Oh yes it's ladies night! Oh what a night!

Ladies, are you ready to get out the house and have a little fun? On Friday, March 5, pack your bags and bring your friends for an overnight of fun, relaxation, and pampering at the Inn at Glenora on Seneca Lake! Lavish yourself with a massage and manicure, shop onsite vendors for the latest fashions, sample Finger Lakes wines, enjoy a fireside dining experience in the Veraisons Dining Room, then dance the night away to a live DJ! In the morning, treat yourself to a hot breakfast! There are several special overnight room rates available and packages include champagne at check-in, a bottle of Glenora Wine in the room, a glass of Glenora Port wine in the evening, and several complimentary wine tastings and drink specials. If you can’t make it an all night affair, that’s okay too – however, you will need to call the Inn to make your dinner reservation and prepay.


For more details visit http://www.glenora.com/ or call 800.243.5513.

Finger Lakes Wine Country at the Washington DC Wine & Food Festival

Finger Lakes Wine Country was represented at the Washington DC Food & Wine Festival February 13 and 14, 2010. Finger Lakes wineries that poured their award-winning wine included Fox Run Vineyards, Glenora Wine Cellars, Goose Watch Winery, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Prejean Winery, Ravines Wine Cellars, Swedish Hill Winery, Wagner Vineyards and Christine from the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel also attended. Residents from Maryland, Virginia, and the Metro DC area attended the show and most had been to or were looking forward to visiting the Finger Lakes. The Finger Lakes was well represented among the other wine regions from around the world.



Or click here to watch the video.

Vote Finger Lakes Wine Country as the most beautiful wine region!

Calling all Finger Lakes Wine Country lovers to vote for the most beautiful wine region in the world! Budget Travel is conducting a readers’ choice poll to hear your thoughts. To vote for the Finger Lakes, scroll down the polling list and find “Destinations: Most beautiful wine region in the world”. “New York – Finger Lakes” is eighth on the list. Happy voting!

Sample and buy local food in Corning this Friday!

Ever wonder how to find local vegetables, fruit, and meat all year? The answer is simple; attend the Locally-Grown Foods Festival, Friday, February 19 in Corning, NY. Meet dozens of Finger Lakes farmers and learn how and where to buy local products. Several products will be available for sampling and purchasing, these include beef, pork, rabbit, poultry, wine, apple butter, assorted cheeses, maple, honey, vegetables, wines, microbrews, and hard ciders. And if that weren’t enough, the event will also feature a series of mini-classes on working with local butchers, how to join a Community Supported Agriculture cooperative, the benefits of buying local foods, and more.

The event will be held Friday, February 19, from 5-8pm at Union Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza in Corning, NY (near the ice-skating rink). Cost to attend is $5.00 per person or $10.00 per family.

Plus, while you’re out and about this weekend, be sure to stop in and see our friends at the Red Newt Bistro. They are now open for the 2010 season!

See the art, experience the fever, and taste the bubbly this weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

Ready to break free from winter? We may be ready to, but thanks to Punxsutawney Phil: “Six more weeks of winter it will be.” Even though the snow may continue to linger, there are a number of ways to warm up and shed the winter blues this weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

Things are heating up this week at the Corning Museum of Glass. On Thursday, February 18, toast to ten years of 2300° at the CMOG! The free event series, features live glassmaking demonstrations by guest artists, live music and great regional fare. This week, bring your own instrument or borrow one from Toko Imports of Ithaca, and drum along with the One-Heart Community Drum Circle, facilitated by Steve Calkins. Also, catch a glassmaking performance with Jeff Zimmerman as he blends art, design, and performance in this not-to-be-missed Hot Glass Show.

Feeling a little cabin fever? On Friday, February 19, come to Corning’s Gaffer District and partake in the 7th Annual Cabin Fever. This year's event will feature over 30 wineries and breweries from New York’s Finger Lakes Region. The cost to participate is $10 per person for one collectible wine or beer glass, or $15 for two. Cost includes collectible wine and novelty beer glasses along with unlimited tastings throughout the district. Participants are also invited to take advantage of complimentary limousine shuttles during the tasting, courtesy of Silk Limousine in Elmira, NY.

