Cayuga Wine Trail

Wineries mark anniversaries

There’s nothing more satisfying than drinking a glass of Finger Lakes Riesling from a winery along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, especially on a hot summer day — and let’s face it, we’ve had a few of those days. July was an exciting and rewarding month for me in the wine industry, with lots of picnics, parties and festivals leading to outstanding networking opportunities. These ventures, too numerous to count, have developed into fond partnerships and friendships. I’ve been helping out with the silent auction for the Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty Dinner, Aug. 1, which was held in honor of Chef Deb Whiting from Red Newt Wine Cellars. She was tragically killed suddenly in a terrible car crash last month and was the backbone and president of the organization. The generosity that outpoured from the businesses in donations was amazing. This brought not only a warm and fuzzy feeling in my heart, but tears to my eyes.

In the media world I had an opportunity that happened overnight to help participate in a TV video for promotional purposes, and as part of a contest. Picture this: I’m sitting in a bed of flowers drinking a glass of Riesling wine, talking about the Finger Lakes as one of the best destinations in the world. You have to love it. The next day, I recorded a couple of commercials regarding our summer promotions for the Cayuga Radio Group in Ithaca. Make sure to listen to the laugh on 97.3 FM.

As I mentioned last month, we have partnered with Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance and Ithaca restaurants to host our first-ever Wine Maker for a Week Contest. Check out the website www.winemakerforaweek.com and tell us why, through a video or a written submission, you would like to learn more about wine-making here in the Finger Lakes. The grand prize includes a complete week-long vacation package for two, with accommodations provided by Hope Lake Lodge in Cortland. The complete itinerary starts with participating in two events, the Cork & Fork and Lucas Vineyards’ German Festival. For three days you’ll be able to work side by side with wine-makers and growers from King Ferry, Long Point and Knapp wineries. Other features for the week are to visit the Corning Museum of Glass and the Museum of the Earth in Ithaca, and to experience a wine tour on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail provided by Quality Wine Tours. Again, check out www.winemakerforaweek.com for further details, and start to enter now. Voting closes at noon Aug. 30.

Cayuga Wine Trail has more than wine! : News : CNYcentral.com

Today's the first edition of the 'grow and show' contest.  Corinna Heinz, from Swedish Hill, says it's to encourage people who took herb and veggie plants from the spring Wine Trail event, to bring back their 'produce' to be 'judged'---today:  peppers, with the one closest to the length of their pet donkey's ear wins.  Other vineyards have similar contests, right through the fall.

Frommer's New York State

Fodor's New York State

McKinney's session laws of New York

Explorer's Guide The Finger Lakes, A Great Destination

Knack Wine Basics, A Complete Illustrated Guide to Understanding, Selecting & Enjoying Wine