Archive: Around Town

If you are from the Finger Lakes region of Central New York – or just visiting, you may have the impression that all the wineries are somehow attached to or near the lakes. For the most part, they are, but one in particular, hides nestled in a valley a few miles to the southeast of Ithaca.

About 3.5 miles up Rt 79 East from downtown Ithaca, Six Mile Creek Vineyard sparkles on the slope leading down to (appropriately) Six Mile Creek.

The cooler climate away from the lakes is perfect for the growing of the Vignoles grapes and many other white varieties. Seriously, try the 2014 Vignoles. Just a bit tart with a finish of citrus makes it a perfect warm weather wine – I love it with cheese curds and some good company. But I digress.


My introduction to Six Mile was through the tasting room manager Eric in 2007. The genuine warmth of the staff and the obvious excitement that they shared in creating their wines was infectious. Although Eric has moved on, the warmth and friendliness in the most beautiful tasting room in the Finger Lakes has not changed.

Every Thursday in the summer, they host some local musicians to entertain while people chat and enjoy each other’s company over Six Mile’s delightful wines. Some people even bring a picnic repast to enjoy with the wine.


This past Thursday, my wife and I settled into a warm evening’s glass of the aforementioned Vignoles and some quiet but delightful music being performed by Leigh and Wiles over the happy voices of others, who were like us, enjoying a casual evening of good company and good wine.  

On the deck, we were treated to a spectacular sunset over the vineyards’ carefully manicured grounds, the fountain, the pond and magnificent arbor where so many couples have been photographed at their weddings, hosted by Six Mile Creek.

The original owners, Roger and Nancy Batistella have retired and the new owners Amy and Mark Renodin are carrying on the tradition of friendly service while Paul King remains happily in charge of the wine making. Paul was a plant scientist at Cornell’s Boyce Thompson Institute before coming to Six Mile Creek as a part time helper, eventually becoming the production manager.


New additions to the impressive list of wines and spirits Six Mile Creek offers will be Sparkling Wines, and Rum. There is far more here than wine, with Six Mile’s own spirits including Vodka, Limoncella and more.

Within easy reach of Lansing, Six Mile Creek Winery and their staff welcome you to sample their wines, or for an evening of music on the deck. Prepare yourself for some excellent tastes from Ithaca’s own winery.


Six Mile Creek Vineyards, 1551 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca. Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in January and February; regularly open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m, Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (607) 272-WINE (9463)

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'Within Reach' highlights the food, wine and fun of places 'within Reach' of Lansing NY.  Of course, your reach extends exactly as far as you want it to. I am Monroe Payne, Uncle Monte to some. Come with me as I visit, taste and play in our own back yard, the beautiful Finger Lakes of Central New York.

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