Value Summer White Wines in Finger Lakes Wine Country

By the Finger Lakes Weekend Wino, Rob Lane

June Wine Notes:

One of the things that I like about Finger Lakes wine is that you can still find good value here. I am a cheapskate, so believe me I know. So this month, with the warmer weather and picnic time on the way, I will focus on value summer sippers. With Finger Lakes wine, you don’t have to sacrifice balance, structure and flavor for price. Like I’ve said many times, I find that the best premium vinifera producers also seem to make the best value wines. That only makes sense because these top winemakers do not want to put out an inferior product, even if it is a lower priced wine. A lot of these value wines are sweeter but also balanced and structured blends of several different grapes including hybrid grapes like Cayuga White, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Most of these are under 10 dollars.

Here are some of my favorite value summer white wine sippers:
> Anthony Road Wine Co., west side of Seneca Lake, Tony's White (Cayuga), A great summer value for $8.99, Fresh and Balanced!
> Imagine Moore Winery, south end of Canandaigua Lake, 2007 Harmony, $10.99, Cayuga/ Traminette blend, beautifully perfumed orange blossom and soft floral aromas, layers of soft citrus flavors.
> McGregor Vineyard, east side of Keuka Lake, 2007 Cayuga White, $9.99, one of the most elegant Cayuga's I've tasted, only 1.25% Residual Sugar, crisp with ample fruit.
> Villa Bellangelo, west side of Seneca Lake, 2007 Blue Scooter, $8.99, Cayuga/Riesling blend, Full-flavored and well-structured even at 4% Residual Sugar.
> Goose Watch Winery, west side of Cayuga Lake, 2007 Diamond, $10, this award winning Diamond hits your taste buds high and low with grape and citrus flavor to spare, very refreshing.
> Fox Run, west side of Seneca Lake, Arctic Fox, $8.99, a complex steely and well-structured Cayuga with intriguing apple and citrus tones into a soft mineral finish.
> Knapp Winery, west side of Cayuga Lake, Seyval Blanc, $9.95, another drier selection at 1.1% Residual Sugar, lightly oaked with nice light lemon hints up front into delicious vanilla tones on the finish.
> Prejean, west side of Seneca Lake, 2006 Cayuga, $7.99, more melon and soft tropical notes than the normal Cayuga citrus in this value sipper.
> Heron Hill, west side of Keuka Lake, Game Bird White, $9.99, With the Game Bird label, I usually equate this wine more with Thanksgiving, but this is also a nice summer wine for those who prefer less sweetness, Chardonnay/Seyval Blanc/ Cayuga blend, a solid backbone, perfectly nuanced with mango and passionfruit highlights.
> Fulkerson Winery, west side of Seneca Lake, $9.99, Ravat 51 (Vignoles), interesting apple cider aromas this year with honeyed peach and orange overtones.
> Bellwether Hard Cider, east side of Cayuga Lake, Spyglass Hard Cider, $10.95, If you want something a little different, this hard cider is impeccably balanced, nice acidity, nice structure, and very refreshing.
> Hermann Wiemer, west side of Seneca Lake, 2007 Estate White, $12, I know you probably wouldn't expect to see Hermann Wiemer in a list of value wines but, like I said, premium wine producers make great value wines, Chardonnay/ Riesling/ Gewurztraminer blend, layers of peach, apple, and melon, lots of fruit and only .4% Residual sugar, this is a steal at $12.
> Torrey Ridge Winery, west side of Seneca Lake, Diamond, $10.29, Another refreshing full-flavored award-winning Diamond.
> White Springs Winery, east side of Seneca Lake, Springhouse White, $7.99 (750ml) & $12.99 (1.5L), Cayuga/Niagara/Catawba blend, smooth with nice balance of acidity and sweetness.

