Tasty Insider Tips For Wine Tasting In Finger Lake’s Cayuga County

The Finger Lakes, eleven pristine lakes spread like fingers across central New York , encompasses 9,000 plus square miles of outdoor adventures and bucolic scenery with a nice mix of urban hot spots to boot.

The region offers world class vineyards, farm to table culinary delights and internationally acclaimed annual festivals. With more than 100 wineries spread between 14 counties, the Finger Lakes region is known to produce the best Rieslings and Gewurztraminers outside of Germany.

Cayuga County is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes and offers travelers an array of delectable culinary and wine-infused experiences from vintner training to cheese trail hopping.

Here are some are some travel suggestions from the Cayuga County Tourism Office.

Where to Wine Taste:
$$$ - Heart & Hands Wine Co. - Heart & Hands Wine Company offers a unique, hands-on winemaking opportunity during the harvest season. Participants discover winemaking activities including picking fruit, sorting grapes, daily punchdowns, lab analysis, pressing grapes and equipment cleaning. Their limited production, currently under 1500 cases, allows for an intense focus on quality. Committed to producing cool climate wines which authentically express the character of the Finger Lakes, Heart & Hands Wine Company is located in a serene setting overlooking the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake . www.heartandhandswine.com

$$$ - Bet the Farm - Bet the Farm features a farm winery, regional wine shop and gourmet market. Their hand-crafted wines are sold alongside a premier selection of other Finger Lakes wines at their shop in the village of Aurora . In addition to wine, they offer gourmet foods produced throughout New York State .www.betthefarmny.com

$$ - King Ferry Winery - King Ferry Winery focuses on Chardonnay and Riesling varieties. The winery offers a world-class estate “Taste the Artistry" of Treleaven wine series and invites guests to enjoy works by local artists in the Tasting Room gallery and gift shop. www.treleavenwines.com

$$ - Long Point Winery - Winemaker Gary Barletta focuses his attention on dry red wines such as Merlot and Syrah while his wife Rosemary serves up her specialty sandwiches in Amelia's Deli. Located just off scenic State Route 90 the winery features a breathtaking view overlooking Cayuga Lake . www.longpointwinery.com.

Insider Winery Tips:
· Most wineries have a small tasting fee which is often refunded with a purchase of wine so the cost to taste is virtually free.
· Cheese can be nibbled between wine tastings along the Cayuga Scenic Byway with the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail. Visit http://flcheesetrail.com for a full listing of cheese-infused stops.
· Escorted wine tours are the ideal way to indulge while letting someone else do the driving.
o Big D's Limo Service (www.bigdslimos.com): 5 Depew Street • Auburn , NY 13021
o Experience! The Finger Lakes, LLC (www.ExperienceFingerLakes.com): P.O. Box 3787 • Ithaca , NY 14850
o Quality Wine Tours (www.qualitywinetours.com): P.O. Box 435 • Pittsford , NY 14534

Next week we’ll provide tips on where to eat and where to stay while in Cayuga County.

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Lake Erie North Shore Wineries To Host 3rd Annual Taste of the Season Holiday Open House.

Thirteen participating wineries from the Lake Erie North Shore Wine Region in Southwestern Ontario will be providing an assortment of holiday cheer at their wineries November 26 and 27. This is a thank you to the communities that have supported the wineries as well as a fundraiser for local food banks.

To enjoy this special event, bring canned goods or cash donations to any of the participating wineries. This is a chance to weave your way across the county and the Lake Erie Shore line to discover new vintages, culinary delights, music and unique experiences at each winery. It’s a way to make your holiday shopping fun. You may also enter for a chance to win door prizes and the “Taste of the Season” grand prize.

Participating wineries are: Aleksander Estate Winery, 1542 County Rd 34 Ruthven, ON (519) 326-2024; Black Bear Farms, 1137 County Road 20W, Kingsville, ON (519)733-6289; Colio Estate Winery, 1 Colio Drive (off Walker Rd) Harrow, ON (519) 738-2241; Colchester Ridge Estate Winery, 108 County Rd 50 Harrow, ON (519) 738-9800; Coopers Hawk Vineyards, 1425 Iler Rd RR 1, in Harrow, ON ( 519)738-4295; Erie Shore Vineyard, 410 County Rd 50 Harrow, ON (519) 738-9858; D’Angelo Estate Winery, 5141 Conc. 5, Amherstburg, ON (519) 736-7959; Mastronardi Estate Winery, 1193 Concession 3 East, Kingsville, ON (519) 733-WINE; Muscedere Vineyards, 7457 County Rd 18, RR#4 Harrow, ON (519) 796-9007; Pelee Island Winery, 455 Seacliff Drive, County Rd 20, Kingsville, ON (519) 733-6551; Smith and Wilson Estate Winery, RR#1 8368 Water St, Blenheim, ON (519) 676-5867; Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, 7258 Cty Rd 50W Harrow, ON (3km east of Holiday Beach) (519) 738-9253; Viewpointe Estate Winery, 151 County Road 50 E., Harrow: 519.738.4718.

