We made it to the other side of the lake! Our adventure today took us to Izzo's White Barn Winery,…read morea small but welcoming spot tucked into the beautiful Finger Lakes wine region. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with a cozy, down-to-earth atmosphere that made us feel right at home.
We started our tasting with their unoaked Riesling, a bright and lively wine crafted from grapes grown along the shores of Seneca Lake. It had an enticing aroma and a clean, crisp finish that really highlighted the natural fruit flavors. Next up was the LaCrescent, a white varietal that was refreshingly dry with a subtle citrusy edge and just the right amount of acidity--perfect for sipping on a cool afternoon.
After that, we moved on to the Cayuga White, a semi-sweet offering that had a beautifully smooth mouthfeel and a well-balanced sweetness, making it an easy favorite for those who enjoy wines with a hint of fruit-forward character. Finally, we wrapped up our tasting with the Maréchal Foch, a deep, dry red with rich notes of black cherry and a velvety smooth finish. This one stood out as a great example of how lesser-known hybrid grapes can still deliver bold and elegant flavors.
During our visit, we had the pleasure of chatting with the owner (at least, we believe it was the owner!), who shared some insight into the winery's operations. He explained that they grow three to four different grape varietals in their own vineyards, while supplementing with additional grapes sourced from other vineyards throughout the Finger Lakes region. It was clear that there's a strong sense of community among winemakers in the area--he described it as a "big happy family" that collaborates to support each other through every step of the winemaking process.
One of the most interesting tidbits we learned was about the live musician performing that day--not only does he provide entertainment for visitors, but he also plays a huge role in the winemaking process, handling 80-90% of the work at the winery! It was incredible to see such a hands-on approach, where passion for both music and winemaking came together in such a unique way.
As for the owner himself, he had an infectious sense of humor--quick-witted, engaging, and full of personality, he made our experience even more memorable. The winery is relatively small and appears to have limited hours, especially in the winter when it's only open on Saturdays. If I remember correctly, they may extend to two days a week during the busier months, but it's definitely one of those hidden gems that's worth navigating to if you're in the area.
All in all, Izzo's White Barn Winery turned out to be a fantastic stop, offering a delightful mix of great wine, warm hospitality, and local charm. It's the kind of place where you don't just taste wine--you get to experience the heart and soul behind it.
