Win 2 Tickets to Cayuga Wine Trail's "Mardi Gras"!

I just talked to Cathy Milspaugh, the Executive Director of the Cayuga Wine Trail, and she is sending us a pair of tickets to this Saturday's "Mardi Gras" to give away to a fan of Finger Lakes Wine Country. The super fun event takes place on Saturday, February 2, from 9 - 6 PM at the sixteen wineries along the Cayuga Wine Trail.

To win the pair of tickets please send me an email with your name and complete mailing address and we will enter your name into the drawing. mmclaughlin@fingerlakeswinecountry.com

I will pick the winner tomorrow at 5PM.

To learn more about "Mardis Gras" along the Cayuga Wine Trail click here.

Winner Announced for the "Ultimate Wine Country Experience"

We have just announced the winner from the "Ultimate Wine Country Experience" contest! S. Walrod from Connecticut will be coming to Finger Lakes Wine Country with three friends for three days of wine tasting, vineyard tours, fishing, dining, and horseback riding. This prize was sponsored by the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

To create your own "Wine Country Experience" based on the grand prize check-out these places:

Polar Passporting along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail with complimentary tastings at participating wineries.

Lunch and wine tasting at Fox Run Vineyards.

Wine tasting at Miles Wine Cellars.

A beautiful lake view room at the Inn at Glenora. A complimentary bottle of chilled sparkling wine will be waiting in your room.

Lake fishing with Captain Chad from C Dog Charters (based in Geneva).

Lunch at the Red Newt Bistro.

Wine tasting with Liz Stamp at Lakewood Vineyards.

Dinner at Veraisons.

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is a winery association of 36 wineries along Seneca Lake in Finger Lakes Wine Country. The Wine Trail hosts a wide variety of special events throughout the year including two unique passport programs.

Finger Lakes Wine Festival Featured in USA TODAY!

We were pleased to see yesterday in USA TODAY Jerry Shriver mentioned the Finger Lakes Wine Festival in his roundup of the top wine and food festivals in the United States. Held on the grounds of Watkins Glen International, this wine festival is the largest in New York. See you July 18 - 20, 2008.

Click here to read the article.

Click here to order Finger Lakes Wine Festival tickets.

Click here to make your lodging reservations for the Finger Lakes Wine Festival.

Finger Lakes Wine Country Announces "It's Cozy INN Wine Country" Lodging Packages

Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York Announces New “It’s Cozy INN Wine Country” Lodging Packages
We just announced our latest winter promotion “It’s Cozy INN Wine Country” will run from January 23 – March 31, 2008. The region’s hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts are offering exclusive off-season rates that are certain to stimulate interest in a romantic weekend get-away.

It may be cold outside, but in Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York the more than 100 award-winning wineries and three distinctive wine trails, provide the perfect atmosphere to escape the chilly air. Combined with world-class museums, unique shopping destinations, and charming eateries, Finger Lakes Wine Country is the perfect winter retreat. With just a five-hour drive from Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Toronto, Hartford and New York City, exploring wine country is convenient and affordable.

Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York is home to the four main Finger Lakes: Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, and Canandaigua lakes. Throughout the region visitors will enjoy quiet tasting rooms filled with award-winning Rieslings, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Cabernet Francs, Ice wines, and many more. Winter is the perfect time to meet with winemakers and to linger over a glass of wine.

Throughout the season, the Cayuga, Keuka, Seneca Lake wine trails offer special events and winter wine tastings. The Seneca Lake Wine Trail on February 9 – 10 hosts “Chocolate and Wine” with 35 wineries offering special pairings of wine and chocolate. You can also experience free wine tastings at 24 wineries with their popular Polar Passport or get hot March 29-30 at Cruisin’ the Tropics. The Cayuga Wine Trail warms visitors on Saturday, February 2 with “Mardi Gras” a 16 winery tasting event complete with souvenir beads and their Vino Visa offers special discounts and specials. The Keuka Wine Trail on March 29 - 30 hosts its popular wine and food pairing weekend “World Tour of Food and Wine”.

Finger Lakes Wine Country is also home to several world-class museums including The Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art both minutes from each other in the charming town of Corning, NY. The Corning Museum of Glass offers the unique opportunity to see glass objects being made at their Hot Glass Show or the chance to make your own glass souvenir at the Make Your Own Glass studio. The Rockwell Museum of Western Art is showcasing a never before publicly seen Southwestern pottery exhibit, The Crafted to Perfection: The Nancy and Alan Cameros Collection of Southwestern Pottery.

