Toast Tuesdays at Rooster Hill Vineyards begin July 13

Rooster Hill Vineyards on the Keuka Lake will take the Finger Lakes wine experience a step further this summer – right into the winery’s vineyards.  On “Toast Tuesdays” – the second and fourth Tuesdays of July and August – guests are invited to stop by Rooster Hill and take a stroll through the vineyards, where they will learn about canopy management, trellis systems, crop size, leaf pulling and more.

“The visits are a way to make the wine experience more up close and personal,” said Rooster Hill co-owner Amy Hoffman. “Toast Tuesdays will help people take their enjoyment of our wines to a whole new level.” After the vineyard stroll, guests will enjoy a private tasting on the winery’s creekstone terrace, which features beautiful views of Keuka Lake. They’ll get a crash course on tasting and evaluating wine and learn what the five S’s (see, sniff, swirl, swallow, and spit) are all about.

“You will quickly learn how to navigate ‘winespeak’ and be ready to act as a wine connoisseur at your next dinner party,” Hoffman said.  Along with the latest vintages of Rooster Hill’s delicious wines, guests may sample local gourmet cheeses from Yancey Fancy and local gourmet mustards from Nunda Mustards.

The vineyard strolls will be held on July 13, July 27, August 10, and August 24. They will begin at noon, and the cost is $15. Guests are asked to give the winery 24 hours’ advance notice by calling (315) 536-4773.

This experience is also part of the Experience Passport with our current Summer, Stay & See promotion. 

Trolley Tours through Mark Twain Country start July 1

The Trolley into Mark Twain Country Tours begin on Thursday, July 1st, departing on the hour from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. from the lobby of Holiday Inn in downtown Elmira. Tom Sawyer & Becky Thatcher will greet the trolley at the Mark Twain Study from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on opening day. The first 100 riders will receive a free Twain 2010 commemorative poster.

Did you know?
That the Mark Twain Study is the most famous literary landmark in America? Twain penned such classics as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper, Life on the Mississippi, A Tramp Abroad and Connecticut Yankee while summering in Elmira for more than 20 years.

Did you know?
That The New York State fair had its beginnings here in Elmira? Back in the 1860s, 1870s, and 1880s, you would have seen two massive gates, made of cast iron and bronze, located at the end of the median on Luce Parkway that marked the entrance to the New York Interstate Fairgrounds.

Did you know?
That Brand Park Pool, designed as an upturned straw brimmed hat, is one of only 6 surviving Binst pools in the nation? Brand Park Pool, an architectural wonder dating back to 1936, was created by Binst Pool Corp., in which the salesman sold the pool by upturning his own straw brimmed hat and saying “Gentlemen, there’s your new municipal swimming pool.”

Did you know?
That back in the 1800s, Maple Avenue was best known for its trolley run? The trolley tracks ran down the middle of Maple Ave., whisking passengers from the downtown train stations to the bustling village of Wellsburg. Wellsburg, at the time, was quite the tourist attraction, boasting four resort hotels that were built over the natural mineral springs.

Did you know?
That next to each Confederate soldier that died in Elmira’s prison of war camp during the Civil War, an earthen crock was buried next to their tombstones?  Each of these crocks included their personal effects as well as a detailed handwritten account of each soldier such as their name, the unit he served with, his home address, cause of death, and any last personal requests. Former slave and sexton John W. Jones buried the fallen soldiers.

You can learn about these and many other fascinating trivia about Elmira, as you take a guided one-hour tour aboard “The Elmiran”, an authentic reproduction of one of the earlier trolleys that rode the rails here. The tours depart on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from the lobby of Holiday Inn at 760 East Water Street on Tuesdays through Saturdays, during July & August starting Thursday, July 1st, and from 10:00 to 2:00 on Saturdays during September. This is a joint project between the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce and Chemung County Transit System.

Sign ups for the trolley tour and ticket sales are at the Holiday Inn reservation desk, 607-734-4211. Adults are $4 and children 12 & under are $2 when accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information about the trolley, visit http://www.marktwaincountry.com/ or 607-734-5137.

