Bogle Petite Sirah 2021 is a good choice for anyone looking for a dark, full-bodied California red wine that is approachable and not as “big” as many of the California Cabernet Sauvignons are. Notes of dark berries lead to flavors of dark berries, think blackberry and blueberry. It has a long finish featuring balanced tannins and acidity with a hint of oak. Best paired with hearty fare like grilled red meat, lamb, burgers, or pasta in red sauce. Always a bargain at less than $15 a bottle.
In the upstate region of New York, encircling the beautiful deep glacial lakes, the Finger Lakes Wine Country (FLX) has been the epicenter of New York winemaking for nearly two centuries. The vineyards and wineries around the eleven narrow (finger) but deep lakes benefit from them acting as heat sinks and as a result moderating the temperature close to their shores, most notably the eastern shores due to the prevailing westerly winds.
Seneca is the largest and deepest lake and has the most wineries around it. Keuka is west of Seneca, and Cayuga is to the east. Both are short drives and shouldn’t be overlooked when visiting, as they both feature outstanding wineries that will enhance your wine-tasting and scenic FLX experience. You can’t see all of Finger Lakes Wine Country in one visit, and even if you could, you would be cheating yourself out of many exciting and entertaining return visits. I recommend planning to spend two full days on your first visit to acquaint yourself with the area and learn how to efficiently navigate around the lakes. There are no bridges to cross the lakes, so you must drive around them to reach the other side. A good starting point for your adventure through this enchanting area is to stay in Watkins Glen at the southern tip of Seneca Lake or in Geneva at the northern tip to make your itinerary planning easier. A GPS or navigation app, like WAZE, is your best bet when traveling between points of interest in this rural area. They can provide valuable information about the availability of food, fuel, and other necessities. It is important to have a plan mapped out with the activities you want to do in the order you will arrive at them, while following your plotted travel path to avoid needless driving. Finger Lakes Wine Country is a wine lover’s paradise, but safety must come first when driving and wine tasting. Having a designated driver or hiring a wine tour company are your best options, but if that’s not possible, please use your common sense to keep everyone safe.
Here are a few suggestions for your consideration.
Seneca Lake (western shore):
In my opinion, Herman J. Wiemer Vineyards is the best Riesling producer in North America, and doing a tasting there is a master class in terroir.
Belhurst Estate Winery has three hotels, two restaurants, craft beer, a spa, and a castle.
Anthony Road Wine Company is a landmark winery in the FLX.
Seneca Lake (eastern shore):
The Standing Stone Vineyards story begins as a Gold Seal property with the famous wine visionaries Charles Fournier and Guy DeVaux planting Riesling and Chardonnay there in 1972 and 1974. Standing Stone continues to make excellent wines today as the sister winery to Herman J. Wiemer Vineyards.
Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery is a decades-old Seneca Lake tradition featuring a winery, gift shop, cafe, and craft brewery.
Keuka Lake:
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is the former home of the legendary Dr. Konstantin Frank, whose pioneering work growing vinifera wine grapes in the region transformed winemaking in the eastern United States into what it is today. This is an absolute must-visit winery.
Domaine LeSeurre Winery is a French winery in the FLX, enough said.
Cayuga Lake:
Hosmer Winery offers a relaxed setting with a casual tasting room.
Sheldrake Point Winery has its vineyards and tasting room on the water’s edge of Cayuga Lake.
These are only a few of the many wonderful vineyards and wineries that you will find in Finger Lakes Wine Country. I have written several articles about our trips to the area, which can be found on this blog by searching “Finger Lakes”. I hope this post has piqued your interest in the Finger Lakes because there is so much to see and do there, especially for wine lovers. Happy hunting!
Next up in my series of wines in wide distribution is Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve 2022. The Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnays have been America’s best-selling Chardonnay for 30+ years for good reason. Their 2022 is no exception because it adheres to their successful approach of producing a crowd-pleasing Chardonnay that is not too dry, too sweet, too acidic, or too much oak but is also food-friendly, easily available, and all for the value price of around $15. If you are looking for a Chardonnay that will pair nicely with your Thanksgiving turkey and will be a hit with your guests, consider this time-tested cool coastal region California Chardonnay. P.S. It even has a screw cap to make your hosting duties easier.
Nestled amongst the rolling hills of Southwestern Pennsylvania just eight miles north of Pittsburgh you can find a little piece of Tuscany. A visit to Narcisi Winery in Gibsonia is like taking a quick trip to Tuscany without having to use your passport.
This family owned and operated winery and restaurant is built on the knowledge of generations of Italian winemakers and traditional family recipes. Whether you are dining alfresco on the patio under the canopy of grapevines or strolling the grounds and vineyards, you can’t resist being swept up in the Italian ambiance of your surroundings.
A diverse menu of wines ranging from their “Flagship” red “Stella” that is a take on a “Bordeaux blend”, through a nice lineup of reds, whites, blushes, rosés, and fruit wine, guarantees that there is something to satisfy anyone’s taste.