And no list of summer sippers would be complete without Niagara. I like a Niagara that is light, balanced and fresh and not too overly grapey. Two of my favorites include Wagner Niagara, east side of Seneca Lake, $6.99 (750ml) or $9.99 (1.5L) & Swedish Hill, west side of Cayuga Lake, Niagara Frost, $13.49 (1.5L.

So remember, you don’t have to compromise on flavor, structure and balance just because you want a nice value summer sipper. Here in the Finger Lakes, our talented winemakers give us a lot of excellent options for good wine at good prices. My next column will feature Finger Lakes choices for you dry red fans out there. Stay Tuned. I'll see you on the Wine Trails!!! FLWW

Rob Lane, aka The Finger Lakes Weekend Wino, writes a Finger Lakes wine column for Mountain Home magazine and also has a Finger Lakes wine blog at www.fingerlakesweekendwino.blogspot.com

The Painted Barrels are Coming to Finger Lakes Wine Country

The Painted Barrels are coming to Finger Lakes Wine Country July 3 through October 11. Over 30 painted wine barrels will be on display at various wineries and attractions throughout the region including Heron Hill, Hazlitt’s, Glenora, Atwater, Fulkerson’s, Dr. Frank’s, Sheldrake Point, Heart and Hands, Cascata, Fox Run, Montezuma, Knapp, Rockwell Museum of Western Art, Watkins Glen International, and The Corning Museum of Glass.

These empty Finger Lakes wine barrels will be painted by Finger Lakes artists and will showcase the beauty of the region. Featured artists include Melanie Littlejohn from famed pottery company MacKenzie-Childs to Dick Kane who has painted the original artwork for the Fulkerson wine labels.

The Painted Barrels will be available for purchase through the Painted Barrels website’s silent auction. Minimum bids per barrel start at $100 and bidding will begin on July 3.

There is no fee to view the barrels and a complete list of venues and artists will be announced by the last week of June.

Want to Save Over $250 Along the Cayuga Wine Trail?

This summer explore the 16 wineries along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and save up to $250 along the way. The 2009 Vino Visa Coupon book is valued at over $250 and offers different specials at each of the wineries and associate businesses. The book costs only $15 and here is a sampling of the deals:

Free Martini Gass with the purchase of 1 bottle of BEE Vodka at Montezuma Winery.

$5 off any wine purchase of $35 or more at Swedish Hill Winery.

One free tasting and $5 off any wine purchase of $30 or more at Cobblestone Farm.

Free wine glass with a purchase of three bottles of wine at Knapp Winery.

Click here to see the rest of the Vino Visa deals and to order your own book.


Experience a taste of Montezuma Winery:

Finger Lakes Wine Country is the Ultimate Road Trip!

We have beeen saying that since 2001 when our organization was founded with the slogan "just down the road." Being within five hours of Washington DC, Hartford, Philadelphia, New York City, and Toronto the Finger Lakes is the ultimate road trip: close and affordable!

We don't like to brag but we were thrilled when we picked up the 2010 Rand McNally road atlas and saw that Finger Lakes Wine Country was included in the Best of the Road road trip section, "Cultivating New York, Canandauigua to Cooperstown". This special editor's picks section highlights a road trip that includes stops at The Corning Museum of Glass and the Esperanza Mansion on Keuka Lake.

Find out more about "Cultivating New York, Canandauiga to Cooperstown" online at Rand McNally.

Riesling Month is Headed Into its Last Week. What Have Been Some of Your Favorite Rieslings?

It is hard to believe but "May is Riesling Month" is headed into its final week. There have been some exciting tastings at Wiemer, Anthony Road, Ravines, Sheldrake and Rooster Hill as well as many wineries offering free shipping and tasting room promotions exclusively for Riesling.

The month will conclude with arguably the most exciting tasting event of the month, the 20 year Riesling tasting on May 31 at Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars.

We will do a formal recap of the month next week but want to know what have been some of the favorite Rieslings that you have tasted this month?

Everyone Loves Red Cat!

