Best 5 Wineries in Ithaca NY: A Guide to the Top Vineyards in the Region

ByTony Parker Last Updated:

Ithaca, NY is home to some of the best wineries in the United States. Located in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is a hub for wine enthusiasts who want to explore the unique flavors of the East Coast. With over 25 unique wineries on Cayuga Lake, visitors can spend days hopping from one winery to another.

The Finger Lakes region is known for producing some of the best wines in the country, and Ithaca is no exception. From dry reds to sweet whites, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can take part in wine tastings, and tours, and even purchase bottles to take home with them. The wineries in Ithaca are not just places to drink wine but also offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun weekend activity, the wineries in Ithaca, NY are a must-visit destination. With so many options to choose from, visitors can create their own wine trail and discover the unique flavors of the Finger Lakes region.

Ithaca’s Top Wineries

Ithaca, NY is home to some of the best wineries in the country. Here are five of the top wineries in Ithaca that visitors should check out:

Six Mile Creek Vineyard

Six Mile Creek Vineyard is a family-owned winery that has been producing award-winning wines for over 30 years. They offer a wide variety of wines, from dry reds to sweet whites, and have a beautiful tasting room with views of the vineyard. Visitors can also take a tour of the winery and learn about the winemaking process.

Website: http://www.sixmilecreek.com/

Address: 1551 Slaterville Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States

Americana Vineyards

Americana Vineyards is a popular winery located on the Cayuga Wine Trail. They offer a wide variety of wines, including their popular Riesling and Cabernet Franc. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, live music, and food at their on-site café.

Website: http://www.americanavineyards.com/

Address: 4367 E Covert Rd, Interlaken, NY 14847, United States

Buttonwood Grove Winery

Buttonwood Grove Winery is a small, family-owned winery located on the east side of Cayuga Lake. They offer a variety of wines, including their popular Cabernet Franc and Riesling. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the winery, which includes a beautiful tasting room and outdoor patio.

Website: https://buttonwoodgrove.com/

Address: 5986 NY-89, Romulus, NY 14541, United States

Swedish Hill Winery

Swedish Hill Winery is a well-known winery located on the Cayuga Wine Trail. They offer a wide variety of wines, including their popular Blue Waters Riesling and Viking Red. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the winery, and a gift shop.

Website: http://www.swedishhill.com/

Address: 4565 NY-414, Romulus, NY 14541, United States

Thirsty Owl Wine Company

Thirsty Owl Wine Company is a popular winery located on the west side of Cayuga Lake. They offer a variety of wines, including their popular Pinot Gris and Syrah. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the winery, and a gift shop.

Website: http://www.thirstyowl.com/

Address: 6799 Elm Beach Rd, Ovid, NY 14521, United States

These are just a few of the top wineries in Ithaca, NY. Visitors to the area should also check out other wineries on the Cayuga Wine Trail, which is home to over 25 wineries.

Wine Varieties in Ithaca

Ithaca, NY is home to some of the best wineries in the Finger Lakes Region. Visitors can taste a variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Blends.

Riesling

Riesling is a white grape variety that is known for its aromatic qualities and high acidity. It is the most popular wine variety in the Finger Lakes Region, and Ithaca is no exception. The cool climate and unique terroir of the region make it an ideal place to grow Riesling grapes. Visitors can taste a variety of Rieslings, from dry to sweet, at many of the wineries in Ithaca.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a versatile white grape variety that is grown all over the world. In Ithaca, Chardonnay grapes are grown in the cooler climate of the Finger Lakes Region. The resulting wine is crisp, with notes of green apple and citrus. Visitors can taste a variety of Chardonnays at many of the wineries in Ithaca.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety that is grown in many wine regions around the world. In Ithaca, Cabernet Franc grapes are grown in the cooler climate of the Finger Lakes Region. The resulting wine is medium-bodied, with notes of red fruit and spice. Visitors can taste a variety of Cabernet Francs at many of the wineries in Ithaca.

Blends

Blends are a combination of two or more grape varieties. In Ithaca, winemakers often blend different grape varieties to create unique and complex wines. Visitors can taste a variety of blends, including red and white blends, at many of the wineries in Ithaca.

Wine Tasting Experience

The wineries in Ithaca offer a unique wine-tasting experience that is sure to satisfy any wine lover. Visitors can expect to taste a variety of wines and learn about the different grape varieties and winemaking techniques used by the vineyards.

Many of the wineries have tasting rooms where visitors can sample the wines and purchase bottles to take home. The tasting rooms are typically staffed by knowledgeable and friendly staff who are happy to answer any questions visitors may have.

In addition to the indoor tasting rooms, many wineries in Ithaca also offer outdoor tasting experiences. Visitors can enjoy their wine on a patio or lawn while taking in the beautiful views of the vineyards.

Some wineries also offer live music and other entertainment to enhance the wine-tasting experience. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while listening to local musicians or taking part in other activities.

For those looking for a more upscale experience, many wineries offer charcuterie boards and other small bites to pair with the wine. These boards typically include a selection of meats, cheeses, and crackers that pair well with the wines being tasted.

Wine Trails

Ithaca, NY is home to several wine trails, including the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. These wine trails offer visitors a chance to explore the many wineries in the region and sample some of the best wines in the country.

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the first organized and longest-running wine trail in the country. It is made up of 16 members, including 15 wineries and a cidery. The trail offers visitors a chance to explore the beautiful Finger Lakes region and taste some of the best wines in the country. The wineries on the trail offer a wide variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is another popular wine trail in the region. It is home to over 30 wineries and offers visitors a chance to taste some of the best wines in the country. The wineries on the trail offer a wide variety of wines, including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of Seneca Lake while they sample the wines.

Both the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail offer visitors a chance to explore the many wineries in the region and taste some of the best wines in the country. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, these wine trails are a must-visit when in Ithaca, NY.

Seasonal Information

Many wineries in Ithaca, NY are open seasonally, with varying hours and days of operation. It’s recommended to check the winery’s website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on their hours of operation. Some wineries may have different hours of operation during the peak season, which is usually from May to October.

If you’re visiting Ithaca during the Easter holiday, some wineries may have special events or promotions. For example, Six Mile Creek Vineyard hosts an annual Easter Egg Hunt for children, while Ports of New York Winery offers a special Easter wine and chocolate pairing.

During the fall season, many wineries in Ithaca offer special events and activities, such as grape stomping, harvest festivals, and wine tastings paired with seasonal foods. Some wineries may also offer tours of their vineyards and production facilities, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the winemaking process.

It’s important to note that some wineries may close during the winter months, so it’s recommended to check their websites or social media pages for their winter hours of operation. However, some wineries may still offer tastings and events during the winter season, so it’s worth checking with individual wineries to see what they have to offer.

Accommodation and Transportation

Visitors to Ithaca, NY, will find a range of accommodations to suit their needs, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels. Many of the wineries in the area also offer on-site cabins, providing a unique and convenient way to experience the local wine scene. For those looking for a more rustic experience, camping options are also available in the area.

Transportation options in Ithaca include car rentals, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation. Visitors can also take advantage of wine tour packages that include transportation to and from the wineries. Some wineries even offer shuttle services to and from popular hotels in the area.

When planning a visit to Ithaca’s wineries, it is important to consider transportation options in advance. Many of the wineries are located in rural areas and may be difficult to access without a car. Visitors should also be aware of local laws and regulations regarding drinking and driving.

Overall, visitors to Ithaca will find a range of accommodations and transportation options to suit their needs. Whether staying in a cozy cabin or taking advantage of a wine tour package, there are plenty of ways to experience the local wine scene in comfort and style.