The Complete Guide to Keuka Lake Wineries (2026)

There is a stretch of road along the western shore of Keuka Lake where the vineyards break open and the water appears below, still and silver in the morning light. The first time you see it, you understand why winemakers have been planting here for over a century.

While Seneca and Cayuga draw the crowds, Keuka Lake offers something rarer: a wine trail small enough to feel personal, yet deep enough to surprise seasoned palates. From America's first bonded winery to a family carrying six generations of Champagne savoir-faire, the wineries around this Y-shaped lake tell some of the most compelling stories in American wine.

This guide covers every winery on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, planning tips, and a full-day itinerary for 2026.

Why Keuka Lake? The Hidden Gem of the Finger Lakes

Keuka Lake is the only Y-shaped lake in the Finger Lakes -- a forked body of water cradled by steep hillsides that create a natural amphitheater for grape growing. The lake effect moderates temperatures along its shores, creating ideal conditions for Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and other cool-climate varietals.

The town of Hammondsport, at the southern tip of the lake, was named "Coolest Small Town in America" by Budget Travel. This is wine country without the velvet rope -- no traffic jams, no pretense.

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail includes over 10 wineries, each with its own personality. Compared to Seneca Lake's roughly 30 wineries or Cayuga's 15, Keuka keeps things intimate. You can visit the entire trail in a long weekend -- or return again and again to discover something new.

The Wineries: A Complete Keuka Lake Wine Trail List

Here is your guide to the wineries that make Keuka Lake a destination worth the drive. We have listed them in no particular order -- each one earns its place on the trail.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars

The name that put Finger Lakes wine on the map. When Konstantin Frank arrived from Ukraine in the 1950s and planted European vinifera grapes against all conventional wisdom, he launched a revolution. Today the fourth generation continues the legacy across 130 acres with benchmark Rieslings and educational tastings that range from complimentary to their 1886 Food & Wine pairing ($35).

Known for: Riesling, vinifera pioneer heritage, educational tastings

Bully Hill Vineyards

The life of the party. "Wine with laughter" is their motto, and with 40+ wines, a full-service restaurant, and a quirky museum, Bully Hill delivers. The wines lean sweeter than most neighbors, but the atmosphere draws families and groups all season long. At $8 for five wines plus a souvenir glass, it is the most affordable tasting on the trail.

Known for: Fun atmosphere, restaurant, sweet wines, museum

Heron Hill Winery

Perched on one of the highest points along the lake, Heron Hill earned a spot on Travel + Leisure's "Top 10 Tasting Rooms in the World" -- and the views explain why. Now certified NY Sustainable with three locations, the Inn at Heron Hill makes it a natural base for a weekend trip. Weddings and events keep the trail alive through the quieter months.

Known for: Panoramic views, Inn lodging, weddings, sustainability

Keuka Spring Vineyards

Loyalty earned through consistency. Two-time Governor's Cup winners, the Wiltberger-Simmons family has been producing standout Rieslings and Gewurztraminers since 1985. Tastings are $15 for five wines, walk-in friendly, and reviewers call it a "trifecta of great wine, great room, great views." Their well-structured two-tier wine club is one of the best on the lake.

Known for: Award-winning Riesling and Gewurztraminer, wine club, family-friendly

Ravines Wine Cellars

A minimalist, Old World approach that appeals to serious wine lovers. The winery lets fruit and terroir speak through restrained winemaking, and their dry Rieslings and Pinot Noirs have earned consistent critical acclaim. If you appreciate wines built for the dinner table, Ravines belongs on your list.

Known for: Award-winning dry Rieslings, minimalist Old World winemaking

Pleasant Valley Wine Company / Great Western

Established in 1860, Pleasant Valley holds the distinction of being America's first bonded winery -- Bonded Winery No. 1. The Great Western brand once produced sparkling wines that rivaled anything from Europe. The tasting room is more modest than some neighbors, but for anyone with an interest in wine history, this is a pilgrimage.

Known for: America's first bonded winery (1860), sparkling wine heritage

McGregor Vineyard

A family operation since 1980, McGregor has carved out a niche with grape varieties you will not find elsewhere on the trail. Their Black Russian Red -- made from Saperavi, a Georgian grape -- is a conversation starter. They also produce noteworthy Rieslings and Pinot Noirs from estate fruit. The tasting room is welcoming and low-key, with lakeside views that reward a detour.

