Once Finger Lakes Celebrates 5 Years

Once Finger Lakes Celebrates 5-Year Milestone: Evolving While Staying True to Core Values
Penn Yan, April 5, 2025 – Once (OHN-say) Finger Lakes, a beloved local establishment that has become a cornerstone of the Finger Lakes region, is excited to celebrate its 5-year anniversary! From its beginnings as a "Regional Wine Tasting Room" offering selections from 9 upscale wineries to its current evolution as a "Regional Tasting Bar & Shop" with a wider range of local craft offerings, the business has remained dedicated to showcasing the best of the region.

Since opening its doors five years ago, Once has expanded its offerings significantly, now featuring wines from 18 upscale wineries, alongside 12 local craft breweries and cideries, and 6 local distilleries. This evolution reflects a shift from focusing solely on wine to embracing a wider spectrum of craft beverages, all while maintaining the same core mission: to offer a curated, high-quality tasting experience in a welcoming environment. The name change from "Tasting Room" to "Tasting Bar" reflects this expanded focus and more dynamic experience.

“We’re proud to have grown into something more than just a wine tasting room,” said Antonio Arias, owner of Once. “Our mission has always been to showcase the very best of the Finger Lakes, and while our offerings have expanded, our commitment to quality, community, and exceptional customer service remains unchanged. It's been an incredible journey, and we're excited for what's to come.”

Today, guests can enjoy tastings of nearly 40 wines, 12 beers and ciders, and flights of local spirits. The relaxed atmosphere invites visitors to connect with friends and family while exploring new tastes. The curated food menu, once focused solely on local cheeses and charcuterie, now includes a wider variety of delicious offerings to complement the beverages.

As a part of this year’s expansion, Once is thrilled to announce a partnership with La Monarka Mexican Food Truck, bringing their signature tacos to the tasting bar. Additionally, the business will host live “Feel Good” music every Friday from Memorial Day through mid-October, ensuring guests can enjoy great tunes alongside great drinks.
Looking forward, Once will also launch two exciting initiatives:

• Community Fundraisers: The business will host a series of fundraisers throughout the season to give back to the local community.
• Community Rewards Program: A special rewards program for local residents, offering discounts every day!

Since opening, Once has been a proud member of the Yates County Chamber of Commerce, actively supporting and engaging with fellow businesses to strengthen the Finger Lakes community.  “Our unquestionable focus on quality is still the same as the day we opened. We might have expanded to other categories beyond wine, but regardless of the product, guests can feel confident that they are trying some of the best the Finger Lakes has to offer,” said Arias. “Our exceptional customer service will always be our guiding star, and we’re so grateful for the continued support we’ve received from the local community and our visitors.”

With a remarkable 4.9-star rating on Google and loyal customers returning time and again, Once continues to shine as a top destination for both locals and tourists alike.

As Once celebrates its 5-year milestone, the team looks forward to welcoming even more guests and continuing to grow alongside the vibrant Finger Lakes community.
For more information, please visit www.oncefingerlakes.com or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Contact:
Jody Tyler
Yates County Chamber of Commerce
jody@yatesny.com
315.536.3111