The vineyard, located on the sloping green hills overlooking the west side of Cayuga lake, is family owned and operated on land that has belonged to the Bassette family since 1918. After planting vines in 2015 and beginning to grow their own grapes, the family began bottling their own wine two years ago. For the first time, they are now open to the public for wine tastings and sales. Currently, tastings take place in the outdoor tasting space. Shaded by the roof of the barn, patrons may sit to enjoy their wine (and a lovely lake breeze!) at handmade wooden tables that overlook the vines and Cayuga Lake. On cooler or rainier days, there is a cozy space just inside the barn where customers can take shelter and enjoy a warm heat lamp as they sip their wine. There are currently three dry reds, a rose, and five white wines (ranging from dry to semi-dry) available for customers to taste and purchase.
The 1840s farmhouse that stands on the land is currently being renovated to become the indoor tasting space. When you visit the vineyard, the family will be happy to share more about how they are striving to make a comfortable indoor tasting room while simultaneously honoring the family history of the house, which has been in the family for four generations, with both the owner and his mother growing up there. Progress on the house is currently proceeding on schedule, and the Bassettes are very excited about this new chapter in the history of their family estate.
Airy Acres Vineyard is located at 8011 Footes Corners Road in Interlaken (a stone’s throw from both Route 96 and Route 89). They are now open for the season Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11-6, with tastings available by appointment Mondays through Wednesdays. The Bassette family looks forward to welcoming you to the vineyard and sharing their delicious wines!