Saturday, October 28, 2006

Finger Lakes Picture Time

More pictures from the lens of The Weekend Wino. And most are in focus, even after tasting many wines. Enjoy!



Double Click on pictures to enlarge.



The majestic Esperanza Mansion at the north end of Keuka Lake. We had a great lunch there.

This is a view of the front and...








This is from the back overlooking Keuka Lake.













Autumn in the Finger Lakes is very beautiful.
This is a view from Hector Falls looking toward Seneca Lake.




















A lovely Autumn day on Seneca Lake.













The leaves are falling, but that big lake is ever-present out our front window.










This is the Grape Trellis and Canopy at the entrance to Knapp Vineyard Restaurant on Cayuga Lake. I liked the way the sun rays made little rainbows in the picture. We had a great lunch here. I highly recommend it.
Double Click on photos for larger view.







The wineries on Cayuga Lake get dressed up for Autumn.












This is Lindy, the very cool winery dog at Lakeshore Winery, smiling for the camera.












Here's one goose that's NOT flying south for the winter. He is a permanent fixture at Goose Watch Winery.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Finger Lakes Calendar of Events

Chestnut Festival Oct 28 Noon - 5:00 PM
Goose Watch Winery
Enjoy chestnuts harvested right at Goose Watch. Sample roasted chestnuts, chestnut soup, and more. Website: http://www.goosewatch.com

Cider for Grownups! Oct 28
Bellwether Hard Cider
Let our “Witches Brew” and other Halloween treats cast a spell on you!
Website: http://www.cidery.com

Ghosts in the Galleries Oct 28 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Corning Museum of Glass
Your little ghouls and bats are invited to a pre-Halloween party! Haunted galleries, live music, costume contests, and scary snacks are the perfect way to kick off the scaring season. Watch glass pumpkins grow before your eyes at the Hot Glass Show, and maybe even win one to take home! 5:30 p.m. –8:00 p.m. Included in Museum admission; fees for some craft activities and snacks. Contact Louise Maio at 607.974.4084 for more information.
Website: http://www.cmog.org

Goblins & Ghouls, Americana Rules, Spooktacular Oct 28
Americana Vineyards
4th Annual after hours Halloween party. Fee for food. Call for details.
Website: http://www.AmericanaVineyards.com

Halloween Costume Party on the Fingerlakes Railway Oct 28 3:00 PM
Schuyler County Lodging and Tourism Association
Grab your Ghoulish Gear and join the SCLTA for its Annual Halloween Party Fun'raiser on the Fingerlakes Railway.
All aboard at Seneca Harbor in Watkins Glen at 3 PM SHARP!
Tickets include a 2 hour train ride along the western hills above Seneca Lake, with Count Reneau's wine from the Chateau, drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Halloween costumes are optional.
Tickets: $25.00 each
Website: http://www.watkinsglenlodging.com

Hallowine at Fox Run Oct 28 - Oct 29
Fox Run Vineyards
Join us for a Hallowine Celebration. Having a customer and employee costume contest whole the cafe' serves up spooktacular foods and candy for the young and young at heart. No admission fee. Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-6.
Website: http://www.foxrunvineyards.com

Tunes in the Tent Oct 29 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Heron Hill Winery
The Blue Sky Mission Club will be the entertainment for the afternoon. As always, they will be kickin' it Zydeco Style...! There will be a cash bar for beer and wine.
FREE ADMISSION
Website: http://www.heronhill.com

Autumn Winemakers Dinner Nov 4
Sheldrake Point Vineyard & Cafe
Host: Bob Madill, Sheldrake Point's Winegrower, will share vineyard & cellar notes. Four courses of regional bounty by Chef Jack Carrington will be paired with wines from Sheldrake Point & Goose Watch Winery (Co-Host). Reservations. 866-743-5372. $65/person inclusive. Sat., Tour 5:45; Dinner 6:30PM.
Website: http://sheldrakepoint.com

Champagne & Dessert Wine Festival Nov 4 - Nov 5 Noon - 5:00 PM
Swedish Hill Winery
Champagnes and dessert wines will be featured with complimentary desserts. Start your holiday shopping!
Website: http://www.swedishhill.com/

Italian Winemakers Dinner Nov 5
Long Point Winery
5 course catered elegant dinner served with specially paired wines. Two seatings, 1:00PM. & 4:30PM. Reservations only 315-364-6990.
Website: http://www.longpointwinery.com

Sunday Afternoon Concert Nov 5 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Americana Vineyard
Dee Specker and Friends A selection of Light Jazz from a beautiful local voice. Complimentary Munchies and Wine Available by the Glass or Bottle.
Website: http://americanvineyards.com

