East Keuka Lake Wine Tour

New York Self-Guided Wine ToursSelf-Guided Wine Tours
Written By Julie Beach

2 Day Self-Guided Finger Lakes Wine Tour - New York

Several of the best Finger Lakes wineries are on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Keuka Lake is a standout feature of the Finger Lakes wine region due to its unique Y-shaped design and the nickname "Crooked Lake." It's about 20 miles long and the smallest of the three main lakes in the primary winery area. The eastern side of Keuka Lake is home to seven different wineries that blend global influences with long standing wine making success. You can explore all the Eastern Keuka Lake wineries in just two days, making it a perfect spot for a weekend getaway to enjoy Finger Lakes wines. For convivence, we have also included an interactive Eastern Keuka Lake Winery Map with all the Keuka Lake Wineries mentioned.

These wineries, like Keuka Spring Vineyards and McGregor Vineyard which are early vinifera pioneers to the region, as well as Ravines Wine Cellars, Weis Vineyards, Domaine Leseurre Winery, and Living Roots, bring diverse global influences from France, Germany, and Australia. If you love Saperavi wine, you'll find it at Keuka Spring Vineyards and McGregor Vineyard. Combine this with stunning lake views, sunset events, and the friendly atmosphere of the region, and you've got a great place to visit. Plus, nearby towns like Penn Yan and Hammondsport add to the charm of exploring this beautiful area.

Learn more about the unique Keuka Lake terroir here: Journey into Finger Lakes Terroir: The Impact of Three Lakes

Listing of Wineries On the East Side of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Bookmark this page for easy access to our Eastern Keuka Lake Wine Trail Map

  • Keuka Spring Vineyards - 243 Route 54, East Lake Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527  Phone: 315-536-3147 Website: Keuka Spring Vineyards

  • Rooster Hill Vineyards - 489 RT 54 S, Penn Yan, NY 14527 Phone: 315-536-4773 Website: Rooster Hill Vineyards

  • McGregor Vineyard - 5503 Dutch St, Dundee, NY 14837 Phone: 800-272-0192 Website: McGregor Vineyard

  • Ravines Wine Cellars - 14630 State Route 54, Hammondsport, NY 14840 Phone: 607-292-7007 Website: Ravines Wine Cellars

  • Weis Vineyards - 10014 Day Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840 Phone: 607-284-4011 Website: Weis Vineyards

  • Domaine LeSeurre Winery - 13920 State Route 54, Hammondsport, NY 14840 Phone: 607-292-3920 Website: Domaine Leseurre Winery

  • Living Roots Finger Lakes - 8560 County Road 87, Hammondsport, New York 14840 Phone: 585-383-1112 Website: Living Roots

Eastern Keuka Lake Wine Trail Map

Keuka Spring Vineyards:

Diverse and Award-Winning Wines, Welcoming Visitor Experience, Rich History and Legacy

Keuka Spring Vineyards - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Keuka Spring Vineyards offers a diverse range of wines, catering to various preferences with their selection of both red and white, dry and sweet varieties. Visitors can enjoy award-winning wines, with no reservations required for tastings. The winery is family and dog-friendly, often providing local cheeses and snacks, and occasionally hosting outside vendors for special events like their Music, Food, & Wine Series. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic food to enjoy alongside breathtaking views of Keuka Lake and the Bluff, complete with comfortable Adirondack chairs.

Keuka Spring Vineyards - Stunning Views of Keuka Lake - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

The story of Keuka Spring Vineyards traces back to founders Len and Judy Wiltberger, who purchased 30 acres of land on Keuka Lake and planted various wine grape varieties in 1981. Their inaugural vintage debuted in 1985, alongside the opening of the first tasting room. Upon the Wiltbergers' retirement, the Simmons family eagerly assumed the responsibility of continuing the legacy, building upon the foundation laid by the Wiltbergers and envisioning further growth into the future. The transition from the Wiltberger family to the Simmons family occurred in 2022.

