we will be in Ithaca to drop son into Cornell and spend 2 nights there. Hopefully we will have some time to explore some winery. What are the best not to miss near by (I would say withing 1-11/2 hour drive). Also along what side of Cauga like is better scenary to drive and check winery?
More possible plans is to visit Truman park and swim there and maybe Buttermilk as well. I guess Cornell plantation and museum worth a visit?
Thanks,
Mariya

The only one I have been to is Bully Hill high on the hill above Hammondsport. http://www.bullyhill.com/
It was founded by a Taylor after his brothers sold him out.
The New York Supreme Court said he can not put his own signature on his labels.
There are many others in the Finger Lakes region.

You may want to consider driving West on Route 79 to Seneca Lake. Go North on Route 414, there are several nice wineries with gorgeous lake and vineyard views within a few miles. The Cayuga Lake wineries I've seen (on the West side Rt.89) don't have the iconic views. Buttermilk Falls is pretty, but make sure you visit Taughannock Falls North of Ithaca off Route 89 - spectacular. Robert Treman Park has a real nice gorge trail with nice waterfall views, but much of it was closed during our last visit due to damage from flooding. You could still get to Lucifer Falls (pretty neat) from their upper parking lot. Never swam at their swimming hole.

I agree with Dave S... Take 79 West to Watkins Glen...There's a great hike at Watkins Glen State Park... then head up Seneca Lake... there are over a dozen wineries so stop at a few... we like Glenora... well worth the drive and not that far...

Six Mile Creek is in Ithaca. I haven't been there but I'm sure its worth a visit. Americana is not far up the west side on Rte 96 - some of their wines are excellent. Sheldrake is a little farther north (but on Rte 89) and well worth a visit. Excellent wines.

You might also consider taking 96 to 96A to Lodi (only a 35 minute drive from Ithaca). Lots of great wineries along Rte 414 going south on east side of Seneca Lake - particularly Lamoreaux Landing (great wines and beautiful setting), Kings Garden. Depends on how far south you want to go - there are lots of good wineries along 414. If you take it to Watkins Glen, the hike through Watkins Glen is really beautiful and fun.