related items
It's been viewed as romantic, extravagant and even snooty. But for many people, wine is no different from veggies on your dinner plate.
"Wine isn't a romantic, luxury item, it's really a food item that is meant for daily consumption at the dinner table," says Lenn Thompson, editor and publisher of Lenndeavors, a New York wine blog (Lenndevours.com). "Nothing more. Nothing less."
As more people are tapping into the world of wine, the Finger Lakes wine region has caught the attention of wine lovers the world over. Considered the Napa Valley of the East, Finger Lakes is the fourth-largest region of wine production in the country. Its reputation for producing some of the best Rieslings in the world has also helped catapult this formerly hidden gem into a worthy vacation and day-trip destination.
And New Yorkers' loyalty to Finger Lakes' wineries is evident; local liquor stores devote huge sections to New York wines.
"I think that New Yorkers from throughout the state are fiercely loyal about all things New York, including the wines being made in their back yard," Thompson says. "And why shouldn't they be? New York is producing some of the best wines in the country."
If you're new to wine tasting, Thompson says tasting a lot of different wines will help you learn what you like. "And ultimately, drink what you like. It doesn't matter if that Seneca Lake Riesling received 98 points from a glossy wine magazine. If you don't like it, you don't like it. There's nothing wrong with that."
Are you a wine amateur? A budding sommelier? A beer drinker? We've got stops for you and just about everyone on this mini guide to what's new to the wineries on Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua and Cayuga lakes.
SENECA LAKE
For the manly man
Wagner Vineyards 9322 State Route 414 Lodi, Seneca County; http://www.wagnervineyards.com
If you're one of those guys who hasn't had more than a sip of wine in your life, be sure to visit Wagner Winery. Adjacent to its wine tasting room is a microbrewery where you can try Wagner's six standard brews and any seasonal products available.
For the Earth child
Four Chimneys Organic Winery 211 Hall Road Himrod, Yates County; http://www.fourchimneysorganicwines.com
Organic wines are becoming more popular as the green trend picks up.
"I think that people are interested in organic anything just because we now know the impact that chemicals, pesticides and other treatments can have on our bodies and on our environment," Thompson says.
Four Chimneys uses no pesticides or fungicides and has been producing organic wines since 1980 — long before the trend took off. Its wine collection includes the customary dry and sweet whites and reds, but it also has a unique collection of sweet fruit wines — Celestial Peach, Au Pear and others.
For the serious drinker
Finger Lakes Distillery 4676 State Route 414 Burdett, Schuyler County; http://www.fingerlakesdistilling.com
Solely focused on spirits, Finger Lakes Distillery opened in March and is owned by 31-year-old Brian McKenzie.
"We have everything from small-batch whiskies all the way down to lower-proof liqueurs that might appeal to someone who doesn't like a high-proof spirit, something a little sweeter," he says. The distillery also stresses the importance of using local products and materials.
The tasting room is set to open this month, where you can stop by and sample Finger Lakes Distillery's gin, grape-based vodka (regular and wildberry), whiskey and other products.
Keuka Lake For the girly girl
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2007 Gewürztraminer 9749 Middle Road Hammondsport, Steuben County; www.drfrankwines.com
If you love sweet wine, chances are you've had this winery's best-selling Semi-Dry Riesling, which has won 13 awards this year alone. While at Dr. Frank's tasting room, try the riesling's drier, crisper cousin, Gewurztraminer.
Gewürtzra-what? This varietal of grape is originally from Germany and the Alsace region of France. It thrives in colder climates, which is why the Finger Lakes is a perfect place to grow this grape.
For the connoisseur
Heron Hill Winery 2007 Reserve Blaufränkisch 9301 County Route 76 Hammondpsort; http://www.heronhill.com
Just this month, Heron Hill released the first Blaufränkisch from the Finger Lakes region. This medium-bodied, slightly spicy red wine is originally from Austria and is more commonly known as Lemberger in the United States. In fact, the wine was previously known by this name at Heron Hill, but it was changed to the original Austrian name because of Lemberger's association to Limburger, a stinky cheese.
At $35 a bottle, this wine is an unusual addition to a personal wine collection, as the winery claims it will age well within the next 10 years.
CAYUGA LAKE
For the "bubbly" personality
Swedish Hill Winery 4565 Route 414 Romulus, Seneca County; www.swedishhill.com
As the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Governor's Cup and Winery of the Year at the New York Wine and Food Classic, this winery is known for its sparkling wines.
Swedish Hill also has a "Jack Ass Red" named after its mascot, Doobie the donkey.
For the trendsetter
Heart & Hands Wine Company 4162 State Route 90, Union Springs, Cayuga County http://www.heartandhandswine.com
If you like knowing about the next big thing before anyone else does, Heart & Hands Wine Company is like the Twitter of wineries. Open since December 2008, this winery is still modest in size, producing only 800 cases of wine per year and four varieties.
CANANDAIGUA LAKE
For the romantic
Imagine Moore Winery 197 N. Main St. Naples, Ontario County; www.imaginemoorewinery.com
This winery opened in 2007 — the first to be established in Naples in more than 100 years. This summer Imagine Moore is releasing many new vintages with dreamy names, including 2008 Love Riesling, 2008 Passion Ice Wine and 2008 Gratitude, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Cayuga Blanc.
