Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine for Valentine’s Day

The Finger Lakes is a world-class wine producing region that specializes in aromatic white varieties like Riesling, Gewürztraminer… and Sparkling Wine!


Bottles of Sparkling Wine aging in the cellars of Chateau Frank.

For the same reasons Rieslings thrive in the Finger Lakes – cool climate, limestone-chalk soil, and acidity balance – sparkling wines also flourish. 

Winemaking techniques also play a role in the world-class taste of Finger Lakes sparkling wines. Many top producers make their sparkling wines from primarily Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes. They also utilize the traditional methods of production, like méthode champenoise, where the carbon dioxide results from natural fermentation in a bottle. Some producers, like Chateau Frank, manually hand riddle each bottle – every day or two, the winemaker slightly shakes and turns each bottle, one at a time.

Enjoy shopping for sparkling wine from this sampling of producers:
Glenora Wine Cellars
Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
Swedish Hill Winery

Whisk your love away for a Valentine's Day retreat. Find romance-themed accommodation packages in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Rates start at $119. MORE >

Find recipes that use Sparkling Wine. MORE >

The Wine Trails of the Finger Lakes 2013 Event Season Begins!

Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York is home to three wine trails; Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Each trail is a group of wineries that sit among vineyards on the sloping hills overlooking its respective lake. Each wine trail offers year-round unique food and wine pairing events, breathtaking scenery, and world-class wine.

Photo Credit:  Bonnie Gustin

Keuka Lake Wine Trail

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail may be small in numbers, but it offers a big, world-class experience. The seven member wineries surrounding the y-shaped lake are all award-winners with unique characteristics and personality. While in the tasting rooms, visitors will enjoy magnificent views paired with exquisite wines. Events such as Viva Italia! in April, Keuka in Bloom in May, and Harvest Celebration of Food and Wine in September, celebrate the beauty and bounty of Finger Lakes Wine Country. 

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail also celebrates the holiday season with Keuka Holidays in November. The Keuka Lakes Wine Trail Passport offers complimentary tastings and deals along the trail for just $12 plus tax. More information on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail events and touring can be found at www.keukawinetrail.com.

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

The first organized and longest running wine trail in the United States, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail celebrates 30 years in 2013. The 16 members include award-winning wineries, in addition to a meadery, a cidery, and distilleries. Traveling the idyllic shores of Cayuga Lake offers visitors a diverse and delicious taste of Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Popular events include Mardi Gras Weekend and Wine & Herb Festival. Mardi Gras Weekend takes place in February and offers ticket holders an opportunity to escape the winter blues and indulge in delicious food and wine pairings while collecting colorful beads. Wine & Herb Festival in April is a unique event in which attendees receive herb plants to start their garden as they visit the wineries along picturesque Cayuga Lake. 

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail also offers the Vino Visa Coupon Book for just $15 plus tax and includes complimentary tastings and discounts at the winery gift shops. To celebrate 30 successful years, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail will be offering a commemorative 30th anniversary glass with the purchase of a Vino Visa Coupon Book. In addition, on the 30th day of every month, the wineries along the trail will feature specials to celebrate their 30th year milestone. More information on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail including their events and their yearlong anniversary celebration can be found at www.CayugaWineTrail.com.

Seneca Lake Wine Trail

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is the largest wine trail in the east with over 30 member wineries. This trail offers a wide range of winery experiences for everyone including weekends that celebrate pairing wine with different types of food like pasta, chocolate, and even grilled foods. New this year is the Preferred Pairing Event Series, a partnership with the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail. Events take place the last Saturday of January, February, and March in 2013. Event-goers will enjoy an intimate cheese and wine pairing experience while touring beautiful Seneca Lake.

