McGregory Vineyard Celebrates “Blues and Blueberries”

It's blueberry harvest in Finger Lakes Wine Country!  Visit McGregor Vineyard Winery on August 13 & 14, 2011 for their annual “Blues and Blueberries” weekend celebration from 10am-6pm each day. During this event guests are treated to samples of blueberry themed foods and wine samples of their choice along with some great blues music. On Saturday, Rochester based bluesmen Buford and Smokin’ Dave are performing from 1-4 pm and Keuka Lake’s own Bruce Holler will perform from 5-8 pm. On Sunday guests will be treated to local bluesman Steve Peao performing from 1-4 pm.

Stacey McGregor is preparing some scrumptious gourmet delights for this special event. Guests will be treated to Blueberry Pulled Pork Sandwich, Blueberry Coleslaw, Muranda Cheese Company’s “Crazy Charlie” Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar, and a Mixed Berry Crumble with Fresh Whipped Cream. Fresh and organic blueberries will also be served and sold from the McGregor’s Serendipity Blueberry Farm U-Pick patch located just 15 minutes from the winery.

The cost of this event is $10 per person which includes the food and wine samples and a McGregor wine glass. Reservations are appreciated.

This event is also a great time to sample some recently released McGregor wines that are perfect for this hot summer weather including their 2009 Muscat Ottonel, 2010 Rkatsiteli-Sereksiya blend and 2010 Rosé d’Cabernet Franc. The winery is also open until 8 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings through the end of August and offers wine by the glass and local artisanal cheese boards during the summer months.

McGregor’s vineyards were established 40 years ago and the winery opened to the public over 30 years ago. Since its inception, McGregor Vineyard has followed the European philosophy of winemaking. Each year's production is a reflection of the "voice of the grapes,” the skill of the vineyard manager and the art of the winemaker. The McGregors offer a unique wine tasting experience where you enjoy your wine samples while sitting in a rustic and relaxing atmosphere.

The folks at McGregor Winery try to make your tasting experience relaxed, enjoyable and memorable. The winery is located on the east side of Keuka Lake overlooking Bluff Point and is home to one of the most beautiful views of the lake imaginable. Call 800-272-0192 for more information and visit the winery on the web at http://www.mcgregorwinery.com/.

Wine Country Insider - July 29, 2011

Hard to believe it's already the last weekend in July, this summer is flying by. So sit back, relax and begin planning your summer escape now. It's easy to build your Finger Lakes Wine Country vacation using our comprehensive web site. Use the Trip Builder to choose your accommodations, things to do, wineries to visit, and where you're going to eat and the Trip Builder will actually map it out for you. It's as easy and build-map-print!

Are you visiting this weekend? Thinking about it? Well here are some exciting things happening this weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country.  Listen to the 15-minute podcast below to hear all about our ideas for the weekend ahead.  Have fun!

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Greyhound Wine Tour at Atwater Vineyards

Vine Dining at Atwater Vineyards

Friday Nights on the Brewdeck at Wagner Vineyards

40th Anniversary Party at McGregor Vineyards

National Soaring Museum

Wings of Eagles Discovery Center

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum

Visit the full events calendar now.

Rooster Hill Partners Vineyards Partners With Opus Cafe Offering Lunch on the Terrace

Rooster Hill Vineyards, maker of fine Finger Lakes wines and home to spectacular Keuka Lake views, and Opus Espresso & Wine Bar, local purveyor of specialty gourmet foods, are teaming up to enhance the Rooster Hill experience.

Opus, a wine and coffee emporium on Exchange Street in Geneva, will be preparing a special menu for Rooster Hill ­ on Friday through Sunday each week, to start ­and then bringing the fare to the winery. The menu of specialty sandwiches and salads will be prepared fresh each morning in Geneva and served outside on the winery's creekstone terrace.

Opus Café staff will serve the gourmet meals on the terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the warm-weather season.

Amy Hoffman, president and co-founder of Rooster Hill Vineyards, is excited about the new wine-and-food pairing. Hoffman had been seeking a business to serve food at the winery. She said Opus is the perfect partner for the venture because it offers exemplary quality and service as well as unique products.

"I'm really impressed with what they¹ve done in Geneva," Hoffman said of Opus co-founders Heather Tompkins and Chelsey Madia (pictured left). "And I am excited that our customers will be able to taste their culinary creations here at Rooster Hill."

Open in Geneva since September 2010, Opus has expanded from the two founders to a total of 18 employees and is a busy spot for students of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, downtown workers and others.  We're busting at the seams here, Tompkins said. "We have a very good mix of people as customers."

Previously, Opus entered into a partnership with Fox Run Vineyards, south of Geneva on the west side of Seneca Lake, and has been serving specialty lunches there for several months.  Tompkins said that Opus will see how the first season of the Rooster Hill venture goes and may expand it in the future.

