Adventure brief
Curated Cayuga Westside Wine Discovery Tour
Discover three premium wineries on Cayuga Lake’s westside with a guided tasting tour featuring personalized recommendations and seamless transportation.
Cayuga Lake, one of New York’s Finger Lakes, offers more than stunning water views—it’s a hub for boutique wineries producing exceptional vintages rooted in the region’s rich terroir. The Curated Cayuga Westside Wine Discovery Tour delivers a uniquely personalized experience that highlights the best of this area’s evolving wine scene. Centered on three top westside wineries—Buttonwood Grove, Six Eighty Cellars, and Bet the Farm—this tour is designed for wine lovers seeking more than a casual sip.
Each stop provides elevated tastings of carefully crafted wines that showcase the Finger Lakes’ distinctive cool-climate varietals such as Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Gewürztraminer. This tour stands out for its thoughtful curation and seamless logistics. Visitors receive expert guidance on the nuances of each vineyard’s style, whether that’s Buttonwood Grove’s aromatic whites, Six Eighty Cellars’ bold reds, or Bet the Farm’s innovative blends.
Personalized lunch recommendations and included transportation remove the usual hassles, allowing guests to fully relax and absorb the serene lake views and vineyard landscapes. Situated just west of Ithaca, the region’s largest city, the lake’s westside offers an intimate setting off the more frequented east shore, lending a quiet charm to the day. The wineries themselves are nestled among rolling hills, with soil types ranging from shale to loam, contributing to complex flavors in the grapes.
The area is also known for sustainable farming practices and a tight-knit wine community that values quality and innovation. This tour is more than a tasting—it’s a journey through Cayuga Lake’s agricultural heritage and a chance to connect with passionate vintners who help define the Finger Lakes as an emerging world-class wine region.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Book in advanceessential
Popular wine tours fill quickly, especially on weekends—reserve your spot early to guarantee availability.
- 02Dress comfortablyinfo
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for walking vineyards and vineyard terrain.
- 03Designate a driver or use included transportessential
Never drink and drive; take advantage of the tour’s provided transportation for a safe experience.
- 04Bring a light jacketinfo
Lake breezes can be cool even in summer; layering helps keep comfortable between tastings.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating vineyard terrain with ease.
EssentialSunscreen
Protects your skin during outdoor tastings and vineyard walks.
spring;summer;fallEssentialReusable water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your tour without relying on disposables.
EssentialLight jacket or sweater
Helps adjust to changing temperatures near the lake.
spring;fall;summerLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
A tucked-away tasting room at Six Eighty Cellars offers rare small-batch releases., Bet the Farm’s farm-to-table café has seasonal dishes crafted from their orchard produce.
Local fauna
Various migratory birds frequent the lake’s shoreline during spring and fall., White-tailed deer can often be seen grazing near vineyard outskirts at dawn.
Historic heritage
Cayuga Lake Vineyards have roots dating back to the 19th century, with modern winemaking revitalizing the area since the 1970s.
Mindful exploration
Wineries here emphasize sustainable viticulture to protect the lake’s ecosystem and ensure long-term health of the soil and water.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Overlook at Buttonwood Grove vineyard rows, Shoreline vistas from Bet the Farm picnic area, Cellar door of Six Eighty Cellars
- Subjects
- Vineyard rows and trellises, Lake reflections with surrounding hills, Close-ups of grape clusters and wine glasses
- Best times
- Late afternoon for warm light, Early morning for misty lake views, Golden hour near sunset
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Are meals included in the tour?
Lunch recommendations are provided and some tours include lunch; check details when booking.
Is transportation provided between wineries?
Yes, transportation is arranged as part of the curated experience ensuring safe travel.
Can the tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, personalized lunch options consider dietary needs if informed in advance.
Are the wineries wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility varies by venue; it’s best to contact the tour provider directly for specific information.
Is there a limit on how many people can join the tour?
Most tours have a maximum group size to maintain an intimate experience—verify at booking.
Can I buy wines directly at the wineries?
Yes, all wineries offer retail sales so you can take home your favorite bottles.