Finger Lakes winery guide

Swedish Hill Winery + Cider Co.

Swedish Hill sits on the west side of Cayuga Lake in Romulus, New York, and is one of the longest-running stops on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.

Swedish Hill Winery + Cider Co.

About Swedish Hill Winery + Cider Co.

Swedish Hill sits on the west side of Cayuga Lake in Romulus, New York, and is one of the longest-running stops on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. The story starts in 1969, when the Peterson family planted their first vines and sold the fruit to other Finger Lakes producers. They crushed their first grapes under their own label in 1985 and opened the winery in 1986, making them one of the earliest wineries on Cayuga Lake. Over the following four decades Swedish Hill became one of the most decorated wineries in the region, taking three New York State Governor's Cups along with repeated Winery of the Year honors and a long run of gold medals across white, red, sparkling and dessert categories.

In the spring of 2025 the Martin family, longtime neighbors on the trail and the owners of Montezuma Winery, Hidden Marsh Distillery, Idol Ridge Winery, Alder Creek Distillery and Either Oar, acquired Swedish Hill from the retiring Petersons. The winery has since been rebranded as Swedish Hill Winery + Cider Co., with the new owners keeping the familiar Swedish Hill portfolio intact while expanding sparkling wine production and adding a hard cider line. Roughly 80 acres of estate vineyards feed a lineup that spans dry Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay through to regional hybrids like Cayuga White and the sweeter, playful Svenska and Doobie bottlings.

The tasting room is open daily and is currently operating out of a temporary space next door while the main building is renovated. Guests can work through a traditional six-wine tasting at the bar, order a flight to take out onto the deck, or simply pour a glass and settle in with a view of the surrounding countryside, the frog pond and the barns. Light snacks including local cheese are available, along with Donkey Kick hard cider, wine slushies and grape juice for younger visitors. The winery is explicitly pet friendly and family friendly, walk-ins are welcome for parties of eight or fewer, and larger groups and bus tours are accommodated with advance notice.

Plan your visit

Address
4565 NY-414, Romulus, NY 14541
Phone
(315) 549-3060
Hours
Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Visitor amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Family-friendly

Wines to explore

  • Riesling — Crisp, aromatic, off-dry
  • Blue Waters Riesling — Light, floral, easy-drinking
  • Blue Waters Dry Rose — Dry, bright, berry-forward
  • Cabernet Franc — Peppery, structured red fruit
  • Gewurztraminer — Floral, spicy, lychee notes
  • Chardonnay — Balanced, orchard fruit, classic
  • Cayuga White — Fruity, light, regional favorite
  • Pinot Grigio — Clean, citrus, refreshing
  • Pinot Noir — Light-bodied, cherry, earthy
  • Lemberger — Dark fruit, peppery finish
  • Blanc de Blanc — Fragrant semi-dry sparkling
  • Svenska Red — Semi-sweet Concord, juicy
  • Svenska White — Fruity, soft, semi-sweet
  • Svenska Blush — Soft, fruity rose blend
  • Doobie Blues — Fun, fruity, slightly sweet
  • Mooscato — Sweet, light, gently spritzy
  • Strawberry Lemonade Funscato — Sweet, spritzy strawberry lemon
  • Bourbon Barrel Aged Red — Rich, oaky, vanilla notes
  • Donkey Kick Hard Cider — Crisp, refreshing, apple-forward

More at this winery

Doobie and Sven, the Resident Miniature Donkeys

Swedish Hill's best-known residents are its miniature donkeys. Doobie has been the winery's unofficial mascot for years and lends his name to the Doobie line of wines, and he is joined on the property by Sven. Visitors are encouraged to say hello during a visit.

Outdoor Deck, Frog Pond and Vineyard Views

Flights, glasses and bottles can be taken outside onto the deck, which looks out over the estate vineyards, the barns and a landscaped frog pond with a fountain. Outdoor seating is available seasonally and the property is bike friendly.

Donkey Kick Hard Cider

The cider line introduced under the Martin family ownership, reflected in the winery's rebrand to Swedish Hill Winery + Cider Co. Donkey Kick ciders are poured as a dedicated flight or sold by the bottle alongside the wine list.

Tasting Room Gift Shop

The tasting room includes a gift shop stocking wine accessories, glassware, apparel and local goods. Wine slushies, draft beer and chilled grape juice for younger guests are also available at the bar.

Group and Bus Tour Tastings

Parties of eight or fewer are welcome as walk-ins with no reservation. Larger parties and bus tours are accommodated by calling the winery directly at 315-549-3060 or submitting a group request through the Martin Family Wineries contact page.

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