Lindsay C.
Yelp
Beautiful first stop on our self-guided winery tour on Keuka Lake. As the name suggests, you're going to have some killer views from Vineyard View, especially out on their deck. But, while the family has been growing and selling grapes for 5 generations, Vineyard View officially opened in November 2013, a "new kid on the block", relatively speaking. They are the newest members of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail.
The tasting room is clean, open, modern, with lots of space at the tasting bar to host everyone from couples to small groups. While we were there, 2 employees were on hand to provide the tastings: $4 for your choice of 5 wines. Alternatively, you can purchase the Keuka Lake Wine Trail passport for $12 which include free* standard wine tastings at 6 other wineries on the the official wine trail. (*some wineries have limitations on which wines are included in the tasting)
The tasting was a bit more casual and relaxed than some of the more well-known wineries in the region. I could have personally done with a bit more attention to us, the patrons, as well as greater knowledge about the individual varietals. A very hands-off tasting, which may appeal to some.
I opted to try the Gewürztraminer, dry rosé, 2015 Grüner Veltliner, 2014 Pinot Noir, and the 2015 Blaufränkisch. While the white wines (Gewürztraminer, dry rosé, Grüner Veltliner) had flavor profiles as expected, the Pinot Noir and Blaufränkisch profiles left much to be desired. From the Pinot Noir, flavors of pickling spice, leather, and vegetable ash overwhelmed my palate. Being a "red wine drinker", I surprised myself by instead purchasing a bottle of the the 2015 Grüner Veltliner, which was bright, high on the palate, crisp and tart, with a berry finish. Bottles here are in the easily affordable range: $10-25.
A modest amount of snack food is available for purchase: refrigerated local artisan cheese, crackers, chocolate, etc.
Be sure to buy a glass (or enjoy a bottle) on the back deck, where you will take in a spectacular vista of Keuka Lake and the vineyards below.