I really enjoyed my time here. It wasn't pretentious in the slightest. It had a relaxed, low-key…read morefeel to it that felt like a really nice change of pace. There seemed to be a good number of locals and slightly older crowd while we were there, which added to the laid back atmosphere. The wine was especially quality and seemed to be the main focus here. I especially enjoyed the steel barrel white wine. Overall, good music, good wine, good service, and an easy going place to spend sometime. I will definitely be visiting again.

Very cute winery, very nice staff. Tastings are $12. Zack was a great time! Delicious wine! I will…read moredefinitely return!

Beautiful weather, great views, great food with amazing and over-worked waitstaff. Thanks Taylorread more

Thirsty Owl was easily one of our favorite stops on the Cayuga wine trail. The wine was terrific…read moreand the views were gorgeous. It felt more like a destination winery, like something you'd find on the north fork of Long Island. It was pretty crowded around 2PM and it felt a little more pretentious than some of the other wineries on the trail, but that was very easy to overlook given how good the wine is and how beautiful the view of the lake is. The one real disappointment was the food. The charcuterie board was honestly pretty bad. It not only looked, but tasted like it sat in the back of the refrigerator. My friends and I all were disappointed and shocked at just how bad it was. We expected a winery with this good of wine to have a charcuterie to match, but were left shocked and disappointed. My friends also ordered sandwiches and they had a similar reaction. Whole not necessarily bad, it was nothing special and didn't seem worth it. If I were rating this solely on the food this wouldn't be a 5 star review, however the quality of wine and the view make up for it. Overall, this should be a must visit on everyone's list.

An absolute highlight of my trip to the Fingerlakes!…read more We were a large bachelorette party looking for an afternoon at a winery. This place was chosen for both the proximity to our Air BnB and also because it was more affordable then some of the other vineyards in the area. I will say with certainty that this place was the best part of our trip! The vineyard has a small but suitable selection of wines to taste - you can see my photo for the menu available at the time. Reservations are not taken on the weekends, but we were able to walk in with relatively no crowds. However, by the time we left, it was packed! All of us opted for a flight - which, for the prince, how could you go wrong? The staff was incredibly pleasant and attentive, and they TRULY knew their products. They weren't afraid to say, "I don't think you'll like this [based on your tastes], try this instead." In addition, they had a selection of local cheesed and meats for purchase, so we were able to have a wonderful charcuterie with our wines. After purchasing, we sat on their deck and simply enjoyed being outside with the scenic view. Truly, it looked like it was taken out of a movie - I felt like I was looking at a scenic photo in a dentist office or something, but in the best way! We are so proud to support a local business like this. If I'm ever in the area, I will be sure to add this vineyard to my stops!

This is a gem of a privately owned small vineyard at Cayuga Lake. We visited in the afternoon and…read morewas greeted by a friendly server behind the counter who took the time to explain the different wine varieties in the tasting menu. There is a lovely patio at he back which overlooks the vineyard and a view of the lake. Such a low key spot with friendly service and reasonable prices.

Our next stop marked the third winery on this side of the lake, and the journey to get there was an…read moreexperience in itself. The winding driveway leading up to the property offered a stunning preview of what was to come. As we followed the sign near the road, we were led through rolling vineyards, past picturesque landscapes, and up a steep hill that provided a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake. It was one of those moments where you can't help but take a deep breath, soak in the scenery, and appreciate the beauty of the Finger Lakes wine region. Upon arriving at the tasting room, we were greeted with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The staff handed us tasting sheets, allowing us to select the wines we wanted to sample at our own pace. @winecraft opted for the whites, while I focused on exploring the reds, eager to see what this winery had to offer. The Wine Tasting Experience 2019 Pinot Noir (13.6% ABV) I started with the 2019 Pinot Noir, which had been aged for 19 months in French oak barrels. This was a notable first release of Pinot Noir from their Lakeside Vineyard, making it a particularly special pour. A classic cool-climate Pinot, it had a delicate yet expressive profile, featuring subtle red fruit aromas, hints of earthy minerality, and a silky smooth texture. The oak aging contributed a gentle touch of vanilla and spice, enhancing the well-balanced acidity. It was a fantastic start to the tasting--elegant, nuanced, and undeniably enjoyable. 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon (13.5% ABV) Next up was the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, also aged in French oak. Right away, I picked up on its dark berry aroma, which was rich yet inviting. The first sip revealed layers of blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of baking spice, with a medium body and a beautifully structured finish. This wasn't an overly tannic Cab, but rather one that leaned into its fruit-forward character, making it incredibly smooth and approachable. The lingering finish left me wanting another sip, which is always a good sign. 2019 Lemberger (12.9% ABV) The third wine I sampled was the 2019 Lemberger, aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Lemberger (also known as Blaufränkisch) is an underrated varietal that often surprises me, and this one was no exception. Deep, dark berry notes dominated the nose, while the palate offered a rich yet soft texture with a slight peppery kick on the finish. While the finish was a bit on the shorter side, it was incredibly smooth and well-balanced, making it a great option for those who prefer reds that are bold yet easy-drinking. This wine was also harvested from the Lakeside Vineyard, showcasing the estate's ability to produce complex and flavorful cool-climate reds. NV Red Blend #3 (13.5% ABV) Finally, I tried the NV Red Blend #3, a Bordeaux-style blend made up of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Merlot. This wine had a deep, velvety character, offering a beautiful balance of fruit, spice, and oak influence. The Cabernet Sauvignon brought depth and structure, the Cabernet Franc added a hint of peppery spice, and the Merlot softened the blend with its smooth, rounded finish. Dark berry flavors, soft tannins, and a lingering mouthfeel made this my favorite of the lineup--a wine I could easily see myself sipping on during a chilly evening by the fire. An Unexpectedly Adorable Surprise Oh, and how could I possibly forget--we met Rosie, the winery's adorable resident dog! Rosie was the ultimate greeter, making her rounds and stopping by for some well-deserved pets from guests. There's just something about wineries with dogs that instantly adds to the charm and warmth of the experience. A Personal Touch to End the Visit As we were getting ready to leave, we had an unexpected but fantastic conversation with the owner, who walked us out to our car. He shared a bit of his background, and we learned that he and his family are originally from Boston, MA. His passion for winemaking was evident--not just in the quality of the wines but also in the way he spoke about the craft, the vineyard, and the journey of running a winery in the Finger Lakes. There was something really special about meeting the people behind the wines--it added a layer of connection to the experience that made the visit even more memorable. Final Thoughts This winery wasn't just about the wines--it was about the atmosphere, the people, and the sense of place. From the scenic drive leading up to the property to the thoughtfully crafted wines and the warm hospitality, it was a standout stop on our tour of the east side of Cayuga Lake. Whether you're a Pinot Noir lover, a Bordeaux blend enthusiast, or just someone looking for a laid-back winery experience, this spot offers something special. We left feeling grateful for the experience and excited to return--because when you find a place where the wine is great, the people are welcoming, and there's a friendly pup named Rosie, you know you've found a gem.

