Finger Lakes winery guide

Keuka Lake Vineyards

Keuka Lake Vineyards is a small, family-owned Finger Lakes winery dedicated to fine dry wines made with sustainability, hand-work in the vineyard, and minimal…

Keuka Lake Vineyards

About Keuka Lake Vineyards

Keuka Lake Vineyards is a small, family-owned Finger Lakes winery dedicated to fine dry wines made with sustainability, hand-work in the vineyard, and minimal intervention in the winery. The story begins in 1992, when Mel and Dorothee Goldman fell for the Finger Lakes on a family camping trip and purchased a few acres of former Taylor Wine Co. vineyard land the following year. After Mel retired in 1997 to farm full-time, the couple planted the Riesling and Pinot Noir vines that still stand on the estate today. Early test bottles impressed in blind tastings in France alongside premier European appellations, and KLV released its first official vintage in 2005.

Today the estate spans 40 acres of vinifera and hybrid varieties growing in glacial soils on the east and west slopes of Keuka Lake's southern end. The winery is best known for its single-vineyard Rieslings and bone-dry Vignoles, alongside award-winning Leon Millot, Cabernet Franc, and Blaufränkisch. In 2023, KLV was among the first group of New York vineyards to be certified as a New York Sustainable Winegrower, a reflection of its commitment to protecting and nourishing the Keuka Lake ecosystem.

Visitors are welcomed year-round — in a historic tasting barn full of character on the lake's west shore during the warmer months, and in a cozy bungalow tasting room in winter. From May to October the winery offers large-group tastings, vineyard tours, and private parties and events, while the Friday Happy Hour Concert Series brings live music, food trucks, and wine to the tasting room each week.

Plan your visit

Address
8882 County Route 76, Hammondsport, NY 14840
Phone
607-868-4100
Hours
Daily: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Fridays until 8:00 PM for Happy Hour Concert Series) Winter (Nov - Apr): Friday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visitor amenities

  • Pet-friendly

Wines to explore

  • Riesling — Crisp, racy & mineral
  • Vignoles — Bone-dry, brisk, aromatic
  • Cabernet Franc — Earthy, ripe red fruit
  • Leon Millot — Award-winning estate red
  • Blaufränkisch — Bright berries, subtle spice
  • Seyval Blanc — Crisp natural sparkling
  • Sauvignon Blanc — Soft, peachy, mineral
  • Gewürztraminer — Aromatic lychee & spice
  • Dry Rosé — Dry, food-friendly rosé
  • Merlot — Fine dry red
  • Syrah — Small-lot dry red
  • Red Blends — Small-lot dry blends

More at this winery

Happy Hour Concert Series

Every Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, the tasting room hosts live music and food trucks alongside KLV wines, with the winery staying open until 8:00 PM.

Vineyard Tours & Large Group Tastings

From May to October, KLV offers vineyard tastings and tours plus large-group tastings (groups of 6+ pre-book at $20 per person via tastingroom@klvineyards.com), and hosts private parties and events.

Historic Tasting Barn & Winter Bungalow

Tastings are held in a character-filled historic barn on Keuka Lake's west shore in season; from November through April, a cozy bungalow tasting room hosts a more intimate experience, with virtual tastings also offered.

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