Shared Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Tasting in Conesus Lake

If you’re planning a visit to Rochester and looking for a charming, relaxed experience that combines great wine with delicious pairings, the Shared Wine, Chocolate, and Cheese Tasting at Deer Run Winery might just be what you’re after. This cozy tasting session on Conesus Lake offers a fun, approachable way to sample some award-winning wines without the fuss of a formal winery tour.

What truly catches our eye about this experience is the quality of the wines—all four are gold medal winners—and how thoughtfully they are paired with cheese and chocolates. Plus, at just $20 per person, it offers a pretty solid value considering the number of pours and the personalized approach.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a short, 45-minute seated tasting, so it’s best suited for those who want a quick, delightful break rather than a full winery tour. If you’re into wine tasting but prefer an intimate, relaxed environment without large crowds, this experience could fit the bill perfectly. It’s especially suitable for couples, small groups, or anyone who appreciates good wine with thoughtful pairings in a scenic setting.

Key Points

• Affordable and intimate: Only six guests max, creating a personal atmosphere
• Award-winning wines: Four gold medal winners, showcasing quality
• Thoughtful pairings: Wines paired with cheese and chocolate, enhancing flavor profiles
• Expert descriptions: Learn about each wine from knowledgeable guides
• Beautiful setting: Located on Conesus Lake, offering a scenic backdrop
• Ease of booking: Most bookings are made about a week in advance, with flexible hours

A Closer Look at the Experience

What’s Included in the Tasting

For just $20, you’ll get four 3-ounce pours of wine, each carefully paired with either cheese or chocolate. These are generous pours—more than enough for a true tasting—and designed to highlight the best features of each wine. The pairing is straightforward but effective: cheeses with the white and red blend, chocolates with the sweet blush and black red.

The Wines You’ll Sample

All four wines are award winners, which speaks volumes about their quality. The Conesus White, a semi-dry white, offers grape-forward notes, perfectly complemented by cheese. It’s a good starter wine for those who like something not too sweet or dry. The Runway Red, a smooth red blend with berries and black pepper notes, is described as crowd-pleasing, making it an easy-drinking option that pairs well with cheese.

Then there are the sweeter options: Pebble Beach Blush, double gold awarded, leaning into peach and melon flavors, which makes it an ideal candidate for pairing with chocolate. Finally, Max Black, the winery’s best-selling sweet red, features grape jelly notes and pairs beautifully with chocolates. These sweet reds are especially appealing for those with a sweet tooth or looking to explore dessert-style wines.

The Atmosphere and Guide

Guests have consistently praised the guides, mentioning their enthusiasm and knowledge. One review notes that the host, Hailey, “made the experience interesting and fun,” emphasizing that a friendly, personable guide enhances the tasting. Since it’s a seated event, it feels more like a social gathering than a hurried tour. It’s cozy, intimate, and perfect for conversation.

The Setting on Conesus Lake

While the tasting itself is indoors at Deer Run Winery, the location on Conesus Lake adds to the charm. You get to enjoy a peaceful, scenic view, which complements the relaxing vibe of the tasting. It’s the kind of place where you can wind down, savor good wines, and maybe even pick up a bottle or two to enjoy later.

Duration and Group Size

This experience lasts roughly 45 minutes, which makes it easy to slot into a day of sightseeing or as part of a relaxed afternoon. With a maximum of six participants, the group size ensures personalized attention, making the experience feel special without feeling commercialized. Most bookings are made about a week in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot.

The Value for Money

In comparison to larger, more commercial tasting rooms, Deer Run Winery offers a generous pour and quality wines at a very reasonable price. The reviews highlight that guests feel they get good value, especially considering the personalized service and the award-winning wines. Plus, the option to stay and enjoy a burger or other food after tasting is a bonus if you’re hungry.

A Few Downsides to Consider

While the experience is highly praised, it’s worth noting that it’s a short tasting session—45 minutes isn’t much if you’re looking for a deep dive into winemaking or a comprehensive tour. Also, it’s mostly geared toward tasting rather than a full tour or vineyard walk, so if you’re after an in-depth educational experience, this might not fully satisfy that craving.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tasting is perfect for wine lovers seeking quality at a great price in a quiet, scenic setting. It’s also well-suited for couples or small groups wanting a relaxed, intimate outing without the crowds. If you’re into food pairings, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful selection of cheeses and chocolates. Families with older children might also enjoy a quick, casual tasting, but as this is primarily an adult-focused experience, it’s best suited for travelers 21 and over.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children or service animals?
This tasting is designed for adults, and service animals are allowed, but it’s primarily an experience for those of legal drinking age. Keep that in mind if you’re traveling with kids or pets.

How long does the tasting last?
The session runs for about 45 minutes, making it a quick yet enjoyable break in your day.

How many people can join the tasting?
A maximum of 6 travelers are allowed per session, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most people book about 7 days ahead, and reservations are confirmed when you make your booking. It’s best to plan ahead to secure a spot.

What is the cost and what does it include?
It’s $20 per person, which includes four generous 3-ounce pours of wine, each paired with cheese or chocolate, plus descriptions of each wine.

Can I purchase wine after the tasting?
While not explicitly mentioned, many guests in reviews bought bottles to take home, so it’s likely available for purchase on-site.

Final Thoughts

The Deer Run Winery’s Shared Wine, Chocolate, and Cheese Tasting offers a genuine, approachable way to enjoy some of the best wines from the region, paired thoughtfully with complementary snacks. It’s a great pick for those seeking a laid-back, high-quality wine experience without the hassle or cost of larger tours. The knowledgeable guides, award-winning wines, and peaceful lakeside setting make it worth considering if you’re in the Rochester vicinity.

While it’s not a deep-dive educational experience, it’s perfect for a quick, fun, and tasty outing that leaves you with a good impression—especially if you love good wine and charming scenery. Whether you’re celebrating, on a romantic getaway, or just exploring local flavors, this tasting will likely meet or exceed your expectations.

If you appreciate quality, value, and a friendly atmosphere, this might just become a highlight of your Rochester visit.