Tasting Visit: Weis Vineyards (Keuka Lake)

 

After 10+ years as a lead winemaker at the legendary Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars, German-born Peter Weis and his wife Ashlee opened their own winery on the east side of Keuka Lake in 2016, and Weis Vineyards has quickly become one of my favorite go-to wineries. Tastings are walk-in, first come first-serve, so you may have to wait a bit if they are busy, especially on the weekends, but it is well worth any wait. Reservations are required for groups of 8 or more.(See my blog post on Winery Visit Tips for 2020). Weis Vineyards is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm. Tastings are $10 for 5 tastings, which is fully refundable with the purchase of 4 bottles and you can keep the tasting glass.

Here are my tasting notes:

2019 Dry Riesling, $17.99, Green apple on the nose, A burst of smooth lime on the front palate into soft mineral in the mid-palate, on to an excellent medium/long citrus finish. 

2019 Winzer Select Riesling K, $24.99, Sourced from Seneca Lake select reserve fruit, Early harvest, The K is for Kabinett style (German lighter style of wine), Apple/peach on the nose, Perfectly integrated lime and mineral elements on the palate with a very long finish.

2019 Gewurztraminer, $18.99, Bright aromatic spices on the nose, Well-integrated spice and floral flavors, with pear and lychee highlights, into a long finish, .8% Residual Sugar.

2019 Semi-Dry Riesling, $17.99, Nice stone fruit aromatics, Big flavor with peach and citrus highlights, 3% Residual Sugar.

2019 Dry Rose, $18.99, Primarily Merlot with some Pinot Noir and Blaufrankisch blended in, Rose petal on the nose, Cherry and Strawberry tones on the palate, Beautifully austere and elegant.

2018 Cabernet Franc, $27.99, 22 months in French Oak, Beautifully structured with light cherry tones and bountiful tannins for a cold climate red, Impressive. 

Weis Vineyards is located at 10014 Day Rd, Hammondsport NY

Website: www.weisvineyards.com