Our Great Northern Adventure: New York State's Finger Lakes Wine Country

We began our Great Northern Adventure (US Highway 2 (US 2)) in Maine. Just in case you are wondering US 2 is an east–west United States Numbered Highway, covering 2,571 miles (4,138 km) across northern continental United States. From Maine we traveled along US 2 through New Hampshire, Vermont and into New York State. After visiting New York's Thousand Islands Winery we took a detour to return to the Finger Lakes. Since our wine supplies were running low, a two night stop-over in the Finger Lakes was in order. I was indeed quite happy to return to the Finger Lakes. This time we stayed at Seneca Lake State Park. For sure we did Seneca Lake winery explorations. We also drove to Keuka Lake to visit Dr. Franks Winery. We concluded our stay with a dinner at Knapp Restaurant.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Keuka Lake © Spaswinefood

Returning to New York's Finger Lakes was a special treat. Yes, I was fortunate to spend both memorial day and a late June 2021 weekends in the Finger Lakes Wine Country. Here's why Finger Lakes Wine Country is so special. This wine region has become well known for its world class Riesling. 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. Besides Riesling, this region also produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, as well as wines from French-American and native grape varieties. I still vividly remember when Spaswinefood first visited the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York in August 2015. Since then I discovered so many good things about this wine region, I just had to return. Once you put some Finger Lakes Riesling in your wine glass it is hard to resist. 

Finger Lakes Riesling in the Glass © Spaswinefood

Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area)

New York State's Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area (AVA), established in 1982, is centered around eleven glacial lakes, with the majority of vineyards located near Canandaigua Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake, and Seneca Lake. When you find yourself in the Finger Lakes, it is a wine region filled with amazing opportunities for adventure. Wines from the Finger Lakes AVA in Upstate New York from the different lake areas have been described as having distinct flavor profiles. This has been attributed to the unique viticultural characteristics of each area. In fact the Cayuga and Seneca Lake areas are distinct enough to have their very own AVA's. 

Finger Lakes, New York © Spaswinefood

Wine Adventures in the Finger Lakes, NY
Some have compared the Fingers Lakes to Germany's Rhine region because of the similarity in growing conditions. The Finger Lakes, a cold climate wine growing region, is home to over 100 wineries, now  producing wines from Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, as well as French-American and native grape varieties. The Finger Lakes has become well known for its world class Riesling. I first visited wineries in the Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake areas in 2015. Fortunately summer 2021 I was able to revisit. Both times, not only was I able to enjoy Finger Lakes wines, but also the equally tempting local food scene. This post will feature vignettes from three areas (Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake).

Vino Taxi, Finger Lakes, NY © Spaswinefood

1. Cayuga Lake

A vino limo ride across Cayuga Lake on a perfect summer afternoon is hard to beat. Perhaps it is not surprising to discover water taxis on this lake given that Cayuga means "boat landing". Yes, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail adventures are packed with incredible wine, food and scenery. 

Thirsty Owl Wine Co., Finger Lakes, NY © Spaswinefood

Cayuga Lake AVA was established in 1988, as a sub-region within the Finger Lakes AVA. The first Cayuga Lake wineries had their beginnings in late 1970's and early1980's. The number of wineries has grown to over 20 wineries. Most of the wineries are found on the west side of the lake, which provide more favorable growing conditions. In addition to the grape varieties mentioned earlier, you will also find grapes, such the Cayuga grape. The Cayuga grape was bred specifically for this region by Cornell University. 

While on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail in 2015 we visited Thirsty Owl Wine Company where we tasted wines from eight  members (Toro Run Winery, Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery, Homer Winery, Lucas Vineyards, Bellwether Hard Cider and Wine Cellars, Americana Vineyards and Six Mile Creek Vineyard). Later at the Goose Watch Winery in Romulus, under a tent in the vineyard,  eight member wineries offered select tastings (Treleaven by King Ferry Winery, Long Point Winery, Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery, Swedish Hill Vineyard, Varick Winery & Vineyard Vineyard, Knapp Winery and Buttonwood Grove Winery). Our final stop was at Knapp Winery where a team of chefs (Chef John McNabb, Knapp Vineyard Restaurant, Chef Lindsay, Crystal Lake Café at Americana Vineyards and Chef Scott, The Bistro at Thirsty Owl Wine Co.) prepared the most amazing dinner for our group.

