We didn't have a bad time, we just had a weird time. On our mini moon, my husband and I stopped here to play pickleball. It is $15 for an hour court rental, plus $5 per paddle and ball. The court needs to have something up for the wind. The wind takes the ball everywhere and it wasn't a stellar time. The wine was fine. Not really our cup of tea. Great views of Cayuga Lake. read more

Goose Watch Winery - Wineries Near Me - Romulus, New York

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Goose Watch bills itself as a spot that takes pride in its experimentation and cultivation of unique blends/varietals, and they live up to that. We tasted several wines, and walked away with a couple of bottles, including a nice 2020 Cabernet Franc Rosé, and a tasty Dry Traminette, which was a new style to me! Overall, good wines and worth a visit, though not my favorite tasting room experience out in the outstanding and lovely Finger Lakes area. We were here off season, but over a winter holiday weekend, and it was still crowded. Major shout out to Courtney, who did an absolutely outstanding job dealing with the crowd, and took the time to provide us insight on some of their unique styles--her knowledge and passion shone through. But felt a bit like they should have more help/offer her some support--you want to feel amply welcomed and supported on a visit like this, and it felt like they were as sparsely prepared as possible, relying on exceptional staff to compensate. read more

Little above average wine tasting. The tasting is $15 and instead of serving it at the counter. They bring you a little flight with the tasting at one of their tables so you get to take your time going through the wines. The wines were good and they gave you a bag of cheese-its to go with the tasting. The grounds are beautiful and we chose to sit on the back deck with our dog overlooking the fields and the lake. Like all wineries there is a little store inside with wine and other things. We got a few bottles to go. All in all a laid back, take your time tasting. You can also order a bottle and hang out their longer if you like. Dog friendly both inside and out! Side note most wineries on this wine trail are dog friendly so you can make a day out of wine tasting with your fury friend! read more

Goose Watch Winery - Wine tasting flight - Wineries Near Me - Romulus, New York

Goose Watch winery was our third stop on a four-vineyard wine tour. My sisters boyfriend was very excited for this vineyard, calling it one of his favorites in the area. When we went there, we were informed that all of their seating, outdoor only, was full and we could either a) wait; b) sit on the lawn and drink; or c) use the picnic table in the front of the building. We chose option C and also selected our wines. While we were waiting at the picnic table for our wines, a group who had a table left. We asked the bartender (is that what winery wine pourers are called?) if we could have their now-vacant table. He asked for a few minutes to clean it up, which we happily agreed to. It took about 10 minutes for him to clear off the table and sanitize everything, and we were appreciative of the attention to detail and of a table with an umbrella for shade. I have never been to a vineyard where I enjoyed every single wine in my flight. I would have happily brought a bottle of everything I tasted. The diamond wine was like nothing I have ever had before, and the mango wine was a tropical experience that left me longing for more. I didn't appreciate being charged a dollar for 4 melting Hershey Kisses, Goose Watch's way of circumventing the "food with your alcohol" law. As frustrated as I was with my sloppy Hershey kisses, I was very happy with my wines and with the gorgeous view of Cayuga Lake. read more

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Every time we come back up to Ithaca for a visit, we make it a point to come to Goose Watch. The wines and tastings are inexpensive, but more than that, they have an incredible deck with sprawling hills and view. You can also pull up on your boat and dock. It really can't get much better than this. Particularly during COVID, this was a great escape when we returned for Labour Day Weekend. read more

This place was a disappointment. We started out our wine tour here, and wish we hadn't. Upon arrival there was absolutely nobody inside, so we waited a few minutes until somebody finally came in. They only had what seemed to be one person on staff, and he was clearly overwhelmed and undertrained. We asked what he recommended for red wines and he really had no response besides "all of them." We had dogs with us, as the place advertises as dog friendly, but they were not allowed inside during covid (makes sense sort-of), or outside on the porch (which makes no sense). Dogs don't carry covid so I really don't understand why the policy has changed, especially when other places on the lake had no problem having dogs inside and out. When we finally got our orders in, we had to wait about 30 minutes just to get our tastings to the group. They were tiny portions and luke warm. Also we were served in little plastic cups with no glasses which was tacky and annoying. The furniture in their lawn was also flimsy and rotting. Unfortunately because it took so long to get in and out of this place we had to cut other wineries from our tour. Overall would not recommend. Buttonwood and Touro down the road are much better. read more