Perhaps, you’re feeling a little bubbly? Come sip on the “bub” with us Saturday, February 20th, at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel for Bubbly! The Finger Lakes Sparkling Wine Party. This sparkling wine only tasting event will feature some of the leading Finger Lakes sparkling wine producers and delicious food. Also, there will be special appearance by Finger Lakes Distilling, serving kir royales! Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple.

On this week’s Travel Tuesday podcast with Christina and Teresa, learn more about these premier events.

Click to listen or listen in the player below:

Wine Country Insider February 12-14

It is Valentine’s Day weekend and Finger Lakes Wine Country has many fun and exciting events planned. Listen to our 15 minute “Wine Country Insider” podcast with Morgen and Teresa, giving you some insider news on what is happening in Wine Country this holiday weekend.


Click here to listen or listen in the player below.



Here are the links from this morning’s “Wine Country Insider”:

Corning Museum of Glass: Make your own glass heart

Seneca Lake Wine Trail: Chocolate and Wine Weekend

Cayuga Wine Trail: Mardi Gras 2010

Keuka Lake Wine Trail: Truffles & Tastes

Race to NASCAR at WGI Sweepstakes

Facebook/ Finger Lakes Wine Country

The Starlite Room

Want to see all 27 special events happening this weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country? Search through our events calendar now and search by date, type of event, region, and price. Learn more about the events Morgen and Teresa mentioned.

Vote for your favorite Finger Lakes love story!

We recently put out a call on our Facebook page in search of love stories from the Finger Lakes.  We were  looking for stories of love that might include a marriage proposal, a wedding overlooking one of the lakes, a first kiss, or a special anniversary celebration.  In total we received over 40 submissions over a few days.  Last night our office narrowed down the stories to our favorite three.

Now we need your help with the final voting round to find the favorite Finger Lakes love story.  From now until Sunday, February 14th at 9PM all of our Facebook fans will have the chance to vote once for one of the following love stories.  You will need to be a Facebook user and a Finger Lakes Wine Country fan to be able to voite.  The writer of the winning story will receive a Finger Lakes Bubbly! Box and a glass heart paperweight from The Corning Museum of Glass. 

#1 Peg McMillen French and her Keuka Lake love story ~
Fell in love with Keuka since I could walk...grew up on Keuka at family cottage just south of Snug Harbor on W Lake Rd. Met & later married a Hammondsport guy, lived on Keuka-walked her beaches, watched her sunsets, watched her wildlife, drank her wine..swam, power-boated, sailed, scuba-dove, and cruised on Keuka...spent wonderful moments with our son boating, soaking in the sunshine, skipping stones, and feeding ducks…he is buried just down the road after we lost him in ’97…a lifetime of great memories…will always, always, no matter where I am…come back to restore my soul in Keuka’s waters…

#2 Jannica Moskal and her Seneca Lake love story ~
I fell in love in the Finger Lakes!!! Mark made us a fire on the shore of Seneca Lake; we enjoyed a simple dessert of vanilla ice cream topped with fresh blueberries. We finished our dessert and walked to the end of the dock. Together we sat, letting our legs dangle over the edge; talking for hours and watching the fish swim beneath our feet. Once the June sun set, we laid on our backs gazing at the stars and the moon, pointing out the satellites floating through space. Later that night, he held my hand and walked me to my car. We said good-bye, kissed our first kiss, and I knew…

#3 Mj Challen-Kircher and her proposal on Cayuga Lake story ~
My husband sent me on a scavenger hunt through the Cayuga Wine Trail. I got calls from loved ones along the way. A dress was left waiting for me at Swedish Hill - when I got to Cayuga Ridge he was down on one knee, with candles & a bottle of Cranberry Frost!

Click here to go the Finger Lakes Wine Country Fanpage and to vote!

Made Your February Family Vacation Plans Yet?

