Thirsty Owl Wine Company opened in 2002 and is located on the West side of Cayuga Lake on a half mile of lake frontage. Owned and operated by the Cupp family, the winery sits on 150 acres of land with approximately 41 acres of vineyard plantings. Home to some of the oldest vinifera vines in the region, we use 100% Finger Lakes fruit, 85% of which is estate grown, sustainably farmed, and solar powered.
Winemaker Shawn Kime strives to make wines that are fruit forward, food friendly, and appealing to a broad customer base while enhancing the best qualities of each distinct vintage. Thirsty Owl produces a wide variety of styles, with a concentration on dry vinifera production, as well as some hybrids and one American variety. Others include unique reds such as Syrah, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Chancellor, and Bordeaux blends.
Key awards over the years include the Governor’s Cup and John Rose award for Rieslings, and Best in Class for Pinot Gris at the 2024 New York Wine Classic.
Thirsty Owl’s tasting room is open year-round and also has a seasonal Bistro restaurant.