Rooster Hill Vineyards is at 489 Route 54, near Penn Yan, about a half-hour from Geneva. The tasting room's hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more details about the winery visit http://www.roosterhill.com/.

Sesame Street comes to Keuka Lake

Sunny day, sweeping the clouds away. On my way to where the air is sweet. Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?

It is that time of year again, time for the Keuka Lake Players' summer production, and this year they are bringing something really special. Mark your calendar for this unprecedented original production created just for this wonderful cast! Come hear all of your favorite Sesame Street songs brought together in a script that will delight audience members both young and young-at-heart. Be there for one (or more) of four productions celebrating the magic and wonder of Jim Henson which has endured for decades, and will continue to enchant new audiences for generations to come!


Four Performances at the Hammondsport Central School:
60 Lake Street

Hammondsport, NY 14840

Friday July 29th at 7:00pm
Saturday July 30 at 10:00am and 7:00pm
Sunday July 31 at 2:00pm

Tickets are $10 for Adults
1 free child's ticket (ages 3-10) with paid adult ticket
Additional Child's tickets are $5

Cayuga Wine Trail's Grow & Show Contest Events

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is hosting the Grow & Show Contests for anyone who has a green thumb and a culinary flare. At theWine & Herb event in the spring, herbs and a few veggie plants were handed out as part of our event giveaways. The contests are designed to encourage people to stop back and visit the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail at another time. This year there are 5 contests, here’s two, “Best Herb Bread” at Montezuma Winery and “Best Salsa” at Knapp Winery.

The first contest is at Swedish Hill Vineyard on August 6, 12 p.m. to 5:00pm for their Jack Ass Day event with Doobie their Donkey for a rip-roaring good time. The contest is to see which hot pepper you’ve grown this year that comes closest in length to Doobie’s ear. Enjoy LIVE Country/Rock music by City Limits, sure to get you up on the dance floor.

Thurston’s Barbeque will fire up the grill, offering pulled pork, chicken spiedies, sausage, pepper & onions along with a variety of sides. Cayuga Lake Creamery will tempt you with their delicious ice cream, including a special flavor created in honor of Doobie! Admission is free so come and get in on the fun and chill with a glass of Doobie Blues or Jack Ass Red, the two wines named after their sweet Doobie.

Other Grow and Show Contests held throughout the fall include “Best German Potato Salad” at Lucas Vineyards during their German Festival on September 18. Another is “Best Tasting Chili” at Goose Watch Winery at their Chestnut Festival on October 22. For more details check our website www.cayugawinetrail.com under events.

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art: An Unexpected Emersion into the American West

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art offers the best of American West and Native American art and culture east of the Mississippi. Located in downtown Corning, the Rockwell Museum of Western Art is the perfect escape from the summer heat and a great escape into the best of Southwestern art.

Listen to the 15-minute podcast all about this treasure of a museum in Finger Lakes Wine Country. 

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Wine Country Insider for July 22, 2011

Well there's no denying the national heatwave has descended upon Finger Lakes Wine Country. But have no fear! We have plenty of ways to beat the heat.

The Corning Museum of Glass offers hours of fun for the entire family. Enjoy Hot Glass Shows and even a Make Your Own Glass session.  Ticket prices are affordable and don't forget kids and teens 19 years of age and under receive FREE admission all the time! While in Corning, don't miss the Rockwell Museum of Western Art.

Other than escaping to AC, another great way is to head to water - and what better place than the Finger Lakes! Not only do we have clean, crisp lakes to dip into, but we also have a variety of rivers and streams to enjoy.  Whether it's swimming, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, or sailing, there are such wide range of ways to cool off. 

Listen to the 15-minute podcast now to hear more ways to beat the heat and enjoy this beautiful weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

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Damiani Wine Cellars featured on French Oak TV

This spring Finger Lakes Wine Country welcomed Ray and Summer of French Oak TV to experience the region and our fine wines. French oak TV is a show on Brookline (MA) Access Television (BATV) that features wine, beer and spirits discussed with local experts as well as visits to breweries, vineyards, specialty stores and restaurants in the Boston/Brookline area. 

Their first segment from their trip features Damiani Wine Cellars on the east side of Seneca Lake.


Damiani Wine Cellars - Rooted in the Art of Viticulture from French Oak TV on Vimeo.


Look for new segments featuring Red Newt, Fulkersons, Ravines, and Fox Run in the coming days!

Chateau Frank 2006 Blanc de Blancs Scores “90 Point” Rating in Wine and Spirits Magazine

Chateau Frank, the sister winery of Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, scored a “90 Point” rating in the August issue of Wine and Spirits Magazine for its 2006 Blanc de Blancs.

