Ruth M. Lucas, founder of Lucas Vineyards and co-creator of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, died on Jan. 27 at 81. Originally from Long Island, Lucas launched her winery in the 1970s after a law enabled small farms to produce and sell wine.
She played a crucial role in establishing the nation’s first organized wine trail, which boosted the Finger Lakes region’s wine tourism and local economy.
Lucas’ efforts helped transform Cayuga Lake into a thriving wine destination, now home to 12 vineyards. She is remembered as a visionary who paved the way for small wineries to flourish.
Funeral services will be held on Feb. 8 in Interlaken.
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