The best Keuka Lake wineries are located on the shores of this beautiful, Y-shaped lake. These vineyards produce award-winning wines and offer tasting sessions to guests who want to discover the best bottles in the region.
What makes these Keuka Lake wineries different from others? They use grapes grown at some of the highest elevations in the Finger Lakes. The region’s shale-rich, acidic soil and sustainable farming practices preserve critical nutrients, resulting in high-quality wines with distinct minerality.
The region also offers a variety of other activities such as hiking the bluff in summer, exploring world-class aviation museums, and much more.
In our Keuka Lake full guide, we will go through the best wineries, the most pleasant times to visit, and the best local activities.
What Are The Best Months To Visit The Finger Lakes?
The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is a great place to visit any time of year and is a beautiful getaway for both nature and wine lovers.
That being said, if you’re looking for the quintessential experience, come between **May and September**. There will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking, kayaking, and, of course, wine tasting.
The rates at local accommodations are higher from June to August when crowds peak. October is also highly popular for fall foliage, which provides a stunning backdrop to the “Crooked Lake” (as Keuka is known locally).
How Many Wineries Are On Keuka Lake?
The Finger Lakes region is home to the oldest and most well-known wineries in the United States. One of these was the Taylor Wine Company, which began at Keuka Lake and grew to be a massive national producer.
Today, Keuka Lake is home to approximately **20 wineries** on both its East and West shores, ranging from historic estates to modern, boutique operations.
Why Are The Finger Lakes Good For Wine?
The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its wine, but not all lakes are created equal. The lower-elevation Seneca and Cayuga Lakes have chalky, limestone-heavy soil well suited to certain vinifera grapes.
In contrast, Keuka Lake’s higher altitude and shale-based acidic soils are more reminiscent of prestigious cool-climate regions in Europe. This terroir is perfect for creating high-acid, aromatic white wines and elegant, light-bodied reds.
Related Read: 10 Best Wineries On Seneca Lake: Wine With A View
Best Keuka Lake Wineries
The Keuka Lake wine region has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with friends and family, tasting delicious wines and enjoying your surroundings.
Here below, we will highlight 5 wineries that are not only located on the shores of Keuka Lake but also offer some fantastic wines to taste.
McGregor Vineyard – Authenticity And Rare Varieties
- Address: 5503 Dutch St, Dundee, NY 14837
- Contact: (800)-272-0192
- Website: https://www.mcgregorwinery.com/
For those who want a deeply educational experience, McGregor Vineyard is an essential stop. One mile above the eastern shore of Keuka Lake, the winery offers a serene setting and a tradition of excellence.
They are famous for growing rare Eastern European grapes. Their “Black Russian Red”—a unique blend of **Saperavi and Sereksiya Charni**—is a cult favorite. Their Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and Dry Gewürztraminer are also highly regarded.
Tasting sessions are available daily (typically 11 AM to 5 PM). Reservations are recommended for groups, with standard flights usually priced around $15 per person.
Bully Hill Vineyards – Affordable Wine and Iconic Style
- Address: 8843 Greyton H Taylor Memorial Dr, Hammondsport, NY 14840
- Contact: (607)-868-3610
- Website: https://www.bullyhillvineyards.com/
Bully Hill Vineyards is more than just a winery; it’s a destination. With its quirky labels and “wine for the people” philosophy, it offers a fun, unpretentious atmosphere. The view of the lake from the top of the hill is one of the best in the region.
The tasting room is open daily. Their most popular bottles, like the Banty Red and Chardonnay Elise, are noted for their affordability and consistent quality.
Onsite, you’ll also find a full-service restaurant, a fascinating **Wine Museum**, and an art gallery. It’s an ideal spot for a lunch break during your tour of the lake.
Domaine LeSeurre Winery – The French Touch
- Address: 13920 NY-54, Hammondsport, NY 14840, United States
- Contact: (607)-292-3920
- Website: https://dlwinery.com/
Owned by a French couple with 15 generations of winemaking heritage, Domaine LeSeurre brings an Old-World sensibility to the Keuka shoreline. They specialize in dry, elegant wines that express the local terroir with French finesse.
Their **Unoaked Chardonnay** and **Riesling** are essential tastes for white wine lovers. The tasting room offers a sophisticated experience, often featuring cheese pairings and sunset sessions during the warmer months.
Note that outside food is not permitted, but the winery offers an excellent selection of curated snacks and local delicacies.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery – The Vinifera Pioneer
- Address: 9749 Middle Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840
- Contact: (800)-320-0735
- Website: http://www.drfrankwines.com/
Consistently ranked among the top wineries in the world, Dr. Konstantin Frank is a must-visit for any serious wine enthusiast. Dr. Frank was the first to prove that classic European (Vinifera) grapes could survive and thrive in the cold New York climate.
They offer an extensive portfolio of over 40 wines. Their **Dry Riesling** and **Sparkling Wines (Célèbre)** are legendary.
Tastings are intimate and often include library releases or premium designate bottles. For a deeper dive, their food and wine pairing experiences (around $50) provide an expert-led look at how their wines complement regional cuisine.
Barrington Cellars – Organic Integrity and Scenery
- Address: 2794 Gray Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527, United States
- Contact: (315)-531-8923
- Website: https://www.barringtoncellars.com/
Located near Penn Yan, Barrington Cellars has been cultivating vines since 1971. They focus on both native Labrusca grapes and classic hybrids, producing wines made with certified organic grapes from their own estate.
From their Sweet Riesling to the **Buzzard’s Bubbly**, their wines are approachable and flavorful. Tasting sessions are affordable (usually around $5–$10), making this a great stop for those looking for a high-quality but budget-friendly experience.
Where Should I Stay For Finger Lakes Wineries?
Hammondsport
Voted “America’s Coolest Small Town,” Hammondsport is the primary hub for Keuka Lake. It offers historic inns, boutique shops, and immediate access to the waterfront and the southern end of the wine trail.
Corning
Just 30 minutes from Hammondsport, Corning is home to the world-famous Corning Museum of Glass. It is a perfect cultural base for those wanting to combine wine with art and shopping.
Ithaca
Located about 45 miles away on Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is known for its waterfalls (“Ithaca is Gorges”) and Cornell University. It’s an excellent choice if you plan on visiting both Keuka and Cayuga wine trails.
Also Read: The 10 Best Wineries in Cayuga Lake
Best Activities Around Keuka Lake
Hiking the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail
Connect Keuka Lake to Seneca Lake via this 7-mile multi-use trail. It’s perfect for a morning bike ride or a brisk hike before the wineries open.
Visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Located in Hammondsport, this museum celebrates aviation and the “Fastest Man on Earth.” It is one of the most unique cultural attractions in the Finger Lakes.
Fishing and Water Sports
Keuka Lake is a haven for lake trout and salmon. Rent a boat for an afternoon or try your hand at ice fishing if you visit during the winter months.
Conclusion
Visiting Keuka Lake, NY, offers a more intimate and rugged wine experience than the larger neighboring lakes. With its unique microclimate and shale-driven terroir, the wine here has a purity and energy that is hard to match.
Whether you are looking for rare Georgian varieties at McGregor or the historic legacy of Dr. Frank, your trip will be a masterclass in New York winemaking.