FINGER LAKES WINE TASTING TRIP, DISCOVER DRY ROSÉ - CAYUGA LAKE - DAY 2
After such a wonderful first day on Seneca and Keuka Lakes, we were excited to spend the next day on Cayuga Lake. Cayuga Lake is the longest of all the Finger Lakes, and the second largest in surface area and volume. It is home to 16 wineries, most of which are on the East side of the lake. There are as well, distilleries, cideries, at least one brewery, and of course, breathtaking views.
The day started off with a little rain that created amazing fog cover over the lake, but then the fog lifted and it became a beautiful sunny day.
Morning fog on Cayuga Lake
Day 2 – Cayuga Lake
*Sheldrake Point Winery – PRETTIEST SHADE
2015 Dry Rosé
Every time I visit, I always comment on how pretty the grounds are, and how accommodating the tasting room is for large crowds during summer days. This winery wins for prettiest Dry Rosé; I absolutely love the baby pink shade of this 100% Cabernet Franc Dry Rosé, and can see why it is a top seller for Sheldrake Point. It is crisp, with floral notes and a bit of citrus. This was a top contender for my top pick of the day!
Price $18
Fruit Source: Estate Grown
Expected to sell out by July 2016
*Hosmer Winery
2015 Dry Rosé
This was our first time visiting Hosmer and I’m glad we did. In addition to their Dry Rosé, I also tried a few other wines that I really liked, including the 2015 Gruner Veltliner. The Cabernet Franc Dry Rosé is dry, but still has a soft sweetness, a little acidity, and notes of strawberry. It’s a well rounded easy drinker for everyone.
Price $16
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
2015 Pinot Noir Rosé
A self proclaimed “destination winery”, Thirsty Owl has a little something for everyone, including a bistro with a deck providing amazing lake views! It will definitely be a lunch stop for my next trip. Their Dry Rosé has a light-to-medium body with great acidity, and I Ioved the pink grapefruit finish.
Price - $14.95
Fruit Source: Plane Vineyard
*Goose Watch – TOP PICK OF THE DAY & BEST VALUE
2014 Cabernet Franc Rosé
While their tasting room and lake views from their deck are amazing, I highly regard their wines too. The Dry Rosé is well balanced and has light acidity with a strawberry nose, which it maintains through the finish.
Price $13.99 - with $2 off coupon received at tasting, ONLY $11.99!!
Map
So on your next visit to the Finger Lakes, try venturing off the Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake Wine Trails for a day and visit the many wonderful wineries on Cayuga Lake. And sip a glass of Dry Rosé for me!
Day 2 Dry Rosé Discoveries
Note – I tried several Dry Rosés that are not listed above, but I tried to keep my review specific to my favorite at each location. Also, some of the Dry Rosés reviewed are not part of Discover Dry Rosé from the website. The * indicates it is a participating winery.