Had a really nice time at this winery. We had some flights and it was a beautiful day so we were able to enjoy everything outside. They were very Covid friendly and make sure that everybody was comfortable and happy. read more

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Not a friendly winery- we were rushed with our flight and pushed out for closing. If you're set on closing at 5 then serve your last flights at 4:30, don't come up to the table where people are drinking and tell them they have 5 minutes left (at 4:45). We tried the dry whites and dry reds. The reds were acidic and thin, the whites were sweeter than they should have been. read more

Stopped at this winery with my husband and daughters (3 and 6) for a lovely visit. Each of the staff were very friendly and walked us through the tasting process with their wine flights. I liked that they were tailored to your tastes (I tried the semi-dry while my husband enjoyed the semi-sweet. I believe there were about 8 options, and you could add on additional wines for $2 each. We were able to snag a shaded table out on the deck with a GORGEOUS view of the lake to enjoy our tastings while we all ate a picnic lunch we brought along with us. We ended up buying a glass to enjoy and bottles to take home. Prices were very reasonable. We will definitely be back when we return to the area. read more

Goose Watch was a great stop on the Cayuga lake wine trail. The wines were nice and the view from their deck is pretty great. I also liked the way they presented the wine flights. Each flight came with 6 different wines with their names written on a strip of paper below each glass (so that you know what to buy). It was funny to be given Hershey's chocolates with wine but then these are the weird times we are living in! read more

Goose Watch Winery - Wine flights, Cayuga lake and Hershey's! What's not to like? - Wineries Near Me - Romulus, New York

This was our last winery of the day and we really enjoyed our tasting! The pourer was super friendly and we purchased Aramella. The sherry was also really good! We will return when the weather is nicer to enjoy a glass outside! read more

If you like sweet wine you will enjoy the wines at this winery. Very few dry, and I wouldn't really classify them as dry. The service was okay. I personally enjoy sweet wines. I left with a bottle of uni-gooseand red fox read more

Goose Watch Winery - Wineries Near Me - Romulus, New York

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I *completely* don't understand why this winery doesn't have higher reviews - I personally thought it was one of the best wineries in the area (and I tried most of them, and most of them were great, so that is saying something). I'd never had a Lemburger wine before, but I loved theirs quite a lot (it's super peppery, which I quite enjoy in dry reds.) I also enjoyed their Diamond, which tasted like all the Niagaras I'd tried, except smoother and without the weird musky scent. Their ice wine (actual ice wine, not "iced"!) was certainly the best ice wine I'd had in the Cayuga area (still not as good as the best ice wine I tried in the Niagara region, which is more known for that, but still.) And their white port: just wow. It basically tastes like a really excellent late harvest Gewurztraminer, that just happens to also be 18% alcohol. This was our last stop for the week, so our suitcases were crammed completely full of wine, but I made room for a bottle of that white port. I also particularly enjoyed that you could get a full glass of anything, and that the prices for that were *completely* reasonable. I do agree with some other people, it is silly that they generally put it in a plastic cup (that's just wrong) if you want to sip it outside (which you do: they also have, in my opinion, the prettiest view of any winery on Cayuga Lake, from their tasting room's outside balcony) - apparently they've had too many problems with people dropping or throwing their glasses off the balcony. It wasn't busy when I came in, though, so they were nice enough to give me a glass anyway, as I apparently didn't look like the sort of person that would drop or throw it off the balcony. It was super relaxing sitting, enjoying the gorgeous view and drinking a gorgeous glass of port (which then convinced me to make room in my luggage for a bottle of it, so good job, them.) I suppose my opinion of the tasting room would probably be pretty different if I'd been there when it was crazy busy, instead of calm and relaxed like it was last week when we were there, though. I do see some people talking about giant busses full of people, which, yeah, that'd suck. So I suppose the advice there is, try to come here on a weekday? edit: I just opened the white port I brought back. It was just as fantastically delicious as I remembered. Really sad I could only fit one bottle in my suitcase now (cause I'd bought wine from a bunch of places already). Would have loved to have a few more. read more