Wine Country Insider - June 29-July 5, 2010

It's Fourth of July weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country and what better way to spend Independence Day than at Watkins Glen International for IndyCar weekend! Racing, live music, food, wine, camping, fireworks, tons of family fun: what's not to love? Of course there's tons of exciting things to do beyond the activities at The Glen, like visiting the Wine Trails, exploring museums, or just enjoying the beautiful outdoors. So get your sleeping bags ready, figure out where you want to watch the fireworks, and don't forget the s'mores supplies - it's an All-American weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

Listen to our 15-minute podcast all about the exciting weekend ahead of us!

Listen to internet radio with FLX Wine Country on Blog Talk Radio

Click below on any of the following for more information:

IndyCar Weekend at Watkins Glen International

Medieval Glass Exhibit at The Corning Museum of Glass - Hot Glass Shows and Make Your Own Glass Experience

Family First Fridays at The Rockwell Museum of Western Art - 21st Century Regionalist Exhibit

Family Days on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Re-opening at The Christmas House in Elmira

Many more exciting events can be found at http://events.fingerlakeswinecountry.com

Stay tuned next week for even more summer-fun! Mark your calendars, next weekend, July 10 & 11 is the Elmira Street Painting Festival and the following weekend, July 16-18 is the Finger Lakes Wine Festival!

Magazine cover and amazing reviews for Finger Lakes wines!

The wines of the Finger Lakes continue to receive recognition from the world’s top wine and travel publications and this summer is no exception. In the August issue of Wine & Spirits magazine several Finger Lakes wines achieved some outstanding scores and even a mention on the cover! Imagine this summer enjoying the Hermann J. Wiemer 2008 Finger Lakes Reserve Dry Riesling that wine reviewer, Patrick J. Comiskey describes as “a selection blended from Wiemer’s three estate vineyards, this Riesling’s savory aroma of lees and ripe pear is touched by fusel. The ample flavors have an enveloping weight, but the wine remains brisk and mouthwatering, with a hint of peach-skin flavor on the finish. A sophisticated wine for white-fish.”

Here is a summary of the scores. You will need to buy a copy of the issue for the complete tasting notes. While many of these wines are still available for sale from the wineries, we suggest that you get up to Finger Lakes Wine Country soon. Nothing like a buying trip to the wineries in search of these wines and to chat with the winemakers:

Hermann J. Wiemer
2008 Finger Lakes Bunch Select Late Harvest Riesling, $85
94

Hermann J. Wiemer
2008 Finger Lakes Dry Magdalena Vineyard Riesling, $30
93

Hermann J. Wiemer
2008 Finger Lakes Reserve Dry Riesling, $25
93

Fox Run
2008 Finger Lakes Riesling, $14
92

Hermann J. Wiemer
2008 Finger Lakes Dry HJW Vineyard Riesling, $30
92

Hermann J. Wiemer
2008 Semi-Dry Riesling, $18
92

Heron Hill
2008 New York Semi-Sweet Riesling, $13
92

Heron Hill
2007 Finger Lakes Ingle Vineyard Riesling, $15
91

Dr. Konstantin Frank
2008 Finger Lakes Semi-Dry Riesling, $15
91

Hazlitt 1852
2008 Finger Lakes Pinot Gris, $14
91

And additional wines from Dr. Frank, Hermann J. Wiemer, Lamoreaux Landing, Sheldrake Point, Anthony Road, Thirsty Owl, Treleaven, Keuka Spring, and Wagner Vineyards were also mentioned.

We would love to hear if you have had any of these wines. Any new favorites on this list?

Finger Lakes Riesling on the Today Show

The Finger Lakes was featured on the Today Show again this morning. This time, it was all about pairing local wine with local food in some of the stand out wine region's in America. The segment is titled "The Best Wines in America" and of course the list isn't complete without Finger Lakes Riesling. Dry Riesling from Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars represented Finger Lakes Riesling on the show. Check out the clip below. What's your favorite local food and wine pairing?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Helping you find your favorite winery. Do you know Shaw Vineyard?