Among the twenty five Finger Lakes wines that scored exceptional ratings in the same magazine issue, Chateau Frank 2006 Blanc de Blancs was the sole sparkling wine to score such a high rating. This sparkling wine was made in the traditional Blanc de Blancs style and shows crisp acidity accompanied by rich pear, honeysuckle, lemon and ginger aromas with a soft vanilla finish.

Chateau Frank 2006 Blanc de Blancs also scored a “91 Point” rating from the Beverage Testing Institute this month. In addition to these high ratings, the 2006 Blanc de Blancs won gold medals at the Taster’s Guild International and Los Angeles International wine competitions.

Chateau Frank is the sister winery to Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars and was started by Dr. Frank’s son, Willy. While Dr. Konstantin Frank pioneered growing the noble European grape varieties in New York, Willy Frank spearheaded New York’s sparkling wine revolution using traditional methods and classic grapes. Chateau Frank’s award-winning sparkling wines have been served at the White House, New York’s Governor’s Mansion and more.

Congratulations to Chateau Frank!

Riedel Experience Recap - Finger Lakes Wine Festival 2011

Finger Lakes Wine Festival goers looking for a hands-on, intimate educational experience flock to the Riedel Experience. The Riedel Experience is a VIP ticket to the Finger Lakes Wine Festival that offers educational seminars, intimate tasting experiences with Finger Lakes winemakers, and some great take-homes like a complete Riedel wine glass set. 

This was the second year the Riedel Experience was offered at the festival. Here is a look at some of the excitement from Saturday's happenings.

The Riedel Experience takes place in the Great Room of the Media Center at Watkins Glen International (where the Finger Lakes Wine Festival takes place annually). This year there was 120 ticket holders.

Each participant receives the tasting set of Ridel wine glasses. These glasses are varietal specific. The set included an oaked Chardonnay glass, a Riesling glass, a Pinot Noir glass, and a Cabernet glass.

The first tasting session was led by a Riedel representative. This sensory experience demonstrated that the shape of the glass does matter when drinking wine.

The second tasting session was led by Anna Lee Iijima of Wine Enthusiast magazine. This tasting focused on some of Anna Lee's Finger Lakes favorites and featured commentary by the winery owners and winemakers. On stage with Anna Lee is Oskar Bynke of Wiemer Vineyard, Fred Frank of Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, Kim Engle of Bloomer Creek Vineyard, Steve Shaw of Shaw Vineyard, and Morten Hallgren of Ravines Wine Cellars.

The participants of the sessions were completely engaged and enjoyed hearing first hand from these Finger Lakes winery owners.

The last tasting session of the day was lead by Evan Dawon, author of Summer in a Glass. Evan focused his tastings on Finger Lakes Rieslings.

Evan was kind enough to sign copies of his book after his presentation. Each participant received a signed copy of the book. 

This Weekend: July 15-17

Tune in to the Wine Country Insider and learn about what's happening this weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country from Christina and Teresa. Hear all about the exciting activities surrounding the area's premier event... the Finger Lakes Wine Festival. Also, learn about other exciting things to do, like summer music series, great places to go for a hike, and more!

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

Red Newt Riesling Champions in Blind Tasting on the Daily Grape with Gary Vaynerchuk

For those of you who don't watch the Daily Grape with Gary Vaynerchuk and have the slightest interested in wine, here is your tip of the day - do it! Gary's hard hitting commentary and entertaining idiosyncrasies will hook you in even if you’re new to the wine world.

Friday’s (July 8, 2011) Daily Grape episode featured a blind tasting of Rieslings under $25 from around the world. Gary V. begins the video explaining “people realize that Riesling is maybe one of the most interesting varietals in the world, period.” We couldn’t agree more! Take a few minutes to watch the video and hear more great Riesling observations.

This demonstrates fully that Finger Lakes wine is not only high quality but an incredible value. Visit RedNewt.com to purchase your own bottle of Circle Riesling. Cheers to the team at Red Newt Cellars!

Wine Country Insider, July 8 - 17, 2011

Looking forward to an exciting few week in Finger Lakes Wine Country! Of course this weekend is the 4th annual Elmira Street Painting Festival. Enjoy lots of beautiful artwork, craft and food vendors, live music and much more! Learn more about this exciting festival from our blog post this week about the event.

Next weekend is the Finger Lakes Wine Festival, one of the most exciting event weekends in the region. Over 90 wineries from primarily the Finger Lakes but also from across New York State bring their wine for you to enjoy throughout the weekend. Also enjoy live music, cooking demos, food and craft vendors, pace car rides around the famed road course, and much more! Tickets are still available and only $40 for a two day taster pass.

Hear more about what's to come this weekend and next on our 15-minute Wine Country Insider podcast.

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

Have a great weekend!

