine region, gaining more popularity in recent years due to shifts in a warming climate, which are resulting in the production of some interesting and robust vintages. According to the Cornell Chronicle, an expansion of growing degree days (GDD) in recent years has resulted in increased fruit ripeness, leading to wines with higher alcohol, especially in an environment that has been historically categorized as a cold-climate region.

A view of Keuka Lake and the vineyards at Living Roots Finger Lakes in Hammondsport

In other words, regional climate shifts have presented more opportunities and challenges in the wine industry, allowing for more research and innovative methods for wine production. If you have not visited the Finger Lakes, it’s a great time to start planning that voyage.

While there are many wineries worth mentioning across the Finger Lakes, there is one winery that is raising the bar and producing some phenomenal vintages both regionally and internationally. Living Roots is a local and internationally acclaimed winery with roots stemming from the Adelaide Hills region in South Australia, to their tasting rooms in Rochester, NY, and on Keuka Lake in the FLX.

View of the mushroom mycelium ceiling lamps at the FLX tasting room

There is much beauty to be found at Living Roots. For starters, the interior design of their tasting rooms, which feature a modern-chic decor, and highly unique sustainable ceiling lamps made of mushroom mycelium at their FLX location in Hammondsport. Their location in the Finger Lakes boasts a breathtaking view of Keuka Lake, which pairs nicely with a glass of their 2021 Session Sauvy, or their naturally sparkling Rizz Fizz, which offers a nicely dry, rich, and fizzy sip of refreshment on a hot summer day.

A ‘Dry Whites’ wine tasting at Living Roots Rochester’s urban winery

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a novice still searching for what feels and tastes right, there is something for everyone at Living Roots. Their featured wine tastings are a great way to experience their extensive variety of wines, from their red to white, sessions, bone-dry, or a bit of both worlds.

Many of the tasting room staff are wine enthusiasts themselves, so there is an abundance of knowledge ruminating around the room that can be tapped into when chatting with the staff. It is one way to better understand the curation and care that goes into every bottle at Living Roots.

If you are local to Rochester or are visiting the area this summer, it is worth the trip to the Hammondsport location if you’ve got time for a mini day trip. If you’re on a time crunch, the downtown Roc location on University Ave is fantastic, and adjacent to several fantastic breweries and stellar restaurants.

As always, drink responsibly and enjoy!

The bottle shop and merch section at Living Roots