Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Finger Lakes Songs For Your Listening Pleasure

- Well, I've finally uploaded the Finger Lakes songs that I have written and recorded. You can listen to them at http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=599730
Please let me know what you think, but be gentle. There are 6 songs:
-Finger Lakes- which is the one I have had on the blog
-I've Been To All The Finger Lakes Wineries, which is my tribute to all the Finger Lakes wineries
-Cayuga Daydream, which is a dreamy instrumental inspired by Cayuga Lake
-Sparkling Diamonds, which was inspired by Keuka Lake
-I Want To Thank Dr. Frank, which is my tribute to the legendary Dr. Frank
-Sailboats On Seneca, inspired by Seneca Lake
I hope you enjoy them. As with my Finger Lakes Tshirt, all proceeds will be donated to the great folks at Hospice, who do such a terrific job. Thank You all for continuing to support this blog!!!

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Finger Lakes Winery Visit Summaries & Events Listings

I'm still backlogged on my winery visit summaries with over 20 waiting to be done. Where does the time go. Here's a few more:

- Yates Cellars Winery- After eating lunch at the elegant Esperanza Mansion in their Grill Room overlooking Keuka Lake, we visited nearby Yates Cellars Winery. By the way, lunch at the Esparanza Mansion Grill Room was fantastic. Great Food, Great Service, Great View. Here's a tip for all you fellow bargain shoppers out there (and this goes for all upscale restaurants): Dinners are pretty pricey at upscale restaurants and resorts, but you can get the same fine food and service on a slightly less grand scale for Lunch (or Brunch, if they offer it) at a very affordable price.
Alan Hunt operates his winery out of an historic 1838 mansion with vineyards dating back to 1860. He keeps his production small, but the quality is excellent. Highlights of the tasting for me were Gewurtzraminer- if you like classic Gewurtz like me, this is it, very floral aroma, crisp and spicy, excellent; Traminette- I'm a Traminette groupy and this one was excellent, like the Gewurtz, very floral aroma, balanced with smooth Tram spice; Sailors Delight- Traminette blended with 10% Cayuga that adds a touch of sweetness; Cabernet Franc- fragrant grassy aromas and very nice blackberry and dark fruit on the palate with a nice unique hint of citrus. The fragrancy of the wines at Yates really wowed me and, as they say, taste is predominantly from the nose.

- Cascata Winery- Located in an 1885 restored farmhouse on the west side of Seneca Lake just north of Watkins Glen, Cascata Winery is an oasis for wine afficianados and artists alike. Owner K. Coralee Burch is an internationally known artist and the Winery and B&B overflow with paintings and prints. Tastings include Fireside Chardonnay- Very good and balanced with light oak and butter flavors; Cascade Riesling- Medium sweet and very smooth flavors of apple and pear; Sweet Iris- made from the Delaware grape, light and grapey; Awakening- a nice semi-sweet blush.
If you like art, check out the Art Opening: Ocean Escape Art Show Sep 16 - Sep 17
Free tasting of selected wines between 12-3 Sunday. Original art by owner from 2006 September Cape Cod art show, seaside and New England paintings by Coralee Burch in pastel, acrylics, artist markers and watercolor. Discounts on prints of Cape Cod or seaside art. Sunday 1-3 PM demonstration of pastel painting by owner/artist Coralee Burch.
and also the Artist Workshops and Retreats taught by K. Coralee Burch

-Hermann J Wiemer Vineyard-(west side of Seneca Lake) As I posted recently, Hermann Wiemer is having a very good summer, especially after his 2005 Dry Riesling was awarded the prestigious Governors Cup at the New York Wine & Food Classic. Hermann Wiemer is certainly one of the "royalty" of Finger Lakes winemakers, having helped shape and define the direction of Finger Lakes wine and crafting world class Riesling. My homage to him, an actual Wiemer Riesling vine (which they sell in their tasting room), is planted in my backyard. My tastings there earlier this summer included 2002 Chardonnay- lots of fruit with elegant spicy oak; 2003 Reserve Chardonnay- similar to 2002, but with a little less oak and smoother; 2004 Estate Red- a blend of 30% Cab Franc, 60% Pinot Noir, and 10% Lemberger, plum and tobacco flavors with medium tannins; Dry Rose- blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir, nice berry flavors, dry but crisp and elegant; 2004 Dry Johannisberg Riesling- Excellent with abundant fruit and mineral.

- Thanks to Ernesto washing out our plans last weekend, we made it to the last weekend of the Ansel Adams exhibit at the Corning Museum of Western Art and it was fantastic with never before shown photographs and a lot of his very early works. If it comes anywhere near you, I highly recommend it if you are a fan of his works.