We often get calls into our office by wine and travel enthusiasts asking for recommendations for which Finger Lakes wineries to visit.  That is a hard question to answer without more information.  What kind of wines do you like?  Are you new to wine or do you consider yourself a more experienced wine enthusiast?  Have you been to Finger Lakes Wine Country before?  If so, what wineries have you visited and which did you enjoy most?  After we have chatted and you have answered these questions we can finally share with you some winery recommendations.  With over 100 wineries in the Finger Lakes and 79 in Finger Lakes Wine Country, most people have time to visit 4-8 wineries on one trip.  If you haven't been to Finger Lakes Wine Country in a few years, Shaw Vineyard may just become your new favorite winery.  Here is why...

Our wine touring tip: If you are a wine enthusiast and have an affinity for red wines and a more intimate tasting experience, Shaw Vineyard should be on your short list of wineries to visit in the Finger Lakes.

A few years ago Steve Shaw, who has been a grape grower in the Finger Lakes for much of his life, decided to open a winery and tasting room.  Located on the west side of Seneca Lake, across the street from Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard (one of the most highly regarded wineries in the United States), Shaw has quietly gained a following among wine enthusiasts who are looking for a more raw and authentic tasting experience.  Steve produces a very focused wine portfolio and takes a different approach from many wineries in the region;  he makes some very good red wines and ages his wines longer than most wineries in the region.  Because Shaw Vineyard is a smaller producer and not a member of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the tasting room is generally less crowded and often times Steve or his son Steve Jr. is available for a private tasting and tour.

Want another opinion?  Read more reviews on Shaw at yelp.com.

If Shaw Vineyard sounds interesting you might also enjoy visiting:

red tail ridge Winery (Seneca Lake West)
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard (Seneca Lake West)
Bloomer Creek Vineyard (Seneca Lake East)
Damiani Wine Cellars (Seneca Lake East)
Ravines Wine Cellars (Keuka Lake East)
Rooster Hill Vineyards (Keuka Lake East)

Click here for the complete list of all 79 wineries in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Discover and taste 7 Finger Lakes rosés

You are invited to a Blind Tasting of 7 Rosé Wines produced in Finger Lakes Wine Country on Sunday, July 11 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at Sheldrake Point Vineyard on the west side of Cayuga Lake.

What makes a rosé, a rosé? This tasting adventure explores the (small) regional world of fine dry rosé in our own backyard of the Finger Lakes.  You'll taste 7 dry style rosés blind - without knowing who makes it or any other details. The seven featured rosés, by seven different Finger Lakes producers, were all created from a variety of regional grapes and in a variety of different ways. You'll see that pink is not necessarily sweet or simple and you’ll taste how varied flavors can be.  With the help of the winery's winemaker, David Breeden, you'll get to know what great rosés are produced in the FLX (Finger Lakes) - he ought to know, he handpicked the featured wines himself!  You'll also discover that it is one of the most versatile wines at the table or on the picnic blanket. Picnic type small foods will be served to showcase Rosé’s versatility.

$20 per person includes wines and small food pairings.  Seating is limited to 20 and reservations required.  Call, email or inquire with Antoinette: 607-532-9401, ext. 106 or events@sheldrakepoint.com.

Fireworks, Free Concert, and Danica Patrick Add Up to the Perfect 4th of July Weekend!

The IZOD IndyCar Series, Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, promises big fun for the whole family. The weekend-long event will feature autograph sessions, fireworks, free concerts, camping, wine tastings, and of course racing! The Finger Lakes Wine Country team will be found all weekend in the Turn 10 Village at the Finger Lakes Wine Experience tent. Enjoy a taste of the Finger Lakes while roaming the infield enjoying delicious food, checking out cool merchandise, and tons of other entertainment. The Camping World Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, July 4 at 3pm. Tickets are still available and at very wallet-friendly prices! Tickets start at just $45 for the weekend for adults, and kids 15 and under are FREE! Listen to more about the event in the 15-minute podcast with Ryan from Watkins Glen International.

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GET TICKETS NOW!

Wine Country Insider - June 21-27, 2010

It's officially Summer in Finger Lakes Wine Country! How are you spending this first week of summer? Here are all the exciting events and happening for you to look forward to!

Listen to our 15 minute podcast all about these great events and what to expect this week in the Finger Lakes.

