The Top 5 Cayuga Lake Wineries

By now, it’s no secret that New York’s picturesque Finger Lakes region is home to one of North America’s premier wine trails. Cayuga Lake, home to historic Ithaca, is not only a sublimely beautiful, 38-mile-long body of water, but its hillsides are dotted with world-class vineyards and urban wineries. With nearly two dozen Cayuga Lake wineries within a short distance from La Tourelle, your group is in for quite a week of flavorful refinement, sophistication, and natural beauty.

The Finest Cayuga Lake Wineries near Ithaca

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, known as “America’s First Wine Trail” boasts 14 members, most of which are within eyeshot of the lake itself. In an effort to provide a diverse depiction of this marvelous region, we’ve chosen five Cayuga Lake wineries that genuinely encapsulate the essence of Western New York. Three of these selections aren’t on the Wine Trail, but it’s critical to shine a light on the various wineries near Ithaca.

Six Mile Creek Winery

Approximately seven minutes away from La Tourelle’s romantic, 70-acre estate lies a 19th-century Dutch Colonial barn, home to the oldest winery in Ithaca. Six Mile Creek, named after the stream that spills through the heart of Ithaca, is a visual delight. The restored Colonial barn overlooks the region’s rolling hills and a peaceful reservoir. Meanwhile, the covered patio is an idyllic place to greet autumn with a glass of Seyval Blanc.

Ports of New York

Owner Frédéric Bouché is a fifth-generation French winemaker. His passion for fine vino, combined with multigenerational vinification techniques, is evident with every sniff, swirl, and sip. The quaint, wood-planked tasting room near the Cayuga Inlet’s banks is an aesthetic marvel that’s often captured by self-described photographers.

Bet the Farm Winery

Bet the Farm remains one of the only women-owned Cayuga Lake wineries. This medal-winning outfit is known for its eye-popping blue barn, where all of the “magic happens.” Couples revere Bet the Farm because it sits on several tilted acres covered in thriving grapevines. A few miles to the east lies Cayuga Lake—always a sight to behold at this elevation.

Lucas Vineyards

Lucas Vineyards has become popularized because of its vibrant labels, which often feature bright hues of purple, pink, and teal. Much like Bet the Farm, Lucas is owned and operated by a group of talented women, a partnership that dates all the way back to 1985. This skilled trio crafts everything from Gewurztraminer to Cabernet Franc and “Raspberry Blues Splash.”

Treleaven Wines

Besides being one of the top-rated Cayuga Lake wineries, Treleaven is proud to be an ultra-popular wedding destination. Most visitors cannot deny the allure of a four-wine flight for only $9. Oftentimes, live musicians grace the stage while patrons devour plates of homegrown eats and bask in the ambiance. 

An Enchanting Luxury Hotel in Ithaca, NY

After a half-day on the Finger Lakes wine trail, return to La Tourelle for a heavenly evening with your loved ones. La Tourelle is not only a short distance from the best wineries on Cayuga Lake and Cornell University, but this 70-acre estate boasts a beloved locally-sourced bistro, an opulent spa, and ample space for a picnic, walk, or yoga session. The French Chateau-style architecture ushers strong feelings of romance and glamour, while the 54 rooms and suites provide a ravishing look into the past (with a modern twist, of course). Unique spaces, such as the Yellow Barn Suite and King Upper Tower Room, provide a healthy dose of distinctive charm to an already enchanting manor. To book a well-deserved escape to historic Ithaca, please give us a call today at 800-765-1492 (or check availability online).