In addition to special wine and food pairing events, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail offers two passport programs. The Polar Passport is $12 plus tax per person and is valid now through March 31, 2013 and the Riesling to Visit Passport is $18 plus tax per person and is valid April 1, 2013 through July 31, 2013. Each passport offers visitors complimentary tasting at all the participating wineries. More information on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail events and touring can be found at www.SenecaLakeWine.com.

Event tickets for each wine trail are available for purchase at your local Wegmans store in addition to the trail websites. For further information about visiting Finger Lakes Wine Country, visit www.FingerLakesWineCountry.com.

Fall Farmers Markets

Looking for a Farmer's Market near you? We have compiled a list of markets and locations that will be offering up the best produce for the upcoming fall season! Take a look!

 

 

 

 

Keuka Lake/Hammondsport/Bath Region

Bath Farmers Market-Pulteney Square East 9:00-3:00PM

September 12th, 19th, 26th, and October 3rd

Branchport Farmers Market- Branchport Fire Pavilion 4:00-6:30PM

September 18th, 25th, and October 2nd

Hornell Farmers Market- Broadway Mall 9:00-6:00PM

September 14th, 21st, 28th, and October 5th

 

 

Seneca Lake/Watkins Glen Region

Watkins Glen Farmers Market- Lafayette Park 3:00-7:00PM

September 14th, and October 5th

 

 

Corning/Elmira Region

Corning Farmers Market 9:00-3:00PM

October 4th

Big Flats Farmers Market- Big Flats Municipal Campus 10:30-2:30PM

September 18th, and 25th

EastSide Farmers Market- Holiday Inn Riverview West Lawn 3:00-6:00PM

September 14th, 21st, 28th, and October 5th

Horseheads Farmers Market- Teal Park 10:00-2:00PM

September 15th, 22nd, and 29th

Wisner Farmers Market- Wisner Park 10:00-2:00PM

September 13th, 20th, and 27th

Come Hear the Sounds of Fall

 

From Jazz to Folk, there is a little bit of something from everyone. Take a look at the music events that Finger Lakes Wine Country has to offer during the Fall season!

 

 

Tunes on the Terrace at Thirsty Owl
September 15th, 16th, 22nd, and 29th
Americana Vineyards Concert Series
September 14th, 16th , 21st, 23rd, and 28th
Music on the Terrace at Heron Hill Winery
September 16th, and 23rd
Music at Ventosa Vineyards
September 12th, 19th, and 26th
Six Mile Creek Vineyards Sunset Concert Series
September 13th, 20th, and 27th
Kings Ferry Winery Concert Series
September 14th
OSFL Opening Concert and Celebration

September 29th

 

October:

Tunes in the Tent at Heron Hill
October 7th, 13th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
Valley Folk Music at Goose Watch Winery

October 20th
Drumline Live at Clemens Center
October 23rd

 

Fall Family Fun

Fall is almost upon us and it's looking to be a busy season here in Finger Lakes Wine Country! From harvest and food events to vintage car driving and craft shows, there is a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.

 

September:

14th-  Vine Dining at Atwater Estate Vineyards 5:00-9:00PM 
15th-  Annual Federweisser at Anthony Road 12:00-5:00PM
15th-  Seaplane Homecoming at Glenn Curtiss Museum
15th-  Leaves and Lobsters at Glenora Wine Cellars 12:00-4:00PM
15th&16th-  Harvest Celebration of Food and Wine along the Keuka Wine Trail
15th-  Finger Lakes Harvest Wine Dinner at Knapp Winery 6:30PM
15th-  Harvest Hoedown at Montezuma Winery 12:00-5:00PM
15th-  Springwater Fiddlers Fair and American Crafts Show at Sugarbush Hollow Farm 10:00-6:00PM
16th-  Purple Foot Festival at Casa Larga Vineyards 11:00-6:00PM
16-  German Festival at Lucas Vineyards 12:30-4:30PM
21st&22nd-  Crystal City Jazz and Harvest Festival Corning's Gaffer District
22nd&29th-  Harvest Weekend at Casa Larga 10:00-6:00PM
22nd-  New York State of Mind at the NY Wine and Culinary Center 6:30-11:00PM
24th-  Fall Fiesta at Knapp Winery 11:00-5:00PM
29th-  23rd Annual Hunt Country Harvest at Hunt Country Vineyards
30th-  31st Annual Wineglass Marathon

