Travel Tuesday Getaway Packages and Deals

Hot off the press!  Travel Tuesday Getaway Packages and Deals including four places to have Easter Brunch in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

The Copper Oven Opens Soon at Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery

We have just heard that The Copper Oven is pleased to announce its Grand Opening on Saturday, April 24, 2010 on the grounds of the Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery. This rustic eatery features a mobile, wood-fired copper oven, imported from the South of France,  and offers an all-natural menu that embraces community, sustainability and local fare.

Mary Jane Challen Kircher, co-owner and chef, plans to introduce a rotating menu of pizzas, culling produce fresh from her own garden and from local farms. Each day will feature two pizza selections showcasing home-grown veggies, artisan cheeses, and optional meat toppings from local farmers dedicated to sustainable growth.

“My goal is to provide guests with straightforward, local ingredients, combined in an exciting new way, in a friendly and scenic atmosphere,” says Kircher, who owns The Copper Oven with her husband, Seth. For Kircher, who is known around the farm and winery as “MJ,” food, land, and wine are inter-connected. She says, “I grew up at the winery, and now The Copper Oven will work with my family’s business, Cayuga Ridge Estate. It is a natural connection – food and wine.”

Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery, owned by Tom and Susie Challen, is an ideal backdrop for The Copper Oven. “We’re thrilled to have The Copper Oven on the grounds of our winery,” says Susie Challen. “We feel this helps MJ stay close to her roots, but also enables her to branch out and create something of her own. We’re excited by this new mutual opportunity.”

While Canadian-born Kircher learned her love of gardening and farming from her father and her love of cooking from her “mum,” it was her travels to Europe and West Africa that helped her understand the cross-cultural connection—and the power—of food. “When living abroad,” says Kircher, “I was able to explore these two separate passions on my own for the first time. I found that I could connect with new cultures through food—whether it be visiting open air markets, or sharing a meal with new friends.”

Kircher will bring that same excitement of discovery to The Copper Oven, where tourists and locals alike can be delighted by the bounty of the Finger Lakes Wine Country through a wood-fired culinary experience.

The Copper Oven opens officially for the season on April 24, 2010, Herbfest Weekend—a seasonal kickoff for the Cayuga Wine Trail that generally brings upwards of 3600 people to the region. “Anytime one of the wineries begins to create food in combination with wine selections along the Cayuga Wine Trail, it’s a great thing,” says Cathy Millspaugh, Director of the Cayuga Wine Trail. “Offering local and sustainable food options to Cayuga Wine Trail visitors is always a plus.” The Copper Oven itself is a unique new addition to the local food culture. Made from organic white clay mined in the South of France, this highly efficient, environmentally friendly, wood burning cooking system is not only unusual and beautiful to look at—but it can cook a pie in 90 seconds flat! That’s of true importance to many tourists on the trail who are looking for a wholesome, healthy meal, but don’t want to give up half their day on the trail to do so.

This rustic, slow food experience serves as a way to showcase the bounty of the Finger Lakes in a very short timeframe. “Our philosophy is slow food on the go,” says Kircher, “and our pizzas offer a fast food option that is healthy—and delicious!” Guests can enjoy their pies with a glass of wine while taking in the lake views, then tour the winery, or take a stroll around the pond. “We encourage people to stay, relax and enjoy their visit at the winery—but they also have the option to eat and run,” says Kircher.

The Copper Oven will live at Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery for the 2010 season, which runs from April 24th through December 12th. It will be open Thursday through Monday from 10:30am - 5:30pm.

Though spring is here, Winter Wine Weekends are happening through April 30

Spring has sprung, the snow has melted, and the early flowers have started to bloom.  So what does all this mean?  Well this is probably one of the nicest times to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country because the summer crowds haven't arrived and almost all the restaurants, wineries, and attractions are open full-time.  Best of all, our hugely successful "stay two nights, get the third night free" promotion, aptly called Winter Wine Weekends, is valid until the end of April!  Over 25 accommodations throughout the region are offering this deal, in addition 28 wineries and 15 attractions are participating in the PALATE passport (free with each Winter Wine Weekend getaway.)

Better hurry and make your reservations now. 

The Garlic Festival at Fox Run Vineyards Returns in August

Summer in Finger Lakes Wine Country wouldn’t be the same without a stop at Fox Run Vineyards in August for the winery’s annual celebration of all things garlic. The 18th Annual Glorious Garlic Festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7 and 8, on the grounds at Fox Run Vineyards, located on State Route 14 about 20 miles nouth of Watkins Glen.


