Lake Country Getaways
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KEUKA LAKE
Keuka Lake's east side has a new occupant. Rooster Hill Vineyards (489 Route 54 South) is located on the hillside just south of Penn Yan, N.Y.. They have found a successful way to combine sun, soil and local wine making traditions. Their many wine awards prove it. There's a sense of Tuscany here on the hill and it carries on into the tasting room. Bring a picnic! Visitors are encouraged to enjoy their lunch out on the expansive stone patio complete with a classic Finger Lakes view.
Rooster Hill: (315) 536-4773 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM, Sunday 12 PM-5PM
Lake Country Getaways
The Finger Lakes are filled with surprises around every corner and along wine trails that canvas the landscape. This is the time of year when it all really comes alive!
Keuka Wine Trail
Getaway Guy Mike O'Brian is back on the road in the Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake's beautiful west side along the Keuka Wine Trail.
Not too far from Rooster Hill, off of Route 54A, there's a hidden gem amongst the trees on the banks of Bluff Point that embraces a jaw-dropping view. A Finger Lakes tour would not be complete without a visit to Garrett Chapel. This monument to a young man of the Garrett family is now home to occasional church services, weddings and events. tours of the chapel are best found on weekdays. Enter the State Park entrance off of 54A and look for Skyline Drive.
Also on Keuka Lake, just south of Penn Yan on Route 14A, look for the enormous farm market The Windmill. 26-acres of fruits, vegetables, arts and crafts, flowers and plants. There's even horse-drawn buggy rides!
Be sure to include a drive to Hammondsport on Keuka Lake's southern tip. This is what a Finger Lakes village is supposed to look like! Quaint stores and antique shops, restaurants and a beautiful bright, white church next to the village park, complete with gazebo. About a mile away, check out The Glen Curtiss Aviation Museum, Route 54. (607) 569-2160
From here, you can find your way up the western end of the Keuka Wine Trail, Route 76. Look for signs to Bully Hill, a very popular winery with outdoor dining. This winery also has one of the best views! (607) 868-3610
Further along Route 76 on your left side, sitting majestically on the hill, you'll see Heron Hills. From the vaulted ceiling tasting room to the extensive gift shop and Blue Heron Cafe, you can easily spend a few hours here. This is one of the few wineries offering an outdoor terrace for lunch and dinner with a wonderful view of Keuka Lake. Heron Hills has themed dinner events with live entertainment. Call ahead for the schedule. (800) 441-4241
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 12PM-5PM
Tip: Every Sunday in October at Heron Hills, enjoy Tunes in the Tent series with free admission!
Back in the car and continuing north on Route 76, slow down so you won't miss a pottery for sale sign in front of a private home on your left side. A local artist has his colorful and creative wares for sale out on the front porch!
Continue your journey and be sure to follow the signs to Dr. Konstantin Frank's winery. This may be the most popular winery in the region, known for award-winning dry Riesling and Finger Lakes Champagne.
Wild Goose Chase Antiques is fun to find further on up the road adding to the color and character of the Finger Lakes wine trails.
Further on up the road, stop by a winery that takes you on a tour! Hunt Country Vineyards has been in the family for 6 generations. This is a true farm that grows the grapes, works the land and produces very good wines. They first achieved a national reputation as a premier producer of ice wine. You could spend a lot of time in the tasting room and gift shop. Tastings are $2 for any 5 wines. Be sure to see the entire wine making process on the guided tour for $2.50. The tour is what makes Hunt Country Vineyards different from the others!
Hunt Country Vineyards is open every day of the year. In September and October, Monday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm and Sunday 12 noon - 6 pm. (800) 946-3289
Gettin' There: From Branchport, up Italy Hill Road 1 mile. Look for signs.
From Naples, N.Y., follow Rte. 21 through the business district to Rte. 53 toward Prattsburgh, first left onto Italy Valley Rd. At about 4 miles, a right onto Italy Turnpike and up the hill for 2 miles to its end. Turn left onto Italy Hill Rd. About 4 miles down the hill, look for Hunt Country on your right.
Lunch on the Lake?
Try a 2-hour lunch cruise on the beautiful vintage cruising vessel 'Esperanza Rose'! Now you can see Keuka Lake up close from the wooden decks of this 65-foot beauty that also offers dinner cruises and sightseeing cruises. Reservations are a must! (315) 595-6618.
SENECA LAKE
Head east over the hills from Keuka to Seneca and discover Glenora Wine Cellars on route 14, Seneca Lake's west side. The wines are great here and at about 600 cases produced every day, they stay busy. You'll be able to see the process of wine making with a wine tour along with the expected wine tastings. The one big difference between Glenora and all the rest is the Inn! A 30-room inn is one of the big highlights at Glenora. The upscale accommodations all have a breathtaking view of the vineyards and Seneca Lake from either a top floor balcony or a 1st floor deck. Rates range from $169 a night for the Vintner's Guestroom to $259 for the Vintner's Select Guestroom. Weekends are busy this time of year. Weekdays may be your best bet.
Next to the Inn, Veraison's Restaurant with inside and outdoor seating for lunch and dinner.
Glenora Wine Cellars: 800 243-5513
With 36 wineries on Seneca Lake, Glenora stands alone for size and accommodations.
Getn' There: Located 8 miles north of Watkins Glen. From Rochester, take the NYS Thruway east to Geneva exit. Follow route 14 south.
On the sometimes overlooked east side of Seneca Lake, just south of Geneva on Route 96A, you'll make some great discoveries. Ventosa Vineyards is your first encounter with a touch of Tuscany. Premium wines to taste and buy, a cafe' with very good food and a fantastic view of the vineyards and lake from the outdoor balcony. Open Monday-Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. (315) 719-0000
Back out onto Route 96A and a quick right turn onto East Lake Road takes you on a more scenic route and to Lerch Road. This is where you'll find 4 wineries all together for your enjoyment. The original Nagy's New Land Estate has now been joined by Stony Lonesome Wine Cellars, Passion Feet Vineyards & Wine Barn and the edgy Rogue's Hollow. From dry to sweet, the wines are designed to please everyone, no matter what your taste. Caution: The humor at Rogue's Hollow could be taken in, as they say 'pour taste'. This Louisiana bayou-like building, complete with pond, is the one most people talk about. Unlike the other three, wine tastings here are done out of a shot glass! Something new has just opened! They're making beer at Barley Yards Bewing Company with very unique brews and brew tastings. Even a delicious Root Beer!!
Three Brothers Wineries & Estates (315) 585-4432
CAYUGA LAKE
Just when you thought most of the Finger Lakes action was on the west side of Cayuga Lake, along come owners and vintners that are bringing a lot of surprises to the east side. A winding State Route 90 takes you through small towns and villages like Cayuga, Union Springs and Aurora.
There may be only 2 wineries on this side of the lake, but they are 2 of the best! Finger Lakes wines have come a long way and you'll agree after enjoying a tasting at both Long Point Winery and King Ferry Winery. Both provide daily tastings of reds and whites for only $1. Both wineries have collected prestigious awards for their labor of love which you can purchase when you visit or purchase online.
Tip: Ask to buy a glass of the wine you like most. It's a great way to sip outside and enjoy the amazing views both wineries enjoy overlooking Caygua Lake.