October:

6th-  Crystal City Brew Festival at American Twin Harley Davidson 5:00-8:00PM
11th-  Debra Whiting Harvest Celebration at the Watkins Glen CommunityCenter 5:00-8:00PM
22nd-29th-  Finger Lakes Restaurant Week
28th-  Explore Venice at CMoG 12:00-4:00PM
30th-  Best of Broadway: West SideStory at Clemens Center 7:30PM

Got Swine?

The Summer of Swine at Red Newt Cellars is quickly coming to an end! With only two more events left, will you be there?

Taking place August 25^th and September 1^st, the chefs of Red Newt will roast a whole autumn’s Harvest Hog on their deck beginning at noon.  Prepared using apples, pears and wood, this roast is not one to be missed!

The meals will cost $10 for a sandwich and includes a side, as well as a variety of Red Newt wine to choose from for an additional $5.  Food and wine will be given as a first come first served basis.

Enjoy great food while spending time with family and friends all while overlooking the beautiful Finger Lakes in New York’s Wine Country.

 

Tierce Riesling Release Party at Anthony Road Winery

The Tierce Riesling Release Party will be taking place at Anthony Road Wine Company September 1^st from 7-9pm.

During the event, the creators of the Tierce Riesling, Peter Bell of Fox Run Vineyards, David Whitling of Red Newt Cellars and Johannes Reinhardt of Anthony Road Wine Company, better known as the “Tierce Brothers”, will be present for a chance to learn all about the unique variety of Riesling.

Food and wine pairing will also be available as well as a variety of wine tasting options.  These tasting options will include:

Tasting #1 of the 2010 Riesling Component will take place at 7pm.  Wines will include the 2010 Fox Run Vineyards Dry Riesling, the 2010 Anthony Road Wine Company Dry Riesling, and the 2010 Red Newt Cellars Dry Riesling Reserve.

Tasting #2 will be the Release taking place at 7:30. This will include the 2010 Tierce Riesling.

Tasting #3 will be the Tierce Red with Component Wines at 8pm.  Wines featured are the 2007 Tierce Red, the 2007 Fox Run Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, the 2007 Red Newt Cellars Glacier Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Franc, and the 2007 Anthony Road Wine Company Martini-Reinhardt Cabernet Franc.

Lastly, tasting #4 will be Dessert Wines taking place at 8:30.  This will feature the 2008 Anthony Road Wine Company Riesling Trockenbeeren, and the Fox Run Vineyards Tawny Port and they will be paired with homemade desserts from each winery.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the event, please visit http://www.rednewt.com.

Dr. Frank Wins Governor’s Cup Trophy

Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars 2011 Semi Dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes Region won the coveted "Governor's Cup" trophy at the 2012 New York Wine & Food Classic competition, held on August 13 & 14 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen, NY.  The "Winery of the Year" award also went to Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars.   

 The elegant Governor's Cup, a large silver chalice, recognizes the "Best of Show" or top prize of all 773 entries in the Classic, known as "The Oscars" of New York wine.  The "Winery of the Year" award is presented to the winery with the best overall showing based on the level and number of awards in relation to entries.  

 This year's competition included 752 New York wines, 9 Hard Ciders and 12 Spirits from the Long Island, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, Niagara Escarpment, Lake Erie, and other regions of New York State. The Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars 2011 Semi Dry Riesling was also voted Best White Wine, Best Overall Riesling and Best Medium Dry Riesling on its way to the ultimate award.  Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars also won one double gold, two gold and four silver medals which contributed to its award as Winery of the Year.