Keuka Spring Vineyards Outdoor Seating with a Keuka Lake View - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Keuka Spring wines have garnered multiple awards, including notable accolades such as the Best Red Wine in New York State at the New York Wine Classic for their 2021 Blaufränkisch, 2016 Winery of the Year at the New York Wine & Food Classic, and Governor's Cup awards for their Riesling in 2012 and Gewürztraminer in 2017.

Vineyard Sites:

  • WILTBERGER VINEYARD: The estate vineyard, planted by the Wiltbergers in 1981, features Vignoles, Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay, Lemberger, and Cabernet Franc vines, accounting for approximately 30% of the winery's production.

  • HUMPHREYS VINEYARD: Situated on Seneca Lake, this vineyard has east-facing rows on a gentle slope, resulting in grapes with slower ripening, particularly ideal for Riesling. This row layout is unusual for the Finger Lakes as most are planted north to south.

  • SIMMONS VINEYARD: Owned by the Simmons family, who have been prominent grape growers in the Finger Lakes region since 1963, this vineyard spans over 500 acres near the bluff of Keuka Lake and cultivates native, hybrid, and vinifera grapes.

Wine to Try: Blaufränkisch smooth and earthy with black cherry and pomegranate

Grapes and Wine Styles:

  • Wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris

  • Red Wines: Blaufränkisch (Lemburger), Zweigelt, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Saperavi

  • Hybrid Wines: Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Vignoles

  • Other Styles: Rosé, Sparkling, Late Harvest, Dessert, Ice Wine

 Contact: 243 Route 54, East Lake Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527  Phone: 315-536-3147 Website: Keuka Spring Vineyards

Rooster Hill Vineyards

Iconic Rooster, Events and Pet-Friendly Atmosphere, Diverse Portfolio

Perched atop a hill, overlooking Keuka Lake, stands a majestic black Rooster, proudly welcoming guests to the Rooster Hill Vineyards tasting room. This iconic Rooster serves as a symbol of the founders' Italian heritage and pays homage to the winery's history. You can choose to enjoy tastings on their terrace or lawn during the warmer months or within their tasting room year round. Rooster Hill Vineyards has recently introduced a new event called "Tunes on the Terrace," where guests can savor wood-fired pizzas, live music, Rooster Hill wines, and breathtaking sunset views over Keuka Lake.  They do require reservations for the event so make sure to book in advance. Plus, they warmly welcome furry friends, making it a pet-friendly destination for all wine enthusiasts.

Rooster Hill Vineyards underwent a transition in 2018 when Paul Curcillo and Stephanie King, owners of CK Cellars, acquired it from its founders, Amy and Dave Hoffman, who had owned it for 16 years. During their tenure, Rooster Hill garnered 330 medals and received numerous press accolades. The Hoffmans decided to retire, passing the torch to CK Cellars.

Aside from Rooster Hill, CK Cellars operates various other enterprises, all housed on the Torrey Ridge campus, on the west side of Seneca Lake. These include Torrey Ridge Winery, Earle Estates Meadery, Worthog Cidery, and Cuki Fine Wines.  Rooster Hill is the only one not located on the Torrey Ridge campus.

The story of Rooster Hill Vineyards is deeply intertwined with Amy's Italian family heritage. It all began when Amy and David Hoffman, both former corporate professionals, traded their urban lifestyle for a venture into winemaking on Keuka Lake. In 2002, they planted the Savina Estate Vineyard, featuring Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Lemberger grapes. Named after Amy's great-grandmother, Savina. The following year, in 2003, they established the Catherine Estate Vineyard, encompassing four acres, including Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Lemberger, and Gewürztraminer. Named after Catherine, Savina's daughter. In 2007, the Giuseppe Estate was planted with Vidal Blanc grapes, paying homage to Amy's great uncle Joe. These grapes predominantly contribute to the Silver Pencil blend. Lastly, the Barbara Anne Estate, founded in 2013, honors Amy's mother and features plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Wine to Try: Cabernet Franc Lemberger Blend for a nice mix of red fruit and spice

Grapes and Wine Styles:

  • White Wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Vidal Blanc

  • Red Wines: Blaufränkisch (Lemburger), Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir

