Wine Tours of Upstate New York - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

It may not be Napa or the lush valleys of Italy, but the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York is known for its unique wine making properties. The Finger Lakes are a chain of glacier lakes; as glaciers slowly moved across the state of New York, they modified the land where several streams and smaller lakes resided. While the glaciers did have some impact on forming these lakes, the most significant aspect of the glaciers retreating was the deposits that were left behind. These deposits dammed the valleys which led to the impounding of water. The unique properties of the lakes, and the land surrounding, make them perfect for growing and cultivating grapes.

The Finger Lakes are New York's largest wine producing region and are the second largest in the United States with Napa Valley in California at the number one spot. While there are 7 large lakes and many other smaller lakes that make up the Finger Lakes, the 100 plus wineries in the Finger Lakes region mainly reside around Seneca, Canandaigua, Cayuga and Keuka lakes. Because of the great depth of these four lakes, they provide a lake effect for the many vineyards that line their shores. By retaining residual summer warmth in the winter and winter cold in the spring, these lakes protect the grapes from disastrous spring frost during the grape formation and early frost before the fall harvest.

Whether you are seasoned wine taster or are looking to plan your first trip to the Finger Lakes, there's no better place to visit than Keuka Lake. Keuka Lake is very unusual for a finger lake because it is Y shaped instead of long and narrow. Because of this unique shape, it was referred to in the past as Crooked Lake. The smallest of the four grape growing lakes, Keuka Lake is about 20 miles from end to end and ranges anywhere from about a half a mile to two miles in width.

Because Keuka Lake is the smallest lake, it does have the least amount of wineries surrounding it; however, it boasts the perfect amount for a full weekend getaway. Keuka Lake has 13 different wineries and all have unique qualities that make them fun and interesting to visit. The wineries surrounding Keuka Lake include: Hunt Country Vineyards, Konstantin D Frank & Sons Vinifera Wine Cellars, Heron Hill Winery, Bully Hill Vineyards, Pleasant Valley Wine Company, Chateau Renaissance Wine Cellars, Keuka Springs Vineyards, Rooster Hill Vineyards, Barrington Cellars, Keuka Overlook Cellars, Crooked Lake Winery, McGregor Vineyards Winery and Ravines Wine Cellars.

For first timers to Keuka Lake, the best thing you can do is follow the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. 9 of these 13 wineries make up the Keuka Lake Wine Trail and this diverse group of wineries boasts the many different attributes of this unique land. Follow the map to the many different wineries, join the wine club and enjoy 10% off of all of your purchases at the Keuka Lake Wine Trail wineries! If you are staying for the weekend, check out the many bed and breakfasts located around Keuka Lake. At the top of the lake resides the town of Penn Yan and at the bottom is the town of Hammondsport. Both have many shops, restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts and many activities that are perfect for that weekend getaway.

For all of your Upstate New York Wine Tour needs, there's no better place to visit than the Finger Lakes Wine Country website. This is a great online source for information about all of the Finger Lakes. It will give interested individuals information on wineries, accommodations, restaurants and other activities. It can also help you find great travel packages and exclusive wine tours that will give you an inside look at many of the fantastic wineries that reside in the Finger Lakes. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York are a great place to visit.

Sources:

Finger Lakes. Wikipedia.org

Keuka Lake. Wikipedia.org

Keuka Lake Map. New York Wines.org