Cayuga Lake Wine Trail — America's First Wine Trail, Finger Lakes New York

Cayuga Lake is America's first officially designated wine trail (1976) — New York's longest Finger Lake with 30+ wineries producing world-class Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and estate whites. Swedish Hill, Thirsty Owl, Standing Stone, and Hosmer anchor an exceptional wine region built around Ithaca's vibrant food scene and Cornell University's influence on American viticulture. Sip & Summit builds your curated 4-stop Cayuga Lake wine route in under 10 seconds.

Featured Wineries

  • Swedish Hill Winery — Cayuga Lake's most celebrated producer with 150+ acres and consistent national recognition for Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
  • Thirsty Owl Wine Company — beautifully situated lake-view estate producing elegant wines with exceptional Pinot Gris and a superb outdoor tasting deck.
  • Standing Stone Vineyards — east shore high-elevation estate producing some of Cayuga's most individual Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
  • Hosmer Winery — long-established Cayuga Lake estate committed to sustainable farming and some of the region's most food-friendly white wines.
  • Lucas Vineyards — one of Cayuga Lake's founding family wineries producing excellent Riesling and estate whites in a welcoming lakeside setting.

Why Sip & Summit

  • 4-stop curated wine day along America's first designated wine trail
  • Route built in under 10 seconds
  • World-class Riesling, Ithaca food scene, and 30+ wineries on New York's longest Finger Lake
  • One-tap navigation from Ithaca, Seneca Falls, or Auburn
  • Swap any stop if it doesn't fit your day

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best wineries on Cayuga Lake?
Swedish Hill, Thirsty Owl, Standing Stone, Hosmer, Lucas Vineyards, Goose Watch, and Taughannock Farms — 30+ producers on America's first designated wine trail (1976).
Is Ithaca a good base for Cayuga Lake wine tasting?
Ithaca is ideal — excellent restaurants, Taughannock Falls State Park, and most wineries within 20 minutes of downtown. Cornell's viticulture program shaped American cool-climate winemaking.
What wine is Cayuga Lake known for?
World-class Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Chardonnay — cool-climate whites shaped by the lake's moderating influence and Cornell University's viticulture research.