  • Hybrid Wines: Seyval Blanc, Cayuga White, Vidal Blanc

  • Other Styles: Rosé, Sparkling, Sweet, Port

 Contact: 489 RT 54 S, Penn Yan, NY 14527 Phone: 315-536-4773 Website: Rooster Hill Vineyards

McGregor Vineyard

Rich History, Exceptional Wines and Unique Offerings, Commitment to Innovation

McGregor Vineyard Views of Keuka Lake - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Make sure to add McGregor Vineyard to your itinerary when exploring Keuka Lake. With a rich history, outstanding wines, and breathtaking Keuka views, it's a must-visit destination. They offer wine tasting flights accompanied by small plates of cheese, pesto, and chocolate. In warmer months, enjoy seating both indoors and outdoors, offering the perfect setting to savor tastings or wine by the glass while taking in the spectacular lake view. Plus, they are a dog-friendly winery for you to enjoy with your four-legged friend.

Renowned for their quality and longevity, McGregor's vinifera grapevines are among the oldest in the Finger Lakes, yielding wines of exceptional wine. Of particular pride to McGregor Vineyard is their Saperavi, a grape variety they championed as early adopters in the region. Initially marketed as "Black Russian Red," McGregor's Saperavi garnered widespread acclaim, drawing wine enthusiasts to their vineyard to sample this unique offering. In recent years, McGregor Vineyard has rebranded it simply as "Saperavi," cementing its status as a standout varietal in the Finger Lakes.

McGregor Vineyard Saperavi Grapes - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Fuelled by their passion for Saperavi, McGregor Vineyard hosts educational events like "Saperavi Stories, History, and Wine," in collaboration with Saperica. Through these events, guests can explore McGregor's Saperavi wines alongside Georgian counterparts, accompanied by tantalizing Georgian cuisine and captivating tales of wine tradition. McGregor Vineyard's dedication to promoting Saperavi and Georgian culture exemplifies their ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in winemaking.

Read more about Finger Lakes Saperavi in this article, Georgian Grape Varieties reshaping the Finger Lakes - Saperavi and Rkatsiteli

Bob and Marge McGregor embarked on their vinicultural journey in 1971, when they purchased about 70 acres of land on the east side of Keuka Lake.  Living near Rochester, NY, Bob was a physicist working for Kodak.  Bob was part of a group of local home winemakers and eventually decided to turn his hobby into his career by bringing his family to the Finger Lakes. This marked a moment in the history of New York's winemaking. Joining the ranks of esteemed pioneers like Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery and Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, they dared to challenge convention by planting vinifera grapes in the Finger Lakes region. Despite skepticism from others who doubted the feasibility of growing European vinifera in the area's cool climate, the McGregors pressed on with determination.

Read more about the History of Finger Lakes Wine in this article, The History of the Finger Lakes Wine Country

McGregor Vineyard Semi-Dry Riesling - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Their early plantings included Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer. In 1980, their vision culminated in the founding of McGregor Vineyard, and their inaugural vintage. To the surprise of many, the first vintage was a success.  Even the esteemed Leon D. Adams, author of The Wines of America, proclaimed that McGregor Vineyard produced some of the finest wines in the Finger Lakes. "This is Pinot Noir, from New York?!" he wrote.  This helped McGregory Vineyard gain a reputation as one of the best Finger Lakes wineries on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Since then, McGregor Vineyard has remained commitment to crafting estate-grown vinifera wines, a tradition upheld by their son, John McGregor, the second generation stewarding the family legacy.

