Bright Leaf Vineyard

About Bright Leaf Vineyard

Bright Leaf Vineyard is an award-winning, family-owned and operated farm winery on the east shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes, just outside King Ferry, New York. A certified New York State Sustainable Winegrowing Vineyard, Bright Leaf focuses on cultivating the healthiest possible estate fruit in pursuit of premier-quality wines. The hillside tasting room overlooks the lake, and the property includes two tasting rooms, an event room, a covered patio, and a large lawn for outdoor seating with sweeping lake and vineyard views.

The estate spans 14 acres of vines planted on a southwest-facing slope close to the lake, positioned for optimal sun exposure and strong prevailing breezes. A north-south quarry of Tully limestone divides the farm into two distinct sites and soil types: the cooler, well-drained upper Hillside Vineyard, planted to white varietals (Riesling and Chardonnay), and the warmer, heavier-soiled Lakeside Vineyard near the water, planted to reds (Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Lemberger). Once a livestock farm, the land was prepared beginning in 2013, with the first vines planted in 2014 and additional acreage added in 2015 and 2016.

Bright Leaf's wines have earned numerous accolades, including multiple gold and double-gold medals at the New York Wine Classic and the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, along with 90+ point ratings from the Beverage Testing Institute. Visitors can enjoy seated tastings, charcuterie and chocolate pairings, and seasonal food-and-music events, all set against some of the finest sunset views on Cayuga Lake.