Knapp Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Indeed, when I returned summer of 2021, I had to enjoy a Thirsty Owl Riesling. How could I not?

Thirsty Owl Wine Company,  Riesling 2019 

Thirsty Owl Wine Company,  Riesling 2019 © Spaswinefood

And YES, a Goose Watch Riesling, and others too! We also ate lunch twice at Knapp's Vineyard Restaurant.

Knapp's Vineyard Restaurant, 2021 © Spaswinefood

2. Keuka Lake

One of the highlights from my earlier 2015 visit to the Finger Lakes was a series of mystery dinners at local wineries. Nothing compares to an escape to wine country for a mystery dinner. The bus we hopped on took us to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, which was celebrating their 30th Anniversary. Our outing took place at the Manor House. All eight Keuka Lake Wine Trail members (Barrington Cellars, Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars, Heron Hill Winery, Hunt Country Vineyards, Keuka Spring Vineyards, McGregor Vineyard, Ravines Wine Cellars, and Vineyard View Winery) participated in the event.

That evening began with tasting a Riesling wine from each of the wineries.

Keuka Lake Riesling Showcase, Finger Lakes © Spaswinefood

Dinner was served on the Manor House veranda, with stunning views of Keuka Lake. Celebrity Chef Brud Holland used locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to prepare dinner. There at Manor House overlooking Keuka Lake this Finger Lakes wine and food event perfectly captured the essence of this beautiful wine country setting. 

Summer 2021 I just had to visit Dr. Franks. I had heard so much about this winery that I could not leave the Finger Lakes without visiting. I was not disappointed.

Dr. Konstantin Frank, Keuka Lake © Spaswinefood

One of the Riesling wines I tasted was a sparkling wine.

Dr. Konstantin Frank, Riesling Nature 2018

Dr. Konstantin Frank, Riesling Nature 2018 © Spaswinefood

I was delighted to visit Dr. Franks and look forward to writing a post on that visit. 

Seneca Lake Wine Trail © Spaswinefood

3. Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake American Viticultural Area (AVA) was established in 2003. It is a sub-region within the larger Finger Lakes AVA because of its uniqueness. 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 been described as having their own distinctive flavor profiles. 

Villa Bellangelo, Finger Lakes © Spaswinefood

Summer of 2015 I arrived in the Finger Lakes a day early for a pre-conference trip along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Our first stop was at Villa Bellangelo in Dundee for a welcoming reception where we were introduced to Finger Lakes wines and local foods.

Dinner at Ventosa Vineyards, Geneva  focused on Finger Lakes women and wine. The activities included 1) opening remarks by four female winemakers and a female research scientist and 2) a vineyard activity where we did a brixs sampling. Chef Heather prepared the most wonderful dinner, which was served on the patio overlooking Seneca Lake.

Ventosa Vineyards, Geneva © Spaswinefood

Next day we visited Anthony Road Winery, Penn Yan where we toured the vineyard, winery and did a wine tasting.

Anthony Road Winery, Finger Lakes, NY © Spaswinefood

Our last stop was at Fox Run Vineyards, Penn Yan. Here we visited the vineyard and winery, followed by an excellent food and wine pairing.  

Fox Run Vineyards, Finger Lakes © Spaswinefood

Summer of 2021 I returned to Anthony Road and Fox Run wineries once more. I did wine flight tastings at both wineries.

Anthony Road, Sibling Rivalry Flight

Sibling Rivalry Flight, Anthony Road Winery © Spaswinefood

Amongst the wines I tasted in this flight were Rieslings produced in different styles, without skin contact and with some skin contact (skin fermented), and vintages, etc.

Next, at Fox Run we ate lunch and ordered a number of wine flights. For sure their Riesling wines was on my tasting list. The Riesling flight was a great overview of styles, with the 2016 Rieslings illustrating unique terroir. 

Riesling Flight, Fox Run Vineyards © Spaswinefood

The List, Fox Run Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Besides the Riesling flight there were others to explore, such as a dry flight.

Dry Flight

Dry Flight, Fox Run Vineyards © Spaswinefood

It is always enlightening to do wine flights during winery visits. 

