Finger Lakes winery guide

Azure Hill Winery

Azure Hill Winery is a small, family-run boutique farm winery on the west side of Keuka Lake in Hammondsport, NY, in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region.

About Azure Hill Winery

Azure Hill Winery is a small, family-run boutique farm winery on the west side of Keuka Lake in Hammondsport, NY, in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region. Founded in 2006 by owners and winemakers Leslie Knipe and Joe Sheehy, it began in the cellar of their home (built in 2005) and grew from a part-time adventure into a full-time venture in 2017 when the couple made it their permanent residence. In 2021 they completed a larger ground-level tasting room with a spacious outdoor deck offering panoramic views of Keuka Lake and the surrounding vineyard hillsides. It is one of the smallest wineries on Keuka Lake.

The estate grows Riesling, Saperavi, Noiret, and Zweigelt, and all wines are produced on-site in stainless steel (no oak) using estate-grown and locally sourced grapes and fruit. The lineup spans dry and semi-dry Rieslings, the bold Georgian red Saperavi, the Synthesis red blend, several sweet wines, and traditional-method (méthode champenoise) sparkling Riesling Brut. Visitors are served personally by the owners/winemakers and can enjoy wine by the glass, bottle, or flight alongside local Grist Iron Brewing craft beer and Golden Age cheeses.

The experience is intentionally intimate and personal. Reservations are required for groups of 8–10 (maximum 10 guests, none admitted after 2:30 PM); smaller parties are welcome first-come, first-served. Because the site is also a private residence, guests are asked to stay within the designated tasting room, deck, and parking areas.

Plan your visit

Address
8716 Gallagher Road, Hammondsport, NY 14840, USA
Phone
607-868-5702
Hours
Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tuesday - Wednesday: Closed

Wines to explore

  • Riesling (Dry) — Dry, crisp, citrus-driven white
  • Semi-Dry Riesling — Off-dry, balanced, refreshing acidity
  • Sweet Riesling — Sweet, fruity, bright acidity
  • Synthesis (Red Blend) — Full-bodied dry red blend
  • Saperavi (Reserve) — Bold, inky, full-bodied red
  • Noiret — Dry red, peppery, raspberry
  • Sweet Chambourcin — Semi-sweet, black cherry, spicy
  • Sweet Red — Sweet red blend, candied fruit
  • Riesling Brut (Sparkling) — Dry sparkling, elegant bubbles
  • Sparkling Saperavi Rosé Brut — Dry sparkling rosé, cranberry notes
  • Sweet Blue (Blueberry Grape Wine) — Sweet blueberry-grape fruit wine

More at this winery

Outdoor Deck & Panoramic Lake Views

A large outdoor deck overlooking Keuka Lake and the vineyard-covered hillsides — a prime vista point for sunsets, moonrises, and the occasional rainbow. Birders can spot red-tailed hawks, short-eared owls, and the occasional deer or fox passing through the property.

Corporate Mondays (Private Events)

Book a private corporate event for up to 20 guests on Mondays, with the owners/winemakers serving wine tastings, wine by the glass or bottle, local artisanal beer, and craft cheese boards. Three time slots are available; call 607-868-5702 to reserve.

Craft Beer & Local Cheese

Four rotating Grist Iron Brewing beers on tap (flights, pints, and growlers to go), plus cheese blocks and curds from Golden Age Cheese in Woodhull, NY, served with pretzels and crackers.

Library Wine Releases

Since 2011 the winemakers have set aside select vintages never before offered for sale; a rotating selection of these library wines is released to visitors throughout the year.

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