Next week is vacation week for many families around the Northeast. Have you made your travel plans? Looking for a last minute, affordable one or two night family getaway? How about Finger Lakes Wine Country? We are more than just great wine, we are a family -friendly destination with lots to see and do including special programming and family rates at several of the region’s museums.

The Corning Museum of Glass offers kids and teens (19 and under) free admission and lots of to see and do with its “Winter Holiday Break at the Museum.” Think Hot Glass Shows, Make Your Own Glass, Be a Glass Detective, and Kid-friendly Audio Tours.

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art, also located in Corning and accessible from The Corning Museum of Glass via a free shuttle bus, offers kids and teens (19 and under) free admission. The Rockwell offer free art packs for fun and educational exploring the museum’s galleries and provides pre and post-visit learning material. 

The National Soaring Museum also has some spots left in its popular “Presidents’ Week Camp” for kids aged 8 -12. The camp runs February 15-19 from 9AM-4PM and includes tours, outdoor activities, rockets, simulators, and more! The cost is only $150 and reservations can be made by calling Norm Smith at 607-734-3128. Can make camp? The museum is open daily (Monday – Friday) from 10AM-5PM and has a special family rate of $18 (2 adults/2 kids.)

The Wings of Eagles Discover Center, located at the Corning/Elmira Airport, includes many restored airplanes on exhibit. The museum is open Wednesday-Saturday 10AM-4PM and Sunday 12PM-4PM and has a family rate of $18 (2 adults/3 kids.)

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport is another aviation museum that offers educational zones for kids to perform experiments, experience flight simulation and learn about early aviators. The museum is open daily 10AM-4PM and has a special family rate of $20 (2 adults/2 kids.)

And we found these affordable, family-friendly accommodation packages-

Holiday Inn Elmira Riverview and its Family Getaway

Schools out why not enjoy a mini getaway at the Holiday Inn Elmira Riverview. Escape the winter cold and snow, no reason to even leave the building. Watch a movie, swim in our indoor pool and eat at Anthony’s Restaurant.
Package includes: Overnight accommodations for up to 5 people, breakfast buffet, dinner voucher for $25.00 (**kids under 12 eat free when dining with a paying adult**), and complimentary movie in your room.
Package Price: $159.95 per room plus tax. Limit of 5 people per room, available Sunday thru Thursday only, based on availability, and the cancellation policy is 24 hours prior to arrival.  Make your reservations now at 607-739-3681.

The Village Motel and its SPECIAL “SUITE ROOM” Deal

Enjoy a two night stay in our HOTEL BUIDLING in downtown Watkins Glen with a HEATED INDOOR POOL. Buy one night at $95.00, plus tax, & get the second night free. Your choice of 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds. Kids 18 and under stay free in your room. This package is based upon availability and reservations can be made at 607-535-7159.

Celebrate Mark Twain and Support a Local Artist!

In an octagonal study perched high above the Chemung River Valley, Mark Twain penned many literary classics as the crisp, valley air rolled over the lush hills towards a wine stained sunset. This year marks the 175th anniversary of Twain’s birth and the 100th year since his death. To commemorate the 2010 anniversaries, the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce commissioned Finger Lakes artist, Brandi Smith to design a series of caricatures. Two of these poster designs are now for sale – one features Twain holding a book, and the other features his signature cigar toasting with a glass of Finger Lake Wine Country rielsing.

To order your poster click here. Also, visit http://www.marktwaincountry.com/ to learn more about Twain 2010: A yearlong celebration honoring the life and death of America's Writer, Mark Twain.

Voice your choice and keep Corning a top 25 arts destination!

American Style Magazine, the nation's premier arts lifestyle magazine for art lovers, collectors and travelers, is conducting their annual reader poll to discover America’s Top 25 Arts Destinations. The poll spans across the country covering big, medium, and small cities. Corning, NY is listed in the small city category and has made the top ten list for the past two years.


Now, we know that Corning is one of America’s top arts destinations, but we need your help in moving the city up on the charts. Cast your vote now, then spread the word about the contest, encouraging your family, friends, and colleagues to go to the magazine’s Web site to cast their votes for Corning.

