Cayuga Lake Wineries
Exploring the Wineries of Cayuga Lake: A Sip of the Finger Lakes' Finest
Cayuga Lake, one of the most picturesque of the Finger Lakes in upstate New York, is home to some of the region’s best wineries. With its cool-climate wines, rolling vineyards, and stunning lake views, Cayuga Lake provides a perfect setting for wine lovers. The wineries along its shores offer diverse tasting experiences, each one showcasing the region’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions. From big, bold reds to crisp whites and sweet dessert wines, there’s something to suit every palate on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
A Rich Winemaking Tradition
The fertile soil, cool climate, and deep waters of Cayuga Lake help to create the perfect environment for grape growing. The lake's microclimate helps protect vines from extreme weather, making it ideal for growing a variety of grapes, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. This unique combination has established Cayuga Lake as a prominent wine region, drawing wine enthusiasts from near and far.
Must-Visit Wineries on Cayuga Lake
Sheldrake Point Winery
Known for: Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Located on the western shore, Sheldrake Point is celebrated for its award-winning Rieslings and Merlots. The stunning lakefront setting offers visitors a chance to sip world-class wines while enjoying panoramic views of Cayuga Lake. Don’t miss their Late Harvest Riesling, a sweet wine that perfectly captures the region's cold-climate charm.Treleaven Wines
Known for: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Dry Rosé
Treleaven Wines offers a casual and friendly atmosphere where live music and food trucks often accompany wine tastings. Their Chardonnay is a standout, with a balance of oak and stainless steel aging that creates a smooth, rich flavor. Treleaven’s laid-back vibe makes it an ideal stop for families and friends looking to relax and enjoy great wine.Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant
Known for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Vidal Blanc, Limoncello
Knapp Winery is a must for those who love both wine and food. With a farm-to-table restaurant on-site, visitors can indulge in gourmet dishes paired with estate wines. Their Vidal Blanc and Limoncello are favorites, and the experience of dining among the vines makes this stop truly memorable.Hosmer Winery
Known for: Dry Rosé, Rkatsiteli, Ice Wines
A family-owned winery with a focus on sustainability, Hosmer offers a broad variety of wines, from their crisp Rieslings to their unique Rkatsiteli, an ancient grape with Eastern European origins. The winery is particularly noted for its Ice Wines, a specialty of the Finger Lakes region, where grapes freeze naturally on the vine.Buttonwood Grove Winery
Known for: Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer
Offering rustic log cabins for overnight stays and live music events in the summer, Buttonwood Grove is an immersive wine destination. Their signature Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir are must-tries, and their picturesque property provides a relaxing escape, whether you’re staying the night or just stopping by for a tasting.Lucas Vineyards
Known for: Seyval Blanc, Nautie Wines, Cabernet Franc
As one of the oldest wineries on Cayuga Lake, Lucas Vineyards combines a rich history with fun, approachable wines. Their Nautie series offers light, easy-drinking options, perfect for casual sippers, while their Cabernet Franc and Seyval Blanc offer more depth for those looking to explore.Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Known for: Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay
With one of the most scenic tasting rooms on Cayuga Lake, Thirsty Owl’s vineyard stretches over 150 acres, producing some of the region's top wines. Their Riesling and Pinot Noir have garnered numerous awards, making this winery a popular stop for serious wine lovers. Enjoy a glass on their outdoor patio overlooking the lake.Quarry Ridge Winery
Known for: Dry Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc
Quarry Ridge Winery is a small, boutique winery known for producing high-quality, handcrafted wines. Set just off the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, it offers a more intimate experience compared to some of the larger wineries in the region. Their Dry Riesling and Chardonnay are particularly popular, reflecting the region's signature crisp, cool-climate style. Quarry Ridge’s Cabernet Franc is another highlight, offering rich flavors and smooth tannins, making it a great option for red wine lovers.Six Mile Creek Vineyard
Known for: Sauvignon Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Merlot
Located near Ithaca, at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Six Mile Creek offers a relaxing and scenic vineyard experience. Their Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot are crowd favorites, but the vineyard also produces small batches of artisanal spirits, making it a unique stop on the wine trail.Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery
Known for: Mead, Cranberry Bog, Wild Blossom Honey Wine
Montezuma is known for its fruit wines and meads, a different take from the traditional grape wines of the Finger Lakes. Their Cranberry Bog wine is tart and refreshing, while their Wild Blossom Honey Wine captures the essence of Finger Lakes beekeeping.Americana Vineyards & Winery
Known for: Cayuga White, Baco Noir, Gewürztraminer
Americana Vineyards is known for its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and award-winning wines. Their Cayuga White and Baco Noir are local favorites, and their sprawling grounds frequently host live music and festivals, making it a fun and lively stop.Long Point Winery
Known for: Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah
Long Point Winery sits high above Cayuga Lake’s eastern shore and is known for its rich, bold reds. Their Merlot and Syrah are particularly popular, offering a deeper, more robust wine tasting experience. The winery’s intimate tasting room provides personalized service and stunning views of the lake.Goose Watch Winery
Known for: Traminette, Viognier, Pinot Grigio
Specializing in rare grape varietals, Goose Watch offers a unique tasting experience for wine enthusiasts. Their Traminette and Viognier stand out for their aromatic profiles, and their Pinot Grigio is a crisp, refreshing choice for those who prefer light, dry whites.
A Complete Wine Experience
Beyond just wine, many of these wineries also offer local artisan food, craft beers, and spirits, creating a well-rounded Finger Lakes experience. Whether you’re touring for a day or spending the weekend, you’ll find that Cayuga Lake’s wineries are as diverse as they are delightful, each offering something special — from sweeping lake views to cozy tastings and family-friendly festivals.
Final Tips for Your Visit
Plan your route: With over a dozen wineries, it’s helpful to map out your day, balancing stops at your favorite spots with a few new discoveries.
Try something different: Whether it’s a unique varietal or a fruit wine, Cayuga Lake’s wineries offer plenty of options outside the standard reds and whites.
Make it a weekend: With so much to explore, consider extending your trip by staying at one of the many bed-and-breakfasts, inns, or winery cabins in the area.
Cayuga Lake’s wineries provide a rich tapestry of flavors, experiences, and scenic beauty. From the award-winning Rieslings to the bold reds, the wine trail offers a little something for everyone. So grab a glass, take in the views, and enjoy a memorable sip of the Finger Lakes' finest wines.
