Wine & Spirits Magazine Profiles Finger Lakes Rieslings!

Our friend Josh Greene, editor of Wine and Spirits magazine, has been a strong advocate of Finger Lakes Rieslings. He moderates the Finger Lakes Riesling Summit comparative tasting in New York City every spring and has visited the region already a few times. In the July issue 6 Finger Lakes Rieslings and 1 Finger Lakes Gewurztraminer were profiled including this quote, “The Finger Lakes has some of the most profound riesling in North America. They’ve got it all there: an ideal climate, steep slopes and slate soils.” There has never been a better time to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country than this summer. Our wines are getting national and international attention. Why endure the hassle of flying to California or Europe when you over 100 wineries in one region?

The 2006 Fox Run Finger Lakes Reserve Riesling scored a 93, the highest rating ever in Wine & Spirits for a Finger Lakes wine.

The other reviewed wines are:

Dr. Frank's 2006 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling 92
Fox Run 2006 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling 91
Fox Run 2006 Finger Lakes Riesling 91
Wiemer 2006 Finger Lakes Reserve Dry Riesling 90
Prejean 2006 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling 90

Fox Run 2006 Finger Lakes Gewurztraminer 91

Click here to plan your next getaway to Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Gavin DeGraw Coming to Watkins Glen for IndyCar Weekend!

Today is a great day. The sun is shining, looking forward to the Golden Nose this weekend and I just found out that one of my favorite singers, Gavin DeGraw, is coming to Watkins Glen International to perform a concert on Saturday, July 5th. Here is the latest information hot off the press.

Gavin DeGraw, one of today’s premier singer-songwriters, with the Top 40-hit “In Love with a Girl,” will take the Red Cat Summer Stage on Saturday night during the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen. DeGraw, who grew up in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, is no stranger to Watkins Glen having spent a semester at nearby Ithaca College on a music scholarship.

On Saturday, July 5th, nearing the checkered flag of the KONI Challenge Series race, fans will need to prepare themselves to hear the greatest mix of raw talent and emotion ever to appear on the Red Cat Summer Stage, sponsored by Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards and Winery, DeGraw will take the stage at 7:30 PM following opening act Mike Brindisi and The New York Rock, during the Saturday Night After Hours Concert in celebration of the release of his second album, the self-titled, Gavin DeGraw.
Hitting the ground running, New York native DeGraw first broke through in 2003 with the release of his debut album, Chariot, selling over a million copies and earning itself a platinum certification. His popularity continued to rise as the album’s hit song “I Don’t Want To Be,” was chosen as the theme song for the hit TV show, “One Tree Hill,” as well as earning a Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Soundtrack Single of The Year. The rock-oriented DeGraw hopes to continue his success with his second album, the self-titled, Gavin DeGraw, released on May 6th. According to DeGraw, this album “is a collection of impassioned, emotionally resonant songs about the joys and rigors of love and life.” The album features already hit songs “In Love With a Girl” and “I Have You To Thank” which has helped propel itself to the #1 album on iTunes the first week released. Gavin’s magnetic sound, abundant talent and charisma will make for a memorable Saturday Night live on the Red Cat Summer Stage for all race fans to enjoy.

If a concert performed by a platinum recording artist wasn’t enough, the weekend still features its anticipated high-speed action with the IndyCar Series’ return to the historic road course, July 4-6. The Firestone Indy Lights, Penn Grade 1 Historic Grand Prix and Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series will also take on the 3.4-mile long course during the weekend. The young drivers of the Firestone Indy Lights will challenge The Soul of American Road Racing not once, but twice during the event weekend with the second running of the Corning Duels.

A variety of 4th of July-themed fan activities will be offered at the track including a large fireworks display, parachute demonstration and marching band to celebrate Independence Day. On both Saturday and Sunday the track will offer the Finger Lakes Wine Festival Experience in Turn 10 highlighting some of the best wines in the Finger Lakes. Also on Saturday, two separate autograph sessions will be held following the on-track action and the track will again host a viewing party for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 400 at Daytona International Speedway from the FrontStretch Grandstand.

Tickets for the historic 60th Anniversary Season at Watkins Glen International are on-sale now! The season kicks-off in less that 30 days with the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, June 6-7 paired with the NASCAR Camping World Series’ East Division on Sunday, June 8. General admission tickets for Kids 12 and under are FREE during the June 6-8 and July 4-6 event weekends when accompanied by an adult. Open-wheel racing returns for the 4th of July weekend during the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 4-6, and the Centurion Boats at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup and Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series weekend highlights the summer action, August 7-10. For more tickets and more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website.

