Business Details
43 Years
experience
The Ginny Lee Cafe: Dining & Events in Lodi, NY
Founded in 1983 by the late Stanley Bill Wagner, our establishment embodies a legacy of pairing exceptional cuisine with award-winning wines. Named after Bill Wagner's granddaughter, Ginny Lee, our venue has evolved into a family-operated cornerstone of the Finger Lakes region. Our executive chef, Vachel Mitchell, a Culinary Institute of America graduate with over two decades of experience, crafts menus that highlight local ingredients while complementing our estate wines and craft beers. The Ginny Lee offers a scenic dining experience overlooking Seneca Lake, with seasonal lunch service and comprehensive event hosting capabilities. Our team combines culinary expertise with personalized service to create memorable experiences for both casual diners and event guests.The venue's rustic-chic design, featuring cathedral ceilings and panoramic vineyard views, provides an inviting atmosphere year-round. As stewards of our family heritage, we maintain rigorous standards for ingredient quality, menu innovation, and guest satisfaction. Our 40-year history in wedding coordination demonstrates our commitment to flawless execution of special events. The restaurant's integration with Wagner Vineyards' wine production and Wagner Valley Brewing Co. operations creates unique opportunities for beverage pairing experiences. This vertically integrated approach ensures consistency in quality across all our offerings, from casual dining to formal events.
Services
Lunch Service
Wedding Venue
Private Events
Catering
Wine Pairing
Group Reservations
Gift Certificates
Tour Group Dining
Event Planning
Seasonal Menus
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1983 with generational hospitality expertise
- Culinary Institute-trained chef with 20+ years of local cuisine experience
- Scenic vineyard venue with 200-guest capacity and weather contingency plans
- Integrated wine production and kitchen operations for perfect pairings
- Dedicated event coordinator with 40+ years of wedding planning experience
Services
Lunch Service
Our daily lunch service features seasonal menus crafted with fresh local ingredients. Guests enjoy panoramic views of Seneca Lake and our vineyards while dining. The menu showcases wine and beer pairings with each dish, highlighting our estate wines and Wagner Valley Brewing Co. offerings.
Wedding Venue
The Ginny Lee provides a picturesque setting for weddings with vineyard and lake views. Our venue accommodates up to 200 guests with both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. Full-service coordination includes menu customization, decor setup, and inclement weather contingency plans.
Private Events
We host corporate events, award ceremonies, and special celebrations with customized catering options. The space features climate-controlled interiors and scenic outdoor decks. Our team provides comprehensive planning services including vendor coordination and menu development.
Catering
Our catering services feature menus designed by a Culinary Institute of America graduate. Options include buffet and plated meals with dietary accommodations available. Dishes emphasize local ingredients and pair with our award-winning wines and craft beers.
Wine Pairing
The restaurant offers curated wine and beer pairings with each menu item. Our selection includes 30 estate wines and seasonal craft brews. The pairing program highlights complementary flavor profiles to enhance dining experiences.
People
Virginia Ginny Lee
Event Planner / Coordinator
Ginny Lee, granddaughter of founder Bill Wagner, has managed the venue since her teens. She brings decades of hands-on experience in all aspects of vineyard operations to her role, specializing in creating personalized event experiences while maintaining family traditions.
Vachel Mitchell
Executive Chef
Chef Vachel Mitchell, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, has led our kitchen since 2003. His expertise in French and American cuisines combines with local ingredient knowledge to create distinctive menus that complement our wines and beers.
Questions
What are your lunch service hours?
We serve lunch daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM during summer and early fall seasons.
Can I host a wedding ceremony outdoors?
Yes, we offer scenic outdoor ceremonies with a pergola overlooking the vineyards, plus indoor backup options.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, our chefs prepare individualized meals for guests with dietary needs at all our events.
What is your maximum event capacity?
Our venue accommodates up to 200 guests for wedding receptions and private events.
Are wine pairings included with meals?
Our menus feature suggested wine and beer pairings with each dish selection.
Do you allow outside vendors?
We provide preferred vendor recommendations but work with outside vendors meeting our requirements.
