Located on the banks of spectacular Cayuga Lake, Sheldrake Point winery is the perfect stop for wine lovers looking for an off-the-beaten-path spot. Unconnected to the bus or shuttle tours that ferry people from vineyard to vineyard in the region, Sheldrake Point offers a more relaxed version of the usual winery tour. Stroll across the beautiful lawn, have a picnic or relax on chairs enjoying the sun.
Make your first stop the tasting room, where friendly and knowledgeable employees will help you decide which tasting menu is right for you: sweet, dry, dessert or others. Try the ice wine, a local specialty made from grapes that have frozen while still on the vine. Once you have selected your favorite, buy a glass to enjoy on site or pick up a bottle or case to take home.
Meander to the gift shop to pick up artisanal meats, cheeses and crackers from the Finger Lakes area. Then head out to the grounds or the charming patio to feast on your delicacies. Alternatively, bring your own picnic, buy a bottle of your favorite wine from the tasting room and settle in for the perfect lazy afternoon overlooking the lake . Watch for fellow wine lovers cruising back and forth on their boats. In the winter, keep warm in the tasting room with a glass of hearty red wine while appreciating the snow-strewn winter wonderland outside.
Sheldrake Point winery is located in Ovid, New York, in the Finger Lakes. The grounds are wheelchair-accessible. Tastings are available year-round for a fee, with reservations required for groups of eight or more people. Drive from Ithaca Airport in 40 minutes or rent a boat in Ithaca and cruise to the winery in style. The winery itself is a short walk away from the dock. On-site parking for boats and cars is free, so relax and enjoy the wine and the quiet beauty of the lake.