6 Best Wineries Near Aurora, NY on Cayuga Lake’s East Side

ByLaura Wine Destinations

If you’re planning a Finger Lakes wine trip, the wineries near Aurora, NY are worth building your itinerary around. Wine Enthusiast named the Finger Lakes its 2025 American Wine Region of the Year, and Cayuga Lake’s east side is one of the best places to experience it.

Many visitors only see Cayuga’s west side, along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. But the east side is a destination in its own right. It’s home to the best Pinot Noir I’ve had in the Finger Lakes, a luxury lakeside inn spread across restored historic buildings, boat tours to wineries, and fantastic food, from a chef’s table dinner to farm-to-table meals.

I’ve explored all of the Finger Lakes’ AVAs and wine trails over several trips. When I first visited Cayuga in 2024, a few of my top picks on the whole lake were on the east side. So this trip, I came back and spent a week here, revisiting favorites and discovering new ones.

As a certified wine expert who’s tasted my way around the region, I put together this guide to my favorite wineries near Aurora. Plus, tips on how to get around, what to eat, and where to stay so you can make the most of your trip.

Thanks to Tour Cayuga for hosting me. All recommendations and opinions in this guide are entirely my own.

Rows of grapevines in the foreground at Quarry Ridge Winery, with the timber-framed covered patio on the right and Cayuga Lake in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Wine Tasting on Cayuga Lake’s East Side

The wineries on Cayuga’s east side are spread out between the village of Cayuga in the north and King Ferry in the south. A car is the easiest way to get around, but there are options for reaching the wineries by shuttle and even by boat.

I recommend two or three wineries per day, so you can cover most of them over a weekend. Some spots take walk-ins, but it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially for groups or on summer weekends.

If you’re planning more wine tasting in the Finger Lakes, check out my guides to Seneca Lake wineries, Keuka Lake wineries, and Canandaigua Lake wineries. Or start with my Finger Lakes wine region guide.

Heart & Hands Wine Company

The cream farmhouse at Heart & Hands Wine Company, with a gambrel roof, a wooden pergola over the front door, and a stone path winding through flowering gardens.

Heart & Hands is the reason I was so excited to return to this side of Cayuga Lake. Not only do they make the best Pinot Noir I’ve had in the Finger Lakes, but the rest of their wines are just as worth tasting.

Tom and Susan Higgins run this small, estate-focused winery. Inspired by Tom’s time in Burgundy, they went looking for limestone soil to grow Pinot Noir. They found it here on the east side of Cayuga Lake, and planted the first vines in 2010.

Tastings take place in the indoor tasting room or the small outdoor patio during warmer months. The intimate experience is educational without feeling overly technical. On my second visit, I also got to walk the vineyard with Susan, who explained the different grape plantings and how they manage the vines in the Finger Lakes climate.

While Pinot Noir is the star, I love that they aren’t afraid to experiment with less-common cool-climate grape varieties like Aligoté, Pinot Auxerrois, and Arvine. Every visit, I’ve discovered something new. And it’s the first place I’d send a friend on Cayuga’s east side.

A stemless glass of white wine etched "Heart & Hands Wine Company" on an outdoor table, with the cream farmhouse behind it.
Black metal bar stools around high-top tables on a flagstone patio at Heart & Hands, with a wooden privacy fence, a patio heater, and lavender and small pumpkins in the foreground.
Susan Higgins standing between rows of netted grapevines at Heart & Hands, pointing to a printed sheet she's holding.
  • Wines to Try: The Estate Pinot Noir is a must-try, and I also love the Nutt Road Pinot Noir Reserve, with its lively cherry fruit and earthy notes. On my first visit, the Dry Riesling stood out for its concentrated fruit, while the Estate Riesling had lovely floral notes. I especially loved discovering Arvine on my latest visit. This Swiss grape makes a bright, citrusy wine, with a salty minerality on the finish.
  • Visiting Tips: Reservations are recommended for tastings. Walk-ins for groups of one to four may be accommodated if space allows, but I’d book ahead to avoid disappointment. Grazing plates are available if you’d like something to snack on. On summer weekends, you can also book a UTV vineyard tour led by Susan.

