Visiting Wineries Near Cayuga Lake, New York

Cayuga Lake, located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, is one of the finest wine regions in the eastern US. You'll also find hard cider, grappa and brandy as you venture along their wine trail, officially called the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.
Finger Lakes has been the heart of the New York wine producing region since before the Civil War. This cool-climate region has low, rolling hills covered with groves of oak, birch, hemlock and white pine trees interspersed with vineyards, all overlooking the sparkling blue water of the lakes. You'll still find relics of the 19th century like fallen down farmhouses, dilapidated barns and quaint little towns dotting the landscape.
, located in the region of upstate New York, is one of the finest wine regions in the eastern US. You'll also find hard cider, grappa and brandy as you venture along their wine trail, officially called the . has been the heart of the New York wine producing region since before the . This cool-climate region has low, rolling hills covered with groves of oak, birch, hemlock and white pine trees interspersed with vineyards, all overlooking the sparkling blue water of the lakes. You'll still find relics of the 19th century like fallen down farmhouses, dilapidated barns and quaint little towns dotting the landscape.

Winemaking in the Finger Lakes dates back to the 1820s, when a minister in Hammondsport made sacramental wine for his own parishioners. The most important single figure in the development of the region was Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian-born viticulturist who showed that European grapes, called Vinifera, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux varietals could be successfully grown in the areas. Today this region is producing an ever-growing number of wines that are gaining international prominence.

Each of the six lakes comprising the Finger Lakes region has its own wine trail, but the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail features some of the most interesting wineries and attractions. It was also the first wine trail in the state. I've also included a few sites on the wine trail that have nothing to do with wine. All of this starts in the town of Ithaca, NY.

The first attraction is not a winery at all, but a microbrewery, the Ithaca Beer Company, situated at the beginning of the wine trail on Elmira Road. Its owner, Dan Mitchell, decided to start the company because his customers at a local bar kept asking why there wasn't a locally produced beer. Now you'll find many varieties of Ithaca Beer at local restaurants as well as in some of the surrounding states. Their Apricot Wheat variety is a flavorful, fruity beer enjoyed by the younger crowd while older beer drinkers seem to prefer the Nut Brown, a dark ale with a smooth but nutty taste with a tinge of a cocoa and coffee finish. Their Gorges Smoked Porter is a seasonal brew that has proved popular. (Visit ithacabeer.com.)

Bellwether Hard Cider is also near the start of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail but also with a different twist - they produce hard cider and are one of the few cider producers in the entire country. Their cider is pale gold in color, medium-bodied, lightly sparkling and dry. It is also a little tangy, slightly yeasty with lots of apple flavor. They offer several varities of the cider, including their most popular, Liberty Cider. In the cold winter months, they sell more of the original Hard Cider which is served hot with a mixture of spices. Located about five minutes from Taughannock Falls, they provide tours and cider tastings but you must call for an appointment first. They also charge for if your group numbers fifteen persons or more. (Visit them at cidery.com for additional information.)

Some of the area wineries not only use locally grown grapes for their wine, but add other local fruits for some rather interesting flavors. Hosmer Winery, half an hour north of Ithaca, produces Sangria, a well-known Spanish drink which blends sweet red wine and citrus flavors. Many of their wines have been featured in the Wine Spectator and won numerous awards. For groups of 20 or more, they ask you make reservations. (Visit hosmerwinery.com for details.)

The Thirsty Owl Wine Company, in Ovid, is comprised of 150 acres and 2000 feet of lake frontage. In 1982, Mary Plane, the owner of the Great Western Wine Company started the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. A few years ago it was sold and became The Thirsty Owl Wine Company. They offer tours, wine tasting and a bistro and are open Thursday through Monday. (Please double check the days and hours before you go.) They also have the facilities to host your wedding or another special or corporate event. One of their specialties is an excellent dry Riesling with a hint of pineapple and lemon. (Visit them at thirstyowl.com for details.)

In Romulus, you'll find a rather unique winery, the Goose Watch Winery. It's also located along the lake and its tasting room is a carefully restored century-old barn located in the only grove of commercial chestnut trees. You can also arrive at this winery by boat as they have a dock available. Take a picnic lunch to enjoy on the deck, or buy local cheese and other delicacies, including smoked trout, at their tasting room. Pinot Noir Brut Rosé Champagne is one of their specialties along with one of the few white ports produced in the US, their Finale White Port. This year they're hosting a Chestnut Festival in late Octotber where you can purchase chestnuts along with other products like cookbooks, chestnut roasting pans and similar items.

If you prefer not to drive, there are several services featuring limos and cars that will take you to various wineries and other attractions on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Special tours are available and many include accommodations at a local B & B plus bottles of wine or champagne in special gift baskets