 For the complete list of winners, check out http://media.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/news/NY-Wine-Food-Classic-2012

Lucas Vineyards German Festival

Come enjoy delectable food, great music and celebrate your German heritage at the 14^th Annual German Festival at Lucas Vineyards this September!

Taking place Sunday, September 16^th from 12:30-4:30pm, events will include live music by The Enzian Bavarian Band and Dancers as well as grape stomping, alphorn and polka contests.

Other events will include balloon art and costumes in addition to grape pies, a Best German Potato Salad Contest taking place at 2:30 and Lucas Vineyards award winning Rieslings and Gewurztraminer. 

So come rain or shine for a day filled with family fun! Costs are a $5 cover charge but children 12 and under are free as well as free parking.  For more information, please visit: http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/insite.aspx?details=1550&searchArea=Events

Sheldrake Point Set to Celebrate 15th Anniversary Sunday

Sheldrake Point will be celebrating their 15^th Anniversary of the first vine planting this Sunday on Seneca Lake in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

Taking place from 5-8pm, the celebration will include a birthday cake, live music by Bob and Dee and Driftwood, as well as Sheldrake’s famous Cabernet Franc Ice Wine.

Along with live entertainment, wine by the glass and bottles will be available for purchase as well as food including cheeses to taste during the show, homemade ice cream, Chicken Spiedies and chicken sausage.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online for $12 per person, or at the door for $15 per person.  For more information please visit http://www.sheldrakepoint.com/.

Fall and Holiday Activities at The Corning Museum of Glass

Families can enjoy Glass Harvest activities at The Corning Museum of Glass this fall, followed by a Glass Wonderland just in time for the holidays. A full list of fall and holiday calendar items is included. Glass Harvest

• See the world’s largest glass pumpkin. On display September 4 through November 30.
• Create a colorful glass pumpkin during a 40-minute Make Your Own Glass experience. Appropriate for all ages. Project offered September 4 through November 30.

• Go on a Harvest Hunt to find fall foliage, pumpkins and more in the Museum’s collection. Available September 4 through November 30.
   
• Choose from thousands of glass harvest-themed items on sale at the Glass Farmers Market (October 6 – 8).
   
• Enjoy family-friendly, one-hour tours of the galleries this fall. Offered at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily, September 4 through October 28.

Fall Exhibitions
Making Ideas: Experiments in Design at GlassLab
On view through January 6, 2013
This exhibition showcases the Museum’s signature design program, GlassLab, in which designers are invited to work with the Museum’s artist-glassblowers to explore concepts and to learn about the properties of glass. The exhibit features more than 150 design prototypes by more than 45 international designers. Included in Museum admission. Adult admission is $15.00 (discounts apply); kids and teens, 19 and under, free. Contact (800) 732-6845 for more information.
Founders of American Studio Glass: Harvey K. Littleton and Dominick Labino
On view through January 6, 2013
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the American Studio Glass movement by exploring the works of two artists who had a profound effect on early Studio Glass: Littleton and Labino, who introduced glass to studio artists at experimental workshops in 1962. The Littleton exhibition is on view in the main Museum building and is included in Museum admission, and the Labino exhibition is on view at the Rakow Library (free admission). Included in Museum admission. Adult admission is $15.00 (discounts apply); kids and teens, 19 and under, free. Contact (800) 732-6845 for more information.

Masters of Studio Glass: Erwin Eisch
On view through February 3, 2013 

Masters of Studio Glass: Erwin Eisch is a special exhibition of 22 vessels and sculptures by one of the founders of studio glass in Europe, Erwin Eisch (German, b. 1927). The exhibition recognizes Eisch for his achievements in developing glass as a material for artistic expression, and it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the birth of studio glass in the United States. Included in Museum admission. Adult admission is $15.00 (discounts apply); kids and teens, 19 and under, free. Contact (800) 732-6845 for more information.