Great wine, reasonably priced. wonderful view this is a must try on the wine trailread more

Lovely, modern winery with a knowledgeable staff and delicious wines!! Tony was very kind and full…read moreof joy! He made our experience even more enjoyable. The added charcuterie was such a nice touch!!! The options were delish and paired very well with all my wines.

This winery has definitely one of the best patios I've come across in the finger lakes region so…read morefar. Inside is modern and the ambiance is very European modern. They have a good selection of all wines, white, red and rose. Their Cabernet Franc is 20 per glass but it is worth it. It's one of the best wines I've had in a while. Our sommelier was great and very informative about the wines and winery. We are definitely going to visit again.

The Wine, view and service are incredible!! Definitely a must visit on Cayuga lake. Table service…read moretasting at your own pace makes for an enjoyable relaxing day.

Such a nice winery. The view from the porch is fabulous and the inside is pretty as well…read more I've visited a handful of times since they opened a few years ago. Their wine has always been good, and it's nice to have more options to choose from since they've grown. And of course, it's always fun to get a piece of cheese! On top of great views and wine, they have incredible service. Every single person we encountered on our most recent visit was kind, friendly, and helpful. This is a great winery to bring friends to, or just to stop for a glass of wine with a nice view!

Great local family run winery. It was our first time here and we were not disappointed. It was a…read morequiet day so Chris, the owner, was able to spend a lot of time with us. We each tried a tasting and he included some crackers, cheese and chocolate and encouraged us to try certain pairings to really get a good understanding of where the wines excelled. They have a lot of semi dry and some dry reds. We really liked their dry reds and even decided to take some home. Very cool that his tasting room and some of his vineyard is right next to his home. Stop in if you are in the area.

This is an incredible winery to try out! The owner, Chris Scholomiti, personally greeted us when we…read moreentered and spent a lot of time explaining the qualities of each wine and also recommending food pairings for each wine. $10 for A LOT of samples and the wines are really enjoyable. They also provide a small plate of cheese/chocolate/crackers to pair with the wines, at no additional cost. Give this place a try - you won't be disappointed!

10/10 we loved Swedish hill winery! Amazing customer service and beautiful views. Quiet and quaint.read more

Swedish hill always makes me think of wine slushies at the State Fair. We visited the winery on a…read morecold November day. They were advertising wine slushies for sale (small size or large), and there was nothing that seemed less appetizing. I wish they promoted some sort of hot, mulled drink to get customers excited for the holiday season. We ordered our wine tastings at the front counter, and we carried them to the back room that had wrought-iron tables and chairs in a round, window-filled room. It was very drafty and cold. We got a small package of Milano cookies with our tasting, which seems like an odd pairing. One has to travel outside to the bathroom, which isn't all that convenient in the colder months. I am a red wine drinker, and several of the wines were tasty. I felt as if my wine tasting experience wasn't very personal - we weren't checked on much during our stay. There was a nice 30 percent off discount 3 or more bottles, which we took advantage of. What did surprise me was they did not offer us a box upon paying for our wines. When you buy 3 or more wines from a vineyard/tasting room, that is standard courtesy!