As Autumn and Harvest Time arrives, There's lots to see and do!!! Some upcoming events in The Finger Lakes are:

- 14th Annual Community Soaring DaySep 16 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sponsored by National Soaring Museum
Join the National Soaring Museum and the Harris Hill community for the 14th Annual Community Soaring Day. Community Soaring Day is a free annual event for the regional community to become acquainted with the National Soaring Museum.
http://www.soaringmuseum.org

- Blues & BBQSep 16 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
at Heron Hill Winery http://www.heronhill.com/
The Campbell Brothers Band will be here for your dancing pleasure playing Southern Rock and soulful Blues. Dinosaur BBQ will be here to prepare a great BBQ Style buffet.
$40.00 + tax per person

- Keuka Oktoberfest Sep 16 - Sep 17
Keuka Lake Wine Trail http://www.keukawinetrail.com/
A favorite event for many! Enjoy German music and food. Taste world-class Germanic style wines produced in the Finger Lakes. See the area in one of its most spectacular seasons: Autumn. Fee $20 per person $25 per person at the door. 10AM to 5PM Saturday; Noon to 5PM Sunday.

- Leaves & Lobsters on the Lawn Sep 16 - Sep 17 Noon
at Glenora Wine Cellars http://www.glenora.com/
Celebrate the 2006 Harvest with Leaves & Lobsters.
Serving Noon-4:00 pm, Music 1 pm-5 pm. The Sam Pallet Band- Tickets now on sale! Reservations required.
An unbeatable combination of live music, the autumn view of Seneca Lake and a "Down East Lobster Bake." The Sam Pallet Band will be back on the Vineyard Stage!
Feast on a dinner of:Whole Maine lobster, steamed clams, salt potatoes, Freshly picked sweet corn, crisp cole slaw, Rolls & butter, Mini cheesecake, coffee & tea - $45.00 per person includes sales tax

-German Festival Sep 17 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
at Lucas Vineyards http://lucasvineyards.com/
Live German Band and Dancers, Grape Stomping, Grape Pies, German Food, Polka Contest, Costumes. Fun for the whole family! Rain or Shine (under the tents!)

- Appleumpkin Days Sep 21 - Sep 25
http://www.oldiesantiques.com/
Sixth Annual Oldies But Goodies Appleumpkin Days. Daily 9:30 AM-6:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Maple Valley Farms will offer apples & cider, pumpkins & fresh corn! Big Flats Wine & Spirits will do a wine sampling on Saturday & Sunday!

-Crystal City Jazz & Wine Festival Sep 22 - Sep 23
http://www.gafferdistrict.com/
Corning's Gaffer District comes alive with the sounds of Jazz. Participating businesses will feature live jazz entertainment and wine tasting. Enjoy local and regional jazz artists in Centerway Square.

-Red Wine and Chocolate Sep 23 - Sep 24 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
at Keuka Spring Vineyards http://www.keukaspringwinery.com/
Sample our chocolate chili and chocolate desserts with an array of award-winning Keuka Spring dry red wines.

-SMC’s 18th Anniversary Harvest Festival Sep 23 - Sep 24
at Six Mile Creek Vineyard http://www.sixmilecreek.com/
Come and celebrate our anniversary with live music, hayrides, food, and fun for the whole family. All are welcome! Special offers and tastings available.

- Summer, Sip & Savor Saturday Sep 23 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Eastside Keuka Lake Wineries http://www.roosterhill.com/
Travel the 6 wineries on the Eastern shore of Keuka Lake for a variety of food and wine pairings. Rooster Hill Vineyards will be featuring freshly grilled Italian Sausages along with peppers & onions and a sample of Cayuga White! What a great summer treat! Saturday Only.

- Vine Dining Sep 24 5:30 PM
at Atwater Estate Vineyards http://www.atwatervineyards.com/
Champagne gathering to begin at 5:30 at the winery; retreating to the vineyards* will be at 6:00. Dinner will begin around 6:15 and last until the sun goes behind the hill.Price: $75.00 per person and includes all wine and gratuity.JOIN US ON SEPTEMBER 24! What could be better than dining with wine? Dining with wine in the vines, that’s what! Join us and Chef Sam from Simply Red Village Bistro in our beautiful vineyard setting overlooking Seneca Lake, as she and her staff prepares a seasonal five-course dinner for sixteen. Enjoy our wines, perfectly paired to complement each course, as you sit in a spectacular setting amongst the vines.

- Gone to the Dogs Sep 29 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards http://www.hazlitt1852.com/
Hazlitt Winery extends a warm welcome to Dog Show participants, owners, and spectators for a Friday night Kibbles & Wine mixer. We will offer light appetizers, wine specials and happy hour music.

-Hunt Country Vineyards 16th Annual Gourmet Harvest Festival Sep 30 - Oct 1
at Hunt Country Vineyards http://www.huntcountryvineyards.com