Wine to Try: Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, it is one of the few wineries in the Finger Lakes where you can try both of these Georgian wines

Grapes and Wine Styles:

  • Wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Vignoles, Rkatsiteli

  • Red Wines: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Saperavi

  • Other Styles: Rosé, Sparkling

Contact: 5503 Dutch St, Dundee, NY 14837 Phone: 800-272-0192 Website: McGregor Vineyard

Ravines Wine Cellars

Pioneers of Finger Lakes Dry Riesling, Exceptional Wines, Vision and Expertise

Ravines Wine Cellars stands out as one of the best Finger Lakes wineries, and rightfully so. Renowned as trailblazers for introducing the dry Riesling style that characterizes the Finger Lakes today, they have solidified their reputation. Additionally, they are celebrated for their exceptional Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and red blends. With two tasting rooms, visitors can experience Ravines Wine Cellars in two settings. The original Keuka Tasting Room offers wonderful views of Keuka Lake from its inviting patio, while the second tasting room is housed within a historic barn at their White Springs Vineyard in Geneva, adjacent to Seneca Lake. The Geneva location also has elevated experiences with food pairings and barrel room tastings. Due to their popularity, reservations for tastings at both locations are highly recommended to ensure an enjoyable visit.

Ravines Wine Cellars, founded by Morten Hallgren and his wife Lisa, played a pivotal role in revolutionizing winemaking styles in the Finger Lakes during the early 2000s. While Riesling was gaining popularity in the region, it was predominantly produced in sweeter styles, not reflecting the potential for dry wines. Morten and Lisa sought to change this, introducing a new era of dry, mineral-driven wines to the Finger Lakes.

Morten's upbringing in the Provence region of France, where his family owned and operated Domaine de Castel Roubine, instilled in him a deep understanding of viticulture and traditional winemaking techniques. After studying Enology and Viticulture at a prestigious institution in Montpellier, Morten gained experience at wineries worldwide, including Chateau Cos d’Estournel in Bordeaux and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.

In 1998, Morten joined Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, where he recognized the potential for crafting dry wines in the Finger Lakes. This led him to acquire a 17-acre parcel of land on the eastern slopes of Keuka Lake in 2001, laying the foundation for Ravines Wine Cellars. Morten sourced grapes from top vineyards, including Argetsinger and 16 Falls Vineyard, for their inaugural vintage, which included Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and a Meritage red blend.

The recognition came swiftly when their Dry Riesling won the Best Dry Riesling in the World Riesling Cup in 2003. In 2006, Morten left Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery to focus solely on crafting wines for Ravines. By 2010, production had shifted to White Springs Winery, where Morten also served as the winemaker. Two years later, they acquired White Springs Winery, expanding their vineyard holdings to 130 acres.

  • Argetsinger Vineyard (owned by Beren Argetsinger): Located on the southeastern shores of Seneca Lake, this steep-sloped vineyard features mineral-rich limestone soil, imparting lean fruit profiles and focused minerality to the grapes. Exclusive sourcing for Ravines Sparkling wines, Le Petit Caporal, Dry Riesling, Argetsinger Vineyard, and Dry Pinot Rosé.

  • 16 Falls Vineyard: Located in Ovid on the eastern side of Seneca Lake, at its deepest point, this 46-acre estate vineyard has acidic shalestone soil with clay content. Utilizes a lyre trellis system for enhanced sunlight absorption, resulting in greater ripeness and high-quality grapes.

  • White Springs Vineyard: Located in Geneva, this vineyard features Honeoye loam over limestone soil. With significant slope and perfect eastern exposure, it produces ripe, pristine grapes known for their complexity and nuances.

Today, Ravines has two tasting rooms—the original vineyard and tasting room Keuka Lake and a rustic restored barn at the prior White Springs Winery on Seneca Lake. Morten and Lisa's dedication to quality winemaking has firmly established Ravines Wine Cellars as one of the primer wineries in the Finger Lakes region.

