Tabora Farm & Winery — Restaurant in Town of Starkey

Wonderful experience. Stopped in for a quick sampling, ended up chatting with fellow patrons, one of which was the winemaker from another local establishment who was happy to further my education on the wine making sciences. His presence then brought out the winemaker, let's say artist, and I was further indulged my curiosities and interest as new questions popped up and I listened to the Teo wine makers reflect on past, present, and future development of the local Arora (Aurora?) grapes and how to harness all they have to offer through the varying annual seasonal yields under different climate or harvesting methods. Upon arrival I told the warm woman behind the bar a out 3 pieces of information, what my taste was, that I was celebrating a personal independence milestone 1 yr anniversary of sorts, and some of my struggles ran into regarding my current life circumstances and trying to fit into one of the surrounding areas starting fresh on my own. For what should have been maybe 4 samples, on top of the welcome wine, I was treated to every dry white they had to my puckering sour lover's delight! They are truly passionate, warm, and knowledgeable about wine and working in the business of people, and it shows. We cheered my victory and like an old friend she offered personal advice and intel on my recent hurdles. Though not a local, she celebrated the riches the micro climate and her establishment has to offer because they had a-plenty to my taste and I honestly couldn't nail down a favorite! When the winemaker came out to say hello and converse with the other maker, I was in the right place at the right time! By proxy I was able to sample from barrels not yet bottled or even stopped in their fermenting from 2023, including one we somehow twisted his arm to break into that he hadn't even tasted himself yet! Farm to table indeed! The artist, the scientist, and the bartender in me were lit up with joy. Not a penny over my originally ordered tasting was charged nor expected in return for the luxury full tour of their dry whites all on point with what I enjoy subjectively. They seriously know what they're doing at this place. AND the backstage VIP experience to be able to hob-knob with the maker, nerding out on the chem, bio, and agriculture, while learning a bit about his journey and what kinds of training it takes to be a winemaker, and what their role is in the business. I can't rave enough about this winery and how great they are on every facet from my customer experience, the staff attitude and over the top amazing service, the product which speaks for itself, the rustic spacious bar/tasting/seating building's aesthetic, scenery and setting itself (it even rained suddenly while I was there which was like music on the *literal tin roof portion), very clean from the parking lot to the restrooms, educational material to browse inside and adorable items on display to purchase for area souvenirs along with their wines. Follow that sign and get off the main road, once in a while off the beaten path you'll find a gem! This was absolutely one of those instances, and next big paycheck I'm ordering one or two, maybe three of their delicious...

This review is not so much about the winery as it is about one of its staff members. The winery was great. Unique atmosphere, good food, tasty wine-- the works. 5/5 stars for the actual winery.

This review is about Jean--the employee tasked with serving my bridesmaids and myself our wine tasting during my bachelorette weekend. It was our 3rd stop of the day and, all being over 30 and physically unable to go "wild and crazy" because, let's be honest, hangovers are real and last way longer than they used to, we were in good spirits and quite subdued in our behaviors considering what most peoples' minds jump to when they hear "bachelorette party". We walked over to our bar area and were provided with tasting menus. Jean came out with a red and a white option but didn't indicate what wines they were. I, the bride and assuming she was just going down the menu list in order, asked for the white option listed first on the menu. It was then that Jean became so incredibly condescending to me because I wasn't ordering one of the wines she had in her hands, yet she had never told us what those wines were (fun fact: the wines she brought were nowhere on the tasting menu and were just random wines she brought over for only God knows why).

Here are some direct quotes of Jean's demeanor toward me: "Honey, let me break it down for you", "Sweetie, that's not the wine we're offering", "Oh honey, do you need help reading the menu?" and, my personal favorite, "Sweetheart, let me explain it in a simpler manner you might actually understand".

SO Jean, sweetheart, because you were such a condescending, arrogant and just an all around unpleasant human, I 10/10 will not be going back to this winery, recommending it to friends, and will most likely tell anyone I meet who plans on going to this winery that story as a means of convincing them not to because, let's face it, no one deserves to talked down to, especially not the BRIDE on her...

This hidden gem is a must visit along the Finger Lakes wine route.

My family and I were in need of a mid day snack and just so happened to stop in at the Tabora Farm and Winery - it was a pleasant and much needed surprise!

Tabora shines with its scratch-made baked goods and deli offerings, rooted in family recipes and baked daily. Think flaky pastries, comforting quiches, and inventive treats alongside vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Their sandwiches, salads, and ready-to-eat meals are incredibly flavorful with a gourmet touch.

The relaxed, homey atmosphere is enhanced by genuinely warm service, especially from Megin and Sherri who walked us through the menu and made us feel like we were in our home kitchen. Their smiles, thoughtful recommendations, and easygoing hospitality make you feel like an old friend dropping in.

The Cape Dutch–style building itself sets the perfect scene, cozy and charming, with inviting indoor and outdoor seating options.

Whether you’re biting into a buttery croissant with coffee or indulging with family over a deli platter, Tabora brings flavor, friendliness, and Finger Lakes character together...