I am always excited to taste Finger Lake wines, especially their Riesling wines. For sure Riesling was not on my wine list until, I discovered the wide range of Riesling wines in the Finger Lakes. Later in Germany's Mosel Valley, and the ClareValley, Australia, another wine region well known for Riesling I was able to develop a deeper appreciation for the amazing range of Riesling wines that are available. For sure after my introduction to Finger Lakes Rieslings in 2015, I became totally jazzed to continue exploring Riesling wines.

Mosel Valley, Germany © Spaswinefood

Visitors planning a Finger Lakes wine adventure will find these websites quite helpful:

1. Finger Lakes Wine Country

2. Finger Lakes Wine Alliance

3. Finger Lakes Tourist Alliance

4. Finger Lakes Wine 

Previously I have described our travels crossed the US, mostly on I-80, to Maine as (Prelude to a Great Northern Adventure). When we reached Maine, given we had time, we explored Maine for about two weeks, before heading back to the West Coast on the Great Northern Route (US 2). Also summer 2021 I was able to revisit  some of my favorite Finger Lakes wineries. I am glad we took a detour from US 2 to revisit Finger Lakes wine country. For sure, both my 2015 and 2021 visits, allowed me to discover what is special about Finger Lakes Wine Country. I invite you to join me in my travels in the Finger Lakes and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on Bluesky and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

Remembering Summer 2021

Finger Lakes, New York

© Spaswinefood

A Summer Afternoon 2021, Cayuga Lake © Spaswinefood

Atwater Estate Vineyards, 2021 © Spaswinefood

Follow me on Bluesky and Facebook 

See also Thousand Islands Winery

Finger Lakes Wine Road Tale: Knapp Winery, Cayuga Lake

Returning to New York's Finger Lakes took us to Cayuga Lake's Knapp Winery. Here we tasted wines and dined in their Vineyard Restaurant. We were fortunate to spend two weekends in the Finger Lakes Wine Country last year. Besides Riesling, the Finger Lakes also produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, as well as several French-American and native varieties. For sure, our visit to Knapp Winery included discovering wines made with less common grape varieties.

 Knapp Vineyard Restaurant, Cayuga Lake, Finger Lakes AVA © Spaswinefood

Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area)

Finger Lakes Wine Country is special. This wine region has become well known for its world class Riesling. 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. I still vividly remember when Spaswinefood first visited the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York in August 2015. Because I discovered so many good Riesling and other wines in this wine region, I just had to return. 

Knapp Vineyard, Cayuga Lake © 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.  The AVA  is centered around eleven glacial lakes, with the majority of vineyards near Canandaigua Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake. 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. Knapp Winery is located in the Cayuga Lake area. 

Knapp Vineyard , Cayuga Lake © Spaswinefood

Cayuga Lake

While during my primary focus was sampling Finger Lakes Cayuga Lake AVA Riesling wines, my Knapp visit allowed me to checkout some unique local varietals.

Knapp Dry Riesling (left) on The Table © Spaswinefood

I still remember a vino limo ride across Cayuga Lake on a perfect 2015 August afternoon. Late I wrote this:

For sure a vino taxi ride is hard to beat. Plus, we were in the fast taxi and so we delighted in waving at the other taxi as we passed. Perhaps it is not surprising to find water taxis on the lake given that Cayuga means "boat landing". Yes, our Cayuga Lake Wine Trail adventure was so much fun however, we had also come to learn about this wine region.

Vino Limo, Cayuga Lake, NY © Spaswinefood

The Cayuga Lake American Viticultural Area (AVA) established in 1988, is a sub-region within the Finger Lakes AVA. The first Cayuga Lake wineries had their beginnings in late 1970's and early1980's. The number of wineries has now grown to 23 wineries. While some of these wineries are brand new others have well established vineyards. Amongst the region's best known wines are Sparkling Wines, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Ice Wine; as well wines made from French-American and Native American grape varietals. The Cayuga Lake AVA wines have distinctive flavor profiles. This is attributed to the soils and the unique micro-climate on the west side of the Cayuga Lake where most of the wineries are found, provide more favorable growing conditions. In addition to the grape varieties mentioned you will also find grapes, such the Cayuga grape, The Cayuga grape was bred specifically for this region by Cornell University. 