Some of the “It’s Cozy INN Wine Country” Lodging Packages
The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars in Dundee, NY is featuring its Snowbound Savings now through February 28. Weekday room rates start at $89 per night. Saturday night stays start at $159 and add a Friday or Sunday night for half price. For more details and to make reservations call 800-243-5513.
The Hilton Garden in Horseheads, NY is featuring its Romance Package available year-round. Enjoy a bottle of Finger Lakes sparkling wine, breakfast for two, and one or two night’s lodging. Rates for this package are based on dates and availability. For more details and to make reservations call 607-795-1111.
The Holiday Inn in Horseheads, NY is featuring its Escape to Wine Country. Enjoy wine tasting and a $20 gift certificate at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, a $30 dinner certificate at Tanino’s, and breakfast for $189.99 per night or $319.99 for two nights. For more details and to make reservations call 607-739-3681.
The Holiday Inn in Elmira, NY is featuring A Cozy Weekend Getaway. Enjoy a two night stay, $35 dinner (served in-room) gift certificate, an indoor pool and saunas, and updated in-room movie selections for $259.95 now through March 31, 2008. For more details and to make reservations call 607-734-4211.
The Radisson Hotel in Corning, NY is offering its Sweetheart’s Package during the entire month of February. Enjoy champagne, chocolates, breakfast for two, and sleep in their famous Sleep Number Bed. Weekend rates start at $109 per night. Advance reservations are required. For more details to make reservations call 607-962-5000.
The Country Inn and Suites in Big Flats, NY is offering its Jackals Fantastic package available through April 5. One night’s accommodation, four tickets to a Jackals hockey game, a free appetizer at T.G.I. Friday’s, and breakfast included at rates starting at $149.99. For more details and to make reservations call 607-739-9205.
The Best Western Vineyard Inn & Suites in Penn, NY is offering its I LOVE NY special rates. From $94.00 per night, double occupancy. For more details and to make reservations please call 800-823-0612.
The Black Sheep Inn in Hammondsport, NY is previews its Ice Wines and Desserts package featuring local Ice wines and a mini class on the decadent sweets that pair well with these wines. Rates for this two night package start at $495. For more details and to make reservations call 877-274-6286.
Echoes of the Glen Bed & Breakfast in Watkins Glen, NY is featuring its “Getaways with Friends”. Enjoy wine tastings along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, a six hour luxury van tour, local cheese, fruit, and crackers for your wine tour. For more details and to make reservations call 607-535-2896.
The Pearl of Seneca Lake Bed & Breakfast in Dundee, NY has special off-season rates beginning at $120 per night (Sunday – Thursday). Choose from one of their four rooms appropriately named Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, and Southview. For more details and to make reservations call 866-507-3275.
Sunrise Landing Bed & Breakfast in Dundee, NY is featuring its “Chocolate Lover’s Package” throughout February and March (black-out dates of March 7-8 and March 14-15 apply). Accommodations for two, chocolate goodies, cheese plate, free wine tasting at four wineries, $50 gift certificate for dinner, and breakfast each morning. Rates start at $310 for two nights. For more details and to make reservations please call 607-243-7548.
Finger Lakes Escapes in Yates County, NY is featuring its Winter Sale now until March 31, 2008. Seven Bed & Breakfasts are involved in this package that includes accommodations for two, $40 gift certificate valid at restaurants and shops, two full breakfasts for two, and a VIP passport with special discounts and free tastings at local wineries. Rates start at $229 for two nights. Contact each participating property for more details and to make reservations.
The Vagabond Inn in Naples, NY is offering Stay One Night, Get the Second Night Half Price. Rates start at $175 per night and all rooms include a hearty daily breakfast. For more details and to make reservations please call 877-554-6271.
The Wagener Estate Bed & Breakfast in Penn Yan, NY is offering a Wine Trail Event Special for select wine trail events in February and March. February 9-10 is Seneca Lake Wine Trail’s Chocolate & Wine, March 29-30 is SLWT’s Cruising the Tropics, and March 29-30 is Keuka Wine Trail’s World Tour of Food & Wine. Rates start at $315 and include two event tickets breakfast, $25 gas card, and two night accommodations. To make reservations call 315-536-4591.
‘Bout Time Bed & Breakfast in Montour Falls, NY is offering its White Sale. Enjoy their leisure time rates for two nights and a four tour of the Seneca Lake wineries. For more details and to make reservations please call 607-210-4079.

For more information on any of these packages please contact each lodging property directly.

Win an "Escape to Finger Lakes Wine Country" in partnership with Saveur magazine!

Finger Lakes Wine Country and Saveur magazine announce the chance to win an

"Escape to Finger Lakes Wine Country".

Day One:
Arrive at Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York in the late afternoon and check-in to your beautiful Seneca Lake view room at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars. Enjoy a wine pairing dinner at their beautiful on-site restaurant, Veraisons, prepared by CIA trained chef, Orlando Rodriguez.

