WHY GO: Six years ago, I wrote of the then sleepy Keuka Lake, the one with “Shape Pride:” Of all the 11 Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake is not the largest, smallest or deepest. But it does have one feature that instills pride in all who live along its shores. It has a “shape.” An organic, divining rod “Y” shape to be precise.
And I also chimed in: Keuka Lake is also where this country’s version of European wine grapes were first successfully cultivated, although the area around the Finger Lakes has been a “native” wine region for centuries. Before Prohibition quashed the industry, many vineyards throughout this section of New York turned out mostly ceremonial wine.
Now, there’s a new “vinifera” renaissance, one that is being recognized by sommeliers at the best restaurants in New York City and elsewhere. But that’s not the only reason to visit Keuka Lake. It has an old fashioned “summer by the lake” vibe. At sundown, its southernmost town, Hammondsport, feels bathed in the 50’s and lost in time.”
Well, six years later the “renaissance” is in full bloom. There’s still a strong sense of community where “everyone promotes each other.” That hasn’t changed. But now, it’s not just wine lovers who will find Nirvana here.
Tastemakers in beer and the harder stuff can discover new breweries and distilleries in the FLX mix. What else has changed? What’s stayed the same? Read on for some more recommendations to get the most out of a quick overnight around Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes.
This Getaway lets you in on the origins of European wine in the Eastern USA, a museum that celebrates one of the country’s most unsung but ingenious inventors, the world’s premier Museum of Glass, and a surprisingly amazing restaurant/inn where you’d least expect it. Read on for the best, updated advice from the Getaway Mavens.
Things to Do on Keuka Lake
VISIT: Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
You wouldn’t expect the genesis of European wine production in the Eastern United States to be so off-the-beaten-path. But over 70,000 people per year find this vineyard on a just-paved road above Keuka Lake.
Until the 1950’s, only native grape varieties – Concord, Katoba, Delaware, Niagra – called Vitas Labrusca, could grow in this cold climate. But fine wine production took a quantum leap forward when Dr. Konstantin Frank, a PhD in viticulture working at Cornell Agricultural Experimental Station, began planting European vines here in 1958.
The cool climate, similar to Northern Europe, lent itself to Rieslings, Gewürztraminer and Grüner Veltliner. Frank soon discovered that a pesky bug, Phylloxera, killed Vinifera roots but Labrusca roots still thrived. Frank posited that by grafting Vinifera vines to Labrusca roots, he’d be able to grow European wines in the States. Cornell did not agree, but his theory caught the attention of neighboring Gold Seal Winery, and Frank was proven correct.
Generous with his knowledge, Dr. Frank spread the word to neighboring states. Now, third generation Fred Frank runs the vineyard with his Winemaking daughter, Meaghan, fast on his heals. They’ve expanded the winery offerings to include the less expensive “value” label, Salmon Run.
The L.A. Times once rated Dr. Frank’s Reisling #1 in the world. Dr. Frank consistently wins Gold Medals in National and International competitions.
And here’s a tip from an award winning winemaker. Some whites, like reds, age gracefully and improve and get more complex over time. Taste a couple of times a year just to make sure they are not turning. “We’re still opening up Rieslings from the 60’s,” says Frank.
Due to its remote location, there is no tasting fee here. Come and sample away, and you’ll leave with some great history about the region and Dr. Konstantin Frank. Tasting room open Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun 12-5, free.
VISIT/TASTE/PLAY: Cider Creek Hard Cider, Canistio
From Hammondsport, you’ll drive about 40 minutes on breathtaking country roads, passing wind turbines, silos and farmland, climbing and descending hills, to get to this cidery. But once here, you’ll want to stay for a bit.
The setting is stunning. Adirondack chairs pepper a patio overlooking a rushing creek. The humongous tasting/event barn features an industrial-funky interior, colorful mood lighting, barn-wood backed bar with reclaimed wood from the family farm, and a stone fireplace built entirely of rocks pulled out of the creek.
Born locally, owners, Kevin and Melanie Collins lived in Boston where Kevin home brewed beer and established relationships with local breweries and wineries. His “real job” at the time was “in the Dental Implant business”.
Kevin’s father, “a surgeon by trade, and hobby farmer with 300 head cattle,” seeked to establish a business to sustain his 2,500 acres of land here. He settled on opening a cidery, which Kevin’s brother, Chip, operated.