For further information contact Eadie Mastronardi eadie@mastronardiwines.com.

TREO Restaurant To Host Wine Show November 11 As Part of Sylvania Downtown Delights

This Friday, November 11, will be one of the biggest shopping and dining events Downtown Sylvania has ever seen. Over 1,000 people will visit Main Street's shops and restaurants as part of this fall's Downtown Delights celebration.

TREO Restaurant and Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266, will host six local wine distributors, featuring over 40 wines, including reds, whites, and sparkling wines perfect for your holiday entertaining. Tecumseh's Boulevard Market, and Boe Barrios from Little Boe Sweets will be here sampling and selling their artisan cheeses, and delectable chocolate and cake treats. 

In addition to the wine event, Downtown Delights will feature sales, decorations, a grand opening for a new men's store.You won't want to miss this extraordinary evening.  The Downtown Delights event runs 5:00 to 9:00 PM and then TREO will offer entertainment in the One2 Lounge with the Delta style blues sounds of the Andrew Ellis Duo.  

For more information, please contact info@treosylvania.com or call 419-882-2266.

Photo by Marco Pece

Technorati Tags: wine

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Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: November 9-12, 2011

Image of Alfred Merkelbach via Snooth

Wednesday, November 9

The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wines for “The Feast” 1. Lingenfelder “Hare Label” Gewurztraminer, 2. Alexander Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir, 3. Prima-Mano Primitivo, 4. Warres Warrior Porto Reserve. $7 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Pacific Northwest Wines . $15.

Thursday, November 10

The Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Wonderful French wines for under $20: 1. Gentil “Hugel” – Alsace, 2. Olivier Leffaive – Chardonnay – Puligny – Montrachet, Bourgogne; 3. Albert Bichot – Pinot Noir – Beaune, Bourgogne; 4. Roc De Lussac – Red Bordeaux – Lussac St. Emilion, Bordeaux. $4 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wines for the Feast: 1. Monmousseau Vouvray, 2. Alfred Merkelbach Urziger Riesling Kabinett, 3. Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc, 4. Brutocao Sauvignon Blanc, 5. Fritz Windish Dornfelder, 6. Mossback Russian River Pinot Noir, 7. Piazzano Chianti, 8. Bell Claret. Nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 5-7 PM. Wines for the Feast, Part Two: 1. Fess Parker Viognier, 2. Montes “Cherub” Rosé of Syrah, 3. Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay, 4. Noble Vines 667 Pinot Noir. $2 per flight or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Pacific Northwest Wines . $15.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Special Guest Host Paige Parks from 55 Degrees. Wines that go well with Thanksgiving Dinner. 1. Mercer Gone Fishing Reisling  2010, 2. Mercer Chardonnay 2009, 3. Ramsay Pinot Noir 2008, 4. Anne Amie Cuvee "A" Pinot Noir 2009, 5. Valckenberg Dornfelder 2009. $1.50 per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Holiday wine tasting.

Friday, November 11

* Special Event * TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. 6-9 PM, Downtown Delights wine show. Six local wine distributors, featuring over 40 wines, including reds, whites, and sparkling wines. Tecumseh's Boulevard Market, and Little Boe Sweets will be sampling and selling artisan cheeses, and chocolate and cake treats. Part of Downtown Sylvania special event.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Rieslings: 1. Valckenberg Riesling, 2. Salm "Two Princes" Riesling, 3. Richter Estate Riesling, 4. Haus Auslese Riesling. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 4:00 - 7:00 PM. Holiday wine tasting.

Saturday, November 12
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Rieslings: 1. Valckenberg Riesling, 2. Salm "Two Princes" Riesling, 3. Richter Estate Riesling, 4. Haus Auslese Riesling. $10 tasting.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12:00 – 5:00 PM. Firelands – Ohio’s Best Winery. With Winery Special Guest. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville. 6-9 PM Special wine tasting. Cost is $15.

