Keuka Lake Wine Trail

The Y-shaped Keuka Lake wine trail extends from Hammondsport, New York to Branchport in the west and Penn Yan to the east.

Slideshow:Basic Wine Information

The first bonded winery on Keuka Lake, Pleasant Valley Wine Company, was opened in 1860. The area has undergone many changes, many of which occurred during prohibition. During this period many wineries either went out of business or changed their operation to grape juice production. In the 1950's, the lakefront area underwent a renaissance and interest in growing wine grapes was renewed. Since then, many wineries and vineyards have opened and flourished along the lake once known to the Iroquois Indians as "canoe landing."

There are 16 wineries in the Finger Lakes region that are located along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. The growers in the area produce a wide variety of grapes from native, vinifera and hybrid vines.

The following vineyards and wineries welcome visitors throughout the year:

• Barrington Cellars and Buzzard Crest Vineyards – One of the newest wineries along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Established in 1971, this vineyard produces over 27 different wines. You'll find wines made from Labrusca, French hybrid and Vinifera vines at this business, located in Penn Yan.
• Bully Hill Winery – Located in Hammondsport. They are famous for their wide variety of boutique wines, which feature original artwork on the labels. This winery has been in the grape-growing business since 1878 and producing wine since 1958.
• Chateau Renaissance – Located in Bath, Chateau Renaissance uses the old world method of spontaneous fermentation when making their wines. Visitors will find some interesting vintages here, ranging from Dandelion and Strawberry Rhubarb wines to champagne made using a 400-year-old recipe from France.
• Dr. Konstantin Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellar – Known locally as Dr. Frank's, has won over 61 wine medals. Visit this winery to taste a few of over 30 wines produced here including Dr. Frank Rkatsiteli 2007, Salmon Run Meritage 2006 and Chateau Frank Célèbre Rosé. This winery is located in Hammondsport.
• Heron Hill Winery – Located in Hammondsport, has won many local, national and international wine competitions. This winery is known for its beautiful scenery and recently opened a second tasting room on the premises. Enjoy unique wines such as Blaufrankisch Reserve and Game Bird Blush here.
• Keuka Spring Vineyards – Winners of the Governor's Cup and finalists for the Winery of the year. Visit this winery to sample a few of the 26 (and counting) award winning wines. It is located in Penn Yan.
• McGregor Vineyard Winery – Located in Dundee, is known for its wide variety of grapes growing on the property. Some of the unusual varieties for the area include Sangiovese, Gewürztraminer, Muscat Ottonel, Sereksiya Charni, Saperavi Rkatsiteli, and Sereksiya Rose.
• Pleasant Valley Wine Company – Located on the shores of Keuka Lake in Hammondsport, Pleasant Valley was established in 1860, which makes it the oldest winery in the Finger Lakes region. They produce a wide variety of wines under several labels that include Great Western, Pleasant Valley, Seneca Harbor, Autumn Frost and Caywood Vineyards.
• Ravines Wine Cellars – Located in Keuka Village, this vineyard was named for the two deep ravines on the estate. This boutique winery is famous for its award winning dry, European-style wines as well as stocking a variety of delectable artisan chocolates.
• Rooster Hill Vineyards – A family owned vineyard located in Penn Yan. They grow Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Lemberger and Pinot Noir grapes at their Savina Estate Vineyard and Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Lemberger and Guwerztraminer grapes at their Catherine Estate Vineyard. They produce a variety of red and white wines on the premises.
• Stever Hill Vineyards – Located in Branchport, Stever Hill is known for their delicious and unusual red, white and sweet wines. Some of the delicious wines available include Kelley's Concord, Blueberry, Traminette and Old Barn Red.
• Hunt Country Vineyards – Located in Branchport, Hunt Country Vineyards has produced over 50 gold-medal winning wines since 2006. They are renowned for their Vidal Blanc Ice Wine and a wide variety of dry, vinifera wines.

It is advisable to plan ahead when visiting area wineries, especially during the late fall and winter. Visit the Keuka Lake Wine Trail website for information regarding local Bed and Breakfast establishments, hours of operation for the wineries and vineyards on the trail, as well as maps of the area.

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