Free Finger Lakes Travel Magazine

Photo Courtesy Finger Lakes Wine Country

Photo Courtesy Finger Lakes Wine Country

     Anyone considering a possible trip to the Finger Lakes Region of New York should request this informative free guide.  Simply go to the website www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com and select “Plan” from the toolbar then scroll down to the submission form or click on the picture of the magazine, if you prefer the human touch you can call Morgen, Christina, Teresa or Ginny at 800-813-2958 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday.  While you are on the site consider subscribing to any of the free e-newsletters offering a wide spectrum of topics that will interest any visitor.  The current 2012 digital issue of Finger Lakes Wine Country Magazine is also available for download from this site as well as a free Finger Lakes Travel app for your mobile device, which can prove to be invaluable while exploring the region.  The information that you can obtain from the magazine and website can be very helpful but the real fun begins when you visit and begin discovering something new around ever turn.

Thanksgiving Wine

Assortment of wine from Domaine Chandon in Yar...

Assortment of wine . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

     Thanksgiving is only a week away and the menu is set but the wine list will remain fluid until the last-minute. White wines are the traditional choices because they pair wonderfully with Thanksgiving fare.  A dry Chardonnay with a light oak aging is always a sure bet but a fruity unoaked offering might be a more interesting choice.  Sauvignon Blanc is also a good pick with its lively acidity or if you want to spur some dinner table wine talk try a Gewürztraminer, White Burgundy or even a Viognier.  If your guests like a little sweeter wine try a White Zinfandel to satisfy their tastes.  Reds are hard to blend with the flavor palate of this holiday meal but if you must uncork a bottle of red I suggest trying a light bodied wine with fine tannins and the best choice for that is Pinot Noir.  We will be pouring three New York  white wines from the 3 Brothers Winery in the Finger Lakes Region, a 2010 1st Degree Medium Dry Riesling and a 2010 2nd Degree Medium Sweet Riesling along with a 2011 Stoney Lonesome Estates Grüner Veltliner. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Standing Stone Vineyards

Tom and Marti Macinski Photo Courtesy: Standing Stone Vineyards

     I recently received an e-mail from Marti Macinski to keep me up to date on activities at Standing Stone Vineyards.  Marti and Tom Macinski have owned and operated Standing Stone Vineyards since 1991.  They have steadily increased the yearly production from 800 cases in that first vintage of 1993 to about 8000 cases last year.  They are officially done picking grapes with great results and have some of their wine fermenting while sitting on the lees.  Their Cabernet Sauvignon is starting to ferment and needs punched down four times a day.  Tom is looking for volunteers that want to learn some winemaking skills while helping to basket press the Cab.  Even if you are not up for a hands- on winery experience you can always stop by the tasting room that is open every day and while you are there don’t miss the chance to sample the bread and the many dips. 

Standing Stone Vineyards 9934 Route 414 Hector, NY 14841  (607) 582-6051  www.standingstonewines.com   Blog   http://www.standingstonewines.wordpress.com

Free Finger Lakes Travel App!!!

Map of the Finger Lakes region of New York, wi...

Map of the Finger Lakes region of New York, with major cities, highways, and airports marked. Created from public domain sources: NASA World Wind (USGS Maps), Image:New_York_State_Route_104_map.png, and http://www.lrb.usace.army.mil/brochure/images/new%202003/letch-park%20map2.gif. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

     Anyone that is contemplating a trip to the Finger Lakes Region of New York should get moving and make plans now.  I say this from personal experience that the next several weeks are the perfect time to visit wine country.  When you visit in the fall you will get to enjoy the excitement of the harvest while being surrounded by a landscape that is alive with the vibrant colors of autumn.  A free travel app is available to help visitors enjoy many of the local attractions.  The app can be found at http://FLWC.MOBI./  Driving around the area is easy because the roads are well-marked especially with signs that direct you along the wine trails.  Tourists using a GPS can find numerous wineries preloaded in the “Points Of Interest” or “Attractions” setting of the unit.  You can find just about anything you need to know for your trip online so why wait because winter will be here before you know it.      

Wagner Vineyards

     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

Fermention Tanks

The Botting Room at Wagner Vineyards

Tanks at Wagner Vineyards

The Ginny Lee Cafe

Watkins Glen, New York

English: The gorge at Watkins Glen State Park,...

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.

Lamoreaux Landing Winery

Lamoreaux Landing

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. 

Finger Lakes Distilling

     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. 

Finger Lakes Distilling Photos

     The still at the Finger Lakes Distilling distillery.