AREA WINE BARS

• Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
• Vino 100 Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 866-8466, Promenade West, 3355 Briarfield Blvd, Suite C, Maumee.
• Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.

Technorati Tags: wine

[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]

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Ohio Winery Visit: Matus Winery

We planned a little Ohio weekend getaway so that we could visit several wineries on our drive between Toledo and Cleveland.

Our first stop was Matus Winery, located at 15674 Gore Orphanage Road in Wakeman. The winery is located on the 75-year-old farmland of the Matus Family. The large barn-like tasting structure has plenty of room to stretch out while you enjoy your wine.
Sylvia Miller was our host during our visit and was friendly and attentive, giving us a special tour of the tank room where we could see the winemaking in process.

The wine at Matus is non-vintage but most is made from grapes grown on the winery property. We were a bit disappointed to learn that the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were not available. I had checked the wine list in advance and was counting on that duo as being two dry wines amidst most sweeter selections. The Cabernet has been an award winner and the last bottling was exceptional, so it quickly sold out.

Sylvia set us up with some cheese and crackers and a couple of trays of samples. The samples are 50 cents each. We sampled the Chardonnay, Vidal and Niagara on the white side along with Moonlight. Moonlight is made from estate-grown Traminette, which is a close relative to Gewürztraminer. This was finished in a sweeter style and had a bit of pepper on the finish.


Wines were simple and mostly sweet. The Niagara was from Lake Erie grapes and was a good example of the easy drinking white that’s quite popular on hot summer days.

The reds had a couple nice surprises. The Sunset is a blend of Chambourcin, Frontenac, Foche, and Baco Noir grown at Matus. It is semi-dry (but drier than almost all the other wines offered). I don’t think I’ve ever had this combination of grapes before and I found it interesting with a bit of tartness.

Matus also offers Outback, which is a fruit wine made with elderberry and blackberry. Green Dragon wasn’t willing to taste this, but I thought this would be an ideal sipping wine for those blustery winter days that aren’t too far around the corner. Matus offers a pear wine as well.

We stopped in during the early afternoon but this looks like it is a lively place during the weekends, especially when there is a band. Matus has plenty of seating and a great fireplace room. Fridays at 5:30 PM they offer a dinner special and entertainment is scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays. There is a chili cook-off this weekend that looks like a lot of fun.

For those who like life (and their wine) on the sweet side and enjoy lively entertainment, Matus is a good choice.

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Satek Winery To Release First Nouveau Wine November 17

Satek Winery of Fremont, Indiana will be bringing a little bit of French celebration to Northeastern Indiana with the release of its very first nouveau-style wine creation on Thursday, November 17th—the same day as the official release date of Beaujolais Nouveau wines in France.  Huge festivities throughout France herald the release of the nouveau wine, thus perpetuating the correlation between this wine style and lighthearted celebrations.

The term nouveau refers to wines which are released in the same year in which the grapes are harvested.  Satek Winery’s version—Kreibaum Bay Nouveau—was made from recently-harvested Marechal Foch grapes from its very own Lake James vineyard.  In keeping with tradition, the whole clusters of grapes were fermented by a process of carbonic maceration, and then quickly pressed, which resulted in a fruity dry red with a light body and paler color.  Nouveau wines have a broad appeal because the bitter tannins, normally found in red wines, aren’t there, leaving an easy-to-drink, fruity wine.  They are at their peak drinkability within the first month, and are best served slightly cool.

Head winemaker Shane Christ is excited about the new wine release because “it highlights a new expression of our Marechal Foch grapes, as well as showing the dynamic growing conditions of our Lake James vineyard on Kreibaum Bay.  Nouveau is a celebration wine, and for us, it’s a celebration of our 17th harvest from that vineyard.”
Only about 15 cases of Kreibaum Bay Nouveau wine was made this year. It is priced at $11.17 a bottle, and is expected to sell out quickly.

Pam and Larry Satek opened Satek Winery in the summer of 2001, nestled on a picturesque 16-acre property in Fremont, in the heart of the region known as the “Land of 101 Lakes”.  In its eleventh year, Satek Winery will produce more than 100,000 bottles of wine, with 37 varieties.  They are open 7 days a week, with free tasting, from 10 AM to 6 PM. 

Technorati Tags: wine,Indiana wine

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