Experience the Finger Lakes with Chef Marcus & Jamie Guiliano

Your Soul-Shifting Wine & Culinary Journey Awaits!

September 2025

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Your Passport to Unseen Finger Lakes: Beyond the Tourist Trail

The Finger Lakes region, a jewel just a three-hour drive from the Hudson Valley, boasts over 100 wineries and is celebrated as America’s #1 wine trail by TripAdvisor. But with VIP Winery Vacations, you won’t merely visit wineries; you’ll embark on an exclusive journey to the heart of this vibrant wine country. We don’t do “tourist traps”. Instead, we open doors to the authentic spirit of the region, leveraging the deep, personal relationships Marcus and Jamie have cultivated with esteemed producers since 2003 through their renowned Aroma Thyme Bistro.

This isn’t just a tour; it’s an invitation to experience the Finger Lakes as an insider. Picture yourself greeted personally by winery owners, exploring hidden barrel rooms, and discovering boutique vineyards not typically accessible to the public. You’ll taste the passion in every glass and feel the warmth of true hospitality. This is your opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of the wine industry, guided by those who live and breathe it.

A Curated Itinerary: Your Finger Lakes Immersion with Marcus & Jamie Guiliano

  • Arrival at the Harbor Hotel: Meet us at the luxurious 4-Diamond Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, your stunning base on Seneca Lake.
  • Damiani Winery: Kick off with a tasting of bold, elegant wines from this sun-drenched vineyard.
  • Finger Lakes Distilling: Enjoy an immersive tasting of artisanal whiskeys and liqueurs, crafted the old-fashioned way.
  • Exclusive Opening Reception: Join us in our suite for a private, intimate gathering with hand-selected wines, spirits, and local foods.
  • Lakeside Breakfast: Start your day at Blu Pointe Restaurant, enjoying breakfast with stunning lake views.
  • Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard: Exclusive tasting at this pioneering vineyard, recently awarded “Winemaker of the Year.”
  • Authentic Local Lunch: Savor fresh, regional ingredients at one of our favorite local eateries.
  • Domaine LeSeurre: Explore French elegance in winemaking with Céline and Sébastien LeSeurre, bringing generations of heritage.
  • Weis Vineyards: Meet winemaker Peter Weis and experience wines blending German tradition with the Finger Lakes landscape.
  • Dinner at Graft: A culinary masterpiece awaits at one of Watkins Glen’s most sought-after farm-to-table restaurants.
  • Relaxed Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in our suite before our final day of tastings.
  • Fulkerson Winery: Discover the 200-year legacy of this family farm and taste their impressive variety of grapes.
  • Farewell Lunch at Thai Elephant: Close our incredible journey with vibrant flavors and local wines in a final celebration.