Listen to internet radio with FLX Wine Country on Blog Talk Radio

The Corning Museum of Glass

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art

Barbeque at the Wineries on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Greyhound and Friends Wine Tour on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Tierce Release Party at Fox Run Vineyards

Feast & Fest at Glenora Wine Cellars

Walk Behind the Falls at Watkins Glen State Park

Set the Night to Music

Cherry Festival at Cobblestone Vineyards

Chicken Barbeque at Knapp Winery

For more great events happening throughout Finger Lakes Wine Country, visit http://events.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/ and to build your own personalized itinerary, click here.

Have a great week!

A great deal on one-of-a-kind experiences!

This summer awaken your senses with Finger Lakes Wine Country experiences that you can only get with the Summer Stay & See Experience Passport. Visit SummerStayAndSee.com to learn more about the passport.

Here's a sampling of what the passport offers:

Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars - Receive a free logo glass with any two bottle wine purchase. Excludes other discounts and programs. Only available in store.

Finger Lakes Distilling - Receive a private tasting and tour of our facility with the master distiller Thomas Earl or distillery president Brian McKenzie. Valid Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Cost is $10 per person.

Fox Run Vineyards - Stop in for a Wine Wednesday Educational Tour! Each Wednesday at 5 p.m. during the summer, follow the knowledgeable staff from the tasting room through the vineyards, and up to the winemaking facility for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards - Receive a midweek VIP tour! Each Wednesday (June 2-September 1) from 1-5 p.m., visitors to the Hazlitt Tasting Room can be upgraded to a complimentary facility tour and comprehensive wine tasting. Advanced reservations only. Call 607-546-WINE at least one week prior to visit.

Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard - On Tuesdays (June-September), receive a reserve tasting experience with the winemaker or winery owner.

Heron Hill Winery - Come to Heron Hill Winery on Keuka Lake, Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. -1 p.m., for an exclusive Dessert Wine Tasting in the View Tower! Sample four premier Dessert Wines in Heron Hill's Tower -- some of the area's most impressive views of the vineyards and Keuka Lake can be seen from this tower. Reservations necessary, weather permitting.

Hunt Country Vineyards - Relax on our deck overlooking the beautiful Keuka Lake Valley and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting, including our celebrated Ice Wine and other rare varietals. Then stretch your legs with a private winery tour. Here we'll explain the major steps we take to produce fine wines, showing you up-close the equipment and facilities used. Please call 800-946-3289 to reserve.

Keuka Spring Vineyards - Receive a free wineglass with a $25+ wine purchase.

Kings Garden Vineyards - Late Afternoon on the Deck tasting is available on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. and includes featured local food items from Finger Lakes food artisans paired with Kings Garden Vineyards wine on the outdoor deck overlooking the majestic backdrop of Seneca Lake (weather permitting). Includes a Late Afternoon on the Deck private wine tasting with the owners/winemakers at Kings Garden Vineyards located on the northeast side of Seneca Lake. Wine and food selected by Kings Garden Vineyards owner Corinne Oleksyn.

Lakewood Vineyards - Offering a private facility tour and a special "select tasting" in our barrel room. Offer valid on Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. Appointments necessary.

Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars - Receive a complimentary wine tasting, to include much sought after wines like Reserve, Ice, and Sparkling varietals -- a $9 value.

For more details, visit SummerStayAndSee.com.

Celebrate the dog days of summer with the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

If you like to spoil your furry babies with healthy treats and socialize them with other pups, here’s a Wine Trail event that will perk your interest. The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail will host their fifth Wine Tour Greyhound and Friends Gathering on June 24-27. Tickets are $28 and will get you wine tastings and food pairings from 16 winery members, a commemorative wine glass, and cute little paw print or greyhound wine charms. And for the pups, they will receive doggie treats and ice cream socials hosted in their honor. Another great thing about this event, a portion of the proceeds are donated to Greyhound Adoption Agencies. Throughout the weekend there will be live concerts, barbeques, vendors, and prize drawings. For more information on this fun-filled three day event, click here. Search the Finger Lakes Wine Country event database to find more upcoming events.

Check out this video from last year’s event.

Inn at Glenora Featured on the Today Show!