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One more stop during our tour of wineries in the Finger Lakes region of New York, along Cayuga Lake. Goose Watch is located just south of Knapp Winery, and right on the hill overlooking the lake. Goose Watch Winery began production in 1997 thanks to the same family that owns the nearby Swedish Hill Winery. Nestled within one of the region's only commercial chestnut groves, Goose Watch has 21 acres of land dedicated to vineyards of six different grape varieties. With an emphasis on the unusual, winemakers have succeeded in developing a selection of wine that is uncommonly found in the Finger Lakes, such as Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Traminette, Melody, Diamond, and Lemberger. Goose Watch's tasting room is in a beautifully restored century-old barn that holds a large variety of unique and exclusive wines in addition to their sparkling wines, port, sherry, and ice wines. Goose Watch produces a large range of flavors varying from the popular whites such as Viognier, Riesling-Gewurztraminer, and Traminette to red blends of Lemberger, Chambourcin and Cabernet Sauvignon. Like other wineries in the region, you can sample a variety of their wines by selecting your 'tastes' from their menu. If you decide to buy a bottle or two of their wine, then you'll receive a generous discount. What I enjoyed the most about this winery was the ability to sit out on their deck with a glass of wine, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Cayuga Lake while surrounded by vineyards, nut trees, and gardens. We tried a new wine called Aromella which was developed by Cornell University at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY. This wine boasts the flavors of a Moscato but is a semi-dry white wine. We also liked their semi-sweet Diamond white wine, a really fabulous Merlot Reserve, and an award-winning Pinot Noir Brut Rose'. This is a great winery to bring a picnic lunch, and sit out on one of their picnic tables while enjoying your wine. read more

Goose Watch Winery - It's easy to spot Goose Watch Winery, right alongside Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of NY. - Wineries Near Me - Romulus, New York

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The folks at Swedish Hill called Goose Watch one of their "sister" wineries, and indeed, I felt just like I had walked into an extension, with the same atmosphere, friendliness, variety of wine, etc... but no Doobie. You need a Doobie, though I suppose some sort of goose would be more appropriate, yes? As with the other wineries I visited around Cayuga Lake, I tend to focus on the wines which are unique to the wineries. I already knew I would find great Riesling and Gewurztraminer here. Unique and appealing here to me included their Diamond white, and their pink and red Moscato - it was just as refreshing finding non-mass-produced Moscato as sampling the wines. And of course, the view is great, too. read more

There was only one person serving the entire Winery, wasn't her fault she was fine, but they need to plan better. Wines were just okay but the views were spectacular. Don't like when we don't have a choice of selecting the wines, they picked everything for you. read more

They have unicorn wine. Need I say more? Of course I will lol great winery. Our first stop on a wine tour. Our hostess let us know that she was short staffed but she did a great job being attentive to all parties there. Scenery is beautiful. Wine is fabulous. Many great little things to buy. Nice winery. read more

Goose Watch Winery - Wineries Near Me - Romulus, New York

I can't really say much about this place other than the views are nice. The wine was ok but it is not one of my favorite wineries. The staff is nice and they know their product. I will go back and try it again and hopefully I can raise the number of stars. read more

Goose Watch Winery - Wineries Near Me - Romulus, New York

Great winery with a good view and a lot of options - semi-dry, dry, sparkling, cider, dessert wine, etc. I especially like their white port and semi-sweet cider. read more

Loved their wine flight, wish we had time to run over to their brewery to give that a shot. Outdoor tables available lots of space. Beautiful view. Best time to visit is probably now while they're not at full capacity. read more

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I loved this place. Some sweet wines, some ciders, a white port, a sherry & more! Not for the snooty red wine crowd but cool, laid back and what a view. read more

