Five Cayuga Lake Wineries for Your Finger Lakes Trip

Our exploration of the best Cayuga Lake wineries happened somewhat by accident.

We had an itinerary packed with waterfalls and hiking to enjoy fall in the Finger Lakes. Then the rains came, and the downpours continued for the entirety of our visit.

We had no choice but to find shelter in some of the many delicious wineries available around Cayuga Lake. Sometimes you have to make some sacrifices.

How many wineries are around Cayuga Lake?

There are 16 wineries on what is called the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail alone. There are more wineries in and around Cayuga Lake, but these vineyards make up America’s First Wine Trail, so that’s what we’ll focus on here.

Fun fact: Cayuga Lake is the longest of the 11 Finger Lakes. Seneca Lake is the deepest. Take that to your next trivia night.

The great Finger Lakes region in New York State is spoiled with wineries, with more than 140 calling the region their home base. Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka lakes will all have excellent options for you.    

Tips Before You Visit Cayuga Lake

We knew there was wine here, but we knew little else, assuming we’d have better weather to explore more of the region outside of tasting rooms.

Wineries in the Finger Lakes specialize in white wine varieties and German-style wines. You’ll likely see Gewurztraminer, riesling, and crisp sauvignon blanc at wineries in the region.

That doesn’t mean red wine isn’t flowing in the Finger Lakes.

You may even find a few red varieties that are new to your budding wine palate. Look for Lemberger grapes, used in both lighter pinot noir wines and bolder zinfandels.

Here are a few more tips:

• For the full Finger Lakes experience, look for ice wine. It’s a fairly common addition to tasting menus for an additional fee. It’s sweet as heck, much like a dessert wine.
• Some wineries we just popped into, others got a little more advance notice. Reservations will always be required by some, so check websites before you go.
• Operating times will also vary by the season. We went in the fall for that peak fall foliage, but if you visit in the winter, expect to have more limited options.
• As always, make sure you’re being safe throughout the Finger Lakes. Have a designated driver, or book a guided wine tour.
• Some of the wineries are close enough together that you can walk between them. I don’t recommend this in the rain, but can imagine it’s not a bad idea when it’s nice.

READ MORE: Planning a New England road trip? Use my guide for fall travel in the region.

Five Cayuga Lake Wineries We Tried

We were lucky enough to hit five different wineries on our visit to the Finger Lakes. Part of that was the weather, but they’re also super cheap compared to what we were used to in regions like Napa or Sonoma.

Many of the wineries offer $1 pours, $5-$12 tastings, and $2 upgrades of their reserve wines. That’s unbelievably affordable for a day of wine tasting. You’ll see why I wasn’t actually that upset about missing out on all of the hiking we had planned.

Americana Vineyards

Americana Vineyards in Interlaken was our first stop. It reminded me of wineries in Door County, Wisconsin, all homestyle with very sweet varieties on hand to make your lips pucker.

The fudge helped, too.

The barn Americana operates out of is an original 1820s barn that was relocated here from elsewhere in the region. It gives the whole place that rustic vibe.

The guy behind the bar slurping the last tastes of wine from the bottom of the bottles helped that rustic vibe along, too.

If you’re hungry, the Crystal Lake Cafe on site offers the usual lunch options, like sandwiches, salads, and daily specials. They also give you a few snacks to go with your wine, including bites of wrapped cheese and chocolate depending on what you choose.

Visitors during the warmer months may want to try the wine slushies they have swirling near the checkout. Americana Vineyards has live music events most weekends and keeps things very family-friendly otherwise. This isn’t the place to go all woo girl.

The Revolutionary Red, a semi-dry red blend, was the highlight for me here. The wines weren’t my favorite during our two days exploring the region, but I’d still say it’s worth a stop if only to see the barn. No reservations are required at this one.

Sheldrake Point Winery

Sheldrake Point Winery in Ovid was more my speed. It felt more like a traditional tasting, although all of the wines came out at the same time, offering me the chance to look like quite the boozehound.

Our tasting was seated indoors due to inclement weather, but there are Adirondack chairs set up outside for breathtaking views of the lake across the street. The setting here is gorgeous, and certainly part of the draw.

Note: If you’re seeking wineries with docks, come here. You can tie up your boat and pop right in for a tasting in quite an efficient fashion.

Tastings come in a few pre-selected options. The highlight for me at this one was the reds.

The vineyard’s proximity to the lake allows them to grow grapes for bold varieties like cabernet sauvignon, a bottle of which we took home with us.

This winery has won all kinds of accolades over the years, so you truly can’t go wrong with what you decide to sip. Many consider this one of the best wineries on Cayuga Lake.

Reservations are suggested but not required. If you’re traveling more than six people deep, you won’t be seated at this one.

Hosmer Winery

Hosmer Winery in Ovid was another casual stop where wines were served up flight-style. Tastes were poured in little plastic cups but you got a souvenir wine glass to take home with you if you wanted.