Knapp Vineyard Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Dining and Wine Tasting at Knapp

Knapp Vineyard Restaurant is open May through October on Thursday through Sunday. They describe their menu as eclectic, casual, gourmet meals. They offer wine to pair with the various menu offerings that use local ingredients. During our recent visits we choose to dine on the outside patio overlooking the estate vineyard. 

Knapp Vineyard Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Given we ate lunch twice at Knapp's Vineyard Restaurant. We began each visit with wine flights of rosé and red wines.

Their rosé wine flight included :

1. Knapp Dry Rosé

2. Zugibe Dry Rosé

3. Hosmer Dry Rosé

Rosé Wine Flight, Knapp Vineyard Restaurant © Spaswinefood

The red wine flight included:

1. Knapp Heritage

2. Glenora Syrah

3. Hosmer Cabernet Franc

Red Wine Flight, Knapp Vineyard Restaurant © Spaswinefood

let's take a look at our lunch. Now for a peek at the delicious food options we selected.

Mac & Cheese, Knapp Vineyard Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Veggie Burger, Knapp Vineyard Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Salad, Knapp Vineyard Restaurant © Spaswinefood

Beefing it Up, Knapp Vineyard Restaurant © Spaswinefood

These visits to Knapp for lunches and wine tasting were delightful outings. 

Wine Tasting, Knapp Winery © Spaswinefood

During one of our visits we did a wine tasting. Knapp Winery produces primarily white, red and sweet wines. Their white wines include Riesling, Chardonnay, Cayuga White, Vignoles and Siegerrebre. Red wine offerings include Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lemberger, Pasta Red (red wine blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and red hybrid). Their sweet wine list has Niagara, Vignoles, Catawba, and a number of sweet berry wines.

Spring Vineyard, Knapp Winery © Spaswinefood

Two wines, Vignoles and Siegerrebe, on the above list call for further discussion. Since my visit I have discovered that Vignoles has a long history in the Finger Lakes.  In 1970 the Finger Lakes Wine Growers Association gave Ravat 51 the name Vignoles. This grape was originally named after J.F. Ravat, a French vine breeder in the 1930’s. For a long time, it was thought that the parents of Vignoles were Siebel and Pinot Noir however, the latest genetic testing has proven that false. Its parentage is still unknown. The Knapp wine making team, when deciding on a 35th Anniversary special wine, Vignoles came to mind because of its history in the Finger Lakes, and most importantly its presence at Knapp. In 1993, a Late Harvest Vignoles won the coveted New York Governors Cup.  Knapp has over six acres of Vignoles and has generally produced it in a semi-sweet to late harvest styles. 2020 was the first time they produced a dry Vignoles.

On another note, Knapp Winery has the only plantings of Siegerrebe in the United States. Their 2019 Siegerrebe was one of the first grapes the Knapp team harvested for that vintage. For this first vintage the grapes were lightly pressed before being fermented in stainless steel tanks with German yeast. This wine can be described as having a pungent "grapey" aroma, with honeysuckle and orange blossom aromatics; a medium-dry Siegerrebe, which on the palate has hints of pear and meyer lemons.

During my visit I also took a little time to checkout the vines.

Knapp Vineyard Springtime Vines © Spaswinefood

The vines were already budding on our last spring visit.

Early Buds, Knapp Winery,  © Spaswinefood

Remembering the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail

I still remember being on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail summer 2015 when we visited Thirsty Owl Wine Company. Here we tasted wines from eight  members (Toro Run Winery, Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery, Homer Winery, Lucas Vineyards, Bellwether Hard Cider and Wine Cellars, Americana Vineyards and Six Mile Creek Vineyard). Later at the Goose Watch Winery in Romulus, under a tent in the vineyard,  eight member wineries offered select tastings (Treleaven by King Ferry Winery, Long Point Winery, Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery, Swedish Hill Vineyard, Varick Winery & Vineyard Vineyard, Knapp Winery and Buttonwood Grove Winery). Our final stop was at Knapp Winery where a team of chefs (Chef John McNabb, Knapp Vineyard Restaurant, Chef Lindsay, Crystal Lake Café at Americana Vineyards and Chef Scott, and The Bistro at Thirsty Owl Wine Co.) prepared the most amazing dinner for our group. Fortunately the summer of 2021 we returned to dine again at the Knapp Restaurant and taste their wines. We were not disappointed.

