Our next stop marked the third winery on this side of the lake, and the journey to get there was an…read moreexperience in itself. The winding driveway leading up to the property offered a stunning preview of what was to come. As we followed the sign near the road, we were led through rolling vineyards, past picturesque landscapes, and up a steep hill that provided a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake. It was one of those moments where you can't help but take a deep breath, soak in the scenery, and appreciate the beauty of the Finger Lakes wine region. Upon arriving at the tasting room, we were greeted with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The staff handed us tasting sheets, allowing us to select the wines we wanted to sample at our own pace. @winecraft opted for the whites, while I focused on exploring the reds, eager to see what this winery had to offer. The Wine Tasting Experience 2019 Pinot Noir (13.6% ABV) I started with the 2019 Pinot Noir, which had been aged for 19 months in French oak barrels. This was a notable first release of Pinot Noir from their Lakeside Vineyard, making it a particularly special pour. A classic cool-climate Pinot, it had a delicate yet expressive profile, featuring subtle red fruit aromas, hints of earthy minerality, and a silky smooth texture. The oak aging contributed a gentle touch of vanilla and spice, enhancing the well-balanced acidity. It was a fantastic start to the tasting--elegant, nuanced, and undeniably enjoyable. 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon (13.5% ABV) Next up was the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, also aged in French oak. Right away, I picked up on its dark berry aroma, which was rich yet inviting. The first sip revealed layers of blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of baking spice, with a medium body and a beautifully structured finish. This wasn't an overly tannic Cab, but rather one that leaned into its fruit-forward character, making it incredibly smooth and approachable. The lingering finish left me wanting another sip, which is always a good sign. 2019 Lemberger (12.9% ABV) The third wine I sampled was the 2019 Lemberger, aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Lemberger (also known as Blaufränkisch) is an underrated varietal that often surprises me, and this one was no exception. Deep, dark berry notes dominated the nose, while the palate offered a rich yet soft texture with a slight peppery kick on the finish. While the finish was a bit on the shorter side, it was incredibly smooth and well-balanced, making it a great option for those who prefer reds that are bold yet easy-drinking. This wine was also harvested from the Lakeside Vineyard, showcasing the estate's ability to produce complex and flavorful cool-climate reds. NV Red Blend #3 (13.5% ABV) Finally, I tried the NV Red Blend #3, a Bordeaux-style blend made up of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Merlot. This wine had a deep, velvety character, offering a beautiful balance of fruit, spice, and oak influence. The Cabernet Sauvignon brought depth and structure, the Cabernet Franc added a hint of peppery spice, and the Merlot softened the blend with its smooth, rounded finish. Dark berry flavors, soft tannins, and a lingering mouthfeel made this my favorite of the lineup--a wine I could easily see myself sipping on during a chilly evening by the fire. An Unexpectedly Adorable Surprise Oh, and how could I possibly forget--we met Rosie, the winery's adorable resident dog! Rosie was the ultimate greeter, making her rounds and stopping by for some well-deserved pets from guests. There's just something about wineries with dogs that instantly adds to the charm and warmth of the experience. A Personal Touch to End the Visit As we were getting ready to leave, we had an unexpected but fantastic conversation with the owner, who walked us out to our car. He shared a bit of his background, and we learned that he and his family are originally from Boston, MA. His passion for winemaking was evident--not just in the quality of the wines but also in the way he spoke about the craft, the vineyard, and the journey of running a winery in the Finger Lakes. There was something really special about meeting the people behind the wines--it added a layer of connection to the experience that made the visit even more memorable. Final Thoughts This winery wasn't just about the wines--it was about the atmosphere, the people, and the sense of place. From the scenic drive leading up to the property to the thoughtfully crafted wines and the warm hospitality, it was a standout stop on our tour of the east side of Cayuga Lake. Whether you're a Pinot Noir lover, a Bordeaux blend enthusiast, or just someone looking for a laid-back winery experience, this spot offers something special. We left feeling grateful for the experience and excited to return--because when you find a place where the wine is great, the people are welcoming, and there's a friendly pup named Rosie, you know you've found a gem.

My wife and I stopped by here about three weeks ago as part of a wine trip for our three year…read morewedding anniversary, and it was a pleasure to visit! The view of Cayuga Lake is great, we enjoyed the food and wine, and Mike stopped by to chat with us about the wines, the history of the winery, and gave us more insight into the winemaking process. All in all, we selected four bottles to take home with us to cellar. This was a nice way to cap off the day, and would be nice to revisit on a subsequent trip to Cayuga Lake.

Amazing winery with amazing service. Both of the people we talked to were warm and knowledgeable…read more The reds here are amazing. You can have a nice lighter table wine like MC^2 which is still smooth, or a deeper wine with bolder flavors such as their Maritage. The staff was so accommodating and great to talk to.