Garlic will be the guest of honor at this two-day festival that overlooks Seneca Lake in the first full weekend of August. Admission free, the Garlic Festival will feature over 30 vendors including 12 garlic vendors offering their freshest cool-climate garlic and garlic foods and products, homemade ice cream, oils and dipping sauces, hot sauces and marinades, maple syrup, local farmstead cheese, jewelry, artworks and locally roasted coffee.

Activities will include glass blowing demonstrations by The Corning Museum of Glass, garlic-inspired cooking demonstrations and lectures, which are always interesting and a big hit. Fabulous live music will include Dee Specker and her band The Lone Rangers on Saturday and The Castle Street Band on Sunday. The Garlic Festival menu will include delicious, garlic inspired selections. And of course Fox Run Vineyards award winning, hand-crafted wines will be among the other attractions of the festival.  Remember, garlic is good and good for you. Drop by Fox Run and have a good time.

For more information about the event, contact Leslie Kroeger at 800-636-9786 or leslie@foxrunvineyards.com.

Riesling Month is fast approaching...

It is hard to believe that Riesling Month (May) is right around the corner.  We have been busy updating all the special Riesling tastings, events, and promotions to RieslingRocks.com.  Take a look and be sure to make your event and accommodation reservations as soon as possible because availability for all is limited. If you are on our mailing list and live in Western New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey you will be receiving the special Riesling Month postcard in the mail next week.  Be on the lookout in your mailbox!

Wine Country Insider March 26-28

Spring has come to Finger Lakes Wine Country and there are many fun events planned to help you shed the winter blues. Listen to our 15 minute “Wine Country Insider” podcast with Christina and Teresa, giving you some insider news on what is happening in Wine Country this weekend.

Click here to listen or listen in the player below.


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

The Photographs of Edward Sherriff Curtis – Rockwell Museum of Western Art
Cruisin’ The Tropics Weekend – Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Winter Tasting #9 – Fox Run Vineyards
Masters of Studio Glass: Jirí Harcuba – Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG)
The Civil War in Art and Artifacts – Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Walter S. Taylor Art Exhibit – Corning Community College’s Atrium Gallery
Maple Weekend at the Arnot Forest – Cayuta, N.Y.
Elmira Jackals Hockey – Elmira, N.Y.
Station to Station Spring Dinner – King Ferry Winery
Common Time Spring Concert – Clemens Center
Spring Debut of the Vineyard Restaurant – Knapp Winery & Restaurant
Americana Vineyards Concert Series – Americana Vineyards

Want to see all 26 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 Christina and Teresa mentioned.

Tasting Chardonnay with the Hunts from Hunt Country Vineyards

Finger Lakes Wine Country is special because of its wines and winemaking families. Enjoy this video of us tasting some 2009 Finger Lakes Chardonnay right out of a barrel! You too can enjoy these kinds of experiences, just call your favorite winery and ask for a private tour and tasting experience (separate fee usually applies and varies by winery.)



More information on the wines of Hunt Country Vineyards.

Our Summer Print Ad Campaign in AAA

If you are a AAA member in the Northeast look for one our print ads in upcoming issues of AAA publications beginning in May.  What is your summer vacation going to look like? Here is a preview:

Wine Country Insider March 19-21

It is a glorious sun-shining weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country and there are many fun events planned this weekend. 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 here to listen or listen in the player below.


Here are the links from this morning’s “Wine Country Insider”:
Polar Passport – Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Vino Visa Coupon Book – Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Tiffany Treasures: Favrile Glass from Special Collections – Corning Museum of Glass (CMOG)
Families Explore: France - CMOG
Elmira Jackals Hockey
Maple Weekend at the Arnot Forest
Human / Nature: Artists as Explorers in the Early American West - Rockwell Museum of Western Art
Women Artists in the Rockwell Museum of Western Art Collection – Rockwell Museum of Western Art

Want to see all 26 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 Christina, Morgen, and Teresa mentioned.

Travel Tuesday Deals and Packages

Hot off the press... Today's Travel Tuesday Deals and Packages email. Get it now!

A Sneak Peek...

of our new ad appearing in the AAA Wine Country section...