Heart & Hands Wine Company, 4162 State Route 90, Union Springs, NY

Quarry Ridge Winery

The timber-framed covered patio at Quarry Ridge Winery, lined with Adirondack and dining chairs, above a bank of pink hydrangeas and a low stone wall.

At Quarry Ridge, you get the best of both worlds: excellent Finger Lakes wines and a tasting room with stunning views over the vineyard to Cayuga Lake.

The Cuthbert family planted the first vines here in 2018, with help from Matt and Carre Doyle, who manage vineyards across the Finger Lakes. The Doyles took over the winery in 2025, and Andrew Cuthbert has stayed on as winemaker.

Inside, the tasting room has cathedral wood ceilings and a big central bar. On cooler days, grab a spot in the comfy leather armchairs by the windows, looking out at the lake. But for the best seats, head out to the wraparound deck, lined with firepit tables and rocking Adirondack chairs.

On my visit, Andrew took us behind the scenes to explain their winemaking process, while we sampled their traditional-method sparkling wine. I also got to chat with Matt and Carre about their plans for Quarry Ridge. They’ve added food, live music, and expanded hours to make it a place where visitors will want to settle in and spend an afternoon.

A tasting flight of three white wines and one red in small carafes on a wooden paddle at Quarry Ridge, with a glass of white wine and leather armchairs behind.
Two wooden rocking chairs and a small table under the covered patio at Quarry Ridge, facing the vineyard and Cayuga Lake.
Matt and Carre Doyle standing arm in arm in a grassy row between grapevines at Quarry Ridge.
  • Wines to Try: I particularly enjoyed the white wines here. The Cask Riesling was one of my favorites, made in barrel for a softer style, but still retaining its minerality and bright citrus notes. I also loved the Unoaked Chardonnay, packed with apple and pear. For reds, try the Cabernet Franc. I preferred the oaked version over the unoaked, with its dark fruit and savory, spicy edge.
  • Visiting Tips: Reservations are required for groups of eight or more. Customize a tasting flight by choosing any four wines. You can also book a guided vineyard and cellar tour for a closer look at the winemaking process. Check the winery’s schedule for seasonal live music and wine dinners.

Quarry Ridge Winery, 4242 State Route 90, Union Springs, NY

Don’t Plan a Wine Trip Without This Checklist

After years of planning wine trips around the world, I created the checklist I wish I’d had from the start. It walks you through exactly what to do and when, from early research to week-of to-dos, so planning your trip feels simple instead of stressful.

    Graphic featuring a wine trip planning checklist. The left side shows a timeline of when steps should be completed, and the right side displays a checklist.

    Bright Leaf Vineyard

    The covered patio on the side of the blue barn at Bright Leaf Vineyard, with wine barrels and stools, and the lake beyond the lawn.

    If you’re looking for a Finger Lakes winery with exceptional red wines and plenty of space to relax with a view, put Bright Leaf on your list.

    Mike Wilson is a retired physician from Boston who got his start making wine in his garage. He and his wife Donna bought this former beef farm in 2012 and planted the first vines two years later. An old limestone quarry splits the vineyard in two, with the reds planted closer to the lake where it’s warmer.

    The property is on a hill, with a large lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs that look out over the lake. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a flight and one of their Roman-style pizzas. On my visit, we tasted inside at one of the long wooden tables, next to a crackling fire and big windows facing the lake.

    Mike is friendly and down-to-earth, and we chatted about our Boston connection. He’s a big believer in Finger Lakes reds, which he sees as food-friendly and easy to drink. He even had us blind taste his wines against other Finger Lakes producers, and Bright Leaf’s wines more than held their own.

