Summer Nights

August 1, 2012wpawinepirate Leave a comment

As we enter into the final weeks of summer you don’t want warm weather to pass before you try some light-bodied young wines. These fresh flavored immature wines are made from low-sugar early harvest grapes that yield a high-sugar and low-alcohol wine. You will find these wines to be sweeter than average and more acidic on your taste buds but lighter on your wallet. I think a good place to start would be with an Italian-Style Moscato so we can savor its delectable floral and fresh fruit aroma. Some interesting choices can be found including an offering from Cavit at $8.99 for 750ml PLCB code 3602 and Moscato D’ Asti Montefiore $11.99 for 750 ml PLCB code 5021. The 2010 Vintage of Moscato D’ Asti Montefiore was rated as the highest scoring Moscato under $15 by Wine Spectator. When pairing these wines you should think sweet foods, like desserts and local farm market fresh fruits. The French are excellent producers of this next category of wine and because of their skill I recommend sampling a French-Style Vouvray. Barton & Guestier Vouvray $11.99 PLCB code 5525 and Château de Montfort $14.99 PLCB code 8747 are the two most easily found examples at PLCB stores. These wines pair well with cheese plates, dried fruit and cold seafood appetizers. Before summer ends be certain to try some of these refreshing young white wines while conditions are ideal.

Wagner Vineyards

July 25, 2012July 23, 2012wpawinepirate 3 Comments

We are back on the road again and on our way to Wagner Vineyards where they have a winery, brewery, restaurant and gift shop. I would like to take this opportunity to advise you to be careful when tasting and driving and also ask you to be sure that you act in a responsible manner to ensure public safety because if you don’t the police around the Finger Lakes will. Wagner is probably the most commercially developed winery around the lakes and should be on your must see list. They produce an extensive variety of wines and if you are fortunate enough to have Bill serve you in the tasting room you will get to experience every one that your heart desires. I asked him for a good red for making Sangria and he suggested the Sunset Red then he gave me his favorite Sangria recipe. I tasted all of their Chardonnay and chose the dry 2011 Barrel Fermented. I didn’t taste at the brewery this trip but I remember that the last time I did their portions were the same as the wine room samples and let’s just say they were more than generous. The Ginny Lee Cafe has a trendy menu and we have had lunch on the deck overlooking the vineyards on several occasions. If you do decide to stop for lunch try one of their wraps, my favorite is the Tuscan. Wagner Vineyards is located at 9322 State Route 414 Lodi, New York.

Wagner Vineyards Photos

July 25, 2012July 23, 2012wpawinepirate Leave a comment

Fermention Tanks

The Botting Room at Wagner Vineyards

: Tanks at Wagner Vineyards

The Ginny Lee Cafe

Watkins Glen, New York

July 20, 2012August 12, 2012wpawinepirate Leave a comment

English: The gorge at Watkins Glen State Park, New York. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We took a break from the Wine Trail by driving to the south end of Seneca Lake and visiting Watkins Glen. Watkins Glen is an idyllic small town that is set in a beautiful location. The town is well-known for its racetrack and the world-famous racers and their fans that flock to the area every year. There is plenty to do in Watkins Glen and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore it. Stop by the harbor and see the marina, then take a sightseeing cruise on the vintage 1934 Stroller IV to get a unique view of the lake. Watkins Glen State Park offers the chance to hike to a waterfall and surprisingly there is an entrance in the middle of town. Take a walk around the main business district and browse the eclectic shops that line the busy street. Take a break from the wineries and support the other merchants that add their own unique vibe to the region.

A Grand Hotel Opens in Watkins Glen (lennthompson.typepad.com)
The Finger Lakes Wine Festival 2012 in New York (vinoconvistablog.me)

Free Broken Bottle Replacement

July 16, 2012December 3, 2023wpawinepirate 2 Comments

I recently discovered an unbelievable policy that the Pennsylvania LCB (Liquor Control Board) stores offer to their customers. The unwritten policy is to replace any unopened bottle of liquor or wine that a customer breaks as long as they return it with proof that the bottle was sealed when it was broken. I would have to admit that returning a bag full of shattered glass to a store for a replacement when it was my fault strikes me as strange but rules are rules. Imagine walking in with what is left of a bottle of $7000 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet and asking for another one for free. It is worth a try and Good Luck.

https://archive.triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/broken-bottle-policy-cited-as-wasteful/#:~:text=Customers%20who%20break%20unopened%20bottles,little%2Dknown%2C%20unwritten%20policy.

‘Break it, replace it’ policy costly for LCB (triblive.com)
3 On Your Side: Pennsylvania Giving Away Free Booze At Your Expense? (philadelphia.cbslocal.com)

Lamoreaux Landing Winery

July 10, 2012July 10, 2012wpawinepirate 1 Comment

Lamoreaux Landing (Photo credit: mhaithaca)

My next stop was the award-winning Lamoreaux Landing Winery in Lodi, New York. The first thing that strikes you about this property is just how impressive the facilities are. The grandeur of the main building hints of Roman and Greek inspired architecture. The long stroll up the sidewalk to the main entrance was only a prelude to the truly magnificent view of the lake through the huge windows inside. The view from the beautiful tasting room was one of the finest I have ever experienced in the Finger Lakes. The wine of Lamoreaux Landing are well made and enjoyable. I purchased their Estate Red Table Wine but passed on a very good Chardonnay that I really should have added to the growing collection in the trunk of my car. After looking around the gift shop that is adjacent to the tasting room we left with my bottle of Estate Red and a promise to return soon. Lamoreaux Landing Winery is located at 9224 Rte 414 Lodi, NY.

Lamoreaux Landing 2010 Yellow Dog Vineyard Riesling (lenndevours.com)
Lamoreaux Landing 2009 Dry Riesling (lenndevours.com)

Lamoreaux Landing Winery Photos

July 10, 2012wpawinepirate Leave a comment

Lamoreaux Landing Tasting Room Building

Vineyards at Lamoreaux

Finger Lakes Distilling

July 3, 2012July 6, 2012wpawinepirate Leave a comment

Finger Lakes Distilling sits on a hillside along the eastern shore of Seneca Lake so naturally that if not for its sign marking the entrance road you could easily miss it. After climbing the few steps that lead to the rear of the building you enter the tasting room with its view of the lake and the distillery’s impressive still. At the bar you can taste any of their 16 types of spirits and liqueurs. While perusing the tasting room and gift shop I noticed a friendly looking hound lying on the floor, as I approached him all he did was move his eyes to see who it was and then he went back to sleep. I would suggest that you stop at Finger Lakes Distilling even if it is only to take a look around. Finger Lakes Distilling is located at 4676 NYS Rte 414 Burdett, NY.