To vote, visit http://www.americanstyle.com/ and click on the American Style Top 25 Arts Destination logo.

The deadline for submission is Friday, February 26. The winning cities will be published in the June issue with reader comments and editors’ highlights.

Get Bubbly with Starlite Room Sparkling Wine Cocktail Recipes!

Feeling adventurous and looking for a few tasty ways to celebrate Sparkling Wine Month in Finger Lakes Wine Country? Reyman Clark, owner of the Starlite Room, shares with us delicious cocktail recipes that will get your taste buds dancing!

If you’ve been to the Starlite Room in Elmira Heights, then you know this truly is the ideal place for a relaxing, fun evening. The metropolitan atmosphere and welcoming environment is the right setting to enjoy your favorite libation, eat delicious fare, and listen to talented local musicians. Reyman and the staff take full advantage of their fully stocked bar to concoct amazing one of a kind drinks!

In this 15 minute Travel Tuesday edition, we put the Starlite Room to the test, asking them to share a sampling of their creativity to celebrate Sparkling Wine Month. Aside from the yummy taste of these drinks, you’ll feel good knowing all the ingredients are made right here in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Cheers!

Olivia
In honor of Olivia Langdon Clemens, this drink reflects a woman that is well-educated and elegant.
3 oz Glenora Brut
1 oz Finger Lakes Distilling Cassis Liqueur
Garnish with raspberries


A Valentine Kiss
Like the perfect Valentine’s Day kiss, this drink will leave your lips sweet with desire and your mouth thirsty for more!
3 oz Glenora Raspberry Spumante
1 oz Saranac Ginger Beer
1oz Knapp Brandy


Juniper Royale
Watch out – this drink will bring your taste buds alive!
3oz Glenora Raspberry Spumante
1 oz Finger Lakes Distilling Gin
½ oz Orange Juice
½ oz Cranberry Juice
Splash of Grenadine

Click here to listen or listen in the player below:

Cayuga Ridge Estate Joins Bubbly!

We just received word that Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery is going to pour its hugely popular Cranberry Frost at our Bubbly! tasting event on Saturday, February 20th.  There are now sixteen wineries and one distillery participating. 

Tickets are still available for $40 per person or $75 per couple.

Click here to order Bubbly! tickets.

10 Ways to a Sexy Hotel Room

Just came across this post on the Budget Travel Blog and had to repost it for others as well.  Many of you will be traveling to Finger Lakes Wine Country this weekend for a romantic getaway (or even a Winter Wine Weekend) that might include a wine trail event, dinner, and time spent reconnecting in the evening.

Click here to read "10 Ways to a Sexy Hotel Room".  Would love to hear if you found any of these tips helpful or if some were left off.

*The above picture was taken inside a room at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel on Seneca Lake.

What is your Finger Lakes Love Story?

To celebrate Valentine's Day next Sunday we are looking for a few great Finger Lakes love stories.  Did you get engaged at the base of a waterfall, get married at a winery, enjoy a first kiss along the Chemung River, celebrate a 50 year anniversary at a charming bed and breakfast, or fall in love along the shores of Seneca Lake?

Share your love story here or on our Facebook fanpage until Wednesday, February 10th at 5PM EST.  The Finger Lakes Wine Country office will select its three favorite stories for a public poll starting on Wednesday evening and continuing until February 14th.  The winning love story will receive a Finger Lakes Bubbly Box featuring sparkling wines from Glenora Wine Cellars, Chateau Frank, Lucas Vineyards, Goose Watch Winery and a glass heart paperweight from The Corning Museum of Glass.  In addition, the winning story will be featured on the Finger Lakes Wine Country website.
 
Best of luck and thank you for sharing your stories...

Nachos and Wine for Sunday's Super Bowl

This recipe appeared in my local paper (Ryan King, Associated Press) and I thought I would share it with some Finger Lakes wine recommendations too.