4th Annual Winemakers Harvest Dinner Nov 10 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Chateau Lafayette Reneau
E-Mail: info@clrwine.com

Barrel Tasting and Polka Party! Nov 11 - Nov 12
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Come enjoy tank and barrel tastings, unique foods and a live Polka band to help us "Roll out the Barrel".
Website: http://www.thirstyowl.com

Keuka Holidays Nov 11 - Nov 12
Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Hearty winter foods are featured with our award-winning red wines! Each ticket holder will receive a grapevine wreath at their starting winery and an ornament from each participating winery. Each attendee will receive a free holiday wine glass & food and wine pairings. Come see the wineries decorated for Christmas. An early sell-out, tickets are advance sale only.
*Fee $45 per person; $55 per couple 10AM to 5PM Saturday; Noon to 5PM Sunday
*Fees do not include 8% sales tax and $2.50 handling charge per order. Each attendee will receive a souvenir wineglass. Inquire about a season pass Designated Driver ticket 25% off
Website: http://www.keukawinetrail.com

16th Annual Nouveau Party Nov 12 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sponsored by Chateau Lafayette Reneau
E-Mail: info@clrwine.com

Sunday Afternoon Concert Nov 12 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Americana Vineyard
Pam Goddard and Kitchen Chair Country Folk and Irish Folk for something a little bit different. Complimentary Munchies and Wine Available by the Glass or Bottle.
Website: http://americanvineyards.com

Deck the Halls in November Nov 18 - Nov 19 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
15 years! Enjoy a weekend of fun & festivities, sampling holiday wines and food. Visit wineries decorated for the holiday season, collecting ornaments to decorate a grapevine wreath. Recipe book too!
Website: http://www.senecalakewine.com

Vintage Victorian Wine Tasting Tour Nov 22 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
This year's event is scheduled for November 22 from 5-9 PM.
Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at the beginning of the self guided tour at Horigans Tavern in Elmira at the corner of Davis Street and Second Street, located in the National Historic District.
The Goals of Vintage Victorian is to promote Historic Elmira, New York and the Finger Lakes wine region, highlighting Elmira's National Historic District know as The Near Westide Neighborhood. The historic Near Westside Neighborhood is National designated as have the Largest Concentration of Victorian Homes and Architectural Styles.
Website: Website: http://www.freewebs.com/marktwaintours

Worldly Approach to Wine Seminar "Thanksgiving Pairings" Nov 22 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Casa Larga Vineyards
Monthly wine seminars at Casa Larga Vineyards are a great way to enhance knowledge of wines and the wine industry. Join wine aficionado and D&C columnist Holly Howell for Thanksgiving at the Vineyard on Wednesday, November 22nd.
Holly Howell will bring Thanksgiving to Casa Larga, with traditional holiday selections, paired with a variety of different wines. Guests will gain ideas for their own holiday meal, which will surely impress holiday guests. This holiday-themed event begins at 7:00pm and runs till 8:30pm. The price is $25 for Wine Lover’s Club Members and $35 for non-members.
“A Worldly Approach to Wine” is Casa Larga’s monthly seminar series, designed to educate wine consumers on a number of topics related to the wine industry. This series will feature regional wine experts who will discuss a variety of exciting topics ranging from “Wine 101” to “Pairing Asian Spices and Sauces with Wine.”
Reservations are required for each seminar, and can be made by contacting Casa Larga’s Wine Shop at (585) 223-4210.
Website: http://www.casalarga.com/

Tree Lighting Celebration Nov 25 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Corning's Gaffer District
The community gathers in Centerway Square at 4 PM for children's entertainment and the lighting of the live Christmas tree at 6 PM
Website: http://www.gafferdistrict.com

FREE Community Days: 30th Anniversary Celebration! Nov 30 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Rockwell Museum of Western Art
You're invited! Visit the Rockwell Museum of Western Art the 30th of every month of 2006 and find FREE Admission! By way of hosting this open house, the Rockwell Museum of Western Art extends many thanks to the community for its 30-year interest in the Museum!
Website: http://www.rockwellmuseum.org

Watkins Glen Village Christmas Dec 1 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sponsored by Watkins Glen Promotions
Website: http://www.watkinsglen.com/promotions/christmas.htm

13th Annual Holiday Shopping Spree Dec 2 - Dec 3
Cayuga Wine Trail
Sample wines and holiday treats. Take home a souvenir wineglass, a grapevine wreath, a collectible Cayuga Wine Trail ornament from each winery, holiday recipes, plus a shopping card for special discounts during the event. Each participant will be eligible for our Three Grand Prizes. Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday Noon-6pm. Ticket valid for both days. Gift Certificates are available for all our events. Tickets can be purchased at any Wegmans store.
Website: http://www.cayugawinetrail.com

