Top Places to Sip & Sample Wine In & Near Saratoga Springs, NY
Sip Your Way Through the Best Wineries, Restaurants & Wine Bars
If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, or simply like to indulge in a nice glass of red or white with dinner, Saratoga is the place for you! Below, we've broken out wineries, vineyards, restaurants with great wine, and wine bars located throughout Saratoga County.
Top Wineries & Vineyards in the Saratoga Springs Area
Saratoga County is home to several reputable wineries and vineyards. Check out individual businesses for details on tastings and visiting in person, and to see where you can buy their products locally.
Most have a section on their website on where to find their wines, at places like the Saratoga Farmers Market, Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor, and other area stores and restaurants, or you might be able to purchase online.
Galway Rock Vineyard & Winery: From Two-Car Garage to Tasting Room
What started out as a winery in Galway that essentially operated out of a garage is now a winery, vineyard, and tasting room in Ballston Lake, 20 to 25 minutes from Saratoga Springs.
Galway Rock Vineyard & Winery carries wines made in the Finger Lakes region, Long Island, as well as their own Saratoga Sparkling Co. wines.
The tasting room is sleek and elegant, with artfully stacked wine bottles, and decorative barrels. In warm weather, there’s plenty of space to relax on their spacious patio that offers mountain views.
- The vibe: Quiet, scenic, and off-the-beaten-path
- Best for: A relaxed afternoon drive just outside Saratoga
- What stands out: Estate-grown grapes and small-batch wines
The Saratoga Winery: Make It Melomel
The Saratoga Winery is a prime spot to sit and sip. They’re located on Route 29, four miles west of downtown Saratoga Springs, on a spacious piece of land with a gorgeous outdoor patio and a rustic, indoor space that gives a nod to the Adirondacks.
They are almost as well-known for their wood-fired pizzas, live music on the patios, and mimosa-filled brunches as they are for their fabulous wine. Their wines are primarily made from hand-selected grapes in the Finger Lakes region, and they specialize in Melomel wine - all-natural wine made from 12% local honey and 88% grapes.
- Scene: Energetic and social, often with live music
- Best bet: Group gatherings or a fun weekend stop
- Pair it with: Wood-fired pizza or small bites from the kitchen
Fossil Stone Farms: It All Comes Down to the Grapes
Fossil Stone Farms is located in Greenfield Center, 10 minutes outside Saratoga Springs. This historic farm dates back to 1802 and originally lended itself to horses back when it was known as Carver Farm.
Horses still live at Fossil Stone Farms today, although their primary crop now is grapes, specifically three different kinds: Marquette, La Crescent, and Petite Pearl. They host tastings on the farm, and you can also find their wines at local stores like Purdy's in Saratoga Springs.
- Setting: Rustic farm winery with wide-open countryside views
- Great for: A laid-back outing that feels removed from the crowds
- Good to know: A unique stop if you want something more off-the-beaten-path
Fan-Favorite Restaurants With Wine in Saratoga
How can you tell if a restaurant has great wine? We went by three criteria to determine the best restaurants with great wine in Saratoga County:
1) Favorable reviews mentioning the wine or wine list, 2) A robust, but not overly long or complex wine list that encompasses wine from different regions, and 3) Wine offerings that fall in line with the vision and feel of the restaurant.
15 Church: Old World Charm Meets Modern Sophistication
While many frequent 15 Church for dishes like Chilean sea bass and filet mignon, wine lovers of the Spa City know this is a must-visit place for reds and whites as well.
Their wine list is divided into Old World White Wines, Old World Red Wines, and you’ll find offerings from California, Oregon, France, Italy, and Spain.
- The vibe: Upscale without feeling overdone
- Best for: Celebrating a special occasion downtown
- Don’t miss: Letting the staff guide your wine pairing
Boca Bistro: Try Terrific Tapas With Your Wine
As Boca Bistro is a Spanish tapas restaurant, it’s no surprise that the wine list has a strong focus on Spanish wines, specifically from Rioja, a well-known wine region in Spain. However, the list does span around the world for other offerings from Napa, California, and Piedmont, Italy.
Boca Bistro’s wine list includes the bin numbers, an indication of a well-thought out, organized wine list; bin numbers refer to the storage area of the cellar where the wine is kept.
- Energy: Bustling and vibrant with a Spanish-inspired flair
- Go for: Sharing plates and exploring different wines
- Order alongside: Tapas and a glass (or two) to mix and match flavors
Wheatfields: Pair Your Wine With Prime Pasta
Wheatfields has two locations within the county, in Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park. This restaurant’s claim to fame is making their own fresh pasta daily, but if you scour Google reviews, you’ll see that pasta lovers can also be wine enthusiasts.
“A strong selection of local beers and a huge wine list was coupled with the waiter’s vast knowledge of offerings, and made for excellent drinking with dinner,” said one customer.
