Finger Lakes Wine Country Travel Blog

The Finger Lakes Wine Experience at Watkins Glen International

2008-07-01T15:40:00.006-04:00

This weekend the IndyCar series comes to Watkins Glen International in Finger Lakes Wine Country. So many exciting things are scheduled: concerts (Gavin DeGraw on Saturday night), fireworks, camping, of course racing (can't wait to see Danica on Sunday afternoon), and lots of Finger Lakes wine.

This year a special tented area called the Finger Lakes Wine Experience is featuring nine Finger Lakes wineries Saturday and Sunday from 12-4PM each day. Visitors pay $3 for addmission to this special section and will be able to sample a large selection of local wines. You will also be able to purchase wine to enjoy in this special section. One winery, Fulkerson's, is actually releasing one of its new white wines, Airship White, at the event.

Tickets to this weekend's IRL race are still available and the weather is looking great. See you at the track!

Kids and Teens (19 and under) are free at The Corning Museum of Glass

2008-07-01T14:28:00.003-04:00

Have you made your summer vacation plans yet? There is still plenty of time to escape with your family this summer to a destination that offers many affordable things to do. One of the world's most famous glass museums, The Corning Museum of Glass, (of course located in Finger Lakes Wine Country) just announced that all kids AND teens (19 and under) are free at the museum. With adult general admission at $12.50 per person, a family of five can spend three hours of quality time at a world-class museum for less money spent going to the movies. (Our family of five went to Wall-E this weekend and spent $43.50 just on movie tickets) There is even a combination ticket with the Rockwell Museum of Western Art for only $4 more per adult. So $33 for a family gets you 4 1/2hours of family memories this summer ($8 per hour)!

Here is some more family fun at The Corning Museum of Glass this summer-

Kids can explore magical far-off lands at The Corning Museum of Glass. Lisa Lou brings the “magical” world of science to Little Gather on Wednesday, July 9.

Little Gather performances, free and appropriate for children 3 and up, take place every Wednesday, through August 27. Public shows are at 11:00 a.m. and require no registration; shows for groups are held at 10:00 a.m. and require advance registration. For details or to register a group, call Kristy Bartenstein at (607) 974-3306.

Parents are encouraged to visit the Museum after each program and tour the galleries. Admission to the Museum is free for children and teens 19 and under; adults must pay admission. Those who live in the zip code areas beginning with 148, 149 or 169 pay only a $5 admission. The Museum also offers an Annual Passholder program. Adults pay admission once, then return for free any time throughout the year until December 31, 2008.

Families participating in Little Gather will receive a coupon for 5% off a family order at the Museum’s Coffee Bar and GlassMarket Café.

The schedule for the Little Gather this season is as follows:

The Magic of Chemistry with Lisa Lou
July 9
Magic tricks and circus skills help explain scientific principles. Watch as a balloon inflates by itself, plain water changes color and disappears, and liquids “magically” become solids.

Science Stories with Amy Garguilio
July 16
Did you know that glass is its own state of matter: not a solid, liquid, OR gas? Little Gather will take an entertaining walk on the science side as Amy mixes stories with experiments.

Little Gather: In Jest with Science Circus 2
July 23
Incredible juggler, scientist, and funny guy Nels Cremean is back with an all new show just for us! Watch plates, cups and pins fly through the air as you learn about gravity, math, and science. See one of our many Hot Glass Shows during the day and compare juggling and glassblowing.
Magical Music and Musings with Merry Mischief

July 30
Wizard Harry and Magical Merlyn of Renaissance duo Merry Mischief bring you stories of dragons, songs about centaurs, folklore of spells and charms— maybe even a tune about a witch or two! Bring your wands!
Little Gather: Dr. Think, Man of Imagination

August 6
Through humor, music, mime, circus skills, and audience participation, Dr. Think introduces kids to great “imaginators” throughout history, including Ben Franklin, Galileo, Sir Isaac Newton, George Washington Carver, Marie Curie, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and others.
Science Rocks with Flumpa® the famous tree frog and Wendy ‘The Singing Scientist’

August 13
Flumpa and Wendy will have everyone rotating and orbiting, traveling on a rainbow, cheering on their favorite reptile or amphibian, swimming in the vast oceans, hopping like frogs, and much more in this entertaining and educational musical science adventure.
Rumble, Melt, and Cool with Suzanne White

August 20
In “A Glass Act—For Kids!” Suzanne re-creates some amusing and amazing stories about the history, science, art and geography of glass.
Make Worlds from Words with Jay Stetzer

August 27
Jay draws on a wealth of stories and songs from around the world to craft a highly animated and participatory experience that is both entertaining and educational.

Older kids, ages 8–12, can also explore the unique relationships between glass and sea travel, looking at topics like science, history and geography in entertaining ways, through Vitreous Adventure workshops, which begin July 16. A free interactive series, Vitreous Adventures offers workshops that engage kids with craft activities, educational games, songwriting, theatre, and more. The programs run from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., July 16 – August 13. Reservations for Vitreous Adventures are required and should be made as soon as possible, as space is limited. For details, or to register, call Kristy Bartenstein at (607) 974-3306.