Elmira Street Painting Festival, July 9 & 10

Watch the streets of downtown Elmira come alive with art on Saturday, July 9th & Sunday, July 10th. Visit downtown Elmira when more than 50 artists and over 25 young artists make asphalt their canvas for the 4th annual Elmira Street Painting Festival.

Join artists and community members as we celebrate art and downtown Elmira. The artists work on their pieces for many hours over the two-day festival.  Each artist style differs from original artwork to masterpiece reproductions. This outdoor gallery of art finds its roots in 16th century Italy when itinerant artists used street painting with chalk to make a living. Observers would throw coins if they approved of the artists’ work.

The Street Painting Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, a street festival will feature arts & crafts, food from local area merchants, kids activities from Bobby K, LOWES, the Giggily Girls Face-Painting, and live music, on both – the Water Street Stage and the Wisner Park Stage, which will feature local favorite, The Town Pants at 7 PM.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 4p.m. Sunday

Where: West Water Street and North Main Street & Wisner Park (streets will be closed from 5:00a.m. on July 9th to 7:00p.m. on July 10th)

The Town Pants with opening band, Hard Hit (featuring members from Tongue & Groove & AKA) will be on the Wisner Park stage, gate opens @ 4:00p.m. Food & Drink available from Roundin 3rd and Horigans

Admission to the entire weekends festivities is FREE! For more information visit http://www.elmirastreetpaintingfestival.org/. 

Take a seat and learn about Elmira’s rich history!

“Trolley into to Mark Twain Country” begins today! We hopped aboard and discovered many fascinating pieces of history about Elmira. The one-hour narrated tour took us to several Mark Twain, Civil War, Underground Railroad, and sports historical sites, along with passing by many architectural gems.

The last trolley service was in 1912. “The Elmiran,” is an authentic reproduction of one of the earlier trolleys that rode the rails in the Queen City.

The one-hour tour is narrated by Mark Delgrosso… quite literally a walking, talking Encyclopedia on Elmira’s history.

There are many places in Elmira registered as part of the Underground Railroad, including the First Baptist Church.

A student representative explains that in 1952, the Mark Twain Octagonal Study was moved from Quarry Farm, located on the east hill of Elmira, to its current location on the Elmira College campus. The study was a gift to Twain from his sister-in-law, Suzie Crane. For Twain, the study was strictly a place to work… even his daughters were not to disturb him or had to make an appointment to visit while he was writing.

  

Outside of the study is a horse-watering trough that includes the name of Twain’s daughter, Clara L Clemens, and her birth year, 1874. Other troughs bearing the names of Twain’s other daughters, are still located on Quarry Farm.

The wrought-iron fence bordering the study, originally surrounded the Langdon mansion. The mansion once stood south of the Elmira College campus on Main Street. The Langdon Shopping Center now stands were the house once stood.

In 1844, John Jones escaped from slavery and started a small farm in Elmira. He went on to help 800 others find their way to freedom. During the Civil War, Jones buried around 3,000 Confederate soldiers who died at Elmira’s prison camp. Their gravestones in Woodlawn Cemetery were made possible by the Daughter’s of the Confederacy. The gravestones of Union soldiers surround the Confederate graves.

Today, there are over 80,000 graves in Woodlawn Cemetery, including Mark Twain and his family, John Jones, Hal Roach, Ernie Davis, several governors, senators, and congress people.

One of the Civil War’s worst Prisoner of War camps was located in Elmira… or Hellmira as some called it. From 1864-65, nearly 12,000 Confederate soldiers were held captive here, and around 3,000 died of malaria, small pox, and malnutrition. Today, an Elmira Water Board facility sits on the site of the prison camp. One of the flag poles in front of the building is original to the camp.

The Chemung Valley History Museum building was erected in 1834, and originally served as a bank; one that Mark Twain used to visit.

Several grand Victorian homes line Maple Avenue, including the Brand family home and The Christmas House gift shop. Many of these beautiful painted ladies were built during the 1870s to early 1900s.

The Brand Park pool was one of nearly 90 that share its unique design… only a handful still exists. The design was inspired by an upside-down gentleman’s hat and fully utilized the footprint of its land space.

The first New York State Fair was held near the site of Dunn Field. The baseball field has a rich sports history of its own. In 1902, it’s believed the first pro football night game was held here between a Philadelphia team and the Elmira Algonquians. Plus during the 1930s, Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth played at Dunn Field during Barn Storming exhibitions. Teams that have played here have been affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals, Brooklyn Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox to name a few. Today's team, the Elmira Pioneers, is a member of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

There were several more fascinating bits of historical trivia that were shared on today’s Trolley tour. You’ll have to plan your own trip to experience these.

Sign-ups for the trolley tour and ticket sales are at the Elmira Holiday Inn reservation desk, (607) 734-4211. Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for children ages 12 and younger when accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information about the trolley, visit http://www.marktwaincountry.com/ or call the Chamber at (607) 734-5137.