Keuka Lake Wine Trail's Barbecue Events in June

Finger Lakes Wine Country includes the three main Finger Lakes, and their respective wine trails. (There are a total of 11 Finger Lakes). The Keuka Wine Trail is made up of 9 wineries and hosts food-themed events throughtout the year. One of their most popular events, Barbecue at the Wineries, happens over two weekends in June, June 7-8 and June 28-29.

Here are the details of the upcoming Keuka Wine Trail event. Join us for a terrific summer celebration! Each winery will be offering its best barbecue foods and recipes paired with a selection of great wines that are sure to set the standard for your BBQ success. Sauces served at each winery are all produced by local NYS businesses. Fee $25 per person in advance, $30 per person at the door; $40 per couple in advance, $45 per couple at the door.

Click here to order tickets to Barbecue at the Wineries.

Click here to learn more about the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the Cayuga Wine Trail.

Canadians Love Finger Lakes Wine Country!

Canadians love Finger Lakes Wine Country! From our award-winning wines to the world-famous Corning Musuem of Glass and Watkins Glen International to the affordability of our region, Canadians are coming south this summer. There has never been a better time for our neighbors to explore our region. The devaluation of our dollar puts the two currencies at par. Remember to say Eh!

Rod Phillips, a wine writer from Ottawa, spent some time in Finger Lakes Wine Country late last fall. He enjoyed his visit and was impressed with the overall diversity of wines produced. He says the "region boasts breathtaking scenery and spirit-lifting wineries. Two thumbs up!" Our region is making great strides with vinifera production in terms of acres planted and cases produced but we are also well-known for some of the hybrid and native wines. Think Red Cat! You can't deny the power of that brand. Click here to read the latest article from Rod Phillips in the Ottawa Citizen.

With over 100 wineries and a diversity of things to do (affordably) there hasn't been a better time to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country than this summer. Remember to bring your passport!

Finger Lakes Wine Country Featured in the NY Post!

I recently was in New York City meeting with editors of newspapers and magazines telling them all about the latest happenings in Finger Lakes Wine Country. I always bring along some of the best wines from the Finger Lakes to help tell the story about our great region. One of the appointments that was really special was with the NY Post. David Landsel is the travel editor of the newspaper and a really nice guy. He is from the Catskills region and has a real strong interest in upstate New York and the local wine and food movement. Of the four wines I brought him to taste, he enjoyed the 2006 Dry Riesling from Wiemer the most.

Click here to read the article as printed.

GRAPE STUFF
5 GREAT SUMMER WINES TO TRAVEL FOR
By CHRISTOPHER J. O'LEARY

May 27, 2008 -- IT'S the time of year when a New Yorker's fancy turns to, well, sitting back and drinking a lot of great summer wine. We've picked five great wine regions - and our favorite warm weather tipple for each.

FINGER LAKES

New York

This is the state's most acclaimed wine region, known best for Riesling. Like its German counterpart, the wine shows a rich, mineral character, but is made distinct by a higher alcohol content, imparting greater structure and a cleaner finish.

DRINK: A clear standout is the Hermann Weimer 2006 Dry Riesling (winery and wine pictured above), noted for its delicate fruit and crisp taste (weimer.com).

INFO: fingerlakeswinecountry.com

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

Central California

"Sideways" country isn't just for Pinot - this rustic and welcoming region north of Santa Barbara presents wine lovers with the stunning countryside and mountain backdrop ideal for contemplative sipping. Far less crowded than you'd expect, the region is mostly known for Rhone varietals, including refreshing and aromatic Viognier.

DRINK: Zaca Mesa's 2006 Viognier is first-rate, tasting of honeysuckle, apricot, citrus and lychee, complemented by a dry, firm structure and a touch of minerality (zacamesa.com).

INFO: santaynezwine

country.com


WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Oregon

This agricultural region is a great place for touring, due to its natural splendor and a sprinkling of quaint historic towns. Another Pinot Noir hotspot, the

Willamette is also known for its world-class Pinot Gris. Like its Alsatian cousin, this wine goes incredibly well with summer foods.

DRINK: Cloudline Cellars' 2005 Pinot Gris, a magical elixr that offers pleasant acidity and invigorating floral and citrus notes.

INFO: willamettewines.com

CHARLOTTESVILLE

Virginia

Founding father Thomas Jefferson planted his own vines at the historic Monticello, a vision that came to fruition in the 1970s when winemakers put the region on the map.

DRINK: Barboursville Vineyards is a regional leader and produces the 2006 Vintage Rosé made from a blend of Nebbiolo, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese. Look for lush notes of berry and residual sweetness. Dry this one ain't

(barboursvillewine.net).