Known for: Unique grape varieties (Saperavi), estate-grown wines, lakeside setting

Stever Hill Vineyards

Small, personal, and off the beaten path, Stever Hill is where you come for an honest conversation about wine with the people who made it. Their production is limited, their style is approachable, and the experience feels like visiting a neighbor who happens to have a vineyard. A quiet stop for those who prefer depth over spectacle.

Known for: Small-batch wines, personal atmosphere

Weis Vineyards

Carrying a German heritage that complements the region's cool-climate identity, Weis focuses on traditional European varietals. Located close to Domaine LeSeurre on Route 54, the two make natural back-to-back stops -- different expressions of the Old World finding new life on the same stretch of Keuka lakeshore.

Known for: German heritage, European varietals

Domaine LeSeurre Winery

And then there is the French accent on Keuka Lake.

Domaine LeSeurre was founded by Celine and Sebastien LeSeurre, a couple who met over wine in New Zealand in 2009 while working for the Bourgeois family of Sancerre. Sebastien comes from six generations of Champagne vignerons in Colombe-le-Sec; Celine trained as a sommelier near Toulouse. Between them, they have worked 23 harvests across France, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. In 2012, they fell in love with the view from this hillside on Keuka Lake -- and the rest is a love story that unfolds in every bottle.

What sets Domaine LeSeurre apart is the marriage of French winemaking tradition with Finger Lakes terroir. The wines are handcrafted in small lots, guided by taste rather than instruments -- Sebastien and Celine taste every two to three days during aging, adjusting by palate in a practice passed down through generations. The result is a collection of 30+ wines, from bright mineral-driven Rieslings to expressive reds, that feel unmistakably French yet rooted in this place.

The tasting experiences are designed to be immersive, not intimidating:

• Educational Wine Tasting ($15) -- Five wines over 40 minutes with a guided introduction to the estate. Free for wine club members.
• A Taste of France: Wine & Macaron ($28) -- A seated pairing of five wines with five French gastronomic macarons. Each combination is crafted to reveal the interplay of flavor, aroma, and texture.
• Signature Wine & Food Pairing ($35) -- Five wines paired with five artisanal bites sourced from local and European producers. The experience that keeps visitors coming back.
• Wine by the Glass & Artisanal Plates -- No reservation needed. Settle into a French-style copper brasserie table on the terrace, order a glass and a charcuterie board, and let the lake do the rest.

Visitors consistently mention two things: the breathtaking Keuka Lake views from the terrace and the warm, knowledgeable hospitality. Step inside and you will find antique French tapestries alongside vintage American charm -- a style the team calls "French chic rustic." The terrace is dog-friendly, and on summer evenings, Jazz on the Terrace brings live music, wine, and sunset together.

Open daily, 10am to 6pm. Phone: (607) 292-3920.

Ready to taste? Book a guided tasting or explore our wines online.

Planning Your Keuka Lake Wine Tasting Trip

Best Time to Visit

The Keuka Lake wine trail is open year-round, but each season offers a different character:

• Late May through October is peak season. Terraces are open, events are in full swing, and June through September sees the most traffic -- book seated experiences ahead of time.
• Harvest (September - October) is arguably the most exciting time to visit. The vineyards glow with color and the air carries the scent of freshly picked grapes.
• November through April is quieter but rewarding. Cozy tasting rooms, unhurried conversations with staff, and holiday events across the trail.

How Many Wineries Can You Visit in One Day?

Plan for three to four wineries in a comfortable day. Each tasting takes 30 to 60 minutes, and you will want time to eat and enjoy the scenery between stops. With two days, split the trail: western shore one day, eastern shore and Hammondsport the next.

Tasting Costs

Most Keuka Lake wineries charge between $8 and $35 per person for a tasting, depending on the format:

| Experience Type | Typical Cost | |---|---| | Standard tasting (5 wines, bar seating) | $8 -- $15 | | Guided educational tasting | $15 -- $20 | | Food & wine pairing (seated) | $25 -- $35 | | Wine by the glass / terrace | $10 -- $18 per glass |

Many wineries waive or credit the tasting fee with a wine purchase. Wine club members often taste free.

Reservations

Walk-ins are welcome at most Keuka Lake wineries for standard tastings. However, reservations are strongly recommended for seated food-and-wine pairings, especially during peak season (June through October) and on weekends year-round. For groups of eight or more, always call ahead.

At Domaine LeSeurre, the Educational Tasting accommodates walk-ins when space allows. The Wine & Macaron and Signature Pairing experiences require a reservation. Groups larger than eight can enjoy wine by the glass and artisanal plates on the terrace -- call (607) 292-3920 to arrange.