In addition to the patio and outdoor wine and pizza bar that features a wood-fired pizza oven, you can also dine in the beautifully appointed restaurant.
If you are in the mood for a beer they have you covered with a beer garden featuring a diverse selection of beers on draft or bottled. As you enter the beer garden area you pass between towering plantings of hop vines that enhance your experience. Check out the raised bed vegetable gardens. next to the beer garden.
Entertainment is always front and center at Narcisi Winery. A bandstand and lawn play host to live music on a regular schedule.
If you want or need a break to escape your normal day-to-day routine, I suggest you explore this little taste of Tuscany in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
narcisiwinery.com 724-444-4744 Photo Credit: Narcisi Winery
I have always advocated for drinking Rosé year-round, but I must admit that I enjoy it more during the warmer months, when it pairs well with the lighter fare of the season. Rosé is a flavorful choice to enjoy with grilled fresh fish, pork, or chicken, along with locally sourced “farm to table” produce/products. I am hearing that some sommeliers are even pairing it with steak. Well, that’s interesting. What do you think? Rosé from southern France is synonymous with the daydream of spending a leisurely afternoon relaxing at a sun-drenched seaside bistro while basking in the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of the region’s idyllic lifestyle.
We can’t all just jet off to the French Riviera on a whim, but we can certainly get a taste of the good life by enjoying a nice bottle of rosé.
E. Guigal is a dependable producer of quality wine from the Southern Rhône Valley. E. Guigal Côte du Rhône Rosé is a classic expression of a well-balanced southern Rhône rosé with delicate notes of citrus and raspberry leading to a medley of red fruit flavors. The beauty of this wine isn’t limited to its color in your glass, but to its budget-friendly price of less than $20, and that you can easily find it almost anywhere.
If you loved Stanley Tucci’s food and travel show “Searching for Italy,” which became a phenomenon during the pandemic, you will be happy to hear that Stanley’s new show “Tucci in Italy” has just premiered. The five-part series began airing Sunday, May 18, 2025, on the National Geographic Channel and can also be viewed streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the next day. It may have taken a while, but we can once again traipse around five different regions of Italy with Stanley, enjoying their food and culture without leaving home. “Ciao di nuovo” Stanley!
Along the southern shore of Lake Erie where it borders Pennsylvania you will find the vibrant and always evolving wineries of Lake Erie Wine Country. The Lake Erie AVA is the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies and a treasure trove of activities but for this post, I’ll highlight six wineries that will provide visitors an itinerary upon which they can build as they become more familiar with the area.
I’ll start with the winery I consider to have the most name recognition of the region’s producers. Mazza Vineyards and South Shore Wine Company are two destination wineries for first-time visitors or seasonal travelers. Both are a good starting point to explore the wines that these legacy wine companies offer. Mazza Vineyards 11815 E. Lake Rd (Rt5) North East 814-725-8695 South Shore Wine Company 1120 Freeport Rd (Rt89) North East 814-725-1585 http://enjoymazza.com
Our next stop is 6 Mile Cellars and as its name suggests it is located on 6 Mile Creek in Harborcreek. This is the closest winery to downtown Erie making it a convenient stop for visitors. This boutique winery’s tasting room is in a one hundred-year-old horse barn that has been repurposed into an inviting space to enjoy their diverse selection of wines. 5727 Firman Rd Erie 814-580-8375 http://6milecellars.com
Route 20 provides easy access to the popular Courtyard Winery in North East. No tasting at Courtyard’s beautiful tasting room is complete without trying their Chambourcin. 10021 West Main Rd North East 814-725-0236 http://courtyardwinery.com
Continuing on Route 20 we arrive at Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company 11727 East Main Rd North East. This winery is a landmark in the area and is well-known to travelers on Route 20. 814-725-1079 http://arundelcellars.com
If you want to try something different but still taste distinctive wines, consider Burch Farms Country Market & Winery. You can shop at their country market for farm fresh produce, and assorted baked goods from their bakery, and taste their wines. Located at 9210 Sidehill Rd North East
http://burchfarmscountrymarketandwinery.com
Erie, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone and is an easy drive for many in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. If you haven’t given this region much thought as a day trip or getaway option please take a minute to see if it’s right for you.
Photo credit: http://lakeeriewinecountry.org
If you have ever found yourself staring out the window and daydreaming about relaxing at a little bistro table sipping a glass of wine while overlooking a serene vineyard, you are not alone. Wine lovers in Western Pennsylvania need not lament the false notion that they must pack their bags and travel hundreds or thousands of miles to live that dream.
Pennsylvania is home to more than four hundred wineries and over fourteen thousand acres of vineyards. Some of the very best are located on the western side of the state. The wineries are as unique as the wines they make. The following suggestions are just a starting point. The real fun comes in exploring all this region has to see and do.
