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.

Great wine, reasonably priced. wonderful view this is a must try on the wine trailread more

Came here for a wine tasting on a Sunday and had a good experience overall. We sat outside and…read moreenjoyed the beautiful view. The employee who brought us our wines was also very polite and knowledgeable. She explained the details of each one to us. Overall I thought the wines were good, but I didn't fall in love with any of the wines I tried this time. However I'd love to come back and would be willing to try some different wines next time. In addition to the wine tastings, there's a nice store and gift shop, a tap room, and pickle ball courts.

Beautiful view of Cayuga Lake The wine and eats very good…read more Would recommend a visit to Goose watch winery.

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.

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!

Great local family run winery. It was our first time here and we were not disappointed. It was a…read morequiet day so Chris, the owner, was able to spend a lot of time with us. We each tried a tasting and he included some crackers, cheese and chocolate and encouraged us to try certain pairings to really get a good understanding of where the wines excelled. They have a lot of semi dry and some dry reds. We really liked their dry reds and even decided to take some home. Very cool that his tasting room and some of his vineyard is right next to his home. Stop in if you are in the area.

This is an incredible winery to try out! The owner, Chris Scholomiti, personally greeted us when we…read moreentered and spent a lot of time explaining the qualities of each wine and also recommending food pairings for each wine. $10 for A LOT of samples and the wines are really enjoyable. They also provide a small plate of cheese/chocolate/crackers to pair with the wines, at no additional cost. Give this place a try - you won't be disappointed!

Great stop on a road trip. The tasting room is located inside of a gorgeous white barn as their…read morename suggests. A husband and wife own this place and they couldn't have been more friendly and hospitable. They had. A nice selection of dry and some sweet wines so there was something for every taste. We each did a tasting and really enjoyed the Chardonnay and the Riesling. They also have a space here for events. It's beautiful so it's defiantly a perfect spot for that if you are in need.

We made it to the other side of the lake! Our adventure today took us to Izzo's White Barn Winery,…read morea small but welcoming spot tucked into the beautiful Finger Lakes wine region. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with a cozy, down-to-earth atmosphere that made us feel right at home. We started our tasting with their unoaked Riesling, a bright and lively wine crafted from grapes grown along the shores of Seneca Lake. It had an enticing aroma and a clean, crisp finish that really highlighted the natural fruit flavors. Next up was the LaCrescent, a white varietal that was refreshingly dry with a subtle citrusy edge and just the right amount of acidity--perfect for sipping on a cool afternoon. After that, we moved on to the Cayuga White, a semi-sweet offering that had a beautifully smooth mouthfeel and a well-balanced sweetness, making it an easy favorite for those who enjoy wines with a hint of fruit-forward character. Finally, we wrapped up our tasting with the Maréchal Foch, a deep, dry red with rich notes of black cherry and a velvety smooth finish. This one stood out as a great example of how lesser-known hybrid grapes can still deliver bold and elegant flavors. During our visit, we had the pleasure of chatting with the owner (at least, we believe it was the owner!), who shared some insight into the winery's operations. He explained that they grow three to four different grape varietals in their own vineyards, while supplementing with additional grapes sourced from other vineyards throughout the Finger Lakes region. It was clear that there's a strong sense of community among winemakers in the area--he described it as a "big happy family" that collaborates to support each other through every step of the winemaking process. One of the most interesting tidbits we learned was about the live musician performing that day--not only does he provide entertainment for visitors, but he also plays a huge role in the winemaking process, handling 80-90% of the work at the winery! It was incredible to see such a hands-on approach, where passion for both music and winemaking came together in such a unique way. As for the owner himself, he had an infectious sense of humor--quick-witted, engaging, and full of personality, he made our experience even more memorable. The winery is relatively small and appears to have limited hours, especially in the winter when it's only open on Saturdays. If I remember correctly, they may extend to two days a week during the busier months, but it's definitely one of those hidden gems that's worth navigating to if you're in the area. All in all, Izzo's White Barn Winery turned out to be a fantastic stop, offering a delightful mix of great wine, warm hospitality, and local charm. It's the kind of place where you don't just taste wine--you get to experience the heart and soul behind it.

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.

Came to visit the finger lakes region to visit and try the NY wines. We pulled in at 4:30 and as we…read moreapproached the door a lady working here rudley told us through her car window "we're closed" and drove away leaving us there. We checked their website again and the hours posted stated they were open until 5. I thought the customer service was terrible and thought it was extremely rude especially since they left 30 minutes before their posted close time.

The wines were really good here. We especially liked especially liked the dry rose, the dry…read moreRiesling and the all of the others we tried were good too! Much better wine than most of the places we visited this weekend! The tasting barn is really neat with lots to look at and a great vibe! Our service was both knowledgeable and super friendly!