Crooked Lake Winery

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jul 06, 2017

We tried to stop here today at 10 am. No sign of life, so we visited another nearby winery and returned at 11 am. Still no one around. There was no signage anywhere with hours listed, and it looked a little rundown. I wasn't wasting anymore time on them.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Feb 15, 2013

Favorite Wine: Delaware Late Harvest

My husband and I loved the Delaware Late Harvest. We like sweet to semi-sweet, and this was excellent. I bought some while attending the Wine on Ice festival. I only wish they had a website so I could order some. I live on Owasco lake, so it is quite a trip to get to Keuka lake.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: May 19, 2012

My recent experience with Crooked Lake Winery was at the Lilac Festival in Rochester NY. This was the first winery I visited out of the eight others that were there. It was not a pleasant one. I blame the person pouring the wine. For the most part the wines were great but you also need a person that is a bit more friendly with those tasting. I asked where the winery is and he showed me the label and said right there. As a person from VA, I did not know "where" was. Anyway, like I said the wines were good specially the Diamond. The Cayuga White was a great choice also. I do hope that if I actually get a chance to visit the winery I won't run into the same person once again.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Apr 10, 2011

Favorite Wine: 2009 Late Harvest Reisling

This winery is a winner in my book. The wine is phenomenal and the prices are extraordinary. The Reisling went fast, but John will be bottling a Cab Franc soon. Also, a Blush-to be named after their dog "Rebel".

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Sep 13, 2010

Favorite Wine: 2009 Late Harvest Reisling

Superior products at bargain prices! The winemaker John Lebeck is interested only in producing superior wines and making sure that people can afford to drink it. His marketing is minimal and it is a "word of mouth" and "come visit us" market. His wife Yvonne is a gracious host at the winery, and even their huge German Sheperd named "Rebel" will make you feel welcome as if you were part of the family! If you have not tried their wines, you are missing out on something very special. I recommend highly his 2005 Chancellor, the 2009 Late Harvest Reisling (extraordinary complexity -- it stands by itself as well as being a dessert wine!), the Late Harvest Ravat51, the 2005 Chardonnay, and get the 2002 Merlot (while there is still some left). Big sellers also include his Vidal Blanc, Cayuga White, Keuka White (a semi-dry blend of local Aurora, Vidal & Diamond), Diamond, and a surprisingly wonderful Apple Wine (a blend of 5 local apple varieties). In my autumn menus I pair the Chancellor with both Venison and rich beef stews, and/or hard cheeses or tomato dishes (great with Ratatouie). I have steamed squashes of all sorts (pumpkin as well) with the apple wine and have paired it with pork roasts, tenderloins, and pumpkin soups. The Late Harvest Reisling pairs with any desert or fruit & cheese platters. The beautifully sweet Late Harvest Ravat matches well with cheesecakes, fruit, or chocolate based desserts. The Cayuga White and Keuka White are great with seafood dishes. The Vidal Blanc is a great apertif as well as when with autumn fruit, cheeses, or creamy soups. You won't beleive the prices, but they are all true. Some of the wines are worth 5 times the sticker price! Don't miss this place! It's totally unpretentious, friendly, and on Keuka Lake where the wines are among the best in New York State, Crooked Lake Winery is one of the shiniest of the gems.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Oct 05, 2009

Favorite Wine: Cayuga White

Love the Cayuga White wine