Our first time here over the weekend…read more Located inside the Skaneateles Brewery, this is a small, but welcoming tasting room. We opted for two tastings, which gave us 8 different products to sample. All of them were ok, but the standouts were the 4 Grain and the 2 cream liqueurs. We also ordered two cocktails, one was a whiskey sour and the other was pear based. Again, they were ok, but we would like to see them up their game to showcase the spirits with a house made sour mix instead of pre-bottled. Regardless, the employees were knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.

I met a bunch of friends of mine who are beer drinkers out here today unbeknownst to me that it's…read moremore than a brewery but a distillery as well. Yes, I now know they have the word "distillery" in the title but my assumption was this was strictly a craft brew place... wrong. I consider myself a very casual beer consumer. My preference is bourbon. While my friends all enjoyed their craft brews, I sampled the $4 flight of spirits coming away quite satisfied with every single one. And, I'm picky when it comes to Bourbon. My flight choice included the Four Grain whiskey, the Skaneateles whiskey, the Bourbon, the crème brûlée, and the honey barreled. Yes, I know, that makes 5. Though the flight was only 4 choices the server was very gracious and let me try the maple barreled one... sweet, but yum! The Four grain whiskey was one of the highly decorated spirits winning numerous gold awards. Though my first choice is not whiskey, this was absolutely fabulous! Deep, rich flavor that won't overtake your palette. The master distiller gets a lot of praise for the work he puts into his creations, all of which are earned. I found the Skaneateles whiskey to be quite excellent as well with its smooth finish and flavorful draw. Their bourbon stands right up there with some of the best I've had. I found a hint of maple, cherry flavor but not oaky. The crème brûlée was a nice sweet spirit a kin to Bailey's or Frangelica's. It's something coffee drinkers would find pleasant to add to their drink. I also very much enjoyed the maple whiskey. Having a sweet tooth for these sort of things this New York-based foundation made for a sweet tasty drink. There is seating inside and out. The day we were there they had live music. No question, we will all definitely be back again. I look forward to the time we can sit outside as well.

A distillery wasn't on our original path but some one at a prior winery told us we must go for the…read morePeanut Butter vodka. Well that was intriguing!! We went and loved that! Reminded us of a Reece's, and would be delicious mixed in coffee! All the samples we had were wonderful! The woman serving was a delight and told us some of the history of the distillery and her family relation to it. It was near the end of the day but she didn't seem to care that we were there and chatted away happily afterwards! For those of you intimidated by a distillery, the woman next to us was about 80 and having the time of her life!

While driving from Ithaca to Geneva on our recent trip to the finger lakes I noticed Myer Farm…read moreDistillers had a sign. Well lucky for us we stopped in on a whim (let's be honest I'm a sucker for good branding). The property is clean and simple, the tasting room was in line with what we experienced last last in Kentucky in more rural spots. They make gin, vodka and whiskey. I'm not much of a liquor drinker but my husband bought 4 bottles and said it's fantastic- he is very into bourbon and if he says it's good then it is. To my untrained palate it tastes like alcohol. It's $3 for 3 tastings and you can also get a cocktail. There is a fair amount of branded products and souvenirs. So it would be a good spot to pull together a gift basket for Fathers Day or Christmas. Absolutely worth a visit- a beautiful craft distillery with a friendly knowledgeable staff.

I have been stopping by Montezuma Winery for a few years, and wow- The additions and upgrades that…read morehave been made to the building are quite amazing.. The vibe is country and very chic, there is plenty of comfortable sitting spaces, and the shopping selection is plentiful and well organized. You can't stop without grabbing a wine slushies or flight along with some fudge!! Montezuma winery is must-stop destination in the Cayuga Lake region!!!

Great little winery with a variety of various wines and spirits bought a couple of bottles and a…read moreHoney Vodka that's excellent. Easy access we were there early before tasting and food but Iam sure its good. Worth the stop when in the area.

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.

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.

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!

They would have excellent views in the late spring and summer. I enjoyed their reds though there…read morewasn't anything that particularly stood out for me. They had a sparkling wine that was semi-dry and would make pretty decent mimosas. I liked that they also had beers from a Belgian brewery based out of Geneva. You can taste some of those as well.

The most welcoming winery on Seneca Lake. We came with our 2 kids and everyone was so kind and…read morelovely to us - I am not sure who our server was, but she brought my daughter paper and colored pencils to play with while I did my tasting. After my daughter was done creating a masterpiece, they hung her picture by the register. The wine was fantastic as well! Will definitely be coming back when we adventure to the Finger Lakes again.

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.