AROUND THE TABLE
There’s a certain energy that returns to Keuka Lake this time of the year.
The days are stretching longer, the first bits of green are popping up. Beneath the surface in the vineyards, the vines are nearing the end of their winter dormancy, preparing for the work ahead. That first real warmth in the air is subtle, but unmistakable. It signals the start of another growing season.
This past winter was one for the books in the Finger Lakes. A steady blanket of snow covered the ground for much of the season, and waves of deep cold settled in across the region. Still nights and below-zero temperatures brought a rare and remarkable sight: Keuka Lake, frozen over from shore to shore for the first time in many years.
Moments like this remind us of the beauty and intensity of this place that we call home. They share the vines, define the vintage, and ultimately influence each bottle that we produce. As the lake begins to open again and the vineyard comes back to life, we’re reminded just how much each season contributes to the story of the wines we make.
FROM THE VINEYARD
Spring work is well underway across the vineyards, and at Nutt Road in particular, the focus is on setting a strong foundation for the season ahead. The team has been conducting detailed soil scans and pulling samples throughout the site, allowing for a more precise, variable-rate approach to nutrient management; adding where needed and holding back where the soil is already in balance. At the same time, they’re identifying areas for drainage improvements, marking sections for tile installation, and taking stock of the vineyard structure, including posts that will need to be replaced before the season gets fully underway. In the row centers, a subsoiler has been used to break up compaction, with cover crops to follow, supporting long-term soil health and stability.
At Nutt Road, we’re seeing excellent vine balance and encouraging signs as the vineyard begins to wake up. It’s a site that continues to show its potential year after year, and one we’re especially excited to watch as the season unfolds.
The first quarter of the year brought a true Finger Lakes winter, with consistent snow cover and stretches of deep cold, including several periods of below-zero temperatures. That insulation helped protect the vines through dormancy, while the sustained cold works to reduce pest and disease pressure. As the lake opens back up and the vineyard comes to life, everything we’re seeing points toward a strong, healthy start to the growing season.
ON OUR TABLE
Two wines we’ve been reaching for often this spring, and ones we’re especially proud to share, are our Classic Traminette and Classic Riesling, both recently awarded Best of Class at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, each earning 94 points. It’s a meaningful recognition, and one that reflects not just the wines themselves, but the vineyard work and growing conditions that shaped them.
Our Classic Riesling continues to showcase everything we love about the Finger Lakes: bright acidity, lifted aromatics, and a clean, mineral-driven finish that makes it as versatile at the table as it is refreshing on its own. Alongside it, the Classic Traminette brings a more expressive, aromatic profile, with floral notes and subtle spice that lend themselves beautifully to a wide range of dishes and occasions.
BEYOND THE GLASS
At Keuka Spring Vineyards, we believe that what happens around the table should extend beyond the walls of the winery. Through our partnership with HATCH for Hunger and The Living Well Mission in Penn Yan, we’re proud to help bring fresh, nourishing food to our local community in a meaningful and consistent way.
This year, we’ve expanded our commitment, now providing 90 dozen eggs and 180 pounds of poultry every two weeks, helping to support more than 180 local families each month, and contributing to an estimated 30,000+ meals annually. These donations are made possible through partnerships with local producers, including Hudson Egg Farms and Dudley Poultry, and reflect a shared belief in strengthening the communities we call home.
For those visiting the winery, there’s also an opportunity to take part. Guests can choose to make a small donation at checkout, with all contributions going directly toward supporting this initiative. It’s a small gesture that extends the experience beyond the glass, helping bring more people to the table.
UPCOMING AT THE VINEYARD
Thursday, May 21st – Vista Supper Club with Turtle Island Homestead
Friday, May 22nd – Madelyn Rose 6:00PM-9:00PM
($5.00 cover charge, complimentary for Vista Wine Club Members)
Saturday, May 23rd – Teressa Wilcox 6:00PM-9:00PM
($5.00 cover charge, complimentary for Vista Wine Club Members)
Sunday, May 24th – Jim E Leggs Trio 1:00PM-4:00PM – FREE
Links Coming Soon:
Friday, May 29th – Michael Gonzalez Lone Gonzo – 6:00PM-9:00PM
($5.00 cover charge, complimentary for Vista Wine Club Members)
Saturday, May 30th – Aaron Deruyter & The Confluence – 6:00PM-9:00PM
($5.00 cover charge, complimentary for Vista Wine Club Members)
Sunday, May 31st – States Apart – 1:00PM-4:00PM – FREE