    A tasting flight of one white and three red wines in small carafes on a wooden paddle atop a barrel at Bright Leaf Vineyard, with red Adirondack chairs and Cayuga Lake in the distance.
    Mike Wilson holding a bottle of Bright Leaf wine on the lawn, with Cayuga Lake and the far shore behind him.
    Two white Adirondack chairs and a small folding table under the covered patio at Bright Leaf Vineyard, looking out over picnic tables to Cayuga Lake.
    • Wines to Try: For me, the reds are where Bright Leaf really shines. Both the 2023 and 2020 Merlot were beautiful. I’ve also tried their Cabernet Sauvignon, and it was one of the best I’ve had in the Finger Lakes, with bright blackberry and a hint of vanilla. And don’t miss the Éclair Cuvée Brut, a delicious traditional method sparkler.
    • Visiting Tips: Book a tasting online, or call ahead for groups larger than six. They also offer a wine and local chocolate pairing, pizza, and cheese and charcuterie boards. Check their calendar for Friday music nights and food trucks.

    Bright Leaf Vineyard, 1250 Clearview Road, King Ferry, NY

    Treleaven Wines

    The open-sided timber pavilion at Treleaven Wines, with an arched window in the gable, string lights, and a bar and high-top tables inside.

    Treleaven is the place to go if you’re looking for more than a wine tasting, with fantastic food and a fun, family-friendly vibe. It’s especially good for groups, with live music and plenty of space to gather while sipping on a great glass of wine.

    Pete and Tacie Saltonstall started making wine here in 1988, and for many years, they were the only winery on this side of the lake. Their son Lev took over in 2013 and has worked to expand the experience. He told us they want families to feel comfortable bringing their kids along, whether they’re meeting friends or spending an afternoon with family.

    Hangtime is the centerpiece, with a huge wooden pavilion, a long bar topped with a slab of raw-edge wood, and local beers on tap. We tasted right at the bar. And since it was harvest, I got a behind-the-scenes look, watching Chardonnay grapes come in and seeing them destemmed and pressed before the juice was pumped into tanks.

    The food is another reason to visit. Farm in the Willows serves seasonal dishes with an Italian influence. The artichoke and whipped ricotta appetizer, served with homemade bread, was one of the best things I ate on my trip. And the pesto pasta was on point, topped with crispy fried capers that added a nice salty crunch.

    A bottle of Treleaven 2024 "Dry Riesling" beside a wine glass on a wooden table.
    A ricotta appetizer topped with sliced strawberries, orange segments, roasted mushrooms, seeds, and scallions, drizzled with a dark glaze.
    Lev Saltonstall standing with his hands on his hips in front of the gray barn with the "Treleaven Wines" sign.
    • Wines to Try: The Dry Rosé was one of my favorites, with juicy watermelon, strawberry, and raspberry notes. I also loved the Cabernet Franc, with lovely red fruits and a hint of black pepper. And if you like Bordeaux-style wines, try the Meritage. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that would be perfect paired with some aged cheese.
    • Visiting Tips: Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Farm in the Willows offers food several days a week, with options like Friday fish fries and Sunday brunch. Hangtime hosts live music from late May through October, so check the schedule if you’d like to plan your visit around a concert. Dogs are welcome from May through October.

    Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road, King Ferry, NY

    Long Point Winery

    The "Tastings" and "Amelia's Deli" building at Long Point Winery in Aurora, NY, with picnic tables under a white tent and Cayuga Lake beyond the lawn.

    If you’re looking for a winery with gorgeous lake views and a good spot to grab lunch, put Long Point Winery on your Cayuga Lake itinerary. It’s also the only winery on this side of the lake that you can visit by boat.

    Gary and Rosemary Barletta founded Long Point after Gary’s interest in winemaking grew from a hobby in his grandfather’s basement. Today, the property includes estate vineyards, but the winery also sources grapes from outside the Finger Lakes, particularly for its fuller-bodied red wines. That gives them room to offer styles that can be difficult to grow in this cooler climate.

