New York | Finger Lakes | Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Location

Address: 8011 Footes Corners Rd, Interlaken, NY 14847

Phone: 607-342-0265

Website: airyacresvineyard.com

Reservations: Book a Tasting

State: New York Wineries

Wine Region: Finger Lakes Wineries

American Viticultural Area: Finger Lakes AVA, Cayuga Lake AVA

Wine Trail: Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

About Airy Acres Vineyard

Located on the west side of Cayuga Lake, Airy Acres Vineyard is a family-owned, 21-acre estate with deep roots—the same family has owned this land since 1918. Though grape growing began in 2015, they didn’t begin bottling their own wines until 2021, releasing their first vintage from 2020.

The vineyard includes a diverse lineup of varietals: Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Lemberger, and the Georgian grapes, Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. These last two are especially exciting—Rkatsiteli, which drinks like a bright, zesty Sauvignon Blanc, is a rare find. Airy Acres is currently one of only three wineries in the Finger Lakes producing Rkatsiteli, alongside Dr. Konstantin Frank and McGregor Vineyards. Saperavi, known for its bold structure and deep color, adds another layer of distinction. Both grapes are traditionally grown in the Republic of Georgia and are helping reshape what’s possible for cool-climate winemaking in the Finger Lakes. With these plantings, Airy Acres joins a small, innovative group in leading this exciting movement.

Airy Acres is quickly becoming one of our favorite new wineries in the region—they’re crushing it across the board with expressive reds, crisp whites, and a strong sense of identity and place. But what truly sets Airy Acres apart is its deep family connection. In 2024, the family opened a welcoming tasting room inside their beautifully restored 1840s farmhouse, complete with cozy indoor seating, a vineyard-view outdoor deck, and picnic tables. The name “Airy Acres” comes from a grass airstrip built on the property in 1957 by Fred Bassette’s grandfather, who called it Airy Acres Airport—a piece of family history that still lives on in every bottle.

Owners Fred and Pam Bassette are involved in every aspect of the business, from bottling to vineyard work. Their son Noah manages winemaking, the tasting room, wine club, off-site sales, and marketing. Son-in-law Nate oversees vineyard operations, while other family members—children and grandchildren alike—help out in the tasting room, vineyard, and behind the scenes.

Beyond wine, Airy Acres is actively involved in the local wine community, regularly hosting pop-up tastings for small wineries without tasting rooms. Other events include themed wine events and live music on their deck every Saturday throughout the summer.

If you’re looking for exceptional wines, rare varietals, and a truly personal, family-run experience, Airy Acres Vineyard is an absolute must-visit on your next Finger Lakes wine tour.