Guests at Ripepi Winery & Vineyard in Monongahela can enjoy the tranquil ten-acre vineyard from a Tuscan-inspired winery as they savor a glass of their estate-made wine. Owner/winemaker Rich Ripepi founded his landmark winery in 1987. Today, it is a family legacy he shares with his winemaker/sommelier daughter Janelle Ripepi D’Eramo, and winemaker son Dr. Daniel Ripepi. They host a fun “Happy Hour” event every second Friday of the month. http://ripepiwine.com 724-292-8351
Traveling to Mount Pleasant you will find Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill. Greendance Winery is part of Sand Hill Berries, a small family-owned farm that specializes in berries, especially raspberries. You might recognize them from their raspberry specialty desserts booth at festivals. The winery and its grounds are set in the idyllic Laurel Highlands countryside. Stop by anytime to enjoy the rural ambiance but if you visit on a summer weekend you will be treated to live music as you unwind with a bottle of their wine. http://greendancewinery.com 724-547-6500
Up we go into the Allegheny Mountains to Chalk Hill where we arrive at Christian K. Klay Winery. A visit to Christian K. Klay Winery and its adjacent Ridge Runner Distillery will surely include wine, spirits, and beautiful vistas. http://christianklaywinery.com 724-439-3424
Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker is easily accessible and has ample parking plus plenty of inside and outside areas making it a favorite meeting place for friends and family. Check their website for the many special events on the calendar. http://bellaterravineyards.com 724-635-3658
If you are looking for a twist on your usual night out then the City Winery is the place for you. Unlike the other wineries mentioned, City Winery is on Smallman St in Pittsburgh’s “Strip District”. It is a winery, restaurant, and event center that promotes live music, comedy shows, and wine events. http://citywinery.com/pittsburgh 412-246-1000
These are only a few suggestions to pique your interest. I will add new wineries for you to try in future posts. I urge you to do a little research on the Internet, and I’m sure you will be surprised by the number of interesting options you will discover in your area. Have fun, and always drink responsibly. Cheers!
Photo Credit: (Left To Right) Ripepi Winery & Vineyard, Bella Terra Vineyards, Greendance Winery
I checked in recently with my friend Jim Baker, owner, winemaker, and vigneron of Chateau Niagara Winery Newfane, New York. http://chateauniagarawinery.com Jim’s avant-garde approach toward winemaking and the grapes in his vineyard can only be described as fascinating. Here are his candid insights into the year that was 2024 at his award-winning Chateau Niagara Winery.
“In classic cool climate viticulture, the only constant is change. We never know what the year will bring us and it creates a kind of resiliency in the vineyard managers and winemakers from these regions. It also creates some fantastic wines with incredible diversity. This year is no different. We escaped the late spring frost which hurt our neighbors in the Lake Erie region and our hearts went out to them as we got hit last year with that late frost and we lost two-thirds of our crop. We also did not have the wildfires from Quebec this year to contend with. It was a very early bud break with a wet spring and summer. This resulted in heavy downy and powdery mildew pressure. The latter half of the growing season heading to harvest was warm and dry, absolutely perfect for high-quality wine grapes. Longer hang time and good growing season with about 2800 growing degree days, which is measured by the temperatures degrees above 50 F. (A 70-degree day would therefore accumulate 70-50 or 20 growing-degree days.) This is a measure of the total heat accumulation for the season. Harvest levels were a little under prediction and the berries were small and compact. This results in more intense aromas in whites and deeper colors and flavors in reds. We are very excited about the potential for the vintage!
In the fall we harvested our first crop of Fetească neagrǎ. We had hoped for barrels worth of wine, but the raccoons, deer, and turkey got to it first. We did harvest what we could and will likely do a very small bottling of about four cases. The grape showed me just a peek at what it can do this year. My initial tasting indicates that it falls between a Blaufrankisch and a Saperavi, with cherry, spice, black pepper, and smoke.”
Thank you, Jim, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share your thoughts and observations about the intricate factors that influenced your vineyard and winemaking this year. We all look forward to enjoying the fruits of your labor.
Wine is often divided into ones made in the “Old World” versus ones made in the “New World” but what does that mean? They are segregated along geographic lines. Old World wines are categorized as being made in Europe and the Middle East. New World wines are made anywhere else e.g. Australia, the Americas, Southern Africa, Asia, etc. The Old World relies mainly on traditional wine grape varieties (Vitis vinifera), time-honored wine-making methods, and labeling that emphasizes the location where the wine was made and, prioritizes a wine’s terroir. Old World wine regions tend to have cooler climates that yield wines with restrained tannins and are not as fruitful with less sugar. The lower sugar levels contribute to their lower alcohol content (ABV).
New World wines also use traditional grape varieties but are heavily invested in non-traditional grape varieties and readily embrace modern wine-making techniques, ideas, and technology. Its wine bottles are labeled identifying the grape variety used to make the wine. The climates of New World wine regions tend to be warmer and that variable favors the production of wine with fuller fruit flavors, rounder tannins, and higher alcohol content. Lastly, New World wines display more oak which is achieved by using newer barrels that extract greater fruit flavors and tannins.
It doesn’t matter whether a wine is an “Old World” or “New World” offering, the only thing that matters is that you enjoy drinking it. Snap a pic of the label just in case you can’t remember what to buy the next time you are wine shopping.
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