INFO: monticellowine

trail.org

GUADALUPE VALLEY

Baja California, Mexico

This staggeringly beautiful region is just a short drive from San Diego, in an area generally known more for fish tacos and affordable beach resorts.

Today, Guadalupe's hottest feature is its wine. Since the late 1980s, local vineyards have made it their goal to create a product that does their vine-friendly soils and perfect microclimate justice.

The results have been impressive.

DRINK: Monte Xanic's Viña Kristel, a refreshing, fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend

(montexanic.com.mx).

INFO: discoverbajacalifornia.com

Become a Wizard This Summer at The Corning Museum of Glass

One of the world's greatest museums can be found in Finger Lakes Wine Country. The Corning Museum of Glass is home to world's most comprehensive collection of glass art in the world. What really makes this museum so special are the hands-on programming offered The museum recommends three hours for the full experience and my three boys (aged 9, 7, 4) had to be dragged out! When was the last time this happened on a family vacation?

We just received the latest information on becoming a wizard of glassmaking at The Corning Museum of Glass -

Spend a magical day at The Corning Museum of Glass this summer. Running through Labor Day, a unique line-up at the world’s best glass museum invites visitors of all ages to become Wizards of Glassmaking. Through September 1, 2008, The Corning Museum of Glass offers more glassmaking (and breaking!) shows than ever before, charming Make Your Own Glass projects, new gallery tours, spellbinding family programs, and a groundbreaking alchemy-focused exhibition.
Wizard of Glassmaking activities include:

• More than 50 live glass demonstrations each day. Visitors can see new glassbreaking and flameworking demonstrations, watch live Hot Glass Show glassblowing demonstrations and see glass stretch, bend and change in amazing ways in new Magic of Glass shows.

• Guided tours of the Museum’s hands-on Innovations Center, which explores discoveries in glass technology and science. The tour is offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 p.m. and is included in Museum admission. Visitors will meet true Wizards of Glassmaking: scientists who made possible innovations like fiber optics, glass bulbs, Pyrex and even the gigantic 200-inch telescope mirror for the Hale telescope.

• Gallery Wizards’ interactive carts. Located throughout the Museum, these staffed, hands-on stations explain the collection, glassmaking techniques and science to all ages.

• Special Make Your Own Glass experiences. This summer, projects include glass wizard hat ornaments and crystal magic charms, sandblasted alchemist beakers and gold-ruby flowers. (Fee applies; projects exist for all ages as young as preschool but age restrictions apply to certain objects; advance reservations required.)

• Opening June 27, the groundbreaking exhibition “Glass of the Alchemists: Lead Crystal-Gold Ruby, 1650-1750,” which looks at the ways alchemists in the 17th and 18th centuries provided the foundation for modern chemistry and changed the face of glassmaking.

• Enchanted Evenings: The Museum is open until 8:00 p.m. every day, all summer long. A special feature is the Wizard Late Show, which may be our most surprising and magical glassmaking demonstration yet!

Families will find a visit to The Corning Museum of Glass affordable, with free admission for all children 17 and under. Adult admission is $12.50 (some discounts apply). Residents who live in the 148, 149 and 169 area codes pay only $5.00 per adult. Admission tickets and Make Your Own Glass experiences may be reserved in advance.
Parking is free and a complimentary shuttle to the Museum, Corning’s Historic Downtown Gaffer District and the nearby Rockwell Museum of Western Art runs all day long.
The Corning Museum of Glass (www.cmog.org) is home to the world’s most comprehensive and celebrated collection of glass, with more than 45,000 objects reflecting 3,500 years of glassmaking history. An independent, non-profit, educational institution, the Museum is dedicated to the art, history, science, research and exhibition of glass. The Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. all summer long (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. the rest of the year). Children 17 and under receive free admission.

Glenora Wine Cellars and Knapp Winery Hosting a New Release Celebration!

Our dear friends at Glenora Wine Cellars and Knapp Winery are hosting a new release celebration on Friday, May 23, from 6 - 8PM at the retail shop at Glenora Wine Cellars. Orlando (Glenora's awesome new chef) will be serving light hors d'oeuvres and guests will be able to taste several new wines from the celebrated 2007 vintage. (Recently Wine Spectator rated the quality of the 2007 harvest and gave the region an A-). Glenora also will showcase their new wine label design (we are very excited to see the final look).

