New Distillery Along Seneca Lake to Open in June

Finger Lakes Wine Country is home to over 100 wineries and a handfull of distilleries. In June a new spirits producer, Finger Lakes Distilling, will open along the eastern side of Seneca Lake near Atwater Vineyards, Red Newt Wine Cellars, and Hazlit 1852 Vineyards.

We would like to introduce the owner, Brian McKenzie. We are excited for their opening.

White Springs Winery Hosting a Cinco de Mayo Event

The Cinco de Mayo celebration will start three days early at White Springs Winery in Geneva along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail with plenty of music, food and fun for all. Cinco de Mayo, which means "fifth of May" in Spanish, will be from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2, in the White Springs¹ tasting room, 4200Route 14 South.

The holiday has become a festive occasion for Mexican Americans and a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. It commemorates the victory by outnumbered Mexican troops over the French Army in the Battle of Puebla, Mexico, on May 5, 1862.

The free event will include live music from 1 to 4 p.m. by the Sally & Doug duo, which specializes in performing music from Latin America and South America.

Doug Robinson is a resident of the Finger Lakes area who has worked for the past 30 years as a vocalist, guitarist, recording producer and engineer with artists of many musical styles, according to the watershed-arts.com Web site. Sally Ramirez is "an American jazz singer with South American soul," the site says.

During the event, Yancey's Fancy Artisan Cheese will serve samples of its Jalapeno and Peppadew Cheddar cheese and Jalapeno and Cayenne Pepper Cheddar. The winery will be releasing its Sangria and serving samples of it along with the winery's Sangria Julep, said Jan Van Allan-Kime, the winery's tasting room manager.

Spaniards traditionally use red wine in sangria, which comes from the Spanish word ³sangre," meaning blood.

For more information, go to the winery's website.

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This past weekend was busy in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Each of the three wine trails hosted a wine and food event, Corning's Gaffer District was home to the Corning Glass Sale, and the weather was absolutely perfect for spending outside.

Share your Finger Lakes stories on our Facebook fanpage. We might even choose your pohtos for next year's travel guide.

Great Packages for "May is Riesling Month"

We are excited that "May is Riesling Month" is less than two weeks away. Explore Finger Lakes Wine Country and its many wineries, restaurants, and attractions all month long as we celebrate the region's leading varietal, Riesling.

Click here for the Riesling getaway packages.

Click here to learn more about "May is Riesling Month" and why Riesling Rocks in the Finger Lakes.

Finger Lakes Wine Notes from The Weekend Wino - April 2009

As I have visited Finger Lakes wineries this year, I have noticed one grape variety that I believe is setting a new standard in the Finger Lakes - Gewurztraminer (pronounced guh-VERTS-trah-mee-ner). I am a fan of Gewurztraminer, but it is a difficult grape to get a good balance of spice, fruit, and acidity, especially with the Finger Lakes normally difficult growing climate But the 2007 growing season seems to have produced optimal conditions for Gewurztraminer in the Finger Lakes as evidenced by the number of outstanding '07 Gewurztraminers I have already tasted on my early winery visits this year.

I know that a lot of folks find Gewurztraminer's spicy tones a bit hard to handle, but when that spiciness is portrayed in soft rounded tones and perfectly balanced with the floral and fruit aspects, then I believe there is no more beautifully complex, aromatic and flavorful wine than Gewurztraminer. If you have been turned off by Gewurztraminer in the past, I urge you to give it another chance. These are my top suggestions for Finger Lakes Gewurztraminer from my winery visits so far this year:

> Dr. Frank 2007 Reserve Gewurztraminer, $24.99, Extremely aromatic multi-toned floral and spice on the nose, layers and layers of plush tangerine, honey, juicy ripe peach, and apricot with complex spice tones including deep palate hints of cinnamon and even sweet basil. An amazingly complex Finger Lakes Gewurz and a value at $24.99. They’ve already set the standard with Riesling, and Dr. Frank’s winemaking team has done it again, this time with Gewurz. Beautiful!!!