 Wine to Try: Try their different Dry Rieslings side by side to compare the different vineyard sites

If you enjoy Finger Lakes Reisling, try this Finger Lakes Self-Guided Wine Tour: Exploring Seneca Lake Riesling: Self-Guided Finger Lakes Wine Tour along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Grapes and Wine Styles:

  • White Wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc

  • Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch (Lemburger), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

  • Hybrid Wines: Valvin Muscat

  • Other Styles: Rosé, Sparkling

Contact Keuka Lake - Contact: 14630 State Route 54, Hammondsport, NY 14840 Phone: 607-292-7007 Website: Ravines Wine Cellars

Contact Seneca Lake - Contact: 400 Barracks Rd. Geneva, NY 14456 Phone: 315-781-7007 Website: Ravines Wine Cellars

Weis Vineyards

Award-Winning Excellence, German Influence and Tradition, Expansion and Growth

Weis Vineyards Barn Tasting Room - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

If you are a regular around the Finger Lakes wine region, the term “Zum Wohl” will be familiar to you. The German words for “Cheers” can be found all around the tasting room of Weis Vineyards, which was awarded the 2022 “Winery of the Year” award in the New York Wine Classic, only five years after they first opened their doors in 2017. This winery has been growing rapidly in terms of the size of their wine tasting spaces and their reputation as one of the best Finger Lakes wineries.

German winemaker Peter Weis is another European who has found a home in the Finger Lakes. Growing up in a winemaking family with six generations of experience from Mosel, Germany, Peter learned the traditional style of the Mosel region. After receiving his degree in winemaking, business, and agriculture, he came to the United States in 2005 and took a job at Schug Carneros Estate Winery in Sonoma, California, working with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. He was planning to go to Australia next when, in 2006, he decided to visit a friend working at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s winery on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes. During his visit, Dr. Konstantin Frank’s winery offered him a position as one of their winemakers and vineyard managers, where he was responsible for German and white varieties and vineyard management.

Weis Vineyards Tasting Room with Keuka Lake Views - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Peter found that the minerality of the Finger Lakes soil around Keuka Lake and the climate were similar to those of Mosel, Germany, making it an excellent place to craft cool-climate German-style wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. In 2017, Peter decided to venture out on his own and purchased the property that was once home to Lime Berry Winery, and thus Weis Vineyards was born. Starting out in the old Schoolhouse building as the tasting room, they continued to expand by restoring the old barn next door and adding a more modern barrel and tasting room. Weis Vineyards also added a large outdoor seating area overlooking Keuka Lake, which is a popular hangout on nice days.

Peter Weis and his wife Ashlee, a native of Hammondsport, NY, work with 22 grape growers throughout the Finger Lakes to source the majority of their grapes. In 2020, Weis Vineyards planted their first estate vineyard, Day Road Estate Vineyard on Keuka Lake. This vineyard site is just minutes from the winery and was planted in the Spring of 2020 with Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Saperavi.

When visiting Weis Vineyards, reservations for tastings are neither required nor accepted. All tastings and outdoor seating are first come, first served. You can choose from three different areas to taste or enjoy a glass of wine:

Weis Vineyards Outside Seating with Keuka Lake Views - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

  • The Schoolhouse: This quaint building, originally built in the late 1800s, was their first tasting room from 2017. This specialty tasting space is open during the main season on weekends.

  • The Barn: Located in a restored barn next to the Schoolhouse, this rustic and charming space is a customer favorite and one of the most popular places for tastings.

  • The Tables: The outdoor tasting area is casual and lively on nice days. Spend the day relaxing with a glass of wine and enjoying one of the most beautiful views of Keuka Lake.

Wine to Try: Grüner Veltliner or the One Eighty Three Port style dessert wine

Grapes and Wine Styles:

  • White Wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Grüner Veltliner

  • Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch (Lemburger), Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Melot

  • Hybrid Wines: Zweigelt, Chancellor, Diamond, Aravelle

  • Other Styles: Rosé, Sparkling, Dessert

Contact: 10014 Day Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840 Phone: 607-284-4011 Website: Weis Vineyards

 

Domaine LeSeurre Winery

French Winemaking Tradition, Commitment to Quality, Expression of Terroir

Sébastien and Celine LeSeurre - Domaine LeSeurre Winery - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Domaine LeSeurre Winery, owned by the French winemaking couple Sébastien and Celine LeSeurre, brings traditional techniques to craft exceptional Finger Lakes wines. As you arrive at Domaine Leseurre Winery, you're greeted by the sight of the proudly waving French flag and bilingual French/English parking signs. Enjoy a standard tasting flight without a reservation or elevate your experience with one of their premium tastings, such as the Signature Wine & Gourmet French Macaroon Experience or the Signature Wine & Food Experience. The outdoor seating provides a charming setting reminiscent of French wine country, offering stunning views of Keuka Lake.

