Vinte Time
In the heart of the New York Finger Lakes region, Keuka Lake is surrounded by 14 wineries. The area also boasts 12 artisan cheese-making operations that have developed into a cheese trail, rounding out the delicious offerings in Keuka Lake Wine Country. The farmers market, quaint shops and casual gourmet restaurants make for appealing wandering.
Keuka Lake’s name means “canoe landing” in the Seneca language, but settlers called it the crooked lake because it looks like a fat river with two branches. Hills covered with vineyards tumble down to the deep, blue lake, and homes near the shore nestle in the trees.
“One of the important things you need to do is to touch the water,” says Mike Linehan of Keuka Lake Wine Trail.
Visitors enjoy the lake from a distance, but often neglect to touch the water, the most important element of the landscape. The clean and beautiful lake provides a perfect climate for growing grapes and other crops — as well as boating and swimming from the docks of the many homes along the water and at Keuka Lake State Park. The lake views can be enjoyed while hiking at the state park, along the lakeshore trails and on dirt roads near waterfront property. At night, campers, restaurants, and cottage dwellers roast marshmallows over open fires.
Handcrafted wines are made from grapes grown in vineyards on the shores of Keuka Lake, and Hunt Country Vineyards’ Hunter’s Red is worth the splurge to buy a case. Although known for its Riesling, Keuka Lake wineries offer tastings of wines from Niagara to Cabernet Sauvignon, along with special events like the Artisan Cheese and Wine Weekend or Keuka in Bloom, when each winery on the trail gives visitors a potted flower or herb. Merritt Hill Manor and other local bed and breakfasts with views of the lake cultivate a romantic mood. Add a bottle of wine with crackers and cheese — and relax.
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