The boundaries of the AVA include portions of Cayuga, Seneca, and Tompkins counties.

Most of the vineyards in the AVA are planted in the shale soils of the hillsides on the western side of Cayuga Lake.

Vineyards are planted at a range of elevations above the surface of the lake, up to 800 feet (244 m) higher.

[4] The steep hillsides and the lake together form a unique micro-climate in autumn that helps extend the growing season by preventing cold air from settling and producing frost.

The Cayuga grape variety was created in this region by researchers at Cornell University.