Beef and Bean Layered Nachos

For the nachos:

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
6 gloves garlic
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
14 ounce can black beans
1 pound bag tortilla chips
3 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
6 scallions, chopped
3 medium tomaotes, cored and diced
15 ounce can pitted olives, sliced
1/4 cup jarred jalapeno slices

For the guacamole:

3 avocados, pitted and skinned
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons sour cream
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Heat the oven to 350 degrees.  In a large saute pan over medium-high, heat the oil.  Add the onion, then saute until the onion is translucent, about five minutes.  Add the garlic, beef, paprika, chili powder, and oregano.  Saute for about seven minutes, then add the beans and set aside.

On a rimmed baking sheet, arange half of the tortilla chips in a single layer.  Top with half each of the cheese, scallions, tomatoes, olives, jalaponenos, and beef mixture.  top with a second layer of tortilla chips, then repeat layering with remaining topping ingredients.

Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.  Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine the avocados, lemon juice, olive oil, sour cream.  Use a potato masher to mash the ingredients until chunky smooth.  Season with salt and pepper.  When the nachos are done, sprinkle with cilantro, then serve with guacamole.

Wine Pairing Recommendations

Pair this spicy nacho dish with a few full-bodied reds like Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc or Syrah.

Heron Hill 2007 Blaufrankisch
Glenora 2007 Syrah
Fox Run 2006 Cabernet Franc
Hazlitt 1852 2007 Cabernet Franc
Rooster Hill Cabernet Franc / Lemberger
Shaw Vineyard 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Country Insider February 5-7

This upcoming weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country is full of fun and interesting things to do. Listen to our 15 minute "WIne Country Insider" podcast with Christina, Morgen and Teresa giving you some insider news on what is happening in Wine Country this weekend. 

Click to listen or listen in the player below:



Here are the links from this morning's "Wine Country Insider":

Polar Passport along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Vino Visa along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Make Your Own Glass Heart at The Corning Museum of Glass
First Friday at Rockwell Museum of Western Art
Gallery Hop along Market Street
Mardi Gras at the Village Tavern Inn
Town of Hammondsport
Drink Pink at Dr.Frank's Wine Cellars

Want to see all 26 special events happening this weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country? Search through our event calendar now and search by date, type of event, region, and price.  Learn more about the wine sales events that Christina mentioned.

On the Road to Washington DC

Our office is busy.  Extremely busy.  We are busy promoting Winter Wine Weekends (the stay 2 nights, get the 3rd night free deal at 27 participating accommodations), the Valentine's Day Weekend wine trail events (Tastes and Truffles along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, Chocolate and Wine along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and Mardi Gras along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.)  February is also Sparkling Wine Month in the Finger Lakes and we have the special FLX Bubbly Box for sale, a live Twitter tasting on February 17, and the first-ever Bubbly! tasting event on Saturday, February 20.

In addition, we do some traveling around the country to help spread the word about Finger Lakes Wine Country.  Last month we exhibited at the Boston Wine Expo and over the Valentine's Day Weekend, Christina, from our office, and eight other partners will be going to the Washington DC International Wine & Food Festival to pour wine and promote the region.    If you live in the Washington DC area, attend the event and stop by our pavilion to say hi.  Take a peek as to who is attending.

See everyone in 2010 somewhere in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

A Big Welcome to the New Addition at FLWC!

We are thrilled to announce that Teresa Degarmo has joined the Finger Lakes Wine Country team.  If you call our office at 800-813-2958 you just might get to talk to her.  Teresa grew up in the area and she is excited to share her love of FLWC with future and past visitors.  Cheers!

Some of America's Best Sparkling Wines are Produced in Finger Lakes Wine Country

February is Sparkling Wine Month in Finger Lakes Wine Country and all month we are celebrating bubbly wine with special podcasts, blog posts, live Twitter Taste Live tastings all culminating with the Bubbly! tasting event on Saturday, February 20 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.

Enjoy this 15 minutes podcast with Fred Frank, president of Chateau Frank and Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars, and learn more about the history of sparkling wine in the Finger Lakes and how is sparkling wine made.  One of our most fascinating interviews to date...

Listen to Flx Wine Country on Blog Talk Radio