    I liked the choose-your-own tasting format, where you pick five wines from a long menu rather than being limited to a preset flight. The menu identifies which wines are made from estate fruit, so you can see where the grapes come from as you explore.

    During my visit, harvest was just getting underway, and we got to watch grapes being brought in and pressed. We also chatted with Gary about the process and his experience making wine. Afterward, we sat out in the Adirondack chairs on the lawn, looking over the vineyards down to the lake and enjoyed a glass of wine.

    A hand holding a glass of red wine etched with the Long Point Winery logo, with grapevines and the lake in the background.
    Bottles of Long Point Winery 2024 Riesling, labeled "Dry," resting in a wooden wine rack.
    Four wooden Adirondack chairs around a small table on the lawn at Long Point Winery, looking past the vineyard to Cayuga Lake.
    • Wines to Try: The Cabernet Franc was my favorite, fruit-forward and smooth with vanilla and baking spice. I also enjoyed the Dry Riesling, which was citrusy and easy-drinking. And the Barbera is a great pick from their non-estate wines, with soft tannins and a little spice.
    • Visiting Tips: Walk-ins are welcome, but larger groups should book ahead. Stick around for lunch at Amelia’s Deli, with options like focaccia sandwiches, salads, and antipasto platters. Coming by boat? Dock at Long Point State Park and call the winery for a pickup.

    Long Point Winery, 1485 State Route 90, Aurora, NY

    Izzo’s White Barn Winery

    The red "Izzo's White Barn Winery" sign with pumpkins at its base, in front of the white barn and gravel parking lot.

    If you’re driving across the top of the Finger Lakes on Route 20, don’t miss Izzo’s White Barn Winery. This tiny, family-run winery is just off the main road. And it’s a great chance to try cold-hardy hybrid grapes that don’t show up on most tasting menus, along with familiar wines like Riesling and Chardonnay.

    John and Lorraine Izzo bought the property when it was in rough shape, and someone even suggested burning the barn down and starting over. Instead, they restored it. Today, John designs the wines and Lorraine makes them. Their daughter now runs the weddings and events in the barn, and they hope their young grandsons will take over someday.

    We tasted at a table on the back deck overlooking the lawn, ponds, and vineyards, with the outdoor wood stove keeping us warm.

    John and Lorraine couldn’t have been sweeter hosts. They sat with us to talk through the wines and shared the story of how they met and started the winery. Afterward, we sampled a few more in the tasting room and got a peek inside the barn as they got ready for a wedding.

    A wooden farm stand on a trailer at Izzo's with a "Fresh Garlic" sign, squash on the shelf, and pumpkins on the grass.
    Wooden farm tables with black chairs on the covered porch at Izzo's White Barn Winery, with string lights and the lawn and vineyard beyond.
    Two bottles from Izzo's White Barn Winery, an "Aromella" with a light blue label and a pink "Corot Noir" with a pink label, on a weathered wooden table.
    • Wines to Try: Start with the floral Aromella. It’s one of their best sellers, made from a Cornell-bred hybrid grape. I also loved the Corot Noir rosé, a pretty salmon color with watermelon notes. Both would be great on your Thanksgiving table. If you prefer reds, try the Corot Noir, which paired nicely with the local Muranda cheese they served with our tasting.
    • Visiting Tips: Reservations are appreciated, since tastings are small and personal. Private tastings are available by request. They’re open on a limited schedule or by appointment, so check their website or call ahead before you go.

    Izzo’s White Barn Winery, 6634 Cayuga Road, Cayuga, NY

    Aurora Cooks! Chef’s Table Wine Dinner

    Chef Lou Ruscitto-Donato, in a floral shirt and striped apron, slicing meat on a wooden board at the Aurora Cooks! kitchen island as two guests with glasses of sparkling wine watch.
    A plated course of sliced chicken over creamy corn, topped with crispy shallots and microgreens.
    A scoop of butter-dipped corn ice cream in a waffle cone, standing in a glass of blue and green stones, with a glass of red wine and glasses of white wine behind it.