Sunset Views over Keuka Lake - Domaine LeSeurre Winery - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Sébastien, a 6th generation winemaker from Champagne, and Celine, who grew up around her grandparents' vineyard in Southern France, met while working at Clos Henri Vineyard in New Zealand. After discovering the potential of the Finger Lakes region, they produced their first vintage of Domaine LeSeurre Wine in 2012 and opened their Keuka Lake tasting room in 2013. Céline and Sébastien work together on all aspects of wine production. The tasting room has evolved to expand into a larger space with outdoor seating overlooking the lake. They prioritize quality over profit, spending extra time and attention on winemaking to ensure top-quality wines that represent the terroir.

Domaine LeSeurre Winery sources grapes from a network of select growers across the Finger Lakes region, prioritizing partnerships with those possessing exceptional terroir and old vines. Sébastien and Celine, drawing on their extensive winemaking experience and traditional approach, personally taste the grapes every few days as harvest approaches. Their decision on when to pick is based solely on the grapes' flavor profile, sugar content, and acidity levels, guided purely by their intuition and deep understanding of the vineyard's nuances. This hands-on and sensory-driven approach ensures that only the highest-quality grapes are harvested for crafting their wines, reflecting the essence of the terroir and the couple's unwavering commitment to quality winemaking.

Sunset Views over Keuka Lake - Domaine LeSeurre Winery - Keuka Lake

Sunset Views over Keuka Lake - Domaine LeSeurre Winery - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

In addition to working with the best sites and oldest vines in the region, Domaine LeSeurre implements a lengthy aging program for their wines, including two years in the barrel and one year in the bottle for red wines, one year on lees and one year in the bottle for white wines, and seven years in the bottle for sparkling wines. They also ferment some of their Riesling and Rosé wines in oak to enhance complexity and texture, drawing inspiration from French winemaking practices.

Wine to Try: Riesling Barrel Select, aged in French oak neutral barrels with stirring of the lees (Bâtonnage sur lies). This is unique for the region.

Grapes and Wine Styles:

  • White Wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer

  • Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch (Lemburger), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

  • Other Styles: Rosé, Sparkling

Contact: 13920 State Route 54, Hammondsport, NY 14840 Phone: 607-292-3920 Website: Domaine LeSeurre Winery

Living Roots

Dual Influence of New York and Australia, Heritage and Legacy, Expansion and Recognition

Seb and Col Hardy of Living Roots Wine Co. - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Living Roots is a newer addition to the growing list of Finger Lakes wineries. Their latest tasting room on Keuka Lake has garnered significant attention due to the unique twist brought by the husband-and-wife team Sebastian (Seb) and Colleen (Col) Hardy. Located within their Finger Lakes Shale Creek Vineyard, the tasting room offers stunning views of Keuka Lake and the Bluff. Guests can enjoy wine tasting flights or by the glass in a modern yet cozy indoor space or outside, where dogs are welcome, soaking in the lake views. They also serve small bits, beer and occasionally have food truck pop-ups. Visitors have the special opportunity to taste wines produced in both the Finger Lakes and Australia, with grapes sourced from local Finger Lakes growers and their family's vineyards in both regions.

Australia born Seb Hardy is a sixth-generation winemaker, tracing his lineage back to his third great-grandfather, Thomas Hardy. In 1850, Thomas left England for Australia, where he soon after established what would evolve into Hardys Wines, marking the beginning of a longstanding winemaking legacy for the family. Thomas became a pioneering figure in South Australia's wine industry, and the Hardy family's influence has endured as one of the region's most significant.