Here are some of the new wines you will be able to taste:
2007 Glenora Barrel Fermented Pinot Blanc
2007 Glenora Chardonnay
2007 Glenora Dry Riesling
2007 Glenora Riesling
Knapp, Curiosity
Knapp, Limencello
Knapp, Brut

If you want to attend this event please call Kerry at 607-243-5511, ext. 412 or email her at kerry@glenora.com

If wine and food events are your thing, discover our calendar of events for a full listings of things happening in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Farmers Market Opens in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

One of the greatest things about Finger Lakes Wine Country is the agricultural lifestyle and industry that is prevelant throughout the region. From exploring road-side farm stands or learning how cheese is made to one-stop shopping at one of our many farmers markets you will be amazing at the farm bounty.

Our good friends at the Gaffer District in Corning just sent word that Corning's Farmers Market starts on Thursday, June 5 from 9 - 5PM and continues every Thursday through October 30. Here is the latest:

Featuring products such as home grown fruits and vegetables grown by New York State farmers to homemade crafts and lunch items. The Market will bring the best of New York State to it’s customers.

“The Corning Farmer’s Market has been bringing the best fruits, vegetables, and other products to customers for over 5 years,” said Stacie Rosewood-Boyskey, Market Manager and Events and Promotions Coordinator for Corning’s Gaffer District. “We have a strong history of offering quality products, and we are excited about the 2008 season.”

Some of the things that customers can expect to see in 2008 are a wide variety of fresh herbs, meadow flower bouquets, and local honey. (Perfect for souveniers from your Finger Lakes Wine Country vacation).

Corning’s Farmer’s Market is located in Riverfront Centennial Park in Corning’s Gaffer District from 9am to 3pm. For more information on Corning’s Farmer’s Market, please contact Stacie Rosewood-Boyskey at stacie@gafferdistrict.com or 607-937-6292 extension 105.

Thirsty Owl Wine Company Open its Bistro!

Thirsty Owl Wine Company, a member of the Cayuga Wine Trail and located on the western bank of Cayuga Lake, has one of the most beautiful locations in Finger lakes Wine Country. The Crupp family is committed to making world-class wines. Their hard work paid off last year when they won the highly coveted Governor's Cup for the best New York wine for the winery's 2006 Dry Riesling.

Many of the wineries in Finger Lakes Wine Country have added on-site cafes and restaurants. When in wine country make sure you visit Knapp,Wagner, Castel Grisch,Fox Run, Glenora, Red Newt, Ventosa, Belhurst, Sheldrake Point, Heron Hill, Bully Hill, and of course Thirsty Owl not only for their wines but for their fabulous food as well.

The Thirsty Owl Bisto Grand Opening is Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th with live music by Bob Walpole on Saturday from 1 to 5 pm. Several new wines will also be released this weekend.

Golden Nose Tickets Still Available!

One of the most unique wine events in the United States happens each May in Finger Lakes Wine Country. On Saturday, May 31, you can learn to be a wine judge! The Golden Nose Award is a chance to hang-out with winemakers and winery owners. Help pick the best wine in Finger Lakes Wine Country. This year over 220 wines have been submitted for review.

Paul Thomas, the executive director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, just sent me over all the updated information on the event. See you on the 31st of May!

With over 220 different wines submitted for this unique, regional wine competition and the ever-popular Virgil Cain performing during the evening awards banquet the night of Saturday, May 31, this year's Golden Nose Award event promises to be better than ever.

Explained Paul Thomas, executive director of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, "The Golden Nose Award: A Finger Lakes Wine Experience is a truly unique event, and wine competition in our region if not the United States. Unlike competitions where professional judges are utilized, the Golden Nose employs everyday fans of wine to do all the judging. While various publications pay acute attention to professionally judged events, we continue to believe that what real people appreciate is what truly matters. Further, with our 2007 regional harvest receiving a worthy A- from Wine Spectator, the majority of wines being judged are assured to be some of the finest the region has produced in years. Topping it all off, regionally beloved Virgil Cain will be headlining the awards banquet playing a wide variety of lively tunes, hopefully including my personal favorite "Whip It" by geeksquad DEVO. It will be a day of learning, delicious wine and a terrific party! "

Three different tickets are available to participants, depending on the depth they wish to participate.
Judges tickets enable people to participate in all 4 components of the event, including the private reception at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art the preceding Friday evening, breakfast and the training sessions Saturday morning, lunch and the grand tasting Saturday afternoon, then dinner and the awards banquet Saturday evening.
For people interested in learning about wine and having a fun time, there are also Trainers tickets available, which includes everything available to the Judges, without lunch and the grand tasting. Last, but by no means least, for people primarily interested in a fantastic party (over 200 different wines will be available to enjoy with dinner prepared by the Corning Museum of Glass' executive chef) featuring Virgil Cain there is an affordable Dinner ticket available.

