Shimmering lakes rimmed by orchards and vineyards, the scent of wood smoke and cider in crisp air, and the roar of waterfalls down narrow gorges.

The Finger Lakes hits the senses in a way few places do. From the mineral-tinged Rieslings of Seneca and Keuka to the damp, fern-lined trails at Watkins Glen, this region tastes, smells, and looks like upstate autumn year-round.

Whether you’re hunting for bottles to uncork at home, handcrafted goods that echo the lakeshore, or pantry-friendly treats, here’s what to buy in Finger Lakes, a list of souvenirs from Finger Lakes that bring a little of this landscape back with you.

Check out my list of 5 Best Gift Shops!

1. Finger Lakes Riesling

Why pick this up: Riesling is the region’s signature: bright acidity, orchard fruit, and a minerality that echoes the glacial soils of Seneca and Keuka. A bottle is like a condensed memory of sunset over the vineyards.
What to look for: Single-vineyard or reserve bottlings from cooler sites (steep slopes, north-facing rows) for that saline edge; off-dry styles pair broadly with food. Look for producers with tasting-room notes about vintage conditions.
Price bracket (2025): $12–$40 per bottle. Premium single-vineyard bottles $40–$80.
Where to find it: Most wineries along the Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka Lake wine trails (tasting rooms in Geneva, Hammondsport, Lodi, Dundee).

2. Late-Harvest and Ice Wine

Why pick this up: Concentrated tropical and honeyed notes make these dessert wines a showpiece — a little bottle lasts a long time and makes a celebratory gift.
What to look for: Small-format bottles (375 ml) labeled “ice wine” or “late-harvest Riesling”; clarity in flavor rather than cloying sweetness.
Price bracket (2025): $25–$120 per half-bottle.
Where to find it: Specialty lists at wineries in the colder corners of the region (Keuka and Seneca-area producers, tasting rooms in Penn Yan and Hammondsport).

3. Hand-Blown Glass from Corning

Why pick this up: Corning’s glasswork is a tactile echo of the region’s industrial arts — paperweights, fluted vases, and delicate ornaments reflect the lake’s light in jewel tones.
What to look for: Pieces signed by the artist or stamped “Corning”; museum-made or small-studio works for authenticity.
Price bracket (2025): $30 for small ornaments; $100–$500+ for larger, museum-quality pieces.
Where to find it: Corning Museum of Glass and Market Street galleries in Corning.

4. Pure Finger Lakes Maple Syrup

Why pick this up: Forests that slope to the lakes produce maple sap with a clean, bright sweetness — spill it on pancakes or fold it into dressings for an instant regional note.
What to look for: 100% pure maple (not pancake syrup), grade A amber or darker for richer flavor; small-batch producers who list the sugarbush location.
Price bracket (2025): $10–$30 per 250–500 ml bottle.
Where to find it: Farmers markets in Ithaca and Watkins Glen, farm stands around Cortland and Schuyler counties.

5. Concord Grape Jam & Riesling Jelly

Why pick this up: Concord grapes are a Finger Lakes classic — jam is a sticky, grape-laden reminder of the vineyards, while Riesling jelly makes a sophisticated pairing with cheese.
What to look for: High fruit-to-sugar ratio, glass jars with local farm or winery labels, small-batch or limited-edition seasonal runs.
Price bracket (2025): $6–$15 per jar.
Where to find it: Winery shops (Seneca and Ontario county producers), Ithaca Farmers Market, village shops in Skaneateles.

6. Farmstead Cheese

Why pick this up: Local creameries turn regional milk into tangy goat cheeses, nutty aged cheddars, and washed-rind rounds — perfect with a bottle of local Riesling.
What to look for: Name of the creamery and aging notes; waxed or vacuum-packed aged cheeses travel better.
Price bracket (2025): $6–$25 per wedge (depending on age/size).
Where to find it: Creameries and cheese counters in Geneva, Ithaca, and farmers markets across the region.

7. Canned/Packaged Craft Beer

Why pick this up: Finger Lakes has a thriving craft-beer scene with hop-forward IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, and crisp saisons that reflect local water and malt. Cans are easy to pack and share.
What to look for: Limited-release cans from regional breweries (Ithaca-area brewers and spots around Watkins Glen), freshness dates, and collaborations that use local ingredients (Riesling barrels, local honey).
Price bracket (2025): $8–$20 for a 4–6 pack or mixed pack.
Where to find it: Brewery taprooms in Ithaca, Watkins Glen, and the downtown Geneva beer shops.

8. Hand-Thrown Pottery and Ceramics

Why pick this up: Locally made mugs, bowls, and serving plates carry glazes in lake-blue and leaf-green tones — everyday objects that keep the region close by.
What to look for: Studio stamp or artist signature, food-safe glazes, pieces fired for durability.
Price bracket (2025): $25–$150 depending on size and maker.
Where to find it: Pottery studios and artisan co-ops in Trumansburg, Ithaca, and the villages of Skaneateles and Hammondsport.

9. Local Honey & Lavender Products

Why pick this up: Honey varies from light and floral to robust and caramel-like depending on the orchard and meadow; lavender soaps, sachets, and lotions capture the calm of a lakeside farm.
What to look for: Raw, unfiltered honey with a noted source; lavender labeled by farm to ensure true scent and quality.
Price bracket (2025): $8–$25 per jar/bottle; $6–$20 for lavender products.
Where to find it: Farm stands, Skaneateles village shops, and markets in Penn Yan and Interlaken.

10. Lake Maps, Prints, and Local Art

Why pick this up: Woodcut lake maps, watercolor prints of Taughannock Falls or Watkins Glen, and photographic prints of autumn vineyards are easy-to-pack souvenirs that capture a scene or memory.
What to look for: Signed prints, limited editions, or hand-carved wooden maps of your favorite Finger Lake (Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Skaneateles).
Price bracket (2025): $10–$150 depending on size and framing.
Where to find it: Galleries in Geneva and Skaneateles, gift shops at state parks, and art booths at the Ithaca Farmers Market.

Tip: many wineries, galleries, and the Corning Museum will ship — ask about packing or purchase insured shipping, especially for wine and glass. Want more souvenirs from Finger Lakes? Ask shop staff about their favorite local shippers and tasting-room-only releases. ✈️

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!