Knapp's Vineyard Restaurant, 2021 © Spaswinefood

Your Fingers Lakes Wine Country Escape 

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.

Put some Finger Lakes wine in your glass. Visitors will soon discover that Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant is the perfect place to discover what is special about Finger Lakes Wine Country. I invite you to join me in my travels in the Finger Lakes and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on  Twitter and Facebook. 

Sharon

Summer 2021

Finger Lakes, New York

© Spaswinefood

Welcome to Knapp Winery © Spaswinefood

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

New York State's Finger Lakes Wine Country

Returning to New York's Finger Lakes last summer was a special treat. Yes, I was fortunate to spend both memorial day and a late June 2021 weekends in the Finger Lakes Wine Country. Here's why Finger Lakes Wine Country is so special. This wine region has become well known for its world class Riesling. 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. Besides Riesling, this region also produces Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, as well as wines from French-American and native grape varieties. I still vividly remember when Spaswinefood first visited the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York in August 2015. Since then I discovered so many good things about this wine region, I just had to return. Once you put some Finger Lakes Riesling in your wine glass it is hard to resist. 

Finger Lakes Riesling in the Glass © Spaswinefood

Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area)

New York State's Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area (AVA), established in 1982, is centered around eleven glacial lakes, with the majority of vineyards located near Canandaigua Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake, and Seneca Lake. When you find yourself in the Finger Lakes, it is a wine region filled with amazing opportunities for adventure. Wines from the Finger Lakes AVA in Upstate New York from the different lake areas have been described as having distinct flavor profiles. This has been attributed to the unique viticultural characteristics of each area. In fact the Cayuga and Seneca Lake areas are distinct enough to have their very own AVA's. 

Finger Lakes, New York © Spaswinefood

Wine Adventures in the Finger Lakes, NY
Some have compared the Fingers Lakes to Germany's Rhine region because of the similarity in growing conditions. The Finger Lakes, a cold climate wine growing region, is home to over 100 wineries, now  producing wines from Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, as well as French-American and native grape varieties. The Finger Lakes has become well known for its world class Riesling. I first visited wineries in the Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake areas in 2015. Fortunately summer 2021 I was able to revisit. Both times, not only was I able to enjoy Finger Lakes wines, but also the equally tempting local food scene. This post will feature vignettes from three areas (Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake).

Vino Taxi, Finger Lakes, NY © Spaswinefood

1. Cayuga Lake

A vino limo ride across Cayuga Lake on a perfect summer afternoon is hard to beat. Perhaps it is not surprising to discover water taxis on this lake given that Cayuga means "boat landing". Yes, Cayuga Lake Wine Trail adventures are packed with incredible wine, food and scenery. 

Thirsty Owl Wine Co., Finger Lakes, NY © Spaswinefood

Cayuga Lake AVA was established in 1988, as a sub-region within the Finger Lakes AVA. The first Cayuga Lake wineries had their beginnings in late 1970's and early1980's. The number of wineries has grown to over 20 wineries. Most of the wineries are found on the west side of the lake, which provide more favorable growing conditions. In addition to the grape varieties mentioned earlier, you will also find grapes, such the Cayuga grape. The Cayuga grape was bred specifically for this region by Cornell University. 

While on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail in 2015 we visited Thirsty Owl Wine Company where we tasted wines from eight  members (Toro Run Winery, Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery, Homer Winery, Lucas Vineyards, Bellwether Hard Cider and Wine Cellars, Americana Vineyards and Six Mile Creek Vineyard). Later at the Goose Watch Winery in Romulus, under a tent in the vineyard,  eight member wineries offered select tastings (Treleaven by King Ferry Winery, Long Point Winery, Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery, Swedish Hill Vineyard, Varick Winery & Vineyard Vineyard, Knapp Winery and Buttonwood Grove Winery). Our final stop was at Knapp Winery where a team of chefs (Chef John McNabb, Knapp Vineyard Restaurant, Chef Lindsay, Crystal Lake Café at Americana Vineyards and Chef Scott, The Bistro at Thirsty Owl Wine Co.) prepared the most amazing dinner for our group.