For more information on the Golden Nose Award: A Finger Lakes Experience, please call the Seneca Lake Wine Trail at 1-877-536-2717 or visit their comprehensive website at www.senecalakewine.com.

Patrick Dempsey at Watkins Glen International

After work yesterday I went to the movies to see one of my favorite actors, Patrick Dempsey, in Made of Honor. The movie won't win an Academy Award but was entertaining enough. Grey's Anatomy is still one of my favorite TV shows. I just found out that Patrick will be racing at The Glen on June 7. I know where I will be on the first Saturday of June.

Here are more details about Patrick Dempsey coming to Finger Lakes Wine Country:

The entry list for the upcoming Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen has a name that both non-race and race fans alike should know – Patrick Dempsey. The popular actor is scheduled to compete in the GT class of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Race on Saturday, June 7 at 11:15 AM. Dempsey was entered to compete at The Glen in 2007 as part of the KONI Challenge Series but withdrew at the last second due to a conflict associated with a movie he was shooting for SONY.

Dempsey is best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd (a.k.a. Dr. McDreamy) on the hit TV drama Grey’s Anatomy. Fans may have also seen him in the recently released movie Made of Honor which is currently second on the Top-10 Box Office list. In 2007, the long-time racing enthusiast competed in 5 Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series events with a career-best finish of 6th at Homestead-Miami Speedway and also made his debut in Grand-Am Rolex Series GT competition at Miller Motorsports Park. Dempsey will share the driving duties of the No. 40 Mazda RX-8 for Hyper Sport Racing with co-driver Joe Foster. Fans will have the chance to meet Dempsey and all the stars of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series during an autograph session that runs 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm on Friday, June 6.

Tickets for the historic 60th Anniversary Season at Watkins Glen International are on-sale now! The season kicks-off in less that 30 days with the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, June 6-7 paired with the NASCAR Camping World Series’ East Division on Sunday, June 8. General admission tickets for Kids 12 and under are FREE during the June 6-8 and July 4-6 event weekends when accompanied by an adult. Open-wheel racing returns for the 4th of July weekend during the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 4-6, and the Centurion Boats at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup and Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series weekend highlights the summer action, August 7-10. For more tickets and more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website www.TheGlen.com.

Old-Time Fiddlers' Gathering in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

Yesterday I told you about an unique rhubarb festival and today it is all about fiddles. On June 7 & 8 at Watkins Glen State Park in Watkins Glen on the South Pavilion enjoy some swinging fiddling.

Saturday, June 7 - From 1-7PM enjoy String Fever, John Cadley and the Lost Bosys, Swing This, and Swing Dance with Swing This at 5:30PM.

Sunday, June 8 - From 12:30-5:30PM enjoy The Bosstone, Laura Orshaw, and The Delaney Brothers.

A fiddle maker and other vendors will be site including a food vendor. Bring your own lawn chairs. Admission is $6 per car.

More information at 607.962.5871 ext. 222 or folkarts@eARTS.org

Olde-Tyme Rhubard Festival in Finger Lakes Wine Country

My father-in-law's favorite dessert is strawberry rhubarb pie so when I came across this festival I immediately called him! What a nice way to spend a Saturday in June. Here are the details:

Montezuma Winery
Olde-Tyme Rhubarb Festival
Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 12-4pm

Remember the days when you were a kid and the smell of fresh baked rhubarb pie filled Grandma’s kitchen? Step back in time with Montezuma Winery on Saturday, June 7th from Noon-4pm as we celebrate the rhubarb harvest season with our Olde-Tyme Rhubarb Festival. Visitors will enjoy rhubarb specialties, while sampling some of the most unique fruit, grape and honey wines in the Finger Lakes.

Purchase fresh rhubarb and other rhubarb delights such as pies, rhubarb crisp, muffins, jams and more. Sample or purchase a rhubarb wine slushie or our Bird in the Bog drink made with our sparkling rhubarb and cranberry wine. The Cayuga Lake Creamery will be here with their ice cream cart and rhubarb wine ice cream. If you’re looking for some rhubarb fun, enter our rhubarb mini Olympics. Test your skills at our rhubarb stalk throw, rhubarb golf, or the running of the rhubarb race. Take a stroll down memory lane viewing some of the classic cars on display or bring your lawn chairs and listen to live music by the Muckland Crooners.

Admission is free and all are invited to join us for a fun-filled day of food, music and wine (fee for food)!

For more information, contact Montezuma Winery at 315-568-8190 or email us at info@montezumawinery.com. Montezuma Winery is located at 2981 Auburn Rd (corners of Rt. 89 and 5&20) in Seneca Falls, NY 13148.