Our springtime return to Fox Run Vineyards in New York's Finger Lakes was a special treat. We were fortunate to spend last memorial day weekend in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Here's why the Finger Lakes Wine Country is so special. This wine region has become well known for its world class Riesling. I still vividly remember Spaswinefood's first visit to the Finger Lakes in August 2015. Because I discovered so many good things about the wine region, I just had to return. Indeed once you put some Finger Lakes Riesling in your wine glass it is hard to resist.
Fox Run, Seneca Lake, New York © Spaswinefood
Seneca Lake's Fox Run in Penn Yan was on my list for a return visit. During our visit we ate lunch and ordered a number of wine flights.
Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area)
The Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area) is centered around eleven glacial lakes, with the majority of vineyards near Canandaigua Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake.
The Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area) is centered around eleven glacial lakes, with the majority of vineyards near Canandaigua Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake.
Fox Run, Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area) © Spaswinefood
Each of these areas have been described as having unique viticultural characteristics, which result in wines with distinct flavor profiles. In fact the Cayuga and Seneca Lake areas have been recognized as distinct enough to have their own AVA's.
Off to Fox Run, Seneca Lake Wine Trail © Spaswinefood
This east coast wine region has often been compared to Germany's Rhine region because of the similarity in growing conditions. The Finger Lakes AVA , established in 1982, is home to over 100 wineries. Besides Riesling, the Finger Lakes also produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, as well as several French-American and native varieties.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Wine making in the Seneca Lake area dates back to when the Seneca Lake Grape Wine Company opened a winery in 1866. With the arrival of Prohibition in 1919 wine making in this area came to a halt. Modern wine making however, began in the 1970's when two wineries were established by pioneers, Charles Fournier and Hermann Wiemer. There are now 40 wineries in the Seneca Lake AVA, with over 30 wineries making up what is known as the Seneca Wine Trail.
Wine making in the Seneca Lake area dates back to when the Seneca Lake Grape Wine Company opened a winery in 1866. With the arrival of Prohibition in 1919 wine making in this area came to a halt. Modern wine making however, began in the 1970's when two wineries were established by pioneers, Charles Fournier and Hermann Wiemer. There are now 40 wineries in the Seneca Lake AVA, with over 30 wineries making up what is known as the Seneca Wine Trail.
Grab your wine glass and join me on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Seneca Lake American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Upstate New York was established in 2003. The AVA is part of the larger Finger Lakes AVA that was established in 1982. Finger Lakes AVA is centered around eleven glacial lakes, with the majority of vineyards located near Canandaigua Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake. Seneca Lake, the deepest of the Finger Lakes contributes to the climatic conditions around the lake. The result is a longer growing season, plus protection from the freezing winters in Upstate New York. Given the unique viticultural characteristics within the Seneca Lake AVA the wines have described as having their own distinctive flavor profiles.
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| Through the Wine Glass, Fox Run © Spaswinefood |
Now a few highlights from our spring 2021 excursion. During our winery visit we enjoyed lunch with wine flight tastings. 
Let's take a look at the three wine flights we selected.
Fox Run Vineyards, Red Flight
Spring Vineyard, Fox Run © Spaswinefood
Fox Run Vineyards, Dry Flight
Fox Run Vineyards, Dry Flight © Spaswinefood
A Closer Look at Fox Run Vineyards Dry Flight © Spaswinefood
Fox Run Vineyards, Red Flight © Spaswinefood
Fox Run Vineyards, Red Flight © Spaswinefood
Fox Run Vineyards, Riesling Flight
Time for Fox Run Vineyards Riesling Flight © Spaswinefood
Fox Run Vineyards, Riesling Flight © Spaswinefood
Fortunately Spring 2021 was a good time to return. For sure included in the wine flights that I tasted was a lineup of Riesling wines. Finger Lakes Riesling wines come in different styles (still, sparkling and ice wine), with a range in sweetness levels (from sweet to dry). There is a Finger Lakes Riesling for every palate. In addition Rieslings being commonly made without skin contact, some are made with some skin contact (skin fermented). |
Remembering Visiting Fox Run Vineyards in 2015
The focus of our Fox Run Vineyards 2015 visit was on terroir. That time we visited the vineyard and the winery, followed by an excellent food and wine pairing. While touring their vineyard in 2015 we were introduced to history and growing conditions at Fox Run. We also chatted with the winemaker.
It was such a delight to have winemaker Peter Bell and Chef Bud Holland present during the food and wine pairing.
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| Winery Conversations, Fox Run Vineyards © Spaswinefood |
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| Fox Run Vineyards, Finger Lakes © Spaswinefood |
It was an awesome food and wine pairing, with a great introduction to their Riesling wines grown in different terroir. In particular, looking at the effect of different terroirs of their 2011 and 2012 vintages was an enlightining activity.
Nothing compares to a wine country escape. I was delighted to return to Fox Run Vineyards and to further explore its wines. Hopefully this post will prompt you checkout Finger Lakes Wine Country and its wines.
Before you plan a trip to the Finger Lakes checkout these sources:
1. Finger Lakes Wine Country,
2. Finger Lakes Wine Alliance,
3. Finger Lakes Tourist Alliance, and
4. Finger Lakes Wine.
1. Finger Lakes Wine Country,
2. Finger Lakes Wine Alliance,
3. Finger Lakes Tourist Alliance, and
4. Finger Lakes Wine.
My Finger Lakes visits have introduced me to the many styles of Riesling and its other wines. If you can not make it to the Finger Lakes check for Finger Lakes wines at your local wine store, or online sites.
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| Tasting Riesling © Spaswinefood |
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| Finger Lakes Riesling Ice Wine © Spaswinefood |
Fox Run Vineyards, Penn Yan in the Finger Lakes is a must. By put some of their Finger Lakes wine in you glass you will discover what is special about this wine region. I invite you to join me in my wine adventures in the Finger Lakes at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook.
CHEERS!
Finger Lakes, New York
© Spaswinefood
Fox Run , Finger Lakes © Spaswinefood
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