This past weekend at "Vino at the Casino" I had the privilege of hanging out with Red Cat from Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards. Everywhere we went, people shouted "we love you Red Cat" and wanted their pictures taken with this infamous feline.



If you don't know Red Cat, you should. It is the best selling New York wine and is grown and produced in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Made from red Catawba grapes (hence the name Red Cat, short for Catawba), this wine is semi-sweet and refreshing. Ideal for summer sipping. Maybe this is your perfect rosé?

So when you visit Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards on the eastern side of Seneca Lake this year, make sure you visit their summer Tiki Tent and give a shout out to Red Cat!

Don't let the fun times fool you, Wine Enthusiast magazine recently named Hazlitt's one of America's favorite tasting rooms and the winery makes some of the region's most respected vinifera wines.

What is your favorite Red Cat moment?

"Vino at the Casino" Has First Year Success

On Saturday, May 23 we teamed up with Tioga Downs Raceway and Casino for the first annual "Vino at the Casino". Featuring over 100 wines, this one day wine festival featured some of the leading wineries of the region: Dr. Frank's, Fox Run, Glenora, Knapp, Standing Stone, Bully Hill, Tickle Hill, King Ferry, Wagner, Fulkerson's, Hazlitt, and White Springs.

In addition to wine tastings there was live music and horse racing. We have already begun planning for 2010 and are looking forward to growing the event.

As well as hosting "Vino at the Casino", Tioga Downs now has a 100% Finger Lakes wine list in their restaurant. We are thrilled that one of the region's top entertainment destinations is committed to supporting Finger Lakes wines!

In Search of the Perfect Rosé .. Glenora Releases and What is Your Favorite?

We just received notice that Glenora Wine Cellars has released their new 2008 Pinot Noir Rosé, just in time for the summer's latest wine adventure, "In Search of the Perfect Rosé."

From May 23 - August 31, explore the wineries of the Finger Lakes looking for your favorite rosé. Rosés are perfect for the summer and can range in style from sweet to dry to sparkling. Get more details on this summer wine adventure.

According to Glenora's winemaker, Steven DiFransico, this wine is crisp, clean, and dry. The Pinot Noir Rosé was produced from Pinot Noir grapes harvested from Glenora Farms which is located adjacent to the winery. The wine offers elegant flavors reminiscent of strawberries that are prominent in this strikingly easy to drink wine. The wine is smooth and simply the perfect wine to enhance any summer picnic or to sip on its own.

You decide for yourself.

Cheers!

Win a Trip to Finger Lakes Wine Country!

To celebrate Memorial Day Weekend we are running a best travel story contest now until Monday at 9:00 PM. Tell us your favorite Finger Lakes summer vacation story. Where did you go? What were your favorite wineries, attractions, restaurants, and drives? Did you enjoy a memorable picnic overlooking the vineyards? Did you get an autograph signed by Danica Patrick or Tony Stewart at The Glen? Did you find a new favorite bottle of wine along one of the wine trails? Did you make the most beautiful glass flower at The Corning Museum of Glass that everyone admires at work? Did you rent a waterfront cottage and reconnect with your family? Did you go hiking in the Finger Lakes National Forest and get inspired to keep walking after vacation?

What ever the story, share it here or on our Facebook fanpage were you can upload pictures and videos from your favorite Finger Lakes summer vacation.

Good luck and remember the deadline to enter is Monday at 9:00 PM. The winner will receive a one night stay at a Finger Lakes hotel (valid November 1, 2009 - April 30, 2010), gift certificates, and attraction tickets.

Value of the prize is $250 and can't be redeemed for cash. Winner must be 21 years or older to enter. Winner will be contacted by Wednesday, May 27, at 5:00 PM.

Memorial Day Weekend Event Roundup

After what seems like a winter that lasted a very long time, summer is certainly right around the corner. Finger Lakes Wine Country this summer will come alive with its summer promotion, “Summer of Glass” that will feature four outstanding glass exhibits at two museums, The Corning Museum of Glass, and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. The boats will be on the water for your enjoyment and the wineries will look forward to all the visitors. Here is a roundup of some great events this weekend and some links to some getaway packages. Enjoy!

