Frequently Asked Questions
VISITING BARNSTORMER
What are your hours?
We’re open seven days a week during our busy season! We have limited hours during the winter, as well as extended hours through the summer during Tuesday happy hours, so be sure to check our website or Google listing for updates.
When do you stop offering tastings?
Our last seated wine tasting begins at 4:30pm. From 4:30pm until close we’re more than happy to offer wines by the glass, or bottle purchases to-go!
Can we hang out outside after you close?
While we want our guests to enjoy their time with us as long as possible, the entire property does close to guests when the tasting room closes.
What is the cost for a tasting?
We offer different tasting options catered to your preferences! Tasting menu ranges from $12-$16. Reserve wines are an additional $4/ea.
How long does your tasting experience typically last?
Our guided tastings last about 30 minutes, but this also depends on the size of the group as well as how many questions you might have about our beautiful wines!
Can we enjoy a wine tasting outside?
Of course! While it will not be guided by one of our wine educators, we have wines available in portable tasting flights which allow you to taste through a selection of 3-4 wines at your own pace. These tasting flights can be ordered inside of the tasting room, or at our outdoor flight bar if open, and can be taken anywhere on our property.
Do you offer tours of the winery and/or vineyard?
We do! We offer vineyard tours and exclusive tastings with our winemaker, typically on Fridays, and with a reservation. Please call the tasting room at 607-243-4008 to inquire about your tour and tasting! *These tours are seasonal.
Do you take reservations? How can I make one?
We do! While reservations are not required, we highly recommend them to make your experience with us smooth, especially if your group is 10 or larger. Please call 607-243-4008 or e-mail: RESERVATIONS@BARNSTORMERWINERY.COM.
I have a large group, can I still visit?
Yes! We limit our indoor seating to groups of 10, but we can accommodate larger groups up to 20 at one of our reservable cabana spaces. We do not permit larger groups splitting into smaller groups at this time. For groups larger than 20, please reach out to the tasting room directly and ask to speak with our events manager to discuss your options for a private event space or customized reserved experience. Groups larger than 10 must call the tasting room in advance.
Cabanas? That sounds awesome! Can any group size reserve, and what do they include?
Yes, it is awesome! Our cabanas are a unique and relaxing way to enjoy Barnstormer. They’re ideal and preferred for larger groups, but any group size is welcome to reserve them as dedicated space for you upon arrival. We require a deposit in advance of $30 per hour, with a maximum time limit of 2 hours. You have the option to pre-purchase our pairing boards, wine, or let us know how else we can make your cabana experience special!
Are you dog friendly?
We welcome dogs inside our tasting room or outside! Dogs must remain on a leash at all times, must be monitored by the owner, and must be friendly with people and other dogs.
Can I bring my kids?
We pride ourselves in catering to all audiences who wish to enjoy some time at Barnstormer, including families! We also have beverages for kids to enjoy such as lemonade, grape juice, ginger ale, and root beer. Any toddlers or small children must be monitored at all times and not disrupt other guests’ experiences.
BARNSTORMER HISTORICAL FAQ’S
What is a “Barnstormer?”
Great question! “Barnstorming” earned its name from the aerobatic pilots who would land their planes in fields and use local barns as venues for their impromptu airshows in the 1920s. These pilots were referred to as “Barnstormers”, which generally grew out of a cultural term for a traveling entertainment group of some sort. Our winery barn, being built pre-Civil War in the 1840’s, most certainly experienced this era of aviation growth.
How long have you been around? What size winery is Barnstormer?
We’re fortunate enough to be celebrating our 10 year anniversary in 2023! With a passion for great wine, ethical farming and hospitality, we established Barnstormer Winery in 2013 to embody these ideals. Located in a historic barn with roots stemming back to the early 1800′s, we have made significant renovations to preserve the integrity and atmosphere of this Seneca Lake gem. We produce around 4,000 cases of wine each vintage from eight vineyards located along the shores of Seneca Lake AVA. We also have a three acre “home farm” on the winery estate. We are considered a small production winery.
What kind of wines do you produce?
We focus mainly on dry red wines, Rieslings and dry rosé but we also craft some specialty wines like our Nosedive Port, sparkling wine selections & Late Harvest Riesling. Being a small production winery, we only produce a limited number of cases each vintage! We sell most of our wine through our tasting room and Aviator’s Wine Club, with a small amount going out to wholesale.
FOOD & BEVERAGE PROGRAM
Do you serve other types of beverages beyond wine?
Yes! We offer local beers, hard cider, and craft cocktails during our happy hours. We also offer many non-alcoholic beverage choices including ginger ale, root beer, lemonade, tea, sparkling water, local grape juice, and more!
Am I allowed to bring my own food or beverages?