Living Roots Wine Co. Tasting Room with Keuka Lake View - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

In 1980, Seb’s father, Geoff Hardy departed from the family winery to chart his own path in the wine industry. He first acquired a vineyard in McLaren Vale and later identified a site in the Kuitpo area of the southern Adelaide Hills for cultivating cool-climate grapes. In 1987, Geoff planted the K1 vineyard, earning its name as the first commercial vineyard in the Kuitpo region. Seb spent his formative years surrounded by these vineyards, witnessing firsthand his father's innovative contributions to viticulture.

Seb studied Viticulture and Oenology in Adelaide and traveled extensively, gaining experience in Australia, France, Italy, and Austria. Col, originally from Rochester, initially pursued a career as a corporate marketing professional in Chicago. Driven by her passion for wine and a desire for a career change, she moved into the wine industry. This led her to Australia’s McLaren Vale in 2014, where she worked at Hardy’s Tintara Winery and met Seb.

Living Roots Wine Co. Vineyard and Tasting Room - Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Their connection quickly blossomed, and in 2016, they founded Living Roots, splitting their time between New York and Australia. In 2023, their Adelaide Hills winery was named Best New Winery in Australia by the Halliday Wine Companion, an Australian wine guide released annually, featuring wine ratings, regional information, winery reviews, and general information about the best wines in Australia. Today, they operate three locations: an urban tasting room in Rochester, a tasting room and vineyard on Keuka Lake, and in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. The adventurous couple, through Living Roots winery, is introducing an exciting new influence to both the Finger Lakes region of New York and the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia, solidifying this generational winemaker as the next chapter in the Hardy family wine story.

Wine to Try: One of their many sparkling wines from the Finger Lakes or a beloved Austrian Shiraz

Grapes and Wine Styles:

  • White Wines: Rizza (Aussie slang for Riesling), Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Vidal, Gewürztaminer

  • Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Petite Sirah, Shiraz, Barber

  • Other Styles: Rosé, Sparkling, Dessert

Contact: 8560 County Road 87, Hammondsport, New York 14840 Phone: 585-383-1112 Website: Living Roots

 

Other Things to Do on the Eastern Side of Keuka Lake

Food/Breweries/Distilleries

  • Krookid Leyk Distilling: Tours and tasting of vodka, rum, gin, and whisky, signature cocktails

    • 10303 County Route 76, Hammondsport, NY 14840

  • Finger Lakes Beer Company: Craft beer, outdoor seating, pet friendly, frequent live music and food trucks

    • 8462 State Route 54, Hammondsport, NY 14840

  • LyonSmith Brewing Company: English-style beer, cider, family and dog friendly

    • 2597 Assembly Ave, Keuka Park, NY 14478

  • Abandon Brewing: Rustic barn, frequent live music, food menu

    • 2994 Merritt Hill Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527

  • Keg & Barrel on Keuka Lake: Lake views, food menu, beer, cider, wine, frequent live music, great lunch spot

    • 1249 Penn Yan Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527

  • The Switzerland Inn: Casual lakeside restaurant with a diverse menu, Friday fish fry, frequent live music, boat docks, lake views including during the sunset

    • 14109 Keuka Village Rd, Hammondsport, NY 14840

  • The Olney Place on Keuka Lake: Market and deli, beer, outdoor seating, lake view, great lunch spot

    • 823 E Lake Rd, Penn Yan, NY 14527

  • JAVA-GOURMET COMPANY STORE & BLACK CAT BISTRO: Array of coffee roasted onsite, outdoor seating, great breakfast stop

    • 2808 Route 54A, Penn Yan, NY 14527.

In summary, the Eastern Keuka Lake Wine Trail offers a unique experience for exploring some of the best Finger Lakes wineries. Keuka Lake, features seven wineries that seamlessly blend global influences and local winemaking traditions. Plan your Keuka Lake winery tour with our interactive Keuka Lake Winery Map to ensure you don't miss highlights like Keuka Spring Vineyards, McGregor Vineyard, Ravines Wine Cellars, Weis Vineyards, Domaine Leseurre Winery, and Living Roots. Enjoy breathtaking lake views, sunset events, and the welcoming atmosphere of this beautiful region, enhanced by the nearby towns of Penn Yan and Hammondsport.

Julie Beach
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