Get Ready for Some Excitement at Watkins Glen International This Weekend!

2008-06-30T11:26:00.004-04:00

This weekend is going to really help me celebrate the arrival of summer in Finger Lakes Wine Country. This weekend marks the first big race weekend at Watkins Glen International. The main IndyCar race is Sunday afternoon but other races and events are scheduled at the track all weekend. Join us at the Finger Lakes Wine Experience tent Saturday and Sunday (12-4PM) where nine Finger Lakes wineries will be sampling and selling wines. Gavin DeGraw (one of the my favorite singers) is performing on the Red Cat Summer Stage Saturday evening.

IndyCar at Watkins Glen International is truly a family-friendly experience. Last year I brought my husband and kids (age 3 & 6) and had a wonderful time. The crowds are friendly and not too overwhelming with lots of other families in attendance. There is even a family section (no alcohol permitted)!

Tickets are still available be clicking here. Remember, kids 12 and under are free and you might even be able to get Danica Patrick's autograph!

The Greyhounds are Coming to Finger Lakes Wine Country Along the Cayuga Wine Trail!

2008-06-27T12:22:00.004-04:00

If you love wine AND dogs then you can't miss one of the most unique and fun events this summer in Finger Lakes Wine Country. The Cayuga Wine Trail's Grapehound Wine Tour July 24 - 27 is packed with so many things to do like wine tasting, concerts, picnics, and even an ice cream social. The most important part of this fun weekend is that you are also helping save the greyhounds!

Here are the latest details -

The Cayuga Wine Trail is hosting its third annual celebration of greyhound adoption, The Grapehound Wine Tour. This unique wine tasting event promotes greyhound adoption in the region and brings together greyhounds and their owners with visitors who have never considered adopting a greyhound. Attendees will receive a commemorative greyhound wine glass and enjoy wine tasting and food pairings at each winery throughout the weekend.

Starting with the welcome at Montezuma Winery on Thursday, July 24th, this regional wine event has a chicken barbecue, concert, and greyhound vendors. On Friday start the wine event at either King Ferry Winery or Long Point Winery on the east side of Cayuga Lake. At 5:00pm that day join us at Knapp Winery for a glass of wine and a few hors d’oeuvres and an evening concert under the stars at Buttonwood Winery. On Saturday and Sunday the wine event continues at the west side wineries from Montezuma Winery in Seneca Falls at the north to Six Mile Creek Vineyard in Ithaca at the south. An ice cream social for the dogs will be held at Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery. A walk to beautiful Taughannock Falls on Sunday morning and a second doggie ice cream social is planned. The event winds up late Sunday afternoon with the final concert of the weekend at Americana Vineyards, so plan to stay through Monday. This weekend offers a little something for everyone.

Participants will be eligible to win an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn in Ithaca just by leaving their wine tasting card with us. This event is primarily for greyhounds, their siblings and humans, but we'll be glad to provide a doggie treat for pet owners who have another breed of dog at home.

Ticket price is $25.00 per person with a portion of every ticket sold donated to greyhound adoption in New York and New Jersey.

Tickets can be purchased at any Wegmans store through their That's the Ticket Program at their Customer Service desk.

Thursday, 6:00pm-9:00pm, Friday Noon-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00 - 6:00pm, Sunday Noon - 5:00pm

Click here for more detailed information on the Grapehound Wine Tour event and to buy tickets.

Click here to watch the Grapehound Wine Tour video.

Submit Your Video about Finger Lakes Wine Country and Win a Free Video Camera!

2008-06-25T12:28:00.006-04:00

Want to win a video camera from Best Buy valued at $1000? Then send in your video (think youtube) about why you love Finger Lakes Wine Country by September 1. Click here for the complete contest details.

Shoot a video at your favorite winery sipping your favorite Finger Lakes wine, stand under the waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park and pronounce your love for the region's natural beauty. Ride on the back of a motorcycle and capture the essence of the rolling hills and vineyards. Visit The Corning Museum of Glass, make a piece of glass, and announce to the world all about the exciting things to do in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Just keep the video to no more than 2 minutes.

100th Anniversary of the June Bug in Finger Lakes Wine Country

2008-06-23T11:48:00.004-04:00

The Fourth of July weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country is going to be a busy one. From the Indy Car race at Watkins Glen International to the 100th Centennial Celebration of the June Bug at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport. The Corning Museum of Glass is open until 8:00PM in the summer.

Here is the information on the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum festivities on Saturday, July 5th:

Day-long festivities on Saturday, July 5, will be held at the actual site of the original flight, on the grounds of Mercury Aircraft and Kolo Air Field, about a mile from the museum. Beginning at 11:00 AM, the day will feature music by local performing groups; presentations by the Finger Lakes Players; a variety of foods by several area vendors, including chicken barbecue and ice cream; flyovers by antique airplanes and flights by RC modelers; arts and crafts; demonstrations of Curtiss motorcycles and engines. Highlights of the day will include the 2:00 PM flight of the ¼ scale radio-controlled model of the June Bug, built by FLAPS, the Finger Lakes Air Pirates, and an early evening concert from 6:00 to 8:00 PM by the Corning Community Band.