Goose Watch Winery - Great view of Cayuga from the deck. - Wineries Near Me - Romulus, New York

I visited this place on Tuesday late afternoon. Property was beautiful, nice tasting room has a great view. I liked it. I was excited to try their wines. Wine was decent but unfortunately my experience was bad because of the attitude of the person who works in the tasting room. She wasn't hospitable at all. What we felt was 'Just taste fast and get out'. I felt she really hated her job and looking down on us. Not only me, my husband and friends felt same way. Winery itself is really nice, I thought wines were kinda good and I could walk away with more wine since I came up here to bring few cases of wine back home. But she showed just horrible attitude, didn't want to spend much money there. And that was one of the worst wine tasting experienced I've ever had in finger-lake region with in the last 3 years. read more

Do you hate fun? If you do, then you may like Goose Watch. Let me start with the positive. Overall, the wines are quite good! They have a wide range of options and do a great job experimenting with hybrid varietals from Cornell University. The prices are also in line with the other Finger Lakes wineries, so it's not a rip off. However, if you are going on a wine tour, Goose Watch is not worth your time. Despite the picturesque location, the attendants in the tasting room are not helpful and look down on guests. Without any justification, they always assume that guests are reckless, drunk and don't care about wine. I understand the risks of owning a winery (especially one that gets lots of visits from Ithaca colleges), but this overly cautious attitude should not be extended to all guests. I had the same service and attitude on a Cornell wine tour as I did when visiting with my mom and dad! read more

This place is OK. Not bad, but didn't blow our socks off. Just not our style, which doesn't mean you won't like it. Certain lingering flavor we didn't care for. Not a destination on our list for the future. Beautiful views. read more

Another busy spot - this winery is part of the Swedish Hill and Penguin Bay family and has the best wine of the three locations, IMHO. We were thinking about leaving the tasting room after not being acknowledged for nearly 15 minutes after arriving (plus the A/C was broken inside and it was 89 degrees with unusual high humidity, for the Finger Lakes, outside). I'm glad we stayed because the wines were great, and well-priced. This is the only Finger Lakes winery I'm aware of that has two Virginia favorites: Viognier and Chambourcin. The former is understandable, as that varietal doesn't fare too well in soil and climate north of Maryland. The latter is unusual as Chambourcin is a hybrid created at nearby Cornell University.....maybe other Finger Lakes wineries will get on board with the easy-to-drink "red wine for white wine fans" Chambourcin. The other favorite was the Pinot Grigio, dry and crisp with a hint of pineapple. Nice view of the Cayuga Lake from the grounds - lots of room to spread your wings on their property. read more

We stopped by this winery on a Monday afternoon. There were a few small groups but it was not crowded. The property and the view is beautiful. We did a wine tasting and purchased two of the wines we tried. The gentleman that did our tasting was very friendly and helpful. We tried three different wineries in the finger lakes region. I imagine during the summer and fall months the views are spectacular but it might also get crowded. read more

By far one of my favorite wineries on the cayuga wine trail! I usually buy a mix case from them ~ especially the bartlett pear, spumante champagne and strawberry splendor plus a couple of others too. They have a great varietal collection. And the best part is that you can pretty much sample them all~unlike napa valley where you could only sample a couple for $15-$20. Yes it can get rowdy here and you do have lots of college students there during the weekends especially~ that also comes in consideration that most have been drinking on the trail up =P...i've gone a good amount of times with friends Though the views are not as amazing as Napa Valley...this is as good as it gets on the East coast =) drink up! You won't be disappointed and it's quieter during the week days of course. read more

Goose Watch was a nice winery. Key points are: 1. They have a dock that you can just drive up to with your boat and then they will come pick you up with a 4wheeler vehicle. 2. All the people were very friendly 3. There was a back porch that you could look out over the grape vines and lake which was beautiful. Have been twice already and would definitely go back again for tastings and purchasing wine. read more

This is my Happy Place. There is nothing like sitting on the deck having some delicious wine and cheese while looking at the lake. read more

