Among the first producers to become a certified New York Sustainable Winegrower, Keuka Lake Vineyards has grown from just a few acres since its inception in the 1990s into the 40-acre vineyard it is today under the stewardship of its founders, Mel and Dorothee Goldman. “The passion and long-term commitment of the founding families resonate most,” says de Sensi. “There is a clear sense of craft and legacy. Their authenticity, paired with thoughtful hospitality, makes the experience both personal and memorable.”
PRESS AND AWARDS
PRESS
By: The Cork Report
Drink This: Keuka Lake Vineyards 2022 Vignoles
Nobody does bone-dry vignoles better than Keuka Lake Vineyards
“At Keuka Lake Vineyards, the focus is on dry wine, including vignoles. This one doesn’t have any residual sugar. It walks a tightrope — brisk and fresh, but not too much so. That tension is actually one of the things I like most about it.” Lenn Thompson.
By: The Buyer
Rustic charm
A respect for tradition and a humble outlook goes a long way. “We do everything by hand, that’s why we are not very profitable,” said Mel Goldman from Keuka Lake Vineyards as we taste through his impressive range of wines. Keuka Lake has vineyards on both sides of the lake it takes its name from, and a beautiful tasting barn on the west shore which is dripping in character and charm.
His wines were some of the best of the trip. “I thought they were really lovely,” said Campbell.
By: Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator’s Finger Lakes Review
Keuka Lake Vineyards has been quietly putting out some stellar bottlings, led here by the top-scoring, small-production Falling Man Vineyard white. With such impressive offerings, as well as notable values, this winery can now be included among the Finger Lakes’ elite producers.
By: Decanter
Elaine Chukan Brown: A return to hybrids
I enjoyed the Keuka Lake, Turkey Run Vineyard Vignoles 2019, grown in the gravels of New York state’s Finger Lakes AVA. It’s beautifully aromatic, with a round palate of orchard and stone fruits mixed through with pithiness, bursting acidity and a silky texture.
By: Forbes
America’s Winemaking Past And Future Is Found In The Finger Lakes
On the south east end of Keuka Lake, nestled within homes, a small woodland, and Silvernail Road, where passersby pause for polite conversation, lies a particular vineyard owned by Keuka Lake Vineyards (KLV).
AWARDS
NY Wine Classic
NY Wine Classic – 2023 Dry Riesling
Silver medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2023 Semi-Dry Riesling
Silver medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2023 Merlot
Silver medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2024 Vignoles Methode Ancestrale
Gold medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2024 Blaufränkisch
Gold medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2024 Leon Millot
Gold medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2024 Cabernet Franc
Gold medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2023 Cabernet Franc
Silver medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2022 Skin fermented Vignoles
Silver medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2021 20 Rows Dry Riesling
Silver medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2023 Vignoles Method Ancestral
Gold medal.
NY Wine Classic – 2020 20 Rows Dry Riesling
Gold medal.
Vin Blanc Du Monde
‘VIN BLANC DU MONDE’ in ALSACE – 2021 Evergreen Lek Dry Riesling
Gold Medal Riesling competition in Vin Blanc Du Monde competition in Strasbourg, Alsace, France in 2024.
‘VIN BLANC DU MONDE’ in ALSACE – 2020 Falling Man Vineyard Dry Riesling
Silver Medal Riesling competition in Vin Blanc Du Monde competition in Strasbourg, Alsace, France in 2022.
‘VIN BLANC DU MONDE’ in ALSACE – 2020 20 Rows Vineyard Dry Riesling
Gold Medal Riesling Competition in Vin Blanc Du Monde competition in Strasbourg, Alsace, France in 2022. (The only non-French or German wine to receive Gold Medal).
Riesling Du Monde
‘RIESLING DU MONDE’ in ALSACE – 2009 Evergreen Lek Vineyard Dry Riesling
Silver Medal “Riesling Du Monde” competition in Strasbourg, Alsace, France in 2011.
‘RIESLING DU MONDE’ in ALSACE – 2008 Goldman Vineyard Dry Riesling
Silver Medal “Riesling Du Monde” competition in Strasbourg, Alsace, France in 2010.
SCORES
Wine Spectator
Riesling Dry Falling Man Vineyard 2023
Score: 91
This is dry and racy, with a wet slate note driving through the middle, while yellow apple skin, jicama and elderflower hints dart around. Long piercing through the mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2029. 62 cases made.
James Suckling
Blaufränkisch Finger Lakes 2024
Score: 89
Spiced cherry and Damson plum aromas and flavors are carried on a lithe frame. Mouthwatering acidity and a touch of lavender extend through the elegant finish. Drink now.
James Suckling
Riesling Finger Lakes Evergreen Lek Dry 2023
Score: 90
Bracing, lithe and full of energy. Aromas and flavors of minerals, lemon pith and nectarines maintain fine focus throughout, with a lift of citrus blossoms at the end. Drink now.
James Suckling
Vignoles Finger Lakes 2024
Score: 91
Asian pear and lilac aromas and flavors are woven with postured acidity. There is sappiness to this wine, with notes of lime blossoms, pineapple, fresh-squeezed lemons and lemon oil bringing complexity. Mouthwatering. Drink or hold.
James Suckling
Riesling Finger Lakes Falling Man Dry 2024
Score: 91
Nicely concentrated, with petrol, white flowers, lemon rind and crushed rocks on the nose. It shows lemon, lime and green apple acidity through the focused, lingering finish. Drink or hold.
James Suckling
Riesling Finger Lakes Semi-Dry 2021
Score: 92
A long thread of acidity counters the well-calibrated ripeness in this riesling. Aromas and flavors of honeyed almonds, caramelized apricots and yellow plums finish on a note of almond blossoms. Attractive detail and balance. Drink or hold.
James Suckling
Riesling Finger Lakes Dry 2021
Score: 92
Appealing and evolved on the nose, with almonds, petrol and dried flowers. These precede a palate whose generosity and focus are finely calibrated. Flavors of bitter orange marmalade, apricots, lemons and lemon blossoms extend through the finish. Drink now.
James Suckling
Riesling Finger Lakes Dry 20 Rows Vineyard 2021
Score: 93
Complex aromas of petrol and a hint of nectarines before a steely, succulent palate of citrus pith and oil, lime leaves, crunchy orchard fruit and minerals. Subtle orange blossoms in the finish. Drink or hold.
James Suckling
Cabernet Franc 2012
Score: 92
Savory, mature and terrifically selfcontained on the nose, this shows sandalwood and cigar humidor alongside strawberry and brambleberry fruitleather, preserved orange peel, kirsch and a hit of grenadine. Cured tobacco leaves and red licorice join jerk spices in the detailed, fascinating finish. Energetic. In a great place in its evolution. – James Suckling
James Suckling
Cabernet Franc 2023
Score: 92
Very well-crafted with strawberry, cherry and rose aromas and flavors following through to a medium body, fine tannins and a savory finish. Grows nicely on the palate – James Suckling
Wine Spectator
Riesling Finger Lakes Dry 20 Rows Vineyard 2020
Score: 92
Crackles with white peach, jicama, mustard flower, and acacia notes. Very distinctive. The nice, dry, racy finish extends nicely, too. Drink now through 2025. 107 cases made. – James Molesworth
Wine Spectator
Riesling Dry Finger Lakes Falling Man Vineyard 2020
Score: 93
Very tightly focused, with racy slate, pippin apple, fennel seed, and acacia notes. The long, pure finish glistens nicely. Drink now through 2027. 69 Cases made. – James Molesworth
