A Vital Scene

Picture this: a warm breeze gently rustling the leaves, the sun setting over the horizon, and a glass of wine in hand. What could be more relaxing than enjoying a glass of your favorite vino by the lake? Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a casual sip, there's something magical about pairing wine with the serene beauty of a lakeside setting. But these lakes are more than just scenic. In fact, we wouldn't have the vineyards here in the Finger Lakes without them.

How were the Finger Lakes formed?

The Finger Lakes get their name from their long, skinny shapes that stretch across the region resembling fingers. Unlike our own ten fingers, there are eleven of these lakes that make up the Finger Lakes. The lakes were carved out by glaciers and filled with water during the last Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago.

Why are our lakes so important to the vineyard?

The Finger Lakes deep, long basins create a unique microclimate protecting the farmland nearby from the extremes. Due to the depth, the water warms slowly in the spring delaying the budding on the vines and protecting from frost. Conversely the lakes release heat in the fall, extending the growing season and providing a warm autumn, allowing opportune time for ripening of the grapes.