The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the first organized and longest running wine trail in the United States. Step inside the warmth of family owned and operated boutique wineries and explore the tastes, aromas and sights unique to the Finger Lakes. For the second year in a row, two Cayuga wineries have won the most prestigious award at the New York Wine and Food Classic: the Governor’s Cup, known as the Oscars of New York wines. The 2008 recipient is Swedish Hill Winery who additionally earned the title of “Winery of the Year”.

What makes the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail different? The winery members were all grape growers first. They didn't inherit big estates and established businesses. In addition to managing and working in their own wineries, they conduct the business of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail utilizing the time, energy, and knowledge of their members. Cayuga Lake is the longest lake (measuring at 38.2 miles), the widest (1.75 miles) and one of the deepest (435 feet) of the eleven Finger Lakes. Water that drains into Cayuga Lake takes over 10 years to cycle through the lake. And rumor has it there’s a sea monster that lives on the bottom of the lake and a tunnel that connects Cayuga with Seneca, but no one knows for sure.

Join us in September for a month-long Harvest Hoopla of events hosted at 16 local wineries to celebrate the harvest. Sign up for special giveaways from 10 Fitch Bed & Breakfast and the Hilton Garden Inn in Ithaca. Enjoy fine wine, great food, music and much more. Check website for details.

The last event of the year is our 16th Annual Holiday Shopping Spree, November 21st and 22nd or December 5th & 6th, 10:00AM-6:00PM both days. Start off your holiday shopping season sampling fine wines and special treats. Take home a souvenir wineglass, a grapevine wreath, a collectible Cayuga Lake Wine Trail ornament from each winery and a variety of holiday recipes. In addition we are offering to our ticket holders our event weekend shoppers card, so you’ll be able to shop till you drop. Participants will be eligible to win one of our Grand Prizes from Barrister’s Bed & Breakfast, Cold Springs Art Gallery, John Morris Manor, Johnson Art Museum, Juniper Hill Bed & Breakfast and McLallen House Bed & Breakfast. Ticket prices for all our events include handling fee and sales tax. For ticket prices check out our website www.cayugawinetrail.com.

Another great deal is our Vino Visa Coupon Book. This book contains coupons from all 16 wineries and other local businesses. A great value, the book offers free tastings, discounted purchases and free items. Order online or by calling 800-684-5217.

Take in our breathtaking views. Taste the wines that have won over 5,000 national and international medals and a total of 5 Governor’s Cups. And live the experience of visiting 15 wineries, one cidery, one meadery and four distilleries at Finger Lakes Wine Country in New York.

For more information on Cayuga Wine Trail wineries and events call toll free 800.684.5217.

Discover all wineries on Cayuga Lake.