Deck the Halls in December Dec 2 - Dec 3 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
15 years! Enjoy a weekend of fun & festivities, sampling holiday wines and food. Visit wineries decorated for the holiday season, collecting ornaments to decorate a grapevine wreath. Recipe book too!
Website: http://www.senecalakewine.com

Enchanted Winter Evening Dec 2 6:30 PM
Knapp Vineyard Winery & Restaurant
Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant invites you to an Enchanted Winter Evening in our Vineyard Restaurant. Relax with an evening of fabulous cuisine, live entertainment, dancing, and award winning wines! Live entertainment by Michael Feligno and dinner begins at 6:30 pm!
$40 per person includes salad, dinner, dessert, and live entertainment!
Website: http://www.knappwine.com

Keuka Holidays Dec 2 - Dec 3
Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Hearty winter foods are featured with our award-winning red wines! Each ticket holder will receive a grapevine wreath at their starting winery and an ornament from each participating winery. Each attendee will receive a free holiday wine glass & food and wine pairings. Come see the wineries decorated for Christmas. An early sell-out, tickets are advance sale only.
*Fee $45 per person; $55 per couple 10AM to 5PM Saturday; Noon to 5PM Sunday
*Fees do not include 8% sales tax and $2.50 handling charge per order. Each attendee will receive a souvenir wineglass. Inquire about a season pass Designated Driver ticket 25% off
Website: http://www.keukawinetrail.com


Friday, December 8 - Sunday, December 10
It's A Wonderful Life Weekend in Seneca FallsThe 60th Anniversary of the Release of the FilmParade, Bonfire, Caroling, Film Festival, Train Rides, Buggy Rides, North Pole, USO Cantine, Chili Cookoff, Zuzu Dinner, the Dance by the Light of the Moon with Big Band Sounds of Swing and last but not least, attendance by Karolyn Grimes. Watch for further information and check out the website (in process) at http://www.therealbedfordfalls.com/

10th Annual Seneca Santa Party Dec 9 Noon - 6:00 PM
Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards
Price: $7 donation at the door which goes to the kids and gets you a complimentary souvenir wine glass. An amazing party for a truly worthy cause, come help us raise funds to bring Christmas to the region’s underprivileged children. Live music, live & silent action, raffles, food, recreational beverages. Come party for the kids! Come party for the kids! Go to www.hazlitt1852.com for full details. Call (607) 546-WINE to make private or business donations.
Website: http://www.hazlitt1852.com

Dosage Your Own Champagne - You're the Winemaker Today! Dec 9 - Dec 10
Glenora Wine Cellars
This is a unique opportunity to create your own individual bottles of champagne to give as holiday gifts or to ring in the New Year. You head to the cellar, don an apron and disgorge (that’s the technical term for removing the yeast) and dosage (that’s how you make it sweet) your own champagne.
In other words, you create a wine that is to your own personal liking.
Don’t worry, our winemaker, Steve DiFrancesco will teach you everything you need to know!!
Not only is this FUN, but you end up with GREAT sparkling wines to take home and enjoy in the New Year. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED (please call 800-243-5513) and there is a one case minimum per couple 12 bottles per case, $25 per bottle.) Appointments are approximately 1/2 hour.
Website: http://www.glenora.com

Hammondsport’s Christmas in the Park Dec 9 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hammondsport Chamber of Commerce
Old Fashioned Christmas with music, food, Santa, storytelling, wagon rides, vendors & more.
Website: http://www.hammondsport.org

Santa Lucia Day Dec 9 Noon - 5:00 PM
Swedish Hill Winery
Celebrate the traditional Swedish holiday with us. Enjoy special treats handed out by Santa Lucia.
Website: http://www.swedishhill.com/

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Finger Lakes News & Notes

- Plenty to do and see in Autumn in The Finger Lakes

- Autumn in The Montezuma Wildlife Refuge

- California winery uses Finger Lakes grapes for its Riesling

- Wet Finger Lakes summer doesn't spoil tourism

- Columbus Day weekend is biggest tourist weekend of the year for Finger Lakes

- Ithaca seeing hotel room boom

- New York Times Travel Section profiles The Finger Lakes

- Foreign tourists like Finger Lakes trees

- 14 million dollar hotel to be built in Watkins Glen

- If you are looking for a gift for any Finger Lakes wine lovers, check out my Finger Lakes T-shirt and my Finger Lakes songs on the Links listings on the left side of this page. Proceeds go to Hospice organizations.