The Corning Museum of Glass features its latest glass exhibit, Favorites from the Contemporary Glass Collection. Regular adult admission to the museum is $12.50 with kids & teens 19 and under free.

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art is opening its latest glass art exhibit on May 23 with “Sewing the Seeds: 200 Years of Iroquois Glass Beadwork”. Kids & teens 19 and under are free and save more when you purchase a combo ticket including both CMOG and the Rockwell.

The LPGA Corning Classic comes to the Corning Country Club this weekend and many of the top women players will be on the course including Michelle Wie. One day tickets are still available.

Enjoy some local flavor at a winery along Keuka, Seneca, or Cayuga Lake wine trails.

Discover some Riesling promotions and wine events as well during Riesling Month and some affordable getaway packages too.

Use our Trip Builder to great your own customized itinerary. Easy as BUILD, MAP, PRINT. Download a Memorial Day Sample Itinerary now.

Got Your “Riesling to Visit” Passport? Watch the Music Video... and Win 2 Passports!

We are half way through “May is Riesling Month” in the Finger Lakes and everyone agrees that Riesling Rocks! It has been exciting to attend some of the wine events and to see all the pink Riesling flags blowing in the wind. Don’t worry if you haven’t had a chance to visit us this May.

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail for the fourth year is sponsoring the “Riesling to Visit” Passport. For $12 per person (plus 8% sales tax) enjoy free flights of wines from 27 participating Seneca Lake Wine Trail wineries.

The passport is valid through August 31, 2009 and not valid for groups of 10 or more. Passport quantities are limited so we encourage you to order your passports today.

See you on the trail!



Want to win 2 free "Riesling to Visit" Passports? Tell us about your favorite Seneca Lake Wine Trail winery on our Facebook fanpage by 5 PM on Wednesday, May 20.

"Vino at the Casino" to be held May 23 at Tioga Downs in the Finger Lakes

We will kick off the summer season next Saturday, May 23 from 2 - 9 PM, at Tioga Downs Raceway and Casino with "Vino at the Casino". This inaugural wine festival held on a race day will feature wine tastings and wine sales from twelve Finger Lakes wineries, wine education seminars, entertainment, racing, and gambling.

Tickets are only $20 per person and an additional $5 per person for the wine education seminar.

Some of the attending wineries are:

Dr. Konstantin Frank
Fox Run
Hazlitt
Glenora

See you at the races under the wine tent!

More information on "Vino at the Casino".

How Do They Do It? Bottle Wine That Is...

Here is how wine gets bottled when you don't have a bottling line. This is called a "wine cow" as demonstrated by Damiani Wine Cellars on the eastern side of Seneca Lake.



Learn more about Finger Lakes Wine Country here...

You Can Enjoy Finger Lakes Riesling AND be a Red Sox Fan!

No matter what baseball team you cheer for, you can enjoy a glass of Finger Lakes Riesling no matter where you live. Learn more about the New York's most award-winning winery, Dr. Konstantin Frank, located on the western side of Keuka Lake, and Atwater Estate Vineyards, located on the eastern side of Seneca Lake.

More about Riesling Month.

Artists Needed for Painted Barrels Exhibit Coming July 3

We are excited to announce Painted Barrels, an exhibit showcasing Finger Lakes wine barrels, painted by Finger Lakes artists, on display throughout the Finger Lakes July 3 - October 11, 2009.

We are still in need of Finger Lakes artists and we have extended the deadline for artist submissions to Friday, May 29th.

To learn more about being a featured artist for the Painted Barrels, click here.

The Summer of Glass Begins with Four Beautiful Glass Exhibits!

The Summer of Glass begins on May 23 in Finger Lakes Wine Country with four glass exhibits at The Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art.