I know I will be here with my family (including my three sons.) With the main race at Watkins Glen International Sunday, this is the perfect Saturday event for the entire family. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is a gem of a museum and should be on any traveler's itinerary to Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Hot Wheels Road Trip Ends in Watkins Glen!

2008-06-07T09:41:00.003-04:00

Have you ever wanted to drive across country? Well this summer is your perfect opportunity. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hot Wheels and the 60th anniversary of the Watkins Glen Grand Prix, a three week road trip following Route 40 will begin on August 19th in California at Mattel's headquarters. There will be stops along the way in Kansas, Utah, Michigan, and Indiana before concluding in Watkins Glen, the home of American road racing, on Thursday, September 4th.

More details are coming including how you can join us on this once in a lifetime trip. Remember that Finger Lakes Wine Country is just down the road.

Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keefe in Finger Lakes Wine Country this Summer!

2008-06-06T13:39:00.009-04:00

Finger Lakes Wine Country is not only famous for its over 100 wineries but also for the diversity of cultural experiences. One of the best museums in upstate New York is the Rockwell Museum of Western Art in Corning. The museum is walking distance from The Corning Museum of Glass and located in the heart of Corning's dining, shopping, and entertainment district (not surprisingly called the Gaffer District).

The Rockwell features one of the best western art collections in the East and this summer is proud to host Ansel Adams & Georgia O’Keeffe, together in the Rockwell Museum galleries ALL SUMMER.

Yosemite 1938: On the Trail with Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe from the National Museum of Wildlife Art - In 1938, photographer Ansel Adams took a group of friends, including Georgia O’Keeffe and David McAlpin through Yosemite’s backcountry. The album produced from images of this trip comprises the stunning landscapes of Yosemite as well as intimate candid portraits of his life-long friends. This rare album is on loan from the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This exhibition will be accompanied by rarely seen photographs of Georgia O’Keeffe in her New Mexico home by photographer Todd Webb.

Click here to purchase a combo ticket for both the Rockwell Museum of Western Art and The Corning Museum of Glass.

Street Painting in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

2008-06-04T21:39:00.002-04:00

Elmira, NY located in Finger Lakes Wine Country is considered the "soaring capital of America" with its rich aviation history. You can go on a glider ride at Harris Hill and the Wings of Eagles Discover Center. Elmira is also famous for its literary roots with Mark Twain. He wrote Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn when he spent summers in the region.

This summer on July 12 & 13 you are invited to rediscover Elmira with an innovative arts event, a street painting festival.

The First Annual Elmira Street Painting Festival will foster such interest and attraction, gathering local, regional and national artists and visitors to engage in the outdoor creation of what we hope will become one of Elmira’s long-standing legacies.

In sixteenth-century Italy, street painting began when roaming artists transformed nondescript pavement into art with their chalks. Four centuries later and an ocean apart, street painting continues to thrive as a vital element of artistic expression in community festivals across the United States, each drawingthousands upon thousands of visitors—viewers of art.

The First Annual Elmira Street Painting Festival will offer a rare glimpse into the creation of art for both artists and viewers, challenging the perception of artisticenvironments from that of the lights and walls of a traditional museum setting, to one constrained only by the streetlights and sidewalks of a non-traditional canvas, the pavement.

Join artists and community members as we celebrate art and Elmira, outside ofthe box, outside of the gallery—simply and magnificently, outside!

Visit www.elmiradowntown.com or call Elmira Downtown Development, Inc., at 607.734.0341 for more information on the First Annual Elmira Street Painting Festival and to download artist applications.

Golden Nose Event was Fabulous in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

2008-06-03T09:35:00.002-04:00

This past weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country was the 3rd annual Golden Nose Awards, a weekend of wine education seminars, wine and food receptions, and consumer wine judging. Almost 300 Finger Lakes wines were submitted to the competition and were judged by 70 participating consumer wine judges. Our friend, Finger Lakes Weekend Wino, was there and even played a couple of his famous Finger Lakes songs. The date for the 2009 Golden Nose Wine Judging Weekend has been set for May 29 - 31. Tickets go on sale December 8, 2008.

Click here to watch a short news clip about the event.

Here are the results fresh off the press:

BEST OF CLASS
Sheldrake Point Vineyard - Summer White
Lakewood Vineyards – Riesling
Goose Watch Winery – Viognier
Goose Watch Winery – Cabarnet Sauvignon
Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars – Liquid Wisdom
Seneca Shore Wine Cellars – Sherry
Red Newt Cellars – Cabarnet Franc

DOUBLE GOLD
Billsboro Winery Cabernet Franc
Earle Estate Meadery Peach Perfection
Glenora Wine Cellars Alpine White
Hosmer Winery Riesling
Lakewood Vineyards Dry Riesling
Lakewood Vineyards Riesling
Torrey Ridge Winery Niagara

