Cayuga Lake AVA

Cayuga Lake AVA Important Grapes Learn more about New York State’s essential grapes. By the Numbers Established: 1988 Total Acreage: 83,274 Number of Wineries: 23 Soil Types: Shale, clay, silt loam, limestone, alluvial Elevation: 382 feet This Region Is Tasted by Christina Pickard Christina Pickard reviews wines from Australia, New Zealand, England and New York. [...] Read More... The post Cayuga Lake AVA appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.

May 28, 2025 - 15:15

Cayuga Lake AVA

(ky·YOO·guh leɪk)

The first of New York State‘s individual Finger Lakes to earn AVA status, Cayuga Lake is also the longest, with a number of microclimates impacting winemaking, including its lower elevation and steep lake depth. Riesling thrives in the cool climate, although Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc have recently come into their own here.

Important Grapes

Learn more about New York State’s essential grapes.

Chardonnay

Cabernet Franc

Riesling

Gewürztraminer

Pinot Gris

Cayuga

By the Numbers

Established: 1988

Total Acreage: 83,274

Number of Wineries: 23

Soil Types: Shale, clay, silt loam, limestone, alluvial

Elevation: 382 feet

This Region Is Tasted by Christina Pickard

Christina Pickard reviews wines from Australia, New Zealand, England and New York. She tastes and reviews over 1,500 wines per year from these regions. Christina has been telling wine stories for 15 years, currently from her home in New York’s Hudson Valley.