Goose Watch Winery - Wineries Near Me - Romulus, New York

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Ok I really only stopped this time to use the facilities but I'm legit! I really recommend going to their chestnut festival. If you have never had chestnuts; or like me only the kind your Italian family labors over. Go to this event, the last time I was there among many options there was: chestnut soup, chestnut ice cream, chestnut muffins etc. read more

I recently attended a chestnut festival at Goose Watch after seeing an add on the Cayuga Wine Trail website. I have to say my partner and I were let down. I envisioned a wonderful world of Chestnuts. It's fair to say our expectations were most likely too high. A wonderful world of chestnuts? Perhaps not. Having explored other wineries on nearby Seneca and Keuka Lake's I'd say Goose Watch's wines aren't our favorites, and yet, they're also not bad. Try them for yourself and see if you're like them. Their views are spectacular and parking is easy for the wine bus tour crowds. read more

The owner here was an obnoxious and rude person! I called 3 weeks ahead to double check that they would accept a large group and/or be able to split a large group, and they assured me they could. Additionally, they said they accepted large vehicles, including limos and party buses, due to people offering bugger vehicles due to Covid-19. He accepted us and then did not give any instructions on how to order our wines, instead leaving us in the corner to look at a menu without instructions of how to order. In addition, he ignored the second half of our group and did not even allow them to place an order. The other workers were wonderful and I don't know how they are working with that jerk. The brewery was awesome as well. Yelling at customers and being nasty will not get you anywhere and we will not be returning. EVER! read more

I came here as a stop on the Annual Herb and Wine festival on the Cayuga Wine Trail with a group of 8 + 2 designated drivers. This was one of my favorites out of the 8 wineries we visited on the trail. We were led to the upstairs area where they gave us 4 samples. The Renaissance Red + 3 for you to choose from. The people here were very friendly and I enjoyed all of the wines that I tasted. My friends and I ended up buying two bottles of Snow Goose (a peachy pineapple-y white wine, that won a few awards. and it was on sale for 2 for $20) and the Red Fox (a sweet Red, ~$11-12). I enjoyed all the ones I sampled - I believe I had the Melody (Riesling?) one as well. There's a very pretty outdoor patio in the back that has a nice view of the lake. The decor of the upstairs area wasn't as nice as some of the other wineries we visited, but it also wasn't the worst. I'd love a nicer atmosphere indoors where you're drinking (mainly upstairs area). I just don't remember it being anything special. read more

Beautiful landscaping... service was slow and plastic cups are a no no. We are adults and should be able to have the wine and view on the balcony with a nice glass not plastic cup...will not be back read more

Goose Watch Winery - At the Goose Watch Winery Cayuga Lake - Wineries Near Me - Romulus, New York

The wines here are quite nice, with the highlight being the Goose Watch cream sherry. It's so affordable and it really has a rich flavor with a creamy finish that doesn't get stuck in the back of your throat at the end. We've been buying this sherry for a few years, and found it the best on cold winter nights when you don't want to end the night with something as strong as whiskey. It will warm you up! The winery itself isn't anything that special apart from the nice deck with the great view of the lake. It's a popular one, often swamped by those infamous tour buses during peak season weekends. read more

Beautiful property to walk around. Mediocre wines at $5 for 6 tastes. Check out Varick Winery where you can sample a bunch of snacks and treats and it's only $4 for 6! read more

I loved the variety of wines here, as well as the beautiful scenery, but the hike up from the dock was a bit dicey-if possible, call and request a ride or drive to this facility. Worth the trip, though. read more

The winery boasts an excellent location. You can literally spend the entire afternoon on their patio, enjoying the calm and serene view. The wines are pretty good, and we loved some of their semi-sweet varieties. read more

The best winery we have been to in the Finger Lakes. Wonderful wines with great history. Ian was very knowledgeable and had suggestions on where to go for more of the wines we enjoyed. read more

Nice small wine tasting area. Guy who helped us was very nice. The porch and view of lake is pretty awesome.