GOLD
Anthony Road Wine Company Semi-Dry Riesling
Anyela's Vineyards Pinot Gris
Anyela's Vineyards Overlay
Atwater Estate Vineyards Meritage
Belhurst Winery Golden Pheasant
Cascata Winery Regatta Red
Goose Watch Winery Pinot Grigio
Goose Watch Winery Viognier
Goose Watch Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
Goose Watch Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
Goose Watch Winery Rosé of Isabella
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Homestead Reserve Riesling
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Spyder Bite
Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars Liquid Wisdom
Imagine Moore Love
Leidenfrost Vineyards Cabernet Franc
Miles Wine Cellars Riesling
Miles Wine Cellars Pinot Noir
Penguin Bay Winery Gewurztraminer
Penguin Bay Winery Pinot Grigio
Penguin Bay Winery Cabernet
Penguin Bay Winery Rosé of Chambourcin
Red Newt Cellars Cabernet Franc
Rooster Hill Vineyards Dry Riesling
Rooster Hill Vineyards Silver Pencil
Seneca Shore Sherry
Sheldrake Point Vineyard Summer White
Swedish Hill Winery Dry Riesling
Swedish Hill Winery Vidal Blanc
Swedish Hill Winery Doobie Blues
Torrey Ridge Winery Summer Delight
Villa Bellangelo Cabernet Sauvignon
Villa Bellangelo Francesca Rossa
Wagner Vineyards Niagara
Wagner Vineyards Riesling Ice
White Springs Winery Sauvignon Blanc

SILVER
Anthony Road Wine Company Tony's Red
Anyela's Vineyards Chardonnay
Anyela's Vineyards Noiret
Belhurst Winery Cayuga
Billsboro Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
Cascata Winery Fireside Chardonnay
Damiani Wine Cellars Dolce Bianco
Damiani Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc
Eagle Crest Vineyards Midnight Moon
Eagle Crest Vineyards Niagara
Earle Estate Meadery Crimson Blush
Earle Estate Meadery Strawberry Shadows
Fox Run Vineyards Sable
Fulkerson Winery Merlot
Glenora Wine Cellars Chardonnay Barrel Fermented
Glenora Wine Cellars Dry Riesling
Glenora Wine Cellars Signature
Glenora Wine Cellars Pinot Blanc
Glenora Wine Cellars Seyval Blanc
Glenora Wine Cellars Syrah
Goose Watch Winery Traminette
Goose Watch Winery Melody
Goose Watch Winery Lemberger
Goose Watch Winery Merlot Reserve
Goose Watch Winery Merlot
Goose Watch Winery Bartlett Pear
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Riesling
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Cabernet Franc
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Schooner Red
Hosmer Winery Chardonnay
Hosmer Winery Dry Riesling
Hunt Country Vineyards Pinot Gris
Hunt Country Vineyards Valvin Muscat
Hunt Country Vineyards Alchemy
Hunt Country Vineyards Late Harvest Vignoles
Imagine Moore Wisdom
Knapp Winery Chardonnay Barrel Reserve
Knapp Winery Cayuga White
Knapp Winery Vignoles
Lakewood Vineyards Cabernet Franc
Lakewood Vineyards Borealis
Leidenfrost Vineyards Gewurztraminer
Miles Wine Cellars Milestone
Montezuma Winery Canvasback Red
Montezuma Winery Dragonfly
Montezuma Winery Cranberry Bog
Penguin Bay Winery Riesling
Penguin Bay Winery Percussion
Penguin Bay Winery Maroon Four
Penguin Bay Winery Tuxedo White
Prejean Winery Cayuga White
Prejean Winery Cabernet Franc
Red Newt Cellars Riesling "Reserve"
Red Newt Cellars Salamander White
Red Newt Cellars Viridescens
Rooster Hill Vineyards Chardonnay
Seneca Shore Reserve Chardonnay
Seneca Shore Pinot Noir Reserve
Seneca Shore Lemberger
Seneca Shore Black Red
Seneca Shore Royal White
Seneca Shore Port
Sheldrake Point Vineyard Riesling
Sheldrake Point Vineyard Gewurztraminer
Sheldrake Point Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Swedish Hill Winery Reserve Chardonnay
Swedish Hill Winery Riesling
Swedish Hill Winery Cayuga White
Swedish Hill Winery Viking White
Swedish Hill Winery Optimus
Swedish Hill Winery Viking Red
Swedish Hill Winery Chardonnay Late Harvest
Swedish Hill Winery Vignoles Late Harvest
Swedish Hill Winery Naturel
Swedish Hill Winery Blanc de Blanc
Swedish Hill Winery Spumante Blush
Three Brothers Winery and Estates Estate Reserve Pinot Noir
Tickle Hill Winery Susie Q
Torrey Ridge Winery Cayuga White
Torrey Ridge Winery Midnight Blues
Ventosa Vineyards Tocai Friulano
Ventosa Vineyards Cabernet Franc
Villa Bellangelo Riesling
Villa Bellangelo Bella Bianca Seyval
Villa Bellangelo Pink Scooter
Wagner Vineyards Riesling Dry
Wagner Vineyards Riesling Semi Dry
Wagner Vineyards Cabernet Franc
Wagner Vineyards Vidal Blanc Ice
White Springs Winery Springhouse White