    If you love pairing food with wine, Aurora Cooks! is worth booking even if you’re not staying at the Inns of Aurora. This chef’s table experience puts you right around the kitchen island with Chef Lou Ruscitto-Donato as she prepares a five-course dinner.

    It felt like visiting a chef’s home and getting to watch her work her magic. Chef Lou broke the ice by asking guests for jokes, which made the evening feel fun and interactive. She also talked about sourcing locally and getting creative with ingredients, like the onion ash on our pasta course.

    Definitely get the optional wine pairings. Ours included wines from Heart & Hands, as well as two of my favorite Seneca Lake wineries, Red Tail Ridge and Ravines. It’s a great way to try producers you might not have time to visit.

    I wouldn’t normally get excited about chicken, but the seared chicken with creamy corn purée and succotash was one of my favorite courses. And the dish we all kept talking about after was the corn ice cream paired with Lakewood Vineyards port-style wine. The sweet, creamy ice cream had a salted butter coating, plus a blueberry and white chocolate surprise at the bottom of the cone. I was full at that point, but it was so good that I ate the whole thing.

    • Visiting Tips: There’s just one seating per night, and reservations open 30 days in advance on OpenTable. Our dinner was fully booked, so I’d reserve as soon as your dates become available. They can accommodate most dietary restrictions, and you can order add-ons like oysters or a cheese plate when you book.

    Aurora Cooks!, 283 Main Street, Aurora, NY

    Where to Eat Near Aurora

    A grilled bone-in pork chop at 1833 Kitchen & Bar on chimichurri with polenta, cherry tomatoes, and microgreens.
    Three salted soft pretzel sticks at Prison City Pub & Brewery with a cup of beer cheese and a cup of whole-grain mustard.
    The red barn at Elderberry Pond with a green metal roof, set among trees at the end of a gravel drive.

    Between tastings, you’ll find everything from hearty diners to farm-to-table dinners in and around Aurora. Along with Aurora Cooks!, the Inns of Aurora runs three more places to eat right in the village, so you don’t have to go far. And Auburn, about 30 minutes north, has even more great options. Here are the places I’d recommend:

    Aurora

    • 1833 Kitchen & Bar – Book a lakeside dinner inside the historic Aurora Inn, with an award-winning wine list full of Finger Lakes picks. We started with Dr. Frank’s sparkling rosé and shared a bottle of Red Tail Ridge Cabernet Franc. Order the giant pork chop with chimichurri, and save room for the dark chocolate pistachio bomb. It’s…the bomb.
    • Dugan’s Country Grill – Go hungry to this country diner just outside the village. If you’re up for a challenge, try the Breakfast Defibrillator, a stack of French toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheese.
    • Fargo Bar & Grill – A fun spot for a casual lunch in a pub-style bar, or on the back patio when it’s nice out. The menu has classic comfort food like poutine, mozzarella sticks, and sandwiches, with local craft beer on tap.
    • Village Market – Grab breakfast here before a day of tastings. I went twice and recommend both the cheddar and bacon egg sandwich and the smoked salmon bagel.

    King Ferry

    • Northville Arts Center – Meg and Ivan Goloub run this former church turned community arts center, with a café open on weekend mornings. Check their monthly calendar for special events like afternoon tea and five-course dinners. Our tea started with incredible homemade scones (we all took extras to go), followed by quiche with a flaky crust and lavender tea cakes that I savored while sipping on Earl Grey.

    Auburn

    • Elderberry Pond – Book a table here for a farm-to-table dinner in a peaceful wooded setting. I loved the seared scallops in white wine lemon butter sauce paired with Thirsty Owl’s Dry Riesling from the west side of Cayuga Lake.
    • Moro’s Table – A great choice for a French-inspired dinner in downtown Auburn. The wine list leans French, but look for local picks like Quarry Ridge. And don’t leave without trying the chocolate mousse cake.
    • Prison City Pub & Brewery – Good for a lunch and beer break between wineries. The pretzel sticks are a must (we ordered a second round).
    • At Long Last – An easy lunch or brunch stop on the drive from Syracuse. The eggs Benedict was delish, and don’t miss the mimosa flight.