The Flood of ’72: Community, Collections, and Conservation
On view through January 3, 2014
On June 23, 1972, Corning and surrounding communities were devastated by a major flood, as a result of Hurricane Agnes. Hundreds of objects were broken, Library materials were saturated with flood water, and the facility was covered with a thick layer of slime and mud. This Rakow Research Library exhibit chronicles the determination of Museum staff and the community to rebuild, and sheds light on the unique conservation techniques that were used to restore Library materials. Included in Museum admission. Adult admission is $15.00 (discounts apply); kids and teens, 19 and under, free. Contact (800) 732-6845 for more information.


Fall Activities and Events
Studio Faculty Presentation
September 4
Enjoy a free, informal lecture by Studio faculty members and renowned glass artists, Susan Gott, Tim Drier, Doug Randall and Don Friedlich. 7:30 p.m. at The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass. Admission is free and registration is not required. Call to (607) 438-5100 confirm speakers’ dates, which are subject to change.

Family Night
September 21
Enjoy a free night at the Museum with the whole family. Live entertainment, glassmaking, crafts, and lots of fun! Enjoy juggling, bubbling, and mime by Doug Rougeux. Explore the Making Ideas exhibition. Watch live glassblowing at the Hot Glass Show and see flameworkers create delicate figures at the torch. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Free, but small fee for some craft activities. Registration not required. Contact publicprograms@cmog.org or (607) 438-5500 for more information.

Road Scholars at The Studio
October 1–4
Immerse yourself in glass at The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass. Explore furnace working, flameworking, and cold working with highly qualified instructors. Also enjoy glassmaking demonstrations and lectures on Corning's glass history at this special workshop. Register at roadscholar.org or call 877.426.8056 (course #2388). For more information, contact Jenny Monroe at Watson Homestead, 607.962.0541 or watsonjenny@stny.rr.com.
 
Glass Farmer’s Market
October 6–8
Choose from thousands of glass pumpkins, apples, and other harvest-themed items during this unique sale. Find handmade glass, and items at all price points to decorate your harvest table.  Enjoy Personal Appearances each day from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Meet Ricky Bernstein of Penrose Designs and Katherine J. Kournblau, designer for KJK Jewelry, Inc. No admission fee. Call (800) 732-6845 for more information.

Glassmaking Demonstration by Lino Tagliapietra
October 17–19
In conjunction with the 51st Annual Seminar on Glass, Italian maestro Lino Tagliapietra, who influenced the careers of many American artists working in glass, will be making work at The Studio. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free; drop in throughout the day. Contact (607) 438-5100 for more information.

Traveling through the Finger Lakes Wine Country on an RV Vacation

A Guest Blog by Joe Laing of El Monte RV.

There can be nothing quite as appealing as taking a vacation through Finger Lakes Wine Country, a marvelous adventure through New York State, filled with delicious wine tasting as well as outdoor adventures. Relax as you drive in your RV and experience the beautiful countryside scenes and stop to sip some enchanting fine wines.

Start your excursion in Corning, New York, a lovely town filled with art, culture, shopping and much more. You should make it a point to take in the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, with fabulous exhibits of the very best of the art of the American West. The little ones will enjoy themselves here too – with an art trail designed just for them.

Rockwell Museum of Western Art - Corning, NY

While in Corning, visit the Corning Museum of Glass. Adults and children love the Glass Innovation Center where you discover how a lot of hard work and sometimes luck brings about the glass we take for granted every day. Plus, at this museum you get the amazing chance to make your own glass – and don't even need any experience to do so. Instead of buying trinkets to take back to family and friends, you can make your own souvenirs! Then head over to the Gaffer District to get in some shopping. Grab dinner out and enjoy some excellent entertainment. Need RV camping? Try the Ferenbaugh Campground where you'll find large pull-through sites. Stay connected to the outside world with their free WiFi.

