Those journeying along the scenic lakeside roads that wind around Keuka Lake's "Bluff" will find themselves in an area Doug Geertz describes as some of the finest terroir in the country, renowned not only for grape cultivation but also for apples. Doug, the craftsman behind Treetops Cidery, is on a mission to remind the world that while wine might be the region's famous child, cider is the soulful powerhouse that’s been here all along.

Doug’s journey to professional cidermaking wasn't a straight line. With fifteen years of homebrewing under his belt, his education and training landed him in Manhattan doing cancer research at Mount Sinai. However, when the world hit pause in 2020, Doug found himself back on Keuka Lake, turning a decade-long hobby into a physical reality.

“During the shutdown, we grabbed the opportunity," Doug shares. “We took on all the construction work ourselves - my brother, who co-owns the business, my father, and our lifelong friends and I, all worked tirelessly together to make this happen. Thanks to our collective expertise and their belief in the vision, the cidery was brought to life.”

Treetops’ signature style is all about balance. While Doug loves a bone-dry single varietal, he builds his core lineup for "drinkability.” He combines heirloom varieties such as Arkansas Black and Northern Spy with table varieties like Jonagold and Cortland to craft ciders that achieve an ideal balance of acidity and tannins. “Our fundamental objective is to provide every guest with the chance to experience our selection of ten rotating ciders, each with distinctive qualities and flavors. We want Treetops Cider to be your new favorite drink.”

Do not let the “drinkability” fool you, the craftsmanship is deep. Doug spent ten years experimenting with yeasts, fermentation styles, and apple blends before ever selling a drop. This fall, he’s eyeing an experimental small-batch rosé cider made from pink-fleshed crab apples, a project that highlights the unique vibrant colors cider can achieve.

For Doug, there are numerous reasons why the Keuka Lake region is so special. One is its microclimate, shaped by the lake itself. The lake functions as a large thermal battery, providing warmth and regulating temperatures during colder months. This moderates extreme winter lows, protecting the trees from damage and helping them flourish, while avoiding stress that can reduce fruit quality and yield. Because of its sloping land, the Bluff also enjoys excellent drainage and receives abundant sunlight.

But beyond the land, what truly stands out is the feeling of togetherness and belonging. Doug notes, "Unlike other industries, the Finger Lakes craft beverage scene is collaborative, not competitive. Success for one of us benefits each of us." Local businesses routinely recommend each other to customers, creating a unique atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. “It’s a community vibe you can’t replicate.”

Where will Treetops be in five years? Doug has his sights set on two things: spreading his love for cider made on Keuka Lake through a satellite location and the ultimate local badge of honor, getting Treetops on the shelves at Wegmans. "In this area, we’ve always joked that once you’re in Wegmans, you’ve made it!”

Whether he’s pressing fresh juice or pouring a flight of blackberry and pear cider, Doug Geertz is proving that the best things in life, much like a good cider, take time, family and friends, and a little bit of lake magic.

Visit Treetops: Next time you're on Keuka Lake via land or water, stop by for a flight. Dock your boat on our lakeside and make us part of your lake day adventures. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of that neon-pink crab apple cider Doug’s been dreaming up.