1833 Kitchen & Bar
Lakeside charm with a California-forward list
Aurora · Aurora · American, Seasonal
Reviewed April 18, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walking into 1833 Kitchen & Bar, the setting does a lot of the heavy lifting — a restored 19th-century building right on Cayuga Lake with a wine list that feels curated rather than cobbled together. The $40–$150 bottle range signals that someone here actually thought about accessibility. It's not trying to impress you with obscure labels; it's trying to make sure you have a good glass with your dinner.
Selection Deep Dive
The list runs 150–250 bottles with a clear California-and-France axis, which makes sense given the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence the program has held since 2023. You'll find recognizable anchors like Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and Caymus Vineyards alongside French heavyweights via Louis Jadot Burgundy selections — solid, crowd-tested picks that won't alienate a table of mixed wine interests. Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir is a smart bridge between the two hemispheres and suggests whoever built this list has range. What's notably absent: any serious Finger Lakes representation, which feels like a missed opportunity given you're literally sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake.
By the Glass
With 12–20 pours in the $12–$18 range, the by-the-glass program is genuinely functional — enough options to navigate the menu without defaulting to whatever's cheapest. Château Miraval Rosé showing up on the glass list is a crowd-pleaser that still has credibility. The rotation doesn't appear to change much, so don't expect seasonal surprises, but what's there is reliable.
Jordan Winery Chardonnay — $12-$18/glass
Jordan punches above its price point consistently — structured, not overworked with oak, and an easy yes for anyone who wants a serious white without a big commitment. At glass pour pricing here, it's a legitimate deal for the quality.
Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir
Most tables ordering Pinot in a lakeside American restaurant will default to something Californian and fruit-forward. Domaine Drouhin Oregon is the smarter move — Old World technique applied to Willamette Valley fruit, and it has the elegance to hold its own against the local fish and heritage chicken on the menu.
Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is everywhere, and its reputation now outpaces what's in the bottle. It's a rich, extracted cab that commands a premium on any wine list, but you're paying for the label recognition more than what's in your glass. The Stag's Leap Cabernet is a better call at a comparable or lower price point.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + Locally sourced beef tenderloin
Stag's Leap Cab is built on restraint — it's got the structure and dark fruit to stand up to beef tenderloin without bulldozing the kitchen's work. A classic pairing executed with wines that actually deserve each other.
✔️ The Bottom Line
1833 Kitchen & Bar is exactly what you want when you're driving through the Finger Lakes and don't want to gamble on the wine list — reliable, fairly priced, and thoughtfully stocked enough to make dinner feel considered. Just wish they'd poured some local Finger Lakes love into the lineup while they were at it.
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