    Cayuga Lake Wine Tours

    Five glasses of white wine raised in a toast on board the boat.
    A boat with a green canopy tied up at a wooden dock in Aurora at sunset, with guests stepping aboard and Cayuga Lake behind.
    A hand holding a glass of red wine over Cayuga Lake as the sun sets on the horizon.

    If you’re staying at the Inns of Aurora, the resort runs a free winery shuttle for guests on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, visiting a rotating mix of wineries. The schedule changes seasonally, so check before you go, and make sure to pre-register.

    For a different way to see the lake, I recommend a boat tour with Bianconi Tours, which leaves right from the Aurora Inn dock. They can take you across the lake to west-side wineries that would be a long drive around by car.

    I took their sunset cruise with Captain Matt, who grew up in Aurora and is full of stories about the area. He pointed out sights and wildlife along the shore while we snacked on a cheese and fruit plate and sipped wines from Colloca Estate Winery on Lake Ontario. The boat has clear plastic sides, so we stayed warm while watching the sun go down.

    Here are the tours I’d recommend:

    • Wineries by Water – This Bianconi Tours cruise takes about four hours, visiting up to three wineries like Sheldrake Point on the west shore and Long Point on the east side. A heads up that glass isn’t allowed on board, so pack plastic cups if you bring your own drinks.
    • Cayuga Lake Wine-Tasting Cruise – I haven’t taken this one, but it’s a good alternative if Bianconi is booked. The six-hour cruise with School’s Out Charters leaves from Lansing, stops at four wineries, and includes hotel pickup.

    🚌 Book the Wineries by Water Tour
    🚌 Book the Cayuga Lake Wine-Tasting Cruise

    Recommendations may be affiliate links on which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me share new wine destinations with you and I only recommend products and services that I love and think you’ll love too!

    Where to Stay for Wine Tasting Near Aurora

    The Aurora Inn's red brick front with white columns, two levels of porches, American flags, and boxwood planters along the sidewalk.
    A guest room at Wallcourt Hall with a dark wood bed, a coral throw blanket, a striped pillow, and a rolled striped towel under a sloped ceiling.
    Four white Adirondack chairs on the lawn beside stone ruins on the Cayuga Lake shoreline at the Inns of Aurora.

    For exploring Cayuga’s eastern shore, I recommend staying at the Inns of Aurora, especially for couples. It’s right in the middle of the wineries in this guide, and the free winery shuttle and boat tours leave right from the village.

    The resort is made up of seven historic buildings. Each has its own character, filled with art and antiques from the personal collection of founder Pleasant Rowland (who also created American Girl).

    I stayed at Wallcourt Hall and loved the little touches, like tea available around the clock and yummy breakfast bars in the morning. My room had a side view of the lake, and the big lobby living room with a fireplace and games made a great hangout spot. I also enjoyed taking a book down to the dock to read in one of the Adirondack chairs.

    One of my favorite perks was the daily wine tasting in the main inn’s lobby. And if you’re visiting in the off-season, check out their Winemaker Weekends, which pair a stay with a winery-hosted tasting and a multi-course dinner.

    For a smaller, B&B-style stay, Rogues’ Harbor Inn is at the south end of the east shore in Lansing. I haven’t stayed there, but this 1830 inn has eight rooms, a full breakfast, and an on-site pub.

    🏨 Book the Inns of Aurora
    🏨 Book Rogues’ Harbor Inn

    FAQs About Wine Tasting Near Aurora, NY

    When is the best time to visit wineries near Aurora, NY?

    Late spring through fall is the best time to visit Cayuga Lake wineries. I’ve visited the Finger Lakes in both summer and fall, and I’d recommend either. Summer is great for sitting outside with a lake view and catching live music. In September, you might get to see harvest in action, like I did at a few of the wineries. And October brings fall foliage, which usually peaks mid-month.