Wine Country Insider March 12-14

It is the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day and Finger Lakes Wine Country has many fun and exciting events planned. Listen to our 15 minute “Wine Country Insider” podcast with Christina and Teresa, giving you some insider news on what is happening in Wine Country this celebratory 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: Tiffany Treasures and 2300°
Seneca Lake Wine Trail: Polar Passport
Cayuga Wine Trail: Vino Visa Coupon Book
Rockwell Museum of Western Art
Arnot Art Museum
Elmira Jackals Hockey
Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery: Luck of the Irish Mead Celebration
Cobblestone Farm Winery & Vineyard: St Patrick’s Irish Weekend
Knapp Winery & Restaurant: St Patty's Day Celebration at the Vineyard Restaurant

Want to see all 23 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 Christina and Teresa mentioned.

The New Finger Lakes Wine Country Free iPhone Travel App is Released!

Wine Country Insider for the Weekend of March 5-7, 2010

This weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country is full of over 20 fun and exciting things to do from museum events, winery tasting, hockey games, and music performances.  Enjoy listening to our 15 minute podcast featuring Christina and Morgen.



Click on this link if the podcast player above doesn't appear above.

Here are the links from this morning’s show:

First Friday’s at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art
Ladies Night Out at Glenora Wine Cellars
Hunt Country Vineyards
Jackals Hockey
McGregor Vineyard Black Russian Bash
Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes
The Corning Museum of Glass / 2300 Degrees

Polar Passport (Seneca Lake Wine Trail)
Vino Visa Coupon Book (Cayuga Lake Wine Trail)

Winter Wine Weekends (Stay two nights, get the third night free.)

Meet the artist and experience world-class art before it travels to the Louvre!

There’s a lot of exciting events happening at the Arnot Art Museum, in downtown Elmira, N.Y. Focusing on literacy through the arts, the museum is currently exhibiting the works of artist Tedd Arnold. On Saturday, March 13, the artist will make a special guest appearance to discuss his new book and do a book signing. We’re also told a keynote presentation will be delivered that day – a must attend event!

As we know, the Arnot Art Museum is home to many fine gallery pieces. The Louvre has also taken notice. In 2011, The Marabou, a painting by artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, will travel to Paris, France for exhibition. The painting is a part of the 1890s picture gallery at the Arnot Art Museum, a bequeathed collection from Matthias H. Arnot.

For more details on these happenings, please contact the museum directly at 607.734.3697. The Arnot Art Museum is a world-class institution of fine art located at 235 Lake Street in Elmira, New York USA. and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10a.m. - 5p.m.

Travel Tuesday Deals and Packages

With our success of Travel Tuesdays featuring a weekly podcast and Facebook giveaways, we have decided to add another weekly feature, "Travel Tuesday Deals and Packages."  Every Tuesday we will post the latest accommodation deals and packages available in Wine Country on this blog (subscribe to the blog now) AND on our new weekly "FLWC Travel Deals and Packages" email alert distributed every Tuesday by 5PM starting on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.  (Subscribe to our e-newsletter now and select "Getaway Packages and Deals" in the preferences.)

Here are the latest Travel Tuesday Deals and Packages:

Winter Wine Weekends / At one of the 27 participating accommodations

May is Riesling Month / 2 new packages posted this this week 

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel  / Buy One ~ Get One Deal

Buy one night and receive the second night FREE now through March, 25, 2010 on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday arrival. 10 days advance purchase required. Full pre-payment at the time of booking; not valid with any other offers. Free night rate based on lowest confirmed nightly rate during stay; subject to availability.

Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars / Ladies Night Out  (Friday, March 5, 2010)

Special room rates on Friday, March 5 for this event starting at $159 for two in a Vintner’s Deluxe Guestroom. Check in at 3pm and checkout at 11am on Saturday. Vendors available from 5-10pm, DJ from 8pm-12am, Late Night Munchies, and Breakfast Buffet from 8-11am.  $45.00 plus tax and gratuity for the events listed above.

Click here for more information or call our front desk for reservations at 800.243.5513

Holiday Inn Elmira / Mark Twain 2010 Package

One night accommodations, coupon for $30.00 towards dinner at Anthony’s Restaurant, complimentary breakfast, 2 adult tickets to the Chemung Valley Historic Museum, 2 adult tickets to the National Soaring Museum, and 2 adult tickets to the Arnot Art Museum.

Rates for the March Twain Package start at $189.95 per night plus tax.

Best Western Vineyard Inn and Suites / Finger Lakes Wine and Dine Package 

One night accommodations (Standard Double Queen or Deluxe King room), wine gift basket in guest room on arrival, and a dinner coupon valued at $50.00 for an area restaurant.

Rates for the Finger Lakes Wine and Dine Getaway Package start at $179.00 plus tax.