I paired the 2025 Dry Rose with brown rice fusilli in olive oil, garlic, basil, anchovies, and red…read morepepper flakes. A great complement to the meal. Light and refreshing and did not compete or overwhelm the food. Fruity, but not cloyingly sweet. A dry wine that stands by itself, but worked well as an accompaniment

Great place. Nice ambiance. Very knowledgeable and personable staff. Sat at the bar with my…read moredaughter and got a nice education on the wines and the area in general.

Honestly, one of my least favorite wineries. My husband and I both did a tasting and did not like…read moreany of their wines, other than the welcome pour. We also felt like our hostess was pushy and trying too hard. Giving the winery two stars instead of one because it is cute inside and they had a cute winery kitty! Otherwise, I don't think this winery is worth it.

Lovely, modern winery with a knowledgeable staff and delicious wines!! Tony was very kind and full…read moreof joy! He made our experience even more enjoyable. The added charcuterie was such a nice touch!!! The options were delish and paired very well with all my wines.

This winery has definitely one of the best patios I've come across in the finger lakes region so…read morefar. Inside is modern and the ambiance is very European modern. They have a good selection of all wines, white, red and rose. Their Cabernet Franc is 20 per glass but it is worth it. It's one of the best wines I've had in a while. Our sommelier was great and very informative about the wines and winery. We are definitely going to visit again.

The tasting room is simply gorgeous. I like to go to this winery just to look around - I have never…read morebeen in warmer weather but I imagine it is wonderful to sit here with a glass of wine and enjoy the sun and the views. We were like second group in at 10:00 AM and the team here was ready to greet us and walk us through our tastings with little anecdotes about the wine, winery and local intel - it's just a beautiful stop. Insider Tip! We didn't so it this time, but the last time we were here, they let you use the barrel room and bring in outside food if you are tasting - which was a great way for us to picnic indoors and refuel on a day of visiting the wineries! Really great experience!

Came by to enjoy a wine flight. You get 4 wines for $15, which is about standard. There are lots of…read moresnack options to accompany your tasting. The space is great. Modern, lots of space inside and outside. We camped outside and enjoyed the cornhole (2 sets outside). Great spot to check out - NY State Winery of the Year for 2022, 2024, & 2025

The Wine, view and service are incredible!! Definitely a must visit on Cayuga lake. Table service…read moretasting at your own pace makes for an enjoyable relaxing day.

Such a nice winery. The view from the porch is fabulous and the inside is pretty as well…read more I've visited a handful of times since they opened a few years ago. Their wine has always been good, and it's nice to have more options to choose from since they've grown. And of course, it's always fun to get a piece of cheese! On top of great views and wine, they have incredible service. Every single person we encountered on our most recent visit was kind, friendly, and helpful. This is a great winery to bring friends to, or just to stop for a glass of wine with a nice view!

This winery was beaaautiful. It had a great view of the landscape, and the building itself was…read morenice. It's modern with a pleasant smell of wood, and there's indoor and outdoor seating. I appreciate that the outdoor seating had a covering since it was drizzling a bit during our time there. I didn't drink wine, but I enjoyed a nice ginger beer. I also appreciate that they'll help you bottle up any unfinished wine bottles so they're easier to transport home. The folks working there were very nice and accommodating of our large group, although they didn't do tastings (understandable since that would be a ton of glasses).

The most beautiful winery in the finger lakes. My ultimate favorite wine offering is the blanc de…read moreblanc but you can't go wrong with any that are on the menu. There's minimal food offering but a great view. Dogs are welcome. Don't miss the koi pond!

The staff and owner were very friendly and we enjoyed visiting with them! They also had the best…read morered wine we tried in the area :)

The good: Wine is great. Selection is on the smaller side and rather limited but they make up for…read moreit in quality. Facility is clean, modern, and extremely inviting. Also hosts a pretty spectacular view looking out at Cayuga lake. Randy, the older gentleman that tends to the place is a fantastic human being. Very kind, welcoming, knowledgeable and great to converse with. He is the shining star and reason people will return/give good feedback. The bad: The Owner (Mark). I saw mention in a previous review that he may be on some sort of epilepsy medication that makes him act "off". Not sure I buy that excuse at all. He appears to be heavily intoxicated or on some sort of drug. Conversations with him were awkward, impossible to follow, and just plain uncomfortable. The comment he made about comparing his ex-wife to a dog was the point he completely lost us. To top it all off, he started to become a bit too friendly with my wife while I walked away to use the restroom. That was the icing on the cake. While I understand his medications make him act "off", the above mentioned behavior is inexcusable, medicated or not. We also watched a large party come in and quickly leave after the owner visited their table. Frankly, if it weren't for Randy, we would have also left after interacting with the owner. Conclusion: This winery has a lot of potential and provides a really great product. Equally as important is the overall experience you provide to a patron. The experience is not a good one with Mark (the owner) in the picture. He tainted what would have been an easy 5 star review. Randy was the saving grace. As a business savvy person, I highly recommend keeping Mark as far away from customers as possible. He is a liability and will drive the business into the depths of extinction.