As you head over to Elmira, you can look forward to some fun. The Chemung Valley History Museum offers a look at the area from the viewpoint of the Civil War. If you feel you now require some exercise, at Harris Hill Park you can get out in the sun and play around with their driving range and batting cage. Take a glider ride to soar into the heavens.

Next stop is Horseheads, New York, a historic village on your Finger Lakes route. Get a little shopping in at Arnot Mall. You are not far from the large numbers of wineries in this region, and you are soon going to experience some of the best wines outside of Napa Valley.

Head on to Watkins Glen and a visit to Seneca Lake. Make your home base the Clute Memorial Park & Campground under the shade of the cool trees. They have swimming at the lake and provide a lifeguard to make your swim the safest. If you love waterfalls, you'll love Watkins Glen State Park. You can walk a path that provides views from all angles, even winding beneath the cascades of mountain waters. Be ready to get slightly wet as you feel the spray from Cavern Cascade.

You are about to start your first wine trail! The Seneca Wine Trail has thirty-four wineries to visit on this amazing trip, and you will taste the sweetness of premium hybrid grapes as well as the delicate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

As you push on, you will come to Fayette, New York and the beginning of another wine trail adventure. The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail boasts a long list of fine wineries ready to welcome you. Touring and tasting couldn't be better here. Bring your camera along because the landscapes are worth some great shots.

When you cut over to Canandaigua, you will find all sorts of things to keep you occupied, such as historical spots, art galleries and some wonderful dining. Of course, you have to get back on the trail – the wine trail that is. As you follow the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail, you'll discover seven wineries plus restaurants and even a brewery. If you'd like to park and relax a while, find some great RV camping at the Bristol Woodlands Campground. They have large sixty by eighty-foot sites and panoramic views at which to marvel.

Seneca Lake Pier in Watkins Glen

Head on over to Keuka Lake and the Village of Penn Yan. Here the Finger Lakes region offers even more with wine history and first rate wineries. Experience the hospitality of the wineries along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Vintage, hybrid and native wines are all sure to please. This is a wonderful place to come to an end of the perfect RV trip.

Your vacation has been an adventure and your wine tasting experiences have certainly been enjoyable. You may be sorry to have this trip come to an end, but you can always come back again any time and the Finger Lakes folk will welcome you with open arms. Travel in an RV so you can delight in the most convenient journey, with all the comfort and ease you can imagine.
About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. You can see more great RV vacation ideas in their Monty's Musings RV Travel Blog. Also be sure to check out their RV camping pictures.

Bringing the Farm to the Table at Hunt Country Vineyards

Come on down to Hunt Country Vineyards Saturday, August 18^th for a Farm-to-Table Dinner and a night of family fun hosted by the Hunt Family themselves!

Beginning at 6:30pm, the dinner, prepared by Chef Mary Campbell of Medley’s Café, will feature Finger Lakes produced foods including locally raised meats and fresh organic vegetables from Italy Hill Produce located on the Hunt family farm.

The food will comprise of a Tomatillo Gazpacho with Garlic Croutons, Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad with Cilantro, Balsamic Glazed Grilled Vegetables, Organically and locally raised 100% Grass-fed beef served with Fresh Herb and Gorgonzola Pesto over Wilted Greens, Sweet and Sour Thai BBQ Free-Range Chicken and Seasonal Dessert based on Local Fruit.

Along with fantastic food, there will also be live music performed by The Stick Mob, a Washington DC based band and vocalist Suzanne Hunt as well as the official opening of the Hunt Country’s Locavore Room, which is dedicated to the sale of local foods.

Tickets for the event will be $25 for adults, $12.50 for minors and children 6 and under will be free.  They will include a glass of Hunt Country wine or apple juice of your choice and a haywagon ride through the vineyards.  Additional wine will be available at a cash bar.

Seating is limited so get your tickets fast! Hunt Country Vineyards can be found at 4021 Italy Hill Road, Branchport, NY.  For more information, visit www.HuntWines.com.