Keuka Lake Vineyards

Keuka Lake Vineyards - History

This small farmstead estate winery began in 1997 and produces distinctively dry, European-style Finger Lakes wines. Located on the southern slopes of Keuka Lake, the vineyard specializes in premium Riesling and Vignoles made in a dry, elegant style, meant for entertainment with good company and fine food. Currently the vineyard is working to produce wines with special finesse from hybrid grape varieties.

When Mel Goldman and his wife visited Cornell University with their college-age son, they fell in love with the beauty of the Finger Lakes Region. Mel was inspired to put his longtime dream to run a farm into action. He soon purchased the old Taylor vineyard land on which Keuka Lake Vineyards is now established.

It didn't take long for Mel to recognize the superior quality of wines made with Riesling grapes at local wineries. He tested his judgment on some wine-savvy friends from Washington DC, and was pleased when the group raved about the Rieslings, preferring them over those from other areas.

Mel took early retirement in 1997 and officially moved to the Finger Lakes to start Keuka Lake Vineyards. He first planted Riesling and Pinot Noir vines. He began learning the art and science of winemaking and by the fall of 2005, made his first vintage under the guidance of Morten Hallgren, winemaker and owner of Ravines Wine Cellars.