Wine Trail Cayuga Lake

Wine Trail at Cayuga Lake: A Journey Through New York's First Wine Trail

Nestled in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail offers a one-of-a-kind experience where scenic beauty, award-winning wines, and local charm come together. Stretching along the shores of Cayuga Lake — the longest of the Finger Lakes — this trail is not only famous for its variety of wines but also for being America’s very first organized wine trail, established in 1983.

Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is a delightful way to explore the region’s rich viticultural heritage, meet passionate winemakers, and enjoy some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Northeast.

The Birth of a Wine Trail

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail was created to connect the pioneering wineries that began planting grapes and producing wine in the area in the 1970s and early 1980s. Over time, what began as a grassroots collaboration grew into a nationally recognized wine route.

Today, the trail is home to more than a dozen family-owned and estate wineries, each offering something unique — from crisp Rieslings and buttery Chardonnays to bold reds and innovative blends. But the trail is more than just wine; it’s an immersive journey through vineyards, lake views, farm markets, and artisan communities.

Exploring the Trail: A Lake Loop Experience

The wine trail winds along both the western and eastern shores of Cayuga Lake, covering nearly 100 miles of scenic roads. Visitors can start from either end — Ithaca in the south or Seneca Falls in the north — and follow a loop that takes them past wineries, state parks, gorges, and farms.

You can easily spend a weekend exploring the trail, stopping at tasting rooms that range from modern lakefront patios to rustic converted barns. Some wineries offer food pairings, vineyard tours, live music, and seasonal events, turning a simple wine tasting into a full cultural experience.

Wineries You’ll Encounter on the Trail

Each winery along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail has its own character, winemaking style, and grape varieties. Here are a few highlights:

1. Sheldrake Point Winery (Ovid)

Located on the western shore, Sheldrake Point is known for its estate-grown wines, especially Riesling and Ice Wine. Its tasting room sits just steps from the lake, offering spectacular views.

2. Hosmer Winery (Ovid)

A sustainability-focused estate winery producing a wide variety of wines, from dry reds to sweet whites. Their vineyards span over 70 acres and are a cornerstone of the region’s farming history.

3. Lucas Vineyards (Interlaken)

The oldest winery on Cayuga Lake, Lucas Vineyards produces a mix of vinifera and hybrid wines. Their friendly atmosphere and playful “Nautie” wine series are visitor favorites.

4. Thirsty Owl Wine Company (Ovid)

Set on a large estate with a bistro and patio overlooking the lake, Thirsty Owl offers tastings of award-winning reds and whites, including Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Syrah.

5. Buttonwood Grove Winery (Romulus)

With stunning views and cabin rentals, Buttonwood Grove is known for its reds, sparkling wines, and relaxing ambiance. Their live music events are especially popular in summer.

These are just a few of the many stops on the trail — others include Knapp Winery, Long Point Winery, Americana Vineyards, Treleaven Wines, and more.

Events and Experiences Along the Trail

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is also known for its themed wine events throughout the year, offering visitors the chance to taste new releases, sample food pairings, and collect custom wine glasses or souvenirs.

Some of the most popular events include:

Holiday Shopping Spree (November–December) – A festive experience with holiday-themed tastings and local artisan goods.

Sips & Succulents (Spring) – Combines wine tastings with potted plant gifts and springtime cheer.

Bacon on the Lakein (March) – A fan favorite where each winery pairs a wine with a unique bacon dish.

These events not only showcase the wines, but also reflect the community spirit of the Finger Lakes.

Why Cayuga’s Wine Trail Stands Out

While the Finger Lakes has several wine trails, Cayuga Lake stands out for its combination of natural beauty, pioneering spirit, and warm hospitality. You don’t just sip wine here — you learn about the vines, walk through working vineyards, and often chat directly with the people who grew the grapes and made the wine.

The proximity of wineries to each other (often just minutes apart) makes it easy to explore without long drives. Plus, the surrounding area offers lakeside state parks, waterfalls like Taughannock Falls, charming towns like Aurora and Trumansburg, and the cultural energy of Ithaca.

Planning Your Visit

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is open year-round, though hours may vary in winter. Most wineries are open daily during spring through fall. It's a good idea to check winery websites for seasonal hours, tasting policies, and reservation requirements.

Visitors can explore the trail by:

Car – The most flexible way to see the entire trail at your own pace.

Guided wine tours – Several local operators offer group or private tours with transportation.

Bike tours – Some portions of the trail are bike-friendly, especially on the western side.

Many visitors pair their wine trail experience with a stay in a lakeside B&B, farm stay, or cozy inn near the vineyards.

Final Thoughts

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is more than a road trip — it’s a journey through one of the most distinctive and welcoming wine regions in the country. Whether you come for the Riesling, the lake views, the sense of community, or just a relaxing weekend in wine country, the trail promises to leave you with full glasses, great stories, and a deeper appreciation for New York wine.