Highlights for me were the ​​Grüner Veltliner, a dry white wine I’d never heard of, and their Cayuga White, which they described as a typical New York hybrid blend.

There is outside seating at this one but the patio is small. Reservations are recommended but not required, especially if you’re traveling in a twosome. 

READ MORE: Want to sound like you know your stuff? Check out my guide to wine lingo you should know.

Buttonwood Grove Winery

Buttonwood Grove Winery in Romulus was another standout.

When you present me with bread and cheese complimentary with my tasting, you know you’ll have my heart forever. We didn’t take home another bottle from this place, and it’s definitely a regret. 

The day was gloomy but dry when we arrived, allowing us to sit outside on the covered patio with views of the lake.

It was a seated tasting, with wines brought out one by one by staff. There’s also the option for a fun blind tasting, where the sommelier on hand chooses wines to present you with, and you guess what you’re sipping.

We didn’t know that was an option when we arrived but observed the table next to us failing miserably and having a great time at it.

No matter how much you think you know about wine, by the way, I promise that you won’t do well at a blind taste test. I’ve seen “I don’t like pinot noir” folks fall in similar circumstances.

Highlights on the wine list for me included their dry riesling — and I am by no means a usual riesling drinker — and their Big Red Blend. Big Red is a blend of those Lemberger grapes I mentioned and other grapes sourced from vines at Cornell University. 

Fun fact: Cornell has a top viticulture and enology program. Enology is the study of wine, by the way. Their grapes may just be the smartest in the world. I made that up, but it’s a joke I definitely made at Buttonwood.

Buttonwood also has ice wine available to taste for a premium. It was an extra $3 at the time of this writing, so it won’t break the bank or anything. Try it. You might like it. I didn’t, but you might.

Thirsty Owl Wine Company

The Thirsty Owl Wine Company in Ovid was our final stop in the Finger Lakes wine region.

It was a standing-room-only tasting, as we arrived just as a few wine tours were finishing up. Despite the poor timing, we had a great time, and the woman pouring our wines was quite sassy.

Note: I say that in the most positive way possible. I love a sassy wine pour.

The standout for me here wasn’t the wine at all, although Brian was loving on their ice wine. I loved their hard cider. The sassy woman pouring said she loved a dry cider, so I felt an immediate connection to both her and this delightful beverage.

The apples for their Fujac cider are grown locally at Cahoon Farms. As I love cider and supporting local growers, we took a bottle with us, along with a bottle of that ice wine that got a little bit better with age.

The Thirsty Owl does not take reservations, and will likely be busy when you arrive. That’s OK. It’s all part of the fun.

More Wineries to Try Near Cayuga Lake

You can spend weeks just sipping here, there, and everywhere on a visit to the Finger Lakes. With more time, there were quite a few wineries we would have liked to try in the area.

I’m old now, guys. I usually only hit two, maybe three per day, and then it’s a ticket to nap town for me.

Here are a few more of the best wineries on Cayuga Lake that remain on our list for repeat trips:

• Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery: This option in Ovid prides itself on sustainable winemaking practices. Try their version of a Cayuga White or any of the fruity sweet wines they’re known for, like the Peach Essence.
• Goose Watch Winery: Goose Watch Winery in Romulus is lauded for its scenic views and white varieties you may not see elsewhere. No reservations are needed at this one.
• Knapp Winery: Another option in Romulus, this one is popular with those seeking wine and a delicious meal. The Knapp Vineyard Restaurant offers the expected cheese boards but also a full menu of salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads.
• Lucas Vineyards: We drove by this one at least four times on our way to other wineries and just didn’t make it in. We’ll be sure to next time, as Lucas Vineyards in Interlaken was Cayuga Lake’s first winery.
• Montezuma Winery: Try the Cranberry Bog if you want to taste what they’re known for. The winery is also home to Hidden Marsh Distillery if you’re interested in small-batch spirits alongside your wine.
• Six Eighty Cellars: This winery in Ovid is known for its unique winemaking process. They use vessels made of clay, terracotta, and materials imported from Italy and France to hold their fermenting wine.

Where to Stay Near Cayuga Lake

There are 11 Finger Lakes, which means you have options when it comes to accommodations. Our base was in Ithaca, a great spot with lots of options for accommodations if you’re targeting Cayuga Lake and wineries near Ithaca. 

Use the map before for your options near Cayuga Lake:

Cayuga Lake wineries are a must for wine lovers.

The Finger Lakes are known for their scenic views, but if you’re rained out of outdoor adventures, the good times don’t have to stop, especially at Cayuga Lake.

The wines here offer variety, a more casual atmosphere than some of the big regions around the United States, and budget-friendly tasting experiences. I know we’ll be back to finish off our list, maybe even sitting outside this time!

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