BRONZE
Anthony Road Wine Company Chardonnay
Anthony Road Wine Company Dry Riesling
Anthony Road Wine Company Vignoles
Anyela's Vineyards Riesling
Anyela's Vineyards Avail
Anyela's Vineyards Cayuga White
Anyela's Vineyards Cabernet Franc
Anyela's Vineyards Rosé of Pinot Noir
Atwater Estate Vineyards Riesling
Belhurst Winery Dry Riesling
Belhurst Winery Pinot Noir
Cascata Winery Odds & Ends
Catherine Valley Winery Reserve Cabernet Franc
Catherine Valley Winery The Last Irishman
Damiani Wine Cellars Chardonnay
Eagle Crest Vineyards On-no-lee
Fox Run Vineyards Fox Trot Red
Fox Run Vineyards Lemberger
Fulkerson Winery Ravat 51
Fulkerson Winery Red Zeppelin
Glenora Wine Cellars Chardonnay
Glenora Wine Cellars Dry Riesling
Glenora Wine Cellars Gewurztraminer
Glenora Wine Cellars Cayuga White
Glenora Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Glenora Wine Cellars Meritage
Glenora Wine Cellars Merlot
Goose Watch Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Goose Watch Winery Merlot
Goose Watch Winery Chambourcin
Goose Watch Winery Finale White Port
Goose Watch Winery Pinot Noir Brut Rosé
Goose Watch Winery Golden Spumante
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Chardonnay
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Gewurztraminer
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Pinot Gris
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards White Cat
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards Bramble Berry
Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars Semi Dry Riesling
Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars White Hoot
Hickory Hollow Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc
Highland Cellars Cuveé Blanc
Highland Cellars Cayuga White
Hosmer Winery Cayuga White
Hosmer Winery Cabernet Franc
Hosmer Winery Pinot Noir
Hosmer Winery Lemberger
Hunt Country Vineyards Cayuga White
Hunt Country Vineyards Vidal Blanc Ice Wine
Imagine Moore Peace
Knapp Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
Knapp Winery Superstition
Lakewood Vineyards Chardonnay
Lakewood Vineyards Abby Rose
Miles Wine Cellars Ghost
Miles Wine Cellars Call Me A Cab
Montezuma Winery Pintail
Prejean Winery Dry Riesling
Prejean Winery Riesling
Prejean Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
Red Newt Cellars Gewurztraminer
Seneca Shore Riesling Semi-Dry
Seneca Shore Gewurztraminer
Seneca Shore Gewurztraminer/ Traminette
Seneca Shore Red Knight
Seneca Shore Red Sail
Seneca Shore Royal Red
Seneca Shore Reserve Port
Sheldrake Point Vineyard Reserve Riesling
Sheldrake Point Vineyard Fluer De Pinot
Sheldrake Point Vineyard Luckystone Red
Swedish Hill Winery Cynthia Marie Port
Three Brothers Winery and Estates Reserve Cabernet Merlot
Three Brothers Winery and Estates Late Harvest Riesling Reserve
Ventosa Vineyards Riesling
Ventosa Vineyards Saggio
Ventosa Vineyards Pinot Gris
Villa Bellangelo Porto Elena
Wagner Vineyards Riesling Dry
Wagner Vineyards Gewurztraminer Dry
Wagner Vineyards Gewurztraminer Semi Dry
Wagner Vineyards Grace House Pinot Noir
Wagner Vineyards Vignoles Ice
White Springs Winery Riesling Red Label
White Springs Winery Chardonnay - Pinot Grigio

Wine & Spirits Magazine Profiles Finger Lakes Rieslings!

2008-05-30T15:25:00.005-04:00

Our friend Josh Greene, editor of Wine and Spirits magazine, has been a strong advocate of Finger Lakes Rieslings. He moderates the Finger Lakes Riesling Summit comparative tasting in New York City every spring and has visited the region already a few times. In the July issue 6 Finger Lakes Rieslings and 1 Finger Lakes Gewurztraminer were profiled including this quote, “The Finger Lakes has some of the most profound riesling in North America. They’ve got it all there: an ideal climate, steep slopes and slate soils.” There has never been a better time to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country than this summer. Our wines are getting national and international attention. Why endure the hassle of flying to California or Europe when you over 100 wineries in one region?

The 2006 Fox Run Finger Lakes Reserve Riesling scored a 93, the highest rating ever in Wine & Spirits for a Finger Lakes wine.

The other reviewed wines are:

Dr. Frank's 2006 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling 92
Fox Run 2006 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling 91
Fox Run 2006 Finger Lakes Riesling 91
Wiemer 2006 Finger Lakes Reserve Dry Riesling 90
Prejean 2006 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling 90

Fox Run 2006 Finger Lakes Gewurztraminer 91

Click here to plan your next getaway to Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Gavin DeGraw Coming to Watkins Glen for IndyCar Weekend!

2008-05-30T10:03:00.003-04:00

Today is a great day. The sun is shining, looking forward to the Golden Nose this weekend and I just found out that one of my favorite singers, Gavin DeGraw, is coming to Watkins Glen International to perform a concert on Saturday, July 5th. Here is the latest information hot off the press.

