Finger Lakes · Finger Lakes Wine Region

Ithaca

College Town Gateway to Finger Lakes Wine Country

Ithaca is the Finger Lakes' most vibrant city — home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, with a sophisticated restaurant and arts scene. The natural base for wine country visitors coming from the southeast.

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Wineries
Nearby
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Best For
Wine & dining
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Tasting Fees
$15–$50
Vibe
Wine country charm
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🤓 Did You Know?
Wine has been produced commercially in the United States since the 1830s — California alone now has over 140 designated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), more than any other state.

Wineries to Visit

Not Yet Reviewed
Sheldrake Point Winery
📍 Ithaca
Not Yet Reviewed
Lucas Vineyards
📍 Ithaca
Not Yet Reviewed
Swedish Hill Vineyard
📍 Ithaca
Not Yet Reviewed
Hosmer Winery
📍 Ithaca
Not Yet Reviewed
Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery
📍 Ithaca

Where to Eat

Moosewood Restaurant$$

Legendary vegetarian restaurant — a James Beard American Classic.

The Piggery$$

Farm-to-table charcuterie and local meats — a revelation of sustainable farming.

FLX Table & FLX Wienery$$

Most creative food in the Finger Lakes — serious wine with outstanding hot dogs.

Agava$$

Upscale Mexican in downtown Ithaca — outstanding margaritas and Finger Lakes wine list.

Things to Do

  • ✓ Cornell University campus and botanical plantations (free — world-class)
  • ✓ Ithaca Falls — the most accessible of Ithaca's many gorges
  • ✓ Cayuga Lake wine trail (41 wineries along the west shore)
  • ✓ Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman State Park
  • ✓ Ithaca Farmers Market (Saturdays, Steamboat Landing) — one of New York's best
  • ✓ Moosewood Restaurant — a meal that changed American food
🍷 WinoNotion Insider Tip
Ithaca is the most active base in the Finger Lakes, but the furthest from the Seneca Lake wine concentration. If primarily wine-focused, Watkins Glen or Penn Yan is closer. For arts, food, and hiking alongside wine, Ithaca wins.
Known For

Cornell University, Ithaca Falls, Cayuga Lake wine trail, Moosewood Restaurant, gorges and waterfalls

Drive Times
Watkins Glen
45min
Penn Yan
1h
Syracuse
1h
Where to Stay
Statler Hotel at CornellUpscale

The nation's only hotel run by students as part of a hotel school — impeccable service.

William Henry Miller InnB&B

Stunning Victorian mansion B&B — most romantic accommodation in Ithaca.

Hilton Garden Inn IthacaMid-range

Reliable full-service hotel in the Ithaca Commons area.

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