> Red Newt 2007 Saw Mill Creek Gewurztraminer, $35.99, Owner Dave Whiting is crafting some single vineyard wines to define the profiles of specific vineyard locations. This can lead to a premium price tag, but it also leads to wines that define regions. This Gewurz from Jim Hazlitt’s Saw Mill Creek vineyard is classic terroir. An exceptional ‘07 Gewurz with unbelievable aromatics with perfumed layers of floral and exotic spice, with subtle delicate tropical flavors of melon and kiwi into a solid spicy mineral finish.

> McGregor Vineyard 2007 Gewurztraminer (Semi-Dry), $19.99, a semi-dry style, nice aromas and very soft mouth feel with lots of rounded spice undertones and ample fruit with an interesting hint of mint. McGregor has crafted a beautifully balanced Gewurz for those who prefer a Gewurz with a touch of sweetness.

> Ravines 2007 Gewurztraminer, $24.95, This is Classic dry style Gewurz in Morten Hallgren’s elegantly structured style, fresh floral and delicate spice aromatics, soft rose petal and smooth clove and petrol tones into an extremely long finish. Morten strips this wine down to cell level and reveals the actual soul of the vine, and it is heavenly. Not much of this wine left, get it while you can.

So don't be afraid of the "spice" of Gewurztraminer. Live the "spice", Love the "spice", and your taste buds will be rewarded. I'll see you on the Wine Trails!

Rob Lane is a Wine & Food Writer for Mountain Home Magazine and publisher of the Finger Lakes Weekend Wino Blog

Farm Fiber Tours for Mother's Day Weekend!

This Mother's Day weekend you are invited to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country's premier fiber farms. See alpacas, sheep, fiber goats, and other animals with their newborn babies. Attend spinning and knitting demos and watch tatting and cotton dyeing.

Enjoy the Wildflower Pancake Breakfast and Walk at the Arnot Forest in Ithaca on Sunday Morning.

Click here to download the flyer with all the details.

Click here for the calendar of events with more things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Kathleen Lisson's Wine and Food Pairing Tips: May is Riesling Month!

Kathleen Lisson's Wine and Food Pairing Tips: May is Riesling Month!

Finger Lakes Wine Country is Blooming with Great Savings!

Spring is in bloom throughout Finger Lakes Wine Country and special savings await you at the region’s accommodations, attractions, and wineries. In addition, the Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca Lake wine trails are hosting events that are sure to rid you of the winter blues. Here is a taste of what is blooming in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Discover affordable spring packages at some of the region’s top hotels and country inns. The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars just announced its latest spring promotion, “Spring Mania” – book one night at the regular rate and receive the second night free or reserve one room and receive a second room free. Valid weekdays and weekends through April 30 with rates starting at $119 per night, depending on room selection. Restrictions and black-out dates apply.

The Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art both offer kids and teens free 19 and under free admission as well as a two-museum combination pass that offers substantial savings, free shuttle bus between the museums, and free parking. More details on the each museum’s current and upcoming exhibits and special spring break programming can be found at each museum's websites.

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail welcomes Spring Wine and Cheese on April 24-26. This event celebrates the beloved pairing of fine wines and cheeses. Each ticket holder will receive a gift and recipe book and a guaranteed good time. Tickets for these events are $25 with discounts given to designated drivers.

The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail invites you to their Wine & Herb Festival on April 25-26 and May 2-3 the Wine and Herb Festival will take place at each of the 16 wine trail wineries. Each ticket holder receives an herb plant, a souvenir wineglass, wine and food pairings and a recipe from each winery. Tickets range from $20 to $30 per person with discounts for designated drivers and couples.

The Keuka Lake Wine Trail is hosting the World Tour of Food and Wine on April 4-5 and April 25-26. Each winery has selected a country or regional food to feature along with fine wines. This wine and food event is sure to send your taste buds on an adventure you won’t soon forget. Tickets range from $20-$30 per person with discounts for designated drivers and couples.

The 2009 racing season and the Finger Lakes Wine Festival at Watkins Glen International are right around the corner with Opening Day on Sunday, April 26. Take a lap around the historic road course and purchase your tickets to the season’s IndyCar and NASCAR events.

Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York is the largest wine producing region east of California with over 100 wineries. In addition to world-class wines, the region offers abundant cultural and sight-seeing options at The Corning Museum of Glass, Watkins Glen State Park, and Harris Hill. To plan your upcoming trip to Finger Lakes Wine Country visit call 800.813.2958.