Looking for Finger Lakes charm, vineyard views, and peaceful lakefront vibes? Head to Hector, NY! Nestled along the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, Hector is a quiet gem in the heart of wine country. With stunning natural scenery, waterfalls, trails, and tasting rooms around every bend, it’s a perfect destination for relaxation, romance, or outdoor adventure.
Hector, NY Highlights:
- Explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail: Sip and savor local wines at top-notch wineries with stunning lake views.
- Visit Hector Falls: See this 165-foot waterfall cascading right beside Route 414, especially scenic after rain.
- Hike in Finger Lakes National Forest: Discover forested trails, hidden waterfalls, and panoramic ridgeline views.
- Swim or paddle at Smith Memorial Park: Enjoy public lake access with a beach, boat launch, and picnic areas.
- Sample cider and brews: Visit local breweries and cideries offering craft drinks and laid-back vibes.
Best Time to Visit Hector, NY
The best time to visit Hector is from late spring through fall (May–October). Summer is great for lake activities and wine touring, while fall offers brilliant foliage and harvest season energy. Winter is quiet but cozy, with fewer crowds and scenic snowy landscapes.
How to Get to Hector, NY
- By Car: Hector is located along NY-414, about 30 minutes from Ithaca, 1 hour from Rochester, and 4.5 hours from NYC.
- By Air: Nearest airports include Ithaca Tompkins International (35 min) and Elmira-Corning Regional Airport (1 hr).
Where to Stay in Hector, NY
- The Inn at Grist Iron – Cozy inn and brewery combo with views, firepits, and walkable access to the beer garden.
- Single Island Shores – Lakefront cottages with private decks, full kitchens, and stunning sunsets.
- Local B&Bs or vacation rentals – Charming homes, farmhouses, and cabins tucked into vineyards or by the lake.
Best Things to Do in Hector, NY
⮕ Sip and Celebrate at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards
Part of the award-winning New York Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards in Hector is a place where people can get a true sense of the winery with a visit to its tasting room. The winery believes its tasting rooms, both the one in Hector and Naples, capture the good times and good friends spirit that the “vineyard is all about.” Both locations offer something unique. The Hazlitt family has been part of the Hectory community since 1852 and the owners of the Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. Wines include red, white, bubbly wines, and more.
5712 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841, Phone: 607-546-9463
⮕ If You’re Seeking Scenic Sips, Unwind at Chateau Lafayette Reneau
The Chateau Lafayette Reneau has been producing estate-grown vinifera wines for more than thirty-five years in the Finger Lakes town of Hector, New York. The over 100-acre vineyard provides optimal air flow and sun exposure for full-bodied, rich red wines and aromatic white wines. The tasting room is housed inside a century-old, fully restored barn, set against a backdrop of the picturesque Seneca Lake. There is also a pleasant outdoor garden in which guests can enjoy their wine. Visitors can do a wine tasting year-round, open Thursday to Tuesday from May through October and Thursday to Sunday from November through April.
5081 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841, Phone: 607-546-2062
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Taste Tradition at Leidenfrost Vineyards
Leidenfrost Vineyards, established in 1990, was one of the first wineries in the Finger Lakes Wine Country to offer a wide spectrum of dry wines, such as Baco Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. The small family-owned and operated winery also produces Niagara, Catawba, Cayuga White, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and several other white varieties. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at the tasting room strive to provide a unique wine tasting experience for all guests, both first-time and regular visitors, within a relaxing environment in the timber-frame building. The tasting room also offers spectacular views of Seneca Lake.
5677 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841, Phone: 607-546-2800
⮕ Discover Bold Flavors at Hector Wine Company
The wine portfolio of the Hector Wine Company represents a deep commitment to producing wines reflective of the winery’s centuries old farm known as Sawmill Creek Vineyards. With this commitment, the company handcraft each and every wine it offers, handpicking the grapes in the vineyard, as well as hand sorting at the winery. The winery mainly does varietal bottlings, with some in barrels and others in stainless steel. Locals and tourists alike in Hector, New York can stop by the tasting room at Hector Wine Company for a wine tasting to sample many of the unique, high quality wines.
5610 NY-414, Hector, NY 14841, Phone: 607-387-1045
⮕ Savor Award-Winning Wines at Red Newt Cellars
Red Newt Cellars offers wine tastings, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle for guests to sip either in the tasting rooms or outdoors on one of the decks. In addition to the wine, Red Newt Cellars also serves a small menu of small bites and light fare that pair well with the wine choices. The winery produces a full lineup of different single vineyard wines, as well as a focus on Rieslings, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer. A variety of red wines are also made at the winery, such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
3675 Tichenor Rd, Hector, NY 14841, Phone: 607-546-4100
Where to Eat in Hector, NY
- Stonecat Café – Farm-to-table restaurant offering creative seasonal fare and a laid-back porch dining experience.
- Hector Wine Company’s Food Truck Nights – Casual bites and wines with views of vineyards and lake.
- Grill 225 at Grist Iron Brewing – Pub favorites, craft beer, and live music in a lively beer garden atmosphere.
If you are interested in local events:
- Seneca Lake Wine & Food Festival (May) – Enjoy regional wines, food pairings, and lake views at nearby Watkins Glen.
- Hector Fair (July) – Community tradition with a parade, games, food, and fireworks at Smith Park.
- Finger Lakes Harvest Festival (Fall) – Celebrate the season with tastings, local vendors, and foliage drives.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 2 Hours of Hector, NY:
- Watkins Glen State Park (15 min) – Hike through a dramatic gorge with 19 waterfalls and stone bridges.
- Ithaca (35 min) – Explore Cornell University, scenic gorges, and a thriving downtown food scene.
- Corning (1 hr) – Visit the Corning Museum of Glass and stroll the Gaffer District’s galleries and shops.
- Geneva (1 hr) – Discover lakefront dining, wine bars, and charming historic streets on Seneca’s north shore.
- Keuka Lake (1.5 hrs) – Another Finger Lake known for vineyards, boating, and the town of Hammondsport.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is the town of Hector located?
- The town of Hector, New York lies in the scenic and picturesque Upstate region of the Finger Lakes.
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What makes Hector a great destination for wine lovers?
- Thanks to its location in the Finger Lakes Wine Country, there is no shortage of vineyards to see and winery tasting rooms to visit to sample some of the region’s excellent and award-winning wines.
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What other attractions can visitors find in Hector?
- In addition to many great wineries and idyllic vineyards, Hector also boasts many unique shops, such as Hector Handmade, featuring items handmade by more than forty local artisans.
At a Glance:
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists. | Lakewood Vineyards – Stay at a charming winery with scenic views of the Finger Lakes. | Visit Watkins Glen State Park – Hike the beautiful gorge and take in the waterfalls. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities, wine tastings, and lakeside fun. | The Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast – Cozy accommodations near the lakes and wineries. | Take a boat tour of Seneca Lake – Explore the beautiful lake and its surrounding vineyards. |
| Fall (September-November) – Cool temperatures, colorful foliage, and wine harvest season. | The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars – A wine-focused inn offering views of the vineyards and Seneca Lake. | Attend the Finger Lakes Wine Festival – Sample wines from over 80 wineries and enjoy live music. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold temperatures, ideal for cozy retreats and indoor wine tasting. | Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel – A waterfront hotel with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for winter getaways. | Visit the Finger Lakes National Forest – Enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, or just the serene beauty of the snow-covered forest. |
Plan Your Trip
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