Our vineyards lie on the slopes above the southern end of Keuka Lake and are an eclectic mix of young vinifera and old hybrid plantings. They range in age from three year plantings of Cabernet Franc and Vignoles to over 50 year old Leon Millot and Delaware vines. We work hard to control the quality of our fruit because we know that great wine can only be made from balanced, flavorful grapes.

While our efforts are essential, it is the depth and size of the Finger Lakes that makes grape growing in the climate of New York State even possible. The summer heat retained by the lakes lengthens the growing season and acts to moderate the extreme cold temperatures of the vineyards in the winter. Come spring, the now frigid waters moderate the warming air temperatures, delaying bud break and lowering the risk of damage by frost.

It is the interaction of our temperate climate with the soil and topography of the land surrounding Keuka Lake that gives our vineyard sites their unique terroir. The special glacial till (mixture of glacially laid rocks, sand, silt, and clay) deposited on the lower slopes above Keuka Lake provide for the water drainage that is essential for vine balance and health. The slopes themselves allow crucial cold air drainage during the winter and maximize sun exposure over the growing season. All these factors work together to provide the unique mineral and spicy characteristics of our Keuka Lake Rieslings of which KLV is duly proud.

New York State wine pioneer Charles Fournier recognized the quality of our vineyard land over 50 years ago when he chose what he thought were the best sites on Keuka Lake for his experimental trial on a series of unknown varieties. Our Leon Millot vineyard on the east side of the lake survives today from these early plantings.