Chip’s untimely death propelled Kevin to move back home to run Cider Creek. It was a good move.
Within three years, little out of the way Cider Creek medaled in every Hard Cider category worldwide, and in 2017 was the 3rd most awarded cidery on the planet.
Cider Creek gets its apples from local orchards. “We make Old World Cider with a New World influence,” says Collins, who uses ale and beer yeasts to create these award-winning drinks. “That makes it more versatile for beer and wine drinkers, too.”
There’s always something new brewing here. Fans find new favorites all the time. Queen of Tarts, Loganberry, Black-Eyed Peach, Cran-Mango and more are so, so easy to drink. Cider Creek ciders are sold at Wegman’s and other large grocery stores in many US States.
TASTE: Ravine’s Wine Cellar, Keuka Lake
Many would argue that the best place for dry wine lovers is Ravine’s, which has a non-producing cellar/tasting room on Keuka Lake.
For the ultimate tasting, go for the cheese/wine pairing – everything made right in this region. Ravine’s crisp Dry Riesling has earned high marks from Wine Spectator, managing to make the “Top 100” list for its ’09, ’12, and ‘14’s.
The Peppery Keika Village Red is a blend of Cab Franc and Noiret – a grape developed by nearby Cornell University. For those who want a sweeter experience, try Ayre – a honey-colored sparkling Muscat cooler that tastes like peaches. Perfect for after dinner.
TOUR: Bully Hill Vineyards, Hammondsport
This 40-year-old winery is actually a massive hillside compound. it encompasses museums, a gift shop, an art gallery, two tasting rooms, a restaurant, and production area. Bully Hill, its motto “Wine with Laughter,” has a somewhat rowdy reputation. As such it draws a slew of bachelor and bachelorette parties, and has a back story to beat the band.
Walter Taylor’s family owned Hammondsport’s Taylor Winery, established in 1883. Walter was effectively sacked when Coca-Cola purchased the company along with the Taylor name in 1977.
In response, Walter opened his own Bully Hill Winery on original Taylor Estate property, bringing over cases of wines labeled with his name. Coca-Cola refused to allow the word “Taylor,” even on the labels’ small print. So, Walter held a “Black Out Party,” hiring 18-year-old Cornell Students wielding black markers to cover every single instance of his last name.
Still miffed, Walter painted the word “Taylor” on a live goat, paraded it through town, and dropped it off at Taylor/Coca-Cola’s front door to prove a point.
“Take the goat. You own my name. You own the goat,” he said. Or something to that effect. Coke didn’t take the bait. Dejected, Walter came home, stewed for a few days, and realized he had the perfect coined phrase: “Coca-Cola, you can take my name, but you can’t get my goat.”
That goat, named “Gilt Free,” is now on many a Bully Hill Wine Label, which features Walter Taylor’s own artwork as well. When Walter passed away in 2001, his wife and two sons took over the operation. One of the largest vineyards on Keuka Lake, it draws 150,000 people annually.
Come for the fun, for smashing views, and really good food. Chefs smoke meats (awesome brisket) right on site. Eeverything on the plate is straight from the farm fresh.
TASTE HISTORY: Pleasant Valley Wine Co.
Established in 1860, Pleasant Valley Winery is the Finger Lakes oldest winery and U.S. Bonded Winery No. 1. It’s also known for its Great Western Champaign (yes, Champaign – the French designation was grandfathered in), first sparkling wine to win a top spot worldwide in 1867 (and still in production). Come for a historic tour of the caves and redwood tanks, and of course to taste.
TASTE/BEER: Steuben Brewing Co.
It’s all about the water at Steuben, where owner, Chad Zimar’s attention to detail is apparent in the final product. To whit – Zimar painstakingly blends hard and softened water to match what comes from the ground in Ireland for his Irish Red. Chad has enlisted his parents, Candy and Jim, to help him out where needed – a real family operation. Ask for a flight of four 4 oz. pours ($5) to try a few, then head outside on the deck overlooking Keuka Lake. Most popular – NY Pilsner, a light summer brew; Hometown Brown, best all around; and my personal favorite, DH (Toasted) Rice Pilsner.
TASTE/BOOZE: Krooked Tusker Distillery
This distillery’s got the hooch. And a great party vibe – with bartender concocting craft cocktails using freshly distilled QKA Kismet Vodka, Imbura Joe Vodka (infused with coffee), QKA Hooch, Hell Hound Hooch (smoked grains), and South Pultney Gin (teamed through 13 botanicals). It’s not your father’s wine-sipping crowd.
VISIT: Heron Hill Winery
Sip top Rieslings and twenty other wine varieties inside a vast wine barrel. At least that’s what Heron Hill’s tasting room is built to look like. One of the most innovative buildings in the Finger Lakes designed by Charles Warren, the assemblage of architectural styles incorporates a barrel, a silo and other elements of the region. Wine and Spirits Magazine June 2014 issue named Heron Hill Dry Riesling one of the Top 100 Value Wines of the Year (Under $15) – a bargain for this very flavorful drinkable white.
FLY: Finger Lakes Seaplanes
Take 30 a minute flight over Keuka Lake, or an hour flight to both Keuka and Seneca Lakes for the thrill and optimal aerial photography. Owner/pilots Bob Knill and Andy Sable will fly year round “as long as there’s no ice on the water.” Fall foliage, naturally, will be “huge.” 30 minutes $250 + tax for 2 adults, 1 hour $400 + tax for 2 adults. Daily 9am-7pm.
BOAT/JET SKI: Keuka Water Sports
The warmest of the three largest Finger Lakes, Keuka is usually calm and great for SUPing as well as boating. Rent jet skis, pontoon boats with slides, and other water craft at Keuka Water Sports.
VISIT: Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Museum curators have managed to assemble 25 full-sized aircraft, a couple of dozen automobiles, a good number of boats and countless bicycles and motorcycles in a 57,000 sq. foot former wine warehouse. It’s a veritable Smithsonian of early flight and experimentation, concentrating on the life, time and accomplishments of Glenn H. Curtiss, born in Hammondsport.
The “Father of Naval Aviation” (Curtiss sold the Navy its first plane) began his career racing and building bicycles and lightweight-engine motorcycles. On July 4, 1908, Curtiss flew the first publicly announced and witnessed flight (the Wright-Brothers’ puddle-jump was a private event) in his “heavier than air” aircraft, June Bug.
Curtiss palled around with the likes of Alexander Graham Bell, was considered the “Fastest Man on Earth” in 1907 when he reached a speed of 136.4 miles per hour on his motorcycle in Orlando, FL, built the Hercules, Marvel and Curtiss Motorcycles which at the time outsold both Harley and Indian combined, and developed the town of Hialeah, FL in 1921. He died from appendicitis at age 52 and is buried in Hammondsport. Daily 9 am to 5 pm May-Oct. Daily 10-4 Nov-April. $13.50 adults, $10 kids and students.
VISIT: Finger Lakes Boating Museum.
Housed in the former Taylor Winery, the Finger Lakes Boating Museum celebrates an industry of yore. Before fine-winemakers, there were boat-builders. Dozens of companies, large and small, were situated all around the Finger Lakes. Penn Yan, Skaneateles (pronounced “skinny atlas”), Fay and Bowen, Thompson, Morehouse and many others produced beautiful wooden vessels that plied these long narrow bodies of water.
If you are at all interested in running your eyes over gorgeously crafted boats, or taking a class on boat building, or are just curious about old abandoned winery buildings, you’ll appreciate this museum.
On display are examples of iconic Finger Lakes boats. There’s a Ben Reno Keuka Lake Trout Boat with sloped stern to prevent fishing line from snagging, motorboats in three configurations – inboard, outboard and a combination of the two, a 1905 double-ended rowboat that looks like a canoe, a 1990 Dan Sutherland, and a number of steamboat models representing the boats integral to the development of the Finger Lakes.
Wooden-boat restorers work on small craft in a room where visitors can also take boat-building workshops to learn the ins and outs of measuring, forming and finishing (in canvas and silica wrap) a small dinghy from experts like famed boat builder, Patrick Smith. Check website for times and events.
Where to Eat on Keuka Lake
EAT: Pleasant Valley Inn, Hammondsport
*See Under “Where to Stay” below.
EAT: Union Block Italian Bistro, Hammondsport
This charming little Italian spot wins kudos from locals and seasonal visitors.
EAT: Top of the Lake, Penn Yan
At the northern end of the easternmost “Y,” this little nondescript spot puts you in perfect position for a serene, colorful sunset. Watch water-skiers through lush hanging plants. And, gaze at marinas while dining on dishes like “Chicken French” egg-battered in sherry-lemon-butter sauce ($16), which comes with potato and salad for an amazing deal.
Where to Stay On Keuka Lake
STAY: Pleasant Valley Inn
This Pepto-pink roadside tavern/inn is not situated on a lake or mountaintop. At the juncture of two busy streets several miles from the shores of Keuka Lake, it’s easy to whiz past the Pleasant Valley Inn on your way to the wineries.
But that would be a big mistake. After a recent change of ownership and renovation of its four rooms in May ‘16, the Pleasant Valley Inn is a gastronome’s paradise with adorably decorated accommodations.
Pick your own produce in the morning, eat what you pulled from the earth in the evening, stay the night, and you’ll want to repeat again and again. I know I do. I can’t wait to return.
FYI – when booking your room here, ask if the Pick Your Own Dinner Package is available. If so, at around 10:15 a.m. you’ll head to one of Pleasant Valley Inn’s fresh produce sources, Oak & Osage Farms, owned by young couple, Nicole and Peter Sutera. Nicole, by the way, is also a popular Yoga instructor in town.
They’ll help you select among garlic, four kinds of tomatoes, basil, red leaf lettuce, kale, Rainbow and Swiss Chard, zucchini, carrots, squash, and whatever else is in season.
Rooms at Pleasant Valley Inn
Four rooms in a motel configuration – two on each side of a common hallway – are on the ground floor behind the restaurant. A huge jar brimming with signature Chocolate Chip Black Sea Salt cookies welcomes guests in the hall. They will, for sure,be gone by morning. Plus, there’s a Keurig Coffee Maker for odd-hours caffeine junkies.
Though rooms are small, they are wonderfully designed. Mine had grey pattered carpeting, deeply hued walls, a cute pristine bathroom, and “Welcome” imprinted on one of many bed pillows. Bedding is fresh, crisp, and snuggly.
Dining at Pleasant Valley Inn
Built in 1848 as a private house, the New Orleans-style inn features a cozy, but busy bar and pub room, in addition to a fine dining restaurant. So, you can take your pick to be as casual or fancy as you’d like. It’s all good here.
The fancier dining room hasn’t changed much in 30 years – still with flocked wallpaper, tapered candles (yes, real flames!), and a menu featuring traditional fare like Rack of Lamb ($38), Chicken Milan ($23), Hand-Cut Steaks ($28-$38), Baked Onion Soup ($10) and the like.
In the hands of the magical Chef Drew Miller, who makes everything – even the mayonnaise – from scratch – these long-term favorites are enhanced by innovative sides, which elevate the meal to a true culinary adventure.
So, what did Chef do with the rabbit food I picked that morning?
He sent out the freshest salad I’ve ever eaten. And then a Bruschetta, served with Burrata, made with my Heirloom Tomatoes cut in half and charred. Next, a plate of caramelized roasted young carrots and garlic scape on a puddle of garlic paste. And finally, and breaded zucchini blossom stuffed with smooth ricotta on a bed of red leaf lettuce and sweet cherry tomatoes with a whoosh of “carrot-top-pesto.”
Along with my perfectly prepared Chicken Milan, and the knock your socks off Popcorn Ice Cream, this was a meal for which I wish I had a bigger stomach. It was an experience of pure and exceptional joy.
A complimentary “Continental” breakfast, for overnight guests, far surpasses most others. Just plucked berries, warm home-made bagels (yes, baked in-house) with fixin’s, decadent quiche du jour, and Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta is served buffet style – rather dangerous, as guests can have as much as they’d like. All rooms just $178 each plus tax, include a hot gourmet breakfast, parking, wifi.
STAY: B&B’s in Keuka Lake
There are several dozen lodgings around Keuka Lake. Other recommendations include Blushing Rose B&B, and Moonshadow B&B high on a hill.
Oh yes! Haven’t been to Keuka before, but have enjoyed Konstantin Frank Riesling before. Need to put this on the list for a weekend getaway! Thanks for sharing.
Made the Finger Lakes Region, Keuka Lake area, our place to retire. There is sooo much to do here during all 4 seasons. We traveled all around the country looking for a place to retire and the Finger Lakes has it all. Scenery is beautiful, wine is superb, and people are the friendliest.