The Corning Museum of Glass is home to over 35,000 pieces of glass from the past 35 cneturies. Enjoy hands-on experiences in the Innovation Center and Make Your Own Glass when you visit The Studio. Experience the magic of glass at a Hot Glass Show and take home unique glass souvenirs from the GlassMarket.

Favorites from The Contemporty Glass Collection| Thru January 3, 2010

An assemblage of luminous, bright white icons of modernist glass design, a ghostly, life-size figure in an evening dress, and a dramatic red, cast-glass pyramid seemingly lit from within: these are among the art works that have captivated visitors to The Corning Museum of Glass for years and are three of 41 contemporary glass objects featured in the upcoming exhibition, Favorites from the Contemporary Glass Collection, on display now through January 3, 2010.

Voices of Contemporary Glass| May 16, 2009 - January 3, 2010

This major 2009 exhibition, Voices of Contemporary Glass, will showcase the 240 objects, by 87 international artists, that constitute the Heineman Collection, one of the largest and finest private collections of contemporary studio glass in the United States, donated to the Museum in 2005 by Ben W. Heineman Sr. and his wife Natalie G. Heineman.

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art, located across the Chemung River from The Corning Museum of Glass, is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of western art in the east and this summer during The Summer of Glass you can experience both large and small scale glass artwork here.

Visions Beyond Clay: The Artwork of Tammy Garcia| May 23 - October 4, 2009

Award-winning Santa Clara Pueblo artist, Tammy Garcia, is best known for her visionary pottery that unites her clan's famous pottery making skill with a sophisticated, contempory aesthetic. Tammy has used her success to push the boundaries of traditional pottery making and of clay itself. Exploring new media to manifest her designs, Garcia has turned glass and bronze into signature artwork.

Sewing the Seeds: 200 Years of Iroquois Glass Beadwork| May 23 - October 4, 2009

For over 200 years Haudenosaunee beadworkers have sewn sparkling glass seed beads into intricate pincushions, purses, and picture frames. Created for tourists, they nonetheless reflect the Haudenosaunee culture in their love of natural imagery and color. More than 100 pieces will be included in this exhibit.

Continue your journey during The Summer of Glass with:

A stop to Corning's Gaffer District, a bustling collection of unique shops and restaurants including Market Street Brewing where you can grab a glass of local ale. Between the two museums and some shopping and dining, you have just had an affordable and fun day! Order combo tickets for both museums now.

Watch this short video showing a master glass blower at work:

May is Riesling Month in Finger Lakes Wine Country for the Week of May 11 – 18.

Riesling Month in the Finger Lakes has gotten off to a good start with two Friday evening tastings at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, a wine trail event along the Cayuga Wine Trail, several winemaker dinners, and a special 10 year vertical tasting at Wiemer Vineyards. Don’t worry if you missed these events as there are still many more events scheduled through the end of the month on the event calendar.

Here are the highlights for this coming week:

On Friday, May 15th at the luxurious Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel enjoy a complimentary tasting in their beautiful lobby of wines from Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards and Leidenfrost Vineyards.

On Saturday, May 16th at Vineyard Restaurant at Knapp Vineyards enjoy a special five-course dinner paired with Knapp and Glenora Rieslings. The cost is only $38.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 6 PM with a VIP cellar tour.

Here are some of the promotions available during the month:

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards is offering 25% off its 2007 Semi-Dry Riesling with FREE shipping. Wow, what a deal!

Glenora’s restaurant, Veraisons, is offering Riesling menu pairings and Riesling wine flights.

There are some great accommodation packages as well at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars, Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, and others.


Click here to learn more about “May is Riesling Month”

Riesling Month Underway!

"May is Riesling Month" has officially started in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Enjoy tastings, dinners, and special promotions at participating wineries, restaurants, and accommodations. Read more here about the month's activities and why Riesling does so well in the Finger Lakes.

The Wall Street Journal also featured the promotion. Read the article now.

We kicked off the month with the first tasting of Red Newt's new Riesling. Enjoy!