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.

An absolute highlight of my trip to the Fingerlakes!…read more We were a large bachelorette party looking for an afternoon at a winery. This place was chosen for both the proximity to our Air BnB and also because it was more affordable then some of the other vineyards in the area. I will say with certainty that this place was the best part of our trip! The vineyard has a small but suitable selection of wines to taste - you can see my photo for the menu available at the time. Reservations are not taken on the weekends, but we were able to walk in with relatively no crowds. However, by the time we left, it was packed! All of us opted for a flight - which, for the prince, how could you go wrong? The staff was incredibly pleasant and attentive, and they TRULY knew their products. They weren't afraid to say, "I don't think you'll like this [based on your tastes], try this instead." In addition, they had a selection of local cheesed and meats for purchase, so we were able to have a wonderful charcuterie with our wines. After purchasing, we sat on their deck and simply enjoyed being outside with the scenic view. Truly, it looked like it was taken out of a movie - I felt like I was looking at a scenic photo in a dentist office or something, but in the best way! We are so proud to support a local business like this. If I'm ever in the area, I will be sure to add this vineyard to my stops!

This is a gem of a privately owned small vineyard at Cayuga Lake. We visited in the afternoon and…read morewas greeted by a friendly server behind the counter who took the time to explain the different wine varieties in the tasting menu. There is a lovely patio at he back which overlooks the vineyard and a view of the lake. Such a low key spot with friendly service and reasonable prices.

Swing by for a tasting of their fine wines and beer. Wine's…read moreare award winning. Im hard pressed to find one I don't love. Picked up 3 bottles of their Riesling reserve they are to the moon. Caught a live blues music show last night. Check for events online. Phenomenal views from the outdoor patios onto the surrounding hillsides, pond and vineyards.

All of the wine my husband and I tasted was decent. We ended up buying three bottles. Like most…read moreFinger Lakes wineries, their whites are definitely better. The guy who helped us with our tasting was very well educated on the wines and very friendly. We were here in December so it was gray and brown, but I'm sure the views are beautiful when it's not winter.

We have toured more than 100 wineries around the world and this tour was one of the best. The…read moreco-owner drove us around in a large golf cart and explained their history, plans, etc. and of course we had wine and nibbles as we toured. Recommended! And do buy some of their wines. They are making the best pinot in the area.

Sustainable winery no machinery used in picking the estate grapes. Beautiful vines growing on the…read morehills to the left of the winery and a nice patio with high top umbrella tables outside and air conditioned bar and seating area inside. Very warm and welcoming feels like Italy. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff serve delicious wines by the glass or tasting. There are two tastings. One is Rieslings which the Fingerlakes are known for and the other is Pinot Noirs. Pinot varieties are rarely found at any other wineries in the Finger Lakes so this was an unusual and pleasant find. Wines are a bit more expensive than most but very good. This is a must stop for those who prefer the drier wines. Lovely place.

These people are oh so nice. They are friendly, helpful, and make you feel welcomed. Highly…read morerecommend!!!

What a gem! My fiancé, father, and I rented a boat on Cayuga Lake the Monday after Mother's Day…read more Early in the season, we weren't sure what would be open. We saw a dock and sign for Lakeshore Winery and another winery that we later found out is no longer in business. As we were docking the boat and walking toward the winery, one of the owners met us half way and informed us that they were technically closed, but since she was there, she said she'd do a tasting with us. Wow! We had the place to ourselves and really enjoyed the wines, especially the Dry Cayuga White which we ended up buying a case of. Reasonable prices, lots of games and seating, and a small gift shop. We will be back!

We made a stop out here on our way home from a trip back from Ithaca and so glad! The location is…read moreright on a main road with other businesses around. It had a nice patio that is nicely decorated to sit out and enjoy a nice glass of wine. We've never had the wine and decided to try a flight. The flights were great because there was a mixture of both dry and sweet, something for every palate. Every flavor tasted great and high quality. I absolutely loved the red blend - it was unique flavor that could easily become a new go to for red wine. I also really enjoyed the drier flavor of the Rose so I picked up a bottle of each to bring home. Highly recommend if you live in the area to check this place out and spread the word about a great local business! If you are passing through the area, definitely don't miss checking out this wine bar. While enjoying the wine in the patio, we talked with the owner and had a great friendly conversation. There were also others on the patio who really seemed to be enjoying their time.

Very quaint and friendly atmosphere. Find street parking and walk up! You can go right inside,…read moreplace your order and have a seat. For $10, you can chose from 3 different flights that consist of 4 wine samples each. There's outdoor and indoor seating. This place is located in the heart of downtown Trumansburg and if you sit outside, you can people watch and take in the beauty of this historic town. I don't know if it's truly historic but the buildings are beautiful and old so I assume there's history here. Lol! Make sure to ask about their rosé. It was sooooo good. I will definitely return.

I think we have a new favorite restaurant here! Cole and Karen Wilson have done an outstanding job…read moreof revitalizing Knapp Winery. Chef Drew is a master and his creations are equal to, if not better than, my other favorite restaurants. Norwegian Salmon, Shrimp and Lobster Carbonara and Duck paired with Brut, Riesling and Limoncello. And great dessert too! #pairing You must visit!!!!

A good winery with reasonable prices. A flight of 6 choices were $12. The nice thing is they gave…read moreyou cheese and crackers to munch in between sips. Honestly I liked all my choices except for one and that just may be personal taste. Our server was ready every time our glass was emptied to pour another choice. The physical space wasn't too exciting but there was live music on a Saturday afternoon.

We came here for a wine tasting and lunch and had a great experience!…read more Starting with the wine tasting, they had a good variety of wines and we really enjoyed the wines we tried. It was only $5 for 5 tastings and that included a coupon to use towards the purchase of a bottle. The person who helped us was very friendly and knowledgeable about the wines, which also added to our experience. After the tasting, we enjoyed lunch outside on the patio. The portions were large, the food was delicious, and the prices were reasonable too. Our waiter was also attentive. We shared the pickle fries as an app, and I got the chicken cordon bleu sandwich with fries, all amazing. Overall I'd highly recommend for both a tasting and lunch! I'd love to come back here one day.

Very reasonable tasting price,$5 for 5 and pours into actual glasses . Pour size was generous. You…read morealso get a $2 coupon towards a bottle purchase. Large menu woth multiple varietals and a few styles of some of the varietals. Each wine I tried was great and a good example of the style. Afterwards we had lunch at the bistro. Again the menu had lots of options. The patio has a great view of the lake. Had the Cuban. It was good. I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to Cuban sandwiches and I'd get this one again.