We offer plenty of refreshments in-house, but we can accommodate limited food and beverage options brought in as long as they do not disrupt other guests’ experiences upon request, in advance. We strictly do not permit any alcohol on the property that is not served through us.
Do you have food available to purchase?
Yes! Our Farmed & Foraged pairing boards include a selection of local meats, cheeses, dried fruit, nuts, and crackers and are ideal for 2 guests. We also have our boards in XL size that serve 6-8 people and can be pre-purchased in advance. Our cheese and charcuterie options are also available for purchase al la carte. For special events and happy hours, we usually host our friends at Dean Lane catering, crafting exciting and hearty menu options for guests to enjoy during their time with us. Follow us on social media for updates on our events and exciting upcoming menus!
WINERY EVENTS: IN-HOUSE & PRIVATE
Do you have live music? Is it free?
We love supporting our local artists here in the Finger Lakes! We host live music and happy hours every Tuesday in the summer, as well as live music in our cozy barn during the winter season. Most of our live music is free to attend. Follow our social media pages for our upcoming concert schedule!
Do you host any other in-house events?
Oh yes! We’re always trying to find fun and exciting ways for you to enjoy our wine as well as your time with us. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to receive updates on our upcoming events, and check out our events calendar here on our website!
Do you host private parties, celebrations, or corporate events?
Yes we do! We have a dedicated events team specialized to ensure your special occasion is the best at Barnstormer. Reach out to our Hospitality/Events manager at hospitality@barnstormerwinery.com, or call us at 607-243-4008 to find out how we can cater our experience to meet your event needs.
Do you host weddings, rehearsal dinners, or receptions?
Wedding celebrations at Barnstormer are elegantly casual and customized to meet your needs. Our rustic barn and gorgeous 16 acres of property are the perfect backdrop for your special day in any and all iterations. From rehearsal dinners, to wedding ceremonies, to cocktail hours and receptions, we look forward to hosting your special moments with us. Reach out to our Hospitality/Events manager at hospitality@barnstormerwinery.com, or call us at 607-243-4008 to find out how we can craft your ideal day.
WAYS TO ENJOY OUR WINE: WINE CLUB, GIFTS, & SHIPPING
Do you have a mailing list?
We do! You can stay up-to-date on all things Barnstormer by subscribing to our email newsletter at the bottom of this page. Just add your name and email address!
Do you have a wine club?
Our Aviator’s Wine Club offers exclusive discounts, wine releases, elevated experiences, and unique events here at Barnstormer. You can find more information under “Clubs” and sign up online or in-person. Our club is ideal for locals, frequent Finger Lakes visitors, or folks from afar who love receiving incredible wines!
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! Our gift certificates are available to purchase on our website under our “Shop Wines” section. We offer them in increments of $25 and send out physical copies at no additional charge.
Can my business purchase large gift orders from you for staff or clients?
Of course! We’re happy to fulfill any large orders with advance notice and guidance from our managers on your selection. Large orders are available for pick-up or shipping. We think a gift from Barnstormer is the best way to show appreciation.
Can you ship wine?
We’re happy to ship directly to your door! We also offer discounts on the number of bottles purchased to make your shipment efficient and affordable. Receive 5% off 6-11 bottles, and 10% off 12+ bottles. Club members receive an additional 5% off bottle discounts. We ship to 38 states.
Can I find you in stores?
Yes, but limited availability. Barnstormer wines are an exceptional experience offered mainly in-house as we’re a small production winery, specializing in quality over quantity. We only distribute our wines in small amounts to a handful of restaurants, wine shops & breweries to keep up with our “in-house” demand. Check out the “Find Our Wines” tab on our website to discover where you might find us!
MAKING YOUR WAY TO BARNSTORMER
How do I get there?
Wine tours are incredibly popular and efficient when it comes to Finger Lakes wine tourism! We consistently partner with services that can bring you straight to Barnstormer, such as the Lakeside Trolley and Crush Beer & Wine Tours. Otherwise if you’re driving, we’re conveniently located along New York State Route 14 with signage for Barnstormer coming from either direction on the west side of Seneca Lake. We’re about 5 minutes from the Watkins Glen end of Seneca Lake, making your visit to Barnstormer filled with plenty to do along the way!
Do you accept buses, large vans, or limos?
We do, with advanced notice. Simply call us in the tasting room at 607-243-4008 and ask to speak with a manager to solidify your arrival details and ensure we’ll have space for your group as well as parking availability at your requested day/time.
What is your parking like?
We have two parking lots on either side of the tasting room, and with overflow grass parking located next to our gravel lot.
Does Uber or Lyft come out to the winery? Excellent question and we applaud your planning ahead.
These services are not accessible in our remote location. Please call the tasting room at 607-243-4008 for recommendations on tours or other local driving services. Plan transportation in advance (you will be glad you did!).