Day Two:
Enjoy a convenient breakfast at the Inn and then begin your first day of wine tasting. You will visit four award-winning vineyards around Seneca and Keuka lakes. Discover first hand some of the region’s world-class Rieslings, stroll through vineyards with owners, and taste wine in the cellars with leading winemakers. You will enjoy lunch at a local eatery mid-way through your day. After your day of wine tasting you will return to the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars for some rest and then head off to dinner at the Red Newt Cellars and Bistro. Owned and operated by husband and wife team of Dave (winemaker) and Deb (chef) Whiting, this winery and restaurant is committed to showcasing the best of what the Finger Lakes is all about.

Day Three:
Enjoy breakfast at the Inn and then you are off to experience a day of culture and culinary adventures. Your first stop will be to the world-famous Corning Museum of Glass for a three hour visit including a Hot Glass Show and a Hands-on Glassmaking Experience. From the Corning Museum of Glass you will enjoy a festive lunch at the Cantina on Historic Market Street in charming Corning followed by a private tour of the Rockwell Museum of Art to discover the museum’s extensive collection of Western art. After your enjoyable day in Corning you will head to Hammondsport to the Black Sheep Inn for a private cooking class and dinner with owner, Deb Meritsky. Deb specializes in local and organic cuisine and will expertly and casually guide you through the preparation of a three course meal. After dinner you will return to the Inn at Glenora.

Day Four:
Enjoy breakfast at the Inn and your last day in Finger Lakes Wine Country wine tasting along beautiful Cayuga Lake. You will enjoy three winery visits including Thirsty Owl Wine Company, the 2007 winner of the prestigious New York Governor’s Cup. Your final meal will be lunch at the beautiful Sheldrake Point Vineyard & Simply Red Bistro with winegrower and general manager, Bob Madill.

Click here to enter

Enter between: January 15 – April 15, 2008

Travel is valid between: May 1, 2008 – April 30, 2009.

Blackout dates: Weekends and holidays in July, August, September, and October. All holidays January – December. Dates are subject to availability at the Inn at Glenora. The prize can not be redeemed for cash and substitutions on the itinerary may be made at the discretion of Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association.
Prize includes: 3 nights lodging, three breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, admission to the Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, one cooking class, seven winery visits, and car rental/gas from a major NY metropolitan airport.
Prize does not include: airfare, wine purchases, and other activities not disclosed on the itinerary.

Forget New Orleans, Come to the Cayuga Wine Trail for Mardi Gras!

Start your Super Bowl weekend (Saturday/February 2, 2008) by joining us at our 6th Annual Mardi Gras event. This year we're starting this event an hour earlier at 9:00am so you'll have plenty of time to visit the east side wineries. When you visit King Ferry and Long Point wineries you'll receive Mardi Gras beads plus extra special giveaways. Throughout the day you’ll receive strings of beads, a wine glass, a chance to win exciting prizes, plus a wine and food sample at each of the 16 wineries.

Participants are eligible to win one of our Grand Prizes by turning in your ticket at the end of the event. Grand prizes are a wine refrigerator stocked with a sampler case of wine, a two night stay at A Wicher Garden Bed & Breakfast redeemed during our Holiday Shopping Spree event and a $50.00 dinner gift certificate from Maxi's Supper Club and Oyster Bar.

Costumed guests who visit each winery on Mardi Gras weekend will be eligible to be chosen as King and Queen of Mardi Gras. The new royal couple will be “crowned at a reception in early spring, receive free tickets to our Cayuga Wine Trail events, tickets to the Finger Lakes Wine Festival in Watkins Glen, NY plus an overnight stay in a King Suite at the Aurora Inn.

Saturday, February 2, 2008 9:00-6:00 pm. Gift Certificates are available for all our events. Tickets can be purchased at any Wegmans store through their That's the Ticket Program at their Customer Service desk (used to be able to purchase at the Video Dept.).

Click here to order Mardi Gras tickets.

To learn more about the 16 wineries along the Cayuga Wine Trail click here.

Valentine's in Finger Lakes Wine Country

We know you didn’t forget about Valentine’s Day per se…it merely slipped your mind for the moment, right? We understand. That’s why we have done the work for you by finding the romantic getaway for you to enjoy this Valentine’s Day, right here in beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Country.

You and your sweetheart drive alongside the glistening Seneca Lake reminiscing about all of the wonderful things that made you fall in love in the first place while taking in the amazing views of the snow-covered hills and charming towns. After the relaxing trip down memory lane, you settle in to the lakeside Glenora Inn and Wine Cellars for your special Valentine’s Day package (available February 8 through 17) and face the most difficult decision you’ll have to deal with this weekend: should you enjoy the winery’s finest champagne and collection of local gourmet cheeses now, or as a midnight snack after you sit and cuddle as you watch the lake from your private balcony before your gourmet meal at the Inn’s Veraisons Restaurant? Or rekindle your romance at the Hilton Garden Inn with their romance package (available year-round).

