🚤 Ever gone wine tasting by boat?

Published 1 day ago • 2 min read

Hi Reader,

I've explored every AVA and wine trail in New York's Finger Lakes, and I have to admit that most of them involve a fair amount of time behind the wheel.

The lakes are long (some stretch nearly 40 miles), and the vineyards hug the shorelines, where the deep water helps protect the vines from frost.

Great for the grapes. Less great for whoever’s driving. 🙃

When I first visited Cayuga Lake's east side a couple years ago, I honestly thought it was one of the harder areas to get around.

Turns out, I just wasn't staying in the right place...

I recently returned to the region and spent a week in the village of Aurora with Tour Cayuga. And I realized just how well set up this little town is for a wine getaway.

Here's what I mean:

🚤 Sip by boat: A boat cruise leaves right from the town dock, with stops at wineries on both sides of the lake, like Long Point and Sheldrake Point.

🏨 Stay: A free winery shuttle for guests is one of the perks of staying at the historic Inns of Aurora, along with a daily wine tasting in the lobby and Winemaker Weekends.

🍽️ Eat: Dinner at 1833 Kitchen & Bar, with its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list, plus Aurora Cooks! for a chef's table dinner (say yes to the Finger Lakes wine pairings).

Rows of grapevines at Quarry Ridge Winery, with the covered patio on the right and Cayuga Lake in the distance.

A few wineries I loved:

🍷 Heart & Hands – The best Pinot Noir I've had in the Finger Lakes, plus fun surprises like Arvine, a Swiss grape.

🏞️ Quarry Ridge – The wines are just as good as the views. Grab a flight, then settle into a rocking chair on the deck overlooking the lake.

🍕 Bright Leaf – Come for the reds, stay for a Roman-style pizza or a wine and chocolate pairing on the hilltop lawn.

🎶 Treleaven – Summer concerts under a big wooden pavilion, plus seriously good food from Farm in the Willows.

See all of my winery picks near Aurora, plus tips for planning your Cayuga Lake trip.

✨ EXPLORE CAYUGA'S EAST SIDE ✨

Cheers,

Laura

P.S. Have you ever gone wine tasting by boat? Hit reply and tell me where!

🏨

Stays I'm Loving

This lakeside resort in seven historic buildings

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Tours I'm Loving

A wine cruise to wineries on both shores

🎟️

Events I'm Eyeing

Winemaker Weekends at a Finger Lakes inn

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