Gavin DeGraw, one of today’s premier singer-songwriters, with the Top 40-hit “In Love with a Girl,” will take the Red Cat Summer Stage on Saturday night during the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen. DeGraw, who grew up in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, is no stranger to Watkins Glen having spent a semester at nearby Ithaca College on a music scholarship.

On Saturday, July 5th, nearing the checkered flag of the KONI Challenge Series race, fans will need to prepare themselves to hear the greatest mix of raw talent and emotion ever to appear on the Red Cat Summer Stage, sponsored by Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards and Winery, DeGraw will take the stage at 7:30 PM following opening act Mike Brindisi and The New York Rock, during the Saturday Night After Hours Concert in celebration of the release of his second album, the self-titled, Gavin DeGraw.
Hitting the ground running, New York native DeGraw first broke through in 2003 with the release of his debut album, Chariot, selling over a million copies and earning itself a platinum certification. His popularity continued to rise as the album’s hit song “I Don’t Want To Be,” was chosen as the theme song for the hit TV show, “One Tree Hill,” as well as earning a Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Soundtrack Single of The Year. The rock-oriented DeGraw hopes to continue his success with his second album, the self-titled, Gavin DeGraw, released on May 6th. According to DeGraw, this album “is a collection of impassioned, emotionally resonant songs about the joys and rigors of love and life.” The album features already hit songs “In Love With a Girl” and “I Have You To Thank” which has helped propel itself to the #1 album on iTunes the first week released. Gavin’s magnetic sound, abundant talent and charisma will make for a memorable Saturday Night live on the Red Cat Summer Stage for all race fans to enjoy.

If a concert performed by a platinum recording artist wasn’t enough, the weekend still features its anticipated high-speed action with the IndyCar Series’ return to the historic road course, July 4-6. The Firestone Indy Lights, Penn Grade 1 Historic Grand Prix and Grand-Am KONI Challenge Series will also take on the 3.4-mile long course during the weekend. The young drivers of the Firestone Indy Lights will challenge The Soul of American Road Racing not once, but twice during the event weekend with the second running of the Corning Duels.

A variety of 4th of July-themed fan activities will be offered at the track including a large fireworks display, parachute demonstration and marching band to celebrate Independence Day. On both Saturday and Sunday the track will offer the Finger Lakes Wine Festival Experience in Turn 10 highlighting some of the best wines in the Finger Lakes. Also on Saturday, two separate autograph sessions will be held following the on-track action and the track will again host a viewing party for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 400 at Daytona International Speedway from the FrontStretch Grandstand.

Tickets for the historic 60th Anniversary Season at Watkins Glen International are on-sale now! The season kicks-off in less that 30 days with the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, June 6-7 paired with the NASCAR Camping World Series’ East Division on Sunday, June 8. General admission tickets for Kids 12 and under are FREE during the June 6-8 and July 4-6 event weekends when accompanied by an adult. Open-wheel racing returns for the 4th of July weekend during the Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 4-6, and the Centurion Boats at The Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup and Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series weekend highlights the summer action, August 7-10. For more tickets and more information, please contact the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE or log on to the official website.

Keuka Lake Wine Trail's Barbecue Events in June

2008-05-29T10:06:00.004-04:00

Finger Lakes Wine Country includes the three main Finger Lakes, and their respective wine trails. (There are a total of 11 Finger Lakes). The Keuka Wine Trail is made up of 9 wineries and hosts food-themed events throughtout the year. One of their most popular events, Barbecue at the Wineries, happens over two weekends in June, June 7-8 and June 28-29.

Here are the details of the upcoming Keuka Wine Trail event. Join us for a terrific summer celebration! Each winery will be offering its best barbecue foods and recipes paired with a selection of great wines that are sure to set the standard for your BBQ success. Sauces served at each winery are all produced by local NYS businesses. Fee $25 per person in advance, $30 per person at the door; $40 per couple in advance, $45 per couple at the door.

Click here to order tickets to Barbecue at the Wineries.

Click here to learn more about the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the Cayuga Wine Trail.

Canadians Love Finger Lakes Wine Country!

2008-05-28T10:58:00.004-04:00

Canadians love Finger Lakes Wine Country! From our award-winning wines to the world-famous Corning Musuem of Glass and Watkins Glen International to the affordability of our region, Canadians are coming south this summer. There has never been a better time for our neighbors to explore our region. The devaluation of our dollar puts the two currencies at par. Remember to say Eh!

Rod Phillips, a wine writer from Ottawa, spent some time in Finger Lakes Wine Country late last fall. He enjoyed his visit and was impressed with the overall diversity of wines produced. He says the "region boasts breathtaking scenery and spirit-lifting wineries. Two thumbs up!" Our region is making great strides with vinifera production in terms of acres planted and cases produced but we are also well-known for some of the hybrid and native wines. Think Red Cat! You can't deny the power of that brand. Click here to read the latest article from Rod Phillips in the Ottawa Citizen.

With over 100 wineries and a diversity of things to do (affordably) there hasn't been a better time to visit Finger Lakes Wine Country than this summer. Remember to bring your passport!

