Shepherdess Cellars

About Shepherdess Cellars

Shepherdess Cellars sits on Route 89, the wine road along the west shore of Cayuga Lake, just outside Interlaken. The Radloff family launched the cellar in 2014 and, rather than farming their own vineyard, buy fruit from local growers, drawing on established Cayuga Lake sites where the deep water softens the frost that would otherwise make vinifera a gamble this far north. The stated goal from the start has been balanced wines that work at the table but are also enjoyable on their own.

The current list is short and leans dry. The Chardonnay is unoaked, described by the house in terms of tart green apple, limestone and fennel, which is about as honest a Finger Lakes Chardonnay as you will find. The White Forager is a light-bodied blend of half Chardonnay with Riesling and Vidal Blanc, pitched at red apple and the same limestone edge; its sibling, the Red Forager, is built on the hybrid Chancellor with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc is the serious red, medium-bodied with cherry, currant and spice.

This is a small, owner-run tasting room where the emphasis is on the wine rather than a party. Reservations are asked for groups larger than eight, and private tastings with the owners or winemaker can be arranged by phone. Chocolate and cheese pairings are offered with 48 hours' notice, there is a patio for good weather, dogs are welcome, and the space can be booked for receptions and private events. A Case Club and the Fan Club they call the Shepherdess Flock keep regulars supplied between visits.