- Local reputation: A longtime Saratoga staple
- Great choice for: Comforting Italian dishes with classic wine pairings
- Regulars love: A reliable, familiar dining experience that delivers every time
Next Door Kitchen & Bar: Wine Flight, Anyone?
Next Door Kitchen & Bar is one of the top restaurants in Ballston Spa, and not just because of the food. Their wine list includes wine from the usual areas of California, France, and Italy, but also New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Argentina, and Washington State.
This restaurant allows diners to sample the wine via a wine flight, and their menu also indicates wine that has been produced using sustainable practices.
- Feel: Modern, casual, and easy to settle into
- Works well for: A relaxed dinner with a thoughtfully curated wine list
- Keep in mind: A solid downtown option when you want quality without formality
Taverna Novo: For the Italian Wine Lovers
As an authentic Italian restaurant, Taverna Novo has a preference for unique Italian wines, but they offer an ever-changing, always exciting wine list. They pride themselves on providing wine options at every price point on their carefully curated wine list.
Taverna Novo also hosts private wine classes with the restaurant owner, who happens to be a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW).
- Dining style: Mediterranean-inspired with a cozy, intimate feel
- Best enjoyed: Over a slower-paced meal with friends or a date
- Nice pairing: A glass of wine that complements their fresh, flavorful dishes
Top Saratoga Area Wine Bars for an Evening Out
A wine bar is a tavern-like restaurant that focuses on selling wine rather than beer, typically with a lot of options for wine by the glass.
Here, you might be more likely to taste the wine before buying, and the menu will likely have satisfactory small plate options.
Bocage Champagne Bar: A Sparkling Twist to Saratoga’s Wine Scene
Bocage Champagne Bar adds a refined yet welcoming touch to Saratoga Springs’ wine scene. Located in the heart of downtown, this intimate spot specializes in champagne and sparkling wines from around the world, alongside a thoughtfully curated selection of still wines.
It’s an ideal stop when you’re looking to elevate your evening, whether you’re kicking off a night out or winding down after dinner.
Inside, you’ll find a cozy, stylish atmosphere that feels both relaxed and polished. Knowledgeable staff can guide you through different pours, making it easy to discover something new or revisit a favorite.
Bocage is especially well-suited for date nights, celebrations, or small group gatherings where the focus is on savoring each sip.
- Mood: Intimate and elevated without feeling stuffy
- Perfect stop for: Date nights or kicking off an evening downtown
- Sip suggestion: A champagne or sparkling flight to explore different styles
Thirsty Owl Saratoga: A Wise Choice for Wine Connoisseurs
Try five wines for $5 at The Thirsty Owl, where they have raved-about cheese boards to pair with your beverage. This is the perfect place to do a tasting before dinner, and it’s easy to shop for what you like - they even have a small area with merchandise and gift items.
They also host wine and food pairings, and have a wine club!
The Thirsty Owl offers wines that reflect the Finger Lakes region, and they produce some of the area’s only Malbec and Syrah. When it comes to the food, patrons love the seafood chowder and the shrimp mac-n-cheese.
- Experience: Winery meets restaurant with a casual feel
- Nice option for: Pairing New York wines with a unique appetizer
- Try this: Sampling their house wines alongside your dish
The Wine Bar: Dozens of Wines & a Classy Vibe
With a name like “The Wine Bar” you know what you’re getting! The Wine Bar in Saratoga Springs has an extensive wine list with 50 different wines, and the option to purchase a half bottle.
In addition to a full bar with whatever else you could need, they’re one of the only places in the area with a (separate) smoking lounge.
Stay for a full meal or opt for a small plate, and sit and soak in the atmosphere. They have great pizza and gourmet cheeses that perfectly complement the wine.
- Setting: Cozy and relaxed, easy for lingering conversations
- Good fit for: Casual meetups or a low-key night out
- Worth noting: A rotating selection that keeps things fresh each visit
Antipasto’s: For the Vegetarian Wine Lovers
Located in Clifton Park, Antipasto’s is a Mediterranean bistro and wine bar that concentrates on vegetarian dishes, although many a meat lover has dined here happily. Their large salads and gourmet pizzas in particular are raved about.
When it comes to the wine, their wine list is divided into House, American, Imported, and Specialty, with the latter including champagne, dessert wines, and cider. Google reviews include comments like, “Famous for wines,” “Incredible wine selection,” and “Best Italian fare, wine list, and crowd in Upstate New York.”
- Hidden gem: A quieter spot with a loyal local following
- Come here for: Traditional Italian fare and a relaxed meal
- What to expect: A no-rush atmosphere that pairs well with a good bottle
Your Saratoga Wine Journey Awaits
Saratoga County offers a premier destination for wine enthusiasts, blending historic charm with modern tasting experiences. From the rustic appeal of local vineyards and estate-grown grapes to the sophisticated wine lists of downtown eateries and specialized champagne bars, there is a perfect pour for every palate.
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