Hillick & Hobbs is one of our favorite winery stops in the area and an easy addition to a Finger Lakes wine day. We recommend it for the complete experience: striking architecture, genuinely warm hospitality, and wines that feel closely tied to this part of the region. Their focus on Riesling makes the visit especially compelling, since Seneca Lake is so well known for it, and the estate setting gives you one of the most memorable views around. The winery’s story is also part of the draw. Founder Paul Hobbs created the estate as a Finger Lakes expression connected to his family’s New York roots, with an emphasis on site-specific Riesling grown on the steep slate slopes above Seneca Lake.
Why We Recommend It
What stands out here is the balance. Hillick & Hobbs feels polished without feeling stiff, and beautiful without losing the sense that people are truly happy to have you there. We especially recommend it to guests who care about both the wine itself and the full setting around it.
Their Riesling focus is a big reason to go. The winery is centered on estate, site-specific Riesling from the Finger Lakes, which makes it an especially strong stop for anyone wanting to taste a wine style that is deeply associated with this region. We also appreciate that they explore variation by block and vintage, which gives repeat visits real appeal. The estate’s own story frames the project as a return to Paul Hobbs’ family roots in upstate New York and a serious effort to express this particular place through Riesling.
The design deserves special mention. This is a winery that feels considered from the moment you arrive. The view over Seneca Lake is exceptional, and the building complements it rather than competing with it. Just as important, the winery presents sustainability not as a marketing add-on, but as a core part of how they farm and make wine. On their sustainability page, Hillick & Hobbs says they farm with care for the land to produce healthier vines and more expressive fruit, encourage native yeast, and work to preserve the vineyard’s natural ecosystem and sense of place.
We also appreciate the practical side of that approach. Hillick & Hobbs says they farm their estate vineyards without herbicides, use natural methods like mowing to manage growth, and aim to support biodiversity in the vineyard, including birds, bees, and soil health. That philosophy fits the overall feel of the property: thoughtful, place-driven, and genuinely connected to the land around it.
Hospitality is another reason this remains high on our list. Maggie, Jessica, Alyssa, and the wider team have always made visits feel warm and personal. That combination of gracious service, a memorable setting, and consistently impressive wine is exactly why this is firmly in our top tier of Finger Lakes wineries.
What to Know Before You Go
Hillick & Hobbs is a great choice for guests who want a more focused, refined tasting-room experience rather than a casual drop-in stop with lots of distractions.
The house specialty is Riesling, so this is the place to lean into what the region does especially well. If you have someone in your group who is not usually a Riesling drinker, this can still be a smart stop because the wines often show range and nuance rather than a one-note style.
The view is part of the experience, so give yourself enough time to slow down and enjoy it rather than rushing through a tasting.
Reservations are available online and we recommend them if you are going on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday in the busy seasons.
Business Name: Hillick & Hobbs Estate Winery
Business URL: https://www.hillickandhobbs.com/
Address: 3539 State Route 79, Burdett, NY 14818
Type/Category: Winery / Tasting Room / Finger Lakes Riesling Producer
Distance from Goldenrod Preserve: about 5min
Best For: Riesling lovers, scenic tastings, design-minded travelers, wine club visitors, couples, and guests building a thoughtful Seneca Lake wine itinerary
Price Point: $$$
Reservations: Recommended / available online.