The Finger Lakes Wine Country team is happy to announce that the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars in the heart of the Finger Lakes was featured on the Today Show this morning!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

To learn more about the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars visit Glenora.com and to plan your perfect summer getaway visit FingerLakesWineCountry.com.

Wine Country Insider for June 16-21

With summer upon us and summer vacations in full gear, the team at Finger Lakes Wine Country is happy to announce that we'll be bringing you the Wine Country Insider in the beginning of the week so you can plan your weekend getaway in advance. Here is what is happening in Wine Country this weekend!

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Fiddler's Gathering at Watkins Glen State Park

Listen to internet radio with FLX Wine Country on Blog Talk Radio

Waterfront Festival and Cardboard Boat Regatta

Finger Lakes Chamber Music Festival at Hunt Country Vineyards

Elmira Pioneer's Baseball

Sunset Music Series at Six Mile Creek

Wisner Market, Downtown Elmira

Cruisin' Night, Penn Yan

A Taste of the Vineyard at Keuka Spring Vineyards

Wild Western Day at Buttonwood Grove

Wildflowers and Wine at Montezuma Winery

Father's Day Brunch at Knapp Winery

Father's Day BBQ Brunch at Sheldrake Point Vineyard and Simply Red Bistro

Scandinavian Festival at Swedish Hill Vineyards

Remember kids and teens are always FREE at The Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Museum of Western Art!

Find more great events at http://events.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/ and create your unique Finger Lakes Wine Country adventure - Plan Your Visit.

Stay tuned next week for more information on a dog-friendly wine tasting event, an exciting wine release party, and delicious barbeque paired with some of your favorite Finger Lakes wines.

Are you ready to sip and savor the summer away?

Click here to read this week's featured travel getaway packages and deals... like ones from Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast, Hilton Garden Inn Elmira Corning, and Black Sheep Inn. Subscribe to this e-mail.

Wine Country Insider for June 11-13

Summer is in full swing in Finger Lakes Wine Country and our event calendar is overflowing with great things to do this weekend. From kayaks and vintage racing to barbeque and wine pairing, you can't afford not to be in Finger Lakes Wine Country this weekend!

Listen to internet radio with FLX Wine Country on Blog Talk Radio

Summer Stay & See Packages

Barbeque at the Wineries on the Keuka Lake Wine Trail

Lucas Vineyards 30th Anniversary Party

Listen to internet radio with FLX Wine Country on Blog Talk Radio

Bobby Rahal's Legends of Motorsports at Watkins Glen International

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyard's Tiki Tent

Friday Nights on the Brewdeck at Wagner Vineyards

Sheldrake Point Vineyard & Simply Red Bistory's Luckystone White on the Beach Release Party

Elmira's Juneteenth Celebration 2010

River Fest and River Fest Paddle

Family Fishing Derby

Riesling to Visit Passport for the Seneca Lake Wine Trail

Vino Visa Coupon Book for the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

Keuka Lake Wine Trail Passport

Click here for many more events happening this weekend and to begin planning your trip to Finger Lakes Wine Country, New York.

Rent Kayaks & Canoes in Watkins Glen at the new Kayak Shack

Summit to Steam Adventures just announced that its new kayak shack next to the Village Marina Bar & Grill along the southern shore of Seneca Lake in downtown Watkins Glen opens on Friday, June 11th! Give Jannica and Mark a call to make tour reservations or if you have additional questions at 607-535-2701.


Daily Rentals: available for Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen at the Seneca Harbor Marina

Kayak Shack Hours:  Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday: by reservation only.

Kayak & Canoe Rental Prices:
Single Kayak: $18/hour
Double Kayak: $22/hour
Canoe: $25/hour
All Day Paddle Pass (kayaking only): $75.00/single or $90/double

Our Guided Tours: available for Seneca Lake (Seneca Paddle) and Queen Catherine Marsh.

Queen Catherine Marsh Paddle: Glide along its canals and open water and experience nature up close. Natural flora and fauna await you at every corner. Deer, Beaver, muskrat, foxes, turtles, frogs, and countless birds; make this a nature lovers paradise. Enjoy the solitude of this hidden Finger Lakes gem. Marsh tours are two hours long.