Finger Lakes Wine Country Featured in the NY Post!

2008-05-28T10:23:00.005-04:00

I recently was in New York City meeting with editors of newspapers and magazines telling them all about the latest happenings in Finger Lakes Wine Country. I always bring along some of the best wines from the Finger Lakes to help tell the story about our great region. One of the appointments that was really special was with the NY Post. David Landsel is the travel editor of the newspaper and a really nice guy. He is from the Catskills region and has a real strong interest in upstate New York and the local wine and food movement. Of the four wines I brought him to taste, he enjoyed the 2006 Dry Riesling from Wiemer the most.

Click here to read the article as printed.

GRAPE STUFF
5 GREAT SUMMER WINES TO TRAVEL FOR
By CHRISTOPHER J. O'LEARY

May 27, 2008 -- IT'S the time of year when a New Yorker's fancy turns to, well, sitting back and drinking a lot of great summer wine. We've picked five great wine regions - and our favorite warm weather tipple for each.

FINGER LAKES

New York

This is the state's most acclaimed wine region, known best for Riesling. Like its German counterpart, the wine shows a rich, mineral character, but is made distinct by a higher alcohol content, imparting greater structure and a cleaner finish.

DRINK: A clear standout is the Hermann Weimer 2006 Dry Riesling (winery and wine pictured above), noted for its delicate fruit and crisp taste (weimer.com).

INFO: fingerlakeswinecountry.com

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY

Central California

"Sideways" country isn't just for Pinot - this rustic and welcoming region north of Santa Barbara presents wine lovers with the stunning countryside and mountain backdrop ideal for contemplative sipping. Far less crowded than you'd expect, the region is mostly known for Rhone varietals, including refreshing and aromatic Viognier.

DRINK: Zaca Mesa's 2006 Viognier is first-rate, tasting of honeysuckle, apricot, citrus and lychee, complemented by a dry, firm structure and a touch of minerality (zacamesa.com).

INFO: santaynezwine

country.com

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Oregon

This agricultural region is a great place for touring, due to its natural splendor and a sprinkling of quaint historic towns. Another Pinot Noir hotspot, the

Willamette is also known for its world-class Pinot Gris. Like its Alsatian cousin, this wine goes incredibly well with summer foods.

DRINK: Cloudline Cellars' 2005 Pinot Gris, a magical elixr that offers pleasant acidity and invigorating floral and citrus notes.

INFO: willamettewines.com

CHARLOTTESVILLE

Virginia

Founding father Thomas Jefferson planted his own vines at the historic Monticello, a vision that came to fruition in the 1970s when winemakers put the region on the map.

DRINK: Barboursville Vineyards is a regional leader and produces the 2006 Vintage Rosé made from a blend of Nebbiolo, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese. Look for lush notes of berry and residual sweetness. Dry this one ain't

(barboursvillewine.net).

INFO: monticellowine

trail.org

GUADALUPE VALLEY

Baja California, Mexico

This staggeringly beautiful region is just a short drive from San Diego, in an area generally known more for fish tacos and affordable beach resorts.

Today, Guadalupe's hottest feature is its wine. Since the late 1980s, local vineyards have made it their goal to create a product that does their vine-friendly soils and perfect microclimate justice.

The results have been impressive.

DRINK: Monte Xanic's Viña Kristel, a refreshing, fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon blend

(montexanic.com.mx).

INFO: discoverbajacalifornia.com

Become a Wizard This Summer at The Corning Museum of Glass

2008-05-27T15:12:00.003-04:00

One of the world's greatest museums can be found in Finger Lakes Wine Country. The Corning Museum of Glass is home to world's most comprehensive collection of glass art in the world. What really makes this museum so special are the hands-on programming offered The museum recommends three hours for the full experience and my three boys (aged 9, 7, 4) had to be dragged out! When was the last time this happened on a family vacation?

We just received the latest information on becoming a wizard of glassmaking at The Corning Museum of Glass -

Spend a magical day at The Corning Museum of Glass this summer. Running through Labor Day, a unique line-up at the world’s best glass museum invites visitors of all ages to become Wizards of Glassmaking. Through September 1, 2008, The Corning Museum of Glass offers more glassmaking (and breaking!) shows than ever before, charming Make Your Own Glass projects, new gallery tours, spellbinding family programs, and a groundbreaking alchemy-focused exhibition.
Wizard of Glassmaking activities include:

• More than 50 live glass demonstrations each day. Visitors can see new glassbreaking and flameworking demonstrations, watch live Hot Glass Show glassblowing demonstrations and see glass stretch, bend and change in amazing ways in new Magic of Glass shows.

• Guided tours of the Museum’s hands-on Innovations Center, which explores discoveries in glass technology and science. The tour is offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:00 p.m. and is included in Museum admission. Visitors will meet true Wizards of Glassmaking: scientists who made possible innovations like fiber optics, glass bulbs, Pyrex and even the gigantic 200-inch telescope mirror for the Hale telescope.

• Gallery Wizards’ interactive carts. Located throughout the Museum, these staffed, hands-on stations explain the collection, glassmaking techniques and science to all ages.