After an evening of romance and a restful sleep in one of their luxurious rooms, you both enjoy a leisurely breakfast in front of the full-length windows in the light-filled dining room, marveling that anything could be as beautiful as the spectacular view before you. Spend the rest of the day indulging your decadent side at the Seneca Lake Wine Trail’s Chocolate and Wine Weekend event (February 9 and 10 only). Travel the countryside, exploring each of the wine trail’s unique wineries and sampling a variety of delicious wines and chocolate-laced delights. It is truly the perfect way to spend a romantic weekend with your perfect someone.

Cayuga Wine Trail Valentine’s Day Events and Activities

Be Mine with Red Wine Sale
Goose Watch Winery
February 9 and 10
Sample award-winning wines and rich chocolate desserts.

Chocolate Wine and Roses!
Americana Vineyards
February 9 and 10
Wines are paired with chocolate desserts and all the ladies receive a free rose with a purchase.

Sweetheart of a Red Wine Sale
Swedish Hill Winery
February 9 and 10
Enjoy samples of their finest Reds along with complimentary desserts.

Sweet Sensation Weekend
Cobblestone Farm Winery
February 9 and 10
Experience delicate wines, chocolates, and other sweet treats.

Valentine Ventures
Six Mile Creek Vineyard
February 14
Complimentary chocolates available all day and personalized Valentine’s labels.

Valentine’s Day Romantic Dinner and Dancing
Knapp Winery and Restaurant
February 16, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., $40
Make this romantic evening of amazing food, wine, and dancing one you will never forget.

Snowshoeing in Finger Lakes Wine Country

Now that we have a fresh coat of snow in Finger Lakes Wine Country it is time to pull out the snowshoes! The 11th annual Finger Lakes Snowshoe, sponsored by the Finger Lakes Runner Club, will take place on Saturday, January 26, at the Finger Lakes National Forest in Hector, NY. The One-Mile Fun Run begins at 11AM and the 7.6 mile race follows at noon.

For complete information on this unique race visit, http://www.fingerlakesrunnersclub.org/

So you aren't ready for competitive snowshoeing yet? Well then here is another, more casual way to enjoy this up and coming winter activity. Head to Tanglewood Nature Center in Elmira, NY with your family for a couple of hours of snowshoeing (they have snowshoes for rental and it is best to call ahead to reserve). http://www.tanglewoodnaturecenter.com/

For more information on Winter Fun in Finger Lakes Wine Country visit www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/index.asp?pageId=336

What was the most beautiful wedding you ever attended?

Share with us the most beautiful, memorable wedding you ever attended. Maybe it was your own or that of your best friend. What made it special, was it the unique location or the family bonding?

Many people get engaged this time of year between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. Imagine getting married overlooking one of our beautiful lakes or among our lush vineyards. Finger Lakes Wine Country is not only perfect for a destination wedding (we are affordable and easy to get to) but also for a romantic honeymoon or anniversary. Click here to learn more about Finger Lakes Wine Country weddings. http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/index.asp?pageId=299

Also January 18 - 20 is a Bridal Expo in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Bring your friends and learn more about what makes a Wine Country Wedding so special. http://fingerlakeswinecountry.com/index.asp?mod=events&EventId=6014

What is your favorite tasting room in Finger Lakes Wine Country?

Wine Enthusiast magazine is looking for people's favorite tasting rooms! Those of you who have been to Finger Lakes Wine Country can attest to the region's friendly and accessible tasting rooms. Wineries are often staffed by owners and winemakers. Share your favorite experience at a Finger Lakes Wine Country tasting room by clicking here: http://www.winemag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=A2A8A5AC51294A05B4FA2D9042B9FAB4

P.S. Also share your story on this blog as well!

Finger Lakes Wine Country Featured in 1000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE

Finger Lakes Wine Country is a featured location in the New York Times Bestseller 1000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOUR DIE by Patricia Schultz. We are giving away 10 autographed copies of the book to the first 10 people that email me. This is a great book for traveling planning and should be part of everyone's library.

My email address is: mmclaughlin@fingerlakeswinecountry.com to request your complimentary copy of 1000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE.

Finger Lakes Wine Country also is featured on the new Disney travel website, http://family.go.com/ with its own section, http://family.go.com/travel/vacations/new-york/upstate-new-york/best-finger-lakes-vacation-for-children-282115/. This website is a wonderful travel planning tool for families looking for quality children's experiences. They also have a travel blog where you can share all favorite vacation experiences (hopefully those include some in Finger Lakes Wine Country).

Also just a quick note that we still have free tickets available to the Adventures in Travel Expo January 12 - 13, 2008 in New York City. Watkins Glen International will be unveiling its new Camping World showcar to the public for the first time and I am giving a Finger Lakes Wine Country presentation and wine tasting.

My email address is: mmclaughlin@fingerlakeswinecountry.com to request up to four free tickets to the Adventures in Travel Expo.