2 Person Tour: $175.00
4 Person Tour: $300.00

Seneca Lake Paddle: Here you will enjoy a paddle down the canal, where you will encounter blue herons, king fishers, deer and beaver…just to name a few. As you leave the canal and its marinas, you will enter the crystal waters of Seneca Lake. Here you will have the opportunity to paddle past the Painted Rocks, Hector Falls, and Watkins Glen Marina Park. Seneca Lake tours are four hours long.

2 Person Tour: $200.00
4 Person Tour: $325.00

Lakeside Deliveries: We will deliver kayaks to your Finger Lakes cottage rental, hotel, or bed and breakfast. Deliveries are available for Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, Cayuga Lake, Waneta Lake, and Lamoka Lake. Delivery fee applies. Minimum three days, please call for pricing.

All rentals and tours include personal flotation devices and paddles.

To explore more things to do visit our Explore More Database in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Enjoy this New Summer Cocktail Recipes

Finger Lakes Distilling, on the east side of Seneca Lake, has quickly garnered national attention among the spirits community. Today they released their June e-newsletter with some delicious sounding summer cocktail recipes. Enjoy!


Seneca Cup

• 1.5 oz Seneca Drums Gin
• 1.5 oz Pimm's Cup No. 1

Top with Ginger Ale and garnish with a lemon wedge and cucumber spear.

Thunderita

• 1.5 oz Glen Thunder Corn Whiskey
• 0.75 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
• 1.5 oz Fresh lime juice
• 0.5 Teaspoon sugar or dash of simple syrup
• Lime wedge and kosher salt for garnish

This is our take on the classic Margarita. We like to whip these up using Glen Thunder instead of Tequila. Shake top 4 ingredients in shaker. Prepare glass by running lime around rim, dipping in salt, and filling with ice. Pour shaken ingredients in glass and garnish with lime wedge. To simplify, pick up a bottle of Stirrings Margarita mix and rimmer (see new product releases on sidebar).

To explore more tasty experiences visit Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Wine Country Insider for the Weekend of June 4-6

It will be a beautiful weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country this first part of June. The sky is deep crystal blue and the lakes are glistening in the reflection from the sun.  There is so much to see and experience from racing at Watkins Glen International, a special dog walk at Hunt Country Vineyards, to beautiful Venetian glass at The Corning Museum of Glass. Here are some of the region's most important events:


Medieval Glass for Popes, Princes, and Peasants at The Corning Museum of Glass.

21st Century Regionalists: The Art of the New West Exhibition at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art

Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen International

2nd Annual Hunt Country Dog Walk

Or click here to discover all 30 special events happening this weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Summer Stay & See -- the Finger Lakes Wine Country Experience Passport

The summer travel season is finally here! Hopefully, a family road trip and a fair share of lazy summer days are in store for you. New this year, we’re introducing a first of its kind, the Summer Stay & See Experience Passport -- full of many unique offerings like private winery tours and barrel tastings. With this great promotion, travelers to Finger Lakes Wine Country are sure to experience a summer like never before and build new memories to cherish forever. To receive the Passport, simply book three consecutive mid-week nights with a participating accommodation and you'll receive your passport upon check in. For details, visit http://www.summerstayandsee.com/.

Throughout this promotion, we’ll highlight offerings in the passport. Here's a sampling of what in store for you…

Anthony Road Wine Company - Come in on Tuesdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and tour our facility with a member of our winemaking team or the winery owners. You'll also enjoy a special tasting in our garden, weather permitting. Reservations are required. Please call 800-559-2182. Valid on Tuesdays from June 1-September 7.

Cascata Winery - On Mondays and Fridays, starting at 5 p.m., stop by for a $7 wine and cheese pairing. Reservations required and are refundable if canceled by 3 p.m. the day of tasting.

Cheers!

Lucas Vineyards Celebrates 30 Years

The Lucas Family moved from downstate New York in the early 70's and planted their rooms (and grapes) in the Finger Lakes region. Thirty years later, the Lucas family has one of the most successful wineries in the Finger Lakes region and is actually the oldest winery on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Learn more about the Lucas family and Lucas Vineyards in the 15-minute podcast below.

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