• Special Make Your Own Glass experiences. This summer, projects include glass wizard hat ornaments and crystal magic charms, sandblasted alchemist beakers and gold-ruby flowers. (Fee applies; projects exist for all ages as young as preschool but age restrictions apply to certain objects; advance reservations required.)

• Opening June 27, the groundbreaking exhibition “Glass of the Alchemists: Lead Crystal-Gold Ruby, 1650-1750,” which looks at the ways alchemists in the 17th and 18th centuries provided the foundation for modern chemistry and changed the face of glassmaking.

• Enchanted Evenings: The Museum is open until 8:00 p.m. every day, all summer long. A special feature is the Wizard Late Show, which may be our most surprising and magical glassmaking demonstration yet!

Families will find a visit to The Corning Museum of Glass affordable, with free admission for all children 17 and under. Adult admission is $12.50 (some discounts apply). Residents who live in the 148, 149 and 169 area codes pay only $5.00 per adult. Admission tickets and Make Your Own Glass experiences may be reserved in advance.
Parking is free and a complimentary shuttle to the Museum, Corning’s Historic Downtown Gaffer District and the nearby Rockwell Museum of Western Art runs all day long.
The Corning Museum of Glass (www.cmog.org) is home to the world’s most comprehensive and celebrated collection of glass, with more than 45,000 objects reflecting 3,500 years of glassmaking history. An independent, non-profit, educational institution, the Museum is dedicated to the art, history, science, research and exhibition of glass. The Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. all summer long (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. the rest of the year). Children 17 and under receive free admission.

Glenora Wine Cellars and Knapp Winery Hosting a New Release Celebration!

2008-05-21T10:48:00.003-04:00

Our dear friends at Glenora Wine Cellars and Knapp Winery are hosting a new release celebration on Friday, May 23, from 6 - 8PM at the retail shop at Glenora Wine Cellars. Orlando (Glenora's awesome new chef) will be serving light hors d'oeuvres and guests will be able to taste several new wines from the celebrated 2007 vintage. (Recently Wine Spectator rated the quality of the 2007 harvest and gave the region an A-). Glenora also will showcase their new wine label design (we are very excited to see the final look).

Here are some of the new wines you will be able to taste:
2007 Glenora Barrel Fermented Pinot Blanc
2007 Glenora Chardonnay
2007 Glenora Dry Riesling
2007 Glenora Riesling
Knapp, Curiosity
Knapp, Limencello
Knapp, Brut

If you want to attend this event please call Kerry at 607-243-5511, ext. 412 or email her at kerry@glenora.com

If wine and food events are your thing, discover our calendar of events for a full listings of things happening in Finger Lakes Wine Country.

Farmers Market Opens in Finger Lakes Wine Country!

2008-05-20T16:50:00.005-04:00

One of the greatest things about Finger Lakes Wine Country is the agricultural lifestyle and industry that is prevelant throughout the region. From exploring road-side farm stands or learning how cheese is made to one-stop shopping at one of our many farmers markets you will be amazing at the farm bounty.

Our good friends at the Gaffer District in Corning just sent word that Corning's Farmers Market starts on Thursday, June 5 from 9 - 5PM and continues every Thursday through October 30. Here is the latest:

Featuring products such as home grown fruits and vegetables grown by New York State farmers to homemade crafts and lunch items. The Market will bring the best of New York State to it’s customers.

“The Corning Farmer’s Market has been bringing the best fruits, vegetables, and other products to customers for over 5 years,” said Stacie Rosewood-Boyskey, Market Manager and Events and Promotions Coordinator for Corning’s Gaffer District. “We have a strong history of offering quality products, and we are excited about the 2008 season.”

Some of the things that customers can expect to see in 2008 are a wide variety of fresh herbs, meadow flower bouquets, and local honey. (Perfect for souveniers from your Finger Lakes Wine Country vacation).

Corning’s Farmer’s Market is located in Riverfront Centennial Park in Corning’s Gaffer District from 9am to 3pm. For more information on Corning’s Farmer’s Market, please contact Stacie Rosewood-Boyskey at stacie@gafferdistrict.com or 607-937-6292 extension 105.

Thirsty Owl Wine Company Open its Bistro!

2008-05-19T10:55:00.004-04:00

Thirsty Owl Wine Company, a member of the Cayuga Wine Trail and located on the western bank of Cayuga Lake, has one of the most beautiful locations in Finger lakes Wine Country. The Crupp family is committed to making world-class wines. Their hard work paid off last year when they won the highly coveted Governor's Cup for the best New York wine for the winery's 2006 Dry Riesling.

Many of the wineries in Finger Lakes Wine Country have added on-site cafes and restaurants. When in wine country make sure you visit Knapp,Wagner, Castel Grisch,Fox Run, Glenora, Red Newt, Ventosa, Belhurst, Sheldrake Point, Heron Hill, Bully Hill, and of course Thirsty Owl not only for their wines but for their fabulous food as well.

The Thirsty Owl Bisto Grand Opening is Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th with live music by Bob Walpole on Saturday from 1 to 5 pm. Several new wines will also be released this weekend.