Frontenac Point Vineyard & Estate Winery

About Frontenac Point Vineyard & Estate Winery

Frontenac Point Vineyard & Estate Winery is a family-owned estate winery nestled on the west shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Founded in 1978 by Jim and Carol Doolittle, the winery received New York Farm Winery license #44 in 1982 and has been producing estate-grown wines ever since. All grapes used in production are grown on their own property, making every bottle a true Appellation Finger Lakes / Cayuga Lake wine. The winery is now transitioning to a second generation, with son Lawrence Doolittle returning in 2014 to help carry on the family tradition.

The vineyard grows both classic Vitis vinifera varieties—including Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir—as well as old-world hybrid varieties such as Maréchal Foch, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc, and Vignoles. Jim Doolittle's philosophy centers on crafting wines with full, complex flavors, often blending varieties to achieve depth and balance that single-grape wines cannot alone provide. The winery specializes in dry reds, whites, and rosés, with select semi-sweet whites and fortified dessert wines rounding out the portfolio.

Visitors can enjoy tastings in the European-inspired hospitality room or relax on the covered deck overlooking the vineyards and a panoramic view of Cayuga Lake. Walk-ins are welcome for groups of six or fewer, and the tasting experience often includes a vineyard walk and conversation about the winemaking process with the owners themselves. Local artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and crackers are also available to complement any tasting or flight.