Enjoy a three-hour journey from New York to discover Little Lake Como, offering picturesque vineyard vistas, romantic sunset cruises, and an authentic Italian atmosphere.
Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Hammondsport, NY, is a picturesque village that often goes by the nicknames "Little Lake Como" and "New York's Little Tuscany". This charming destination offers a unique blend of wine tasting experiences, scenic beauty, and local culture, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and travellers seeking a European-inspired escape without the need for a passport.
Key wine-tasting spots in Hammondsport include:
- Bully Hill Vineyards Winery: Known for its engaging, humorous tours, stunning lake views, and artsy wine labels, Bully Hill Vineyards is a family-owned winery that offers a friendly and knowledgeable environment for tastings. The cost is around $12 for five selections, and the winery is open daily, immersing visitors in the heart of the Finger Lakes.
- Point of the Bluff Vineyards: Situated mid-way on Keuka Lake, this winery offers a more serious tasting experience focusing on balanced red and white wines, mostly dry. With a large wrap-around deck, live music events, and light food options like charcuterie, Point of the Bluff Vineyards provides an idyllic setting for wine enthusiasts. Reservations for groups are recommended.
Beyond wine tasting, Hammondsport offers a variety of activities to indulge in, such as live acoustic music evenings, exploring local vineyard history, and savouring savoury food paired with wine at winery tasting rooms. The area's stunning scenery and lakeside charm make it an ideal destination for relaxation, complementing the wine experiences.
In the summer, Pulteney Square, which anchors Hammondsport's downtown, hosts events like Music in the Park, farmers markets, and festivals like Festival of Crafts and Palettes of Keuka. Lake Road, a winding route with stunning vineyard and water views, offers a chance to explore the area's charm, comparable to famous lakeside roads in northern Italy.
For those seeking a dream refuge without a passport, Hammondsport offers vineyards, boat rides, and sunset views, making it an unforgettable retreat, just a short drive from New York. With its diverse, high-quality wine experiences, local culture, and natural beauty, Bully Hill Vineyards and Point of the Bluff Vineyards are top must-see locations for visitors seeking a taste of "Little Tuscany" ambiance.
- As the day transitions into evening, visitors can unwind with live acoustic music, savoring food-and-drink offerings from local wineries at the winery tasting rooms in Hammondsport, creating an ambiance reminiscent of traditional Italian lifestyle.
- For a more tranquil getaway, travelers can venture along Lake Road, which mirrors famous lakeside roads in northern Italy, discovering the picturesque home-and-garden views of the vineyards and the serene beauty of the water, providing an idyllic retreat in the heart of New York's Little Tuscany.