Getting There: Driving Distances

| Starting Point | Driving Time | |---|---| | Rochester, NY | ~1.5 hours | | Syracuse, NY | ~2 hours | | Buffalo, NY | ~2.5 hours | | Ithaca, NY | ~1 hour | | New York City | ~4.5 hours | | Philadelphia, PA | ~4.5 hours |

From Rochester or Syracuse, Keuka Lake is a natural day trip. From NYC or Philadelphia, plan for a long weekend.

A One-Day Keuka Lake Wine Trail Itinerary

Adjust based on your own tastes -- the beauty of a small trail is that there are no wrong choices.

10:00 AM -- Dr. Konstantin Frank. Begin where it all began. Arrive when doors open, before the crowds. Budget 45 minutes.

11:15 AM -- Keuka Spring Vineyards. A short drive south. Walk-in friendly, relaxed, and genuinely warm. Budget 30-40 minutes.

12:30 PM -- Domaine LeSeurre: Wine & Macaron Pairing. Your anchor stop. Book the Wine & Macaron experience in advance ($28 per person). Five wines, five French gastronomic macarons, a seated setting with Keuka Lake before you. After the pairing, grab a glass and a charcuterie board on the terrace. Budget 90 minutes.

2:30 PM -- Pleasant Valley / Great Western. A detour into history. America's first bonded winery deserves your time. Budget 30-45 minutes.

3:30 PM -- Bully Hill Vineyards. End the day with energy. Restaurant, museum, and lake views make it a natural final stop. Budget 45-60 minutes.

Evening -- Dinner in Hammondsport. Walk the main street, grab dinner at a village restaurant, and reflect on the day.

Discover the French Side of Keuka Lake

If this guide has sparked your curiosity about Domaine LeSeurre, here are a few ways to go deeper:

• Book a wine tasting experience -- Educational, Wine & Macaron, or Signature Pairing
• Join the wine club -- Free membership, 15% off all wines, exclusive access to sparkling wines and limited releases
• Explore our wines online -- 30+ handcrafted wines shipped to 34+ states
• Read our story -- How a Champagne family and a Toulouse sommelier ended up on Keuka Lake

We would love to welcome you to our terrace. Come for the wine, stay for the view, and leave with a story worth telling.

Sante.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keuka Lake Wineries

How many wineries are on Keuka Lake?

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail features over 10 wineries, making it the most intimate of the three major Finger Lakes wine trails. Less driving between stops, more time tasting. You can visit the full trail in a dedicated weekend.

Do you need reservations for Keuka Lake wineries?

For standard tastings, most Keuka Lake wineries accept walk-ins. However, reservations are recommended for seated food-and-wine pairings, particularly during peak season (June through October) and on weekends. At Domaine LeSeurre, the Educational Tasting is available for walk-ins when space allows, while the Wine & Macaron and Signature Pairing experiences should be booked in advance at domainleseurre.com/wine-experience or by calling (607) 292-3920.

What is Keuka Lake known for?

Keuka Lake is known as the "hidden gem" of the Finger Lakes. It is the only Y-shaped lake in the region, surrounded by steep hillsides that create a unique microclimate for growing cool-climate grapes -- especially Riesling, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer. The town of Hammondsport at its southern tip was named "Coolest Small Town in America." Keuka Lake is also home to America's first bonded winery (Pleasant Valley, 1860) and a growing collection of acclaimed wineries blending Old World tradition with New World terroir.

How many wineries can you visit in one day on Keuka Lake?

Three to four wineries is a comfortable pace for a full day. Each tasting runs 30 to 60 minutes, and you will want time for meals and scenic stops in between. Quality over quantity -- the wineries will still be here for your next visit.

What is the best time to visit Keuka Lake wineries?

Late May through October is peak season, with harvest (September and October) being the most exciting time -- vineyards glow with color and the air is scented with freshly picked grapes. Weekday visits are more relaxed. Winter brings cozy tasting rooms, fewer crowds, and holiday events.

Are dogs allowed at Keuka Lake wineries?

Policies vary by winery. At Domaine LeSeurre, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the terrace -- the lake view and open air make it a favorite among four-legged visitors. We recommend calling ahead at other wineries to confirm their pet policy, as indoor tasting rooms may have restrictions.

Planning a trip to the Finger Lakes? Bookmark this guide and [book your Keuka Lake wine tasting at Domaine LeSeurre](/wine-experience/) -- we will save you a seat on the terrace.