Knapp Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Indeed, when I returned summer of 2021, I had to enjoy a Thirsty Owl Riesling. How could I not?

Thirsty Owl Wine Company,  Riesling 2019 

Thirsty Owl Wine Company,  Riesling 2019 © Spaswinefood

And YES, a Goose Watch Riesling, and others too! We also ate lunch twice at Knapp's Vineyard Restaurant.

Knapp's Vineyard Restaurant, 2021 © Spaswinefood

2. Keuka Lake

One of the highlights from my 2015 visit to the Finger Lakes was a series of mystery dinners at local wineries. Nothing compares to an escape to wine country for a mystery dinner. The bus we hopped on took us to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, which was celebrating their 30th Anniversary. Our outing took place at the Manor House. All eight Keuka Lake Wine Trail members (Barrington Cellars, Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars, Heron Hill Winery, Hunt Country Vineyards, Keuka Spring Vineyards, McGregor Vineyard, Ravines Wine Cellars, and Vineyard View Winery) participated in the event.

That evening began with tasting a Riesling wine from each of the wineries.

Keuka Lake Riesling Showcase, Finger Lakes © Spaswinefood

Dinner was served on the Manor House veranda, with stunning views of Keuka Lake. Celebrity Chef Brud Holland used locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to prepare dinner. There at Manor House overlooking Keuka Lake this Finger Lakes wine and food event perfectly captured the essence of this beautiful wine country setting. 

Summer 2021 I just had to visit Dr. Franks. I had heard so much about this winery that I could not leave the Finger Lakes without visiting. I was not disappointed.

Dr. Konstantin Frank, Keuka Lake © Spaswinefood

One of the Riesling wines I tasted was a sparkling wine.

Dr. Konstantin Frank, Riesling Nature 2018

Dr. Konstantin Frank, Riesling Nature 2018 © Spaswinefood

I was delighted to visit Dr. Franks and look forward to writing a post on that visit. 

Seneca Lake Wine Trail © Spaswinefood

3. Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake American Viticultural Area (AVA) was established in 2003. It is a sub-region within the larger Finger Lakes AVA because of its uniqueness. 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 been described as having their own distinctive flavor profiles. 

Villa Bellangelo, Finger Lakes © Spaswinefood

Summer of 2015 I arrived in the Finger Lakes a day early for a pre-conference trip along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Our first stop was at Villa Bellangelo in Dundee for a welcoming reception where we were introduced to Finger Lakes wines and local foods.

Dinner at Ventosa Vineyards, Geneva  focused on Finger Lakes women and wine. The activities included 1) opening remarks by four female winemakers and a female research scientist and 2) a vineyard activity where we did a brixs sampling. Chef Heather prepared the most wonderful dinner, which was served on the patio overlooking Seneca Lake.

Ventosa Vineyards, Geneva © Spaswinefood

Next day we visited Anthony Road Winery, Penn Yan where we toured the vineyard, winery and did a wine tasting.

Anthony Road Winery, Finger Lakes, NY © Spaswinefood

Our last stop was at Fox Run Vineyards, Penn Yan. Here we visited the vineyard and winery, followed by an excellent food and wine pairing.  

Fox Run Vineyards, Finger Lakes © Spaswinefood

Summer of 2021 I returned to Anthony Road and Fox Run wineries once more. I did wine flight tastings at both wineries.

Anthony Road, Sibling Rivalry Flight

Sibling Rivalry Flight, Anthony Road Winery © Spaswinefood

Amongst the wines I tasted in this flight were Rieslings produced in different styles, without skin contact and with some skin contact (skin fermented), and vintages, etc.

Next, at Fox Run we ate lunch and ordered a number of wine flights. For sure their Riesling wines was on my tasting list. The Riesling flight was a great overview of styles, with the 2016 Rieslings illustrating unique terroir. 

Riesling Flight, Fox Run Vineyards © Spaswinefood

The List, Fox Run Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Besides the Riesling flight there were others to explore, such as a dry flight.

Dry Flight

Dry Flight, Fox Run Vineyards © Spaswinefood

It is always enlightening to do wine flights during winery visits. 

I am always excited to taste Finger Lake wines, especially their Riesling wines. For sure