    Winter is quieter, and some wineries cut back their days. But if you’re visiting then, the Inns of Aurora’s Winemaker Weekends are a good reason to go.

    What’s the best way to get to Aurora, NY?

    The closest major airport is Syracuse (SYR). I flew in there on my latest trip, and it was an easy hour-long drive to Aurora. Rochester (ROC) is another good option that’s about an hour and a half away.

    If you’re driving, Aurora is 4.5 hours from New York City. I’ve also driven from the Boston area several times, and it takes about 6 hours to get to Cayuga Lake.

    What’s the best way to get around?

    A car is the easiest way to get between wineries, since they’re spread out along the eastern shore. But if you’d rather not drive, you have a few options.

    If you’re staying at the Inns of Aurora, the free winery shuttle visits a rotating mix of nearby wineries a few days a week. You can also see the lake by boat, with tours leaves from the Aurora Inn dock and stops at wineries on both sides of the lake.

    And if you’re coming by boat yourself, you can dock at Long Point State Park and call Long Point Winery for a pickup.

    What wine is Cayuga Lake known for?

    Cayuga Lake is best known for cool-climate wines, especially Riesling. It’s the longest of the Finger Lakes and the second deepest after Seneca, reaching 435 feet. That depth helps protect vines from spring frost and extends the growing season into the fall. In 1988, it became the first lake in the region to get its own AVA. Here are the main wines to know:

    Riesling: The star here, with bright acidity, citrus and apple flavors, and a mineral edge from the limestone and shale soils. You’ll find plenty of dry Rieslings, along with off-dry and sweet styles.
    Chardonnay: Leaner than California Chardonnay, with crisp citrus and light oak, if any. It’s also a key grape for the region’s sparkling wines.
    Cabernet Franc: One of the region’s best reds, with black cherry, spice, and fresh acidity.
    Pinot Noir: Lighter and more delicate than West Coast Pinot, with bright red fruit and soft tannins.
    Hybrids: Cold-hardy grapes developed by Cornell, like Cayuga White (named after the lake), show up on some tasting menus.

    For more on the region, check out my Finger Lakes wine region guide.

    Are wineries open year-round?

    Most are, but many cut back their days in winter, and a few close for the quietest months, like January and February. I recommend checking each winery’s website before you go, especially between November and April.

    Do you need reservations for the wineries?

    Most wineries take walk-ins, but I’d still book ahead, especially on busy summer and fall weekends or if you’re with a group. You can usually reserve online, by phone, or by email.
    Check out more winery etiquette tips.

    How much are tasting fees?

    The Finger Lakes region is still very affordable compared to many other U.S. wine regions. Most of the tastings on this side of Cayuga are around $15 per person, with a couple as low as $5. Specialty experiences, like the UTV vineyard tour at Heart & Hands, cost more. See how wine tasting costs in other regions compare.

    Keep Exploring New York Wine Country

    Cayuga’s east side is just one corner of the Finger Lakes, and it’s easy to add on more wine tasting while you’re here. Right across the water, the west side has the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and plenty more wineries to explore.

    Just one lake over to the west, Seneca Lake wineries make up the region’s biggest concentration of tasting rooms, with more than 50 along its shores.

    Farther west, Keuka Lake wineries are where the Finger Lakes wine story began, from Dr. Konstantin Frank’s pioneering vinifera vines to small boutique producers. And Canandaigua Lake is the smallest wine trail, with a handful of wineries and tasting rooms worth a visit.

    If you’re new to the region, start with my Finger Lakes wine region guide for an overview of all the lakes.

    Check out More New York Wine Country Guides

    Posted In: Wine Destinations

    Author

    I'm your go-to gal for all things wine and wanderlust. With a WSET Level 3 certification in wine and passport stamps from 30 countries and counting, I’m here to help you explore the world, one glass at a time.

    You’ll Also Love

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *