Cody Y.
Yelp
Magnificent whites and pretty good reds, Keuka Lake Vineyards offers a more personalized wine tasting experience.
It's really easy to drive by the old white barn of Keuka Lake Vineyards, what with Dr. Frank and Heron Hill right up the road, but before you go to those wineries be sure to stop at this one. The tasting room is small with only a few pourers, but the personalized touch is one of this wineries strengths, along with their artisan whites.
For the tasting, between myself and my girlfriend, we were able to try a good bit of the dry whites and the reds. They definitely make better whites than reds, beginning with the three Rieslings, each one different and just as good as the last. Dry drinkers will love the 2014 Estate Dry, a well balanced win with pears and citrus/acidity. If that wasn't acidic enough for you, try the 2014 Eastside Vineyard, with more minerality and a bright acidity. If you still want dry but a little sweeter, try the 2014 Evergreen - which is more floral on the nose, citrus and lime and a little sweeter (I didn't try any of the Semi-dry whites). While I really enjoyed the Rieslings, I loved the Vignoles - the 2014 Gently Dry was, well, gently dry with tropical fruit and crisp acidity. The bottle I walked out with was the 2015 Amber Vignoles, a white they left the skins on the grapes for for a little while, resulting in tannins and a taste the changes in your mouth with each sip. The reds aren't bad either - try that 2014 Cab Franc, which is loaded with green pepper.
Overall, I would definitely add Keuka Lake to my list of must-visit Keuka wineries. The unique and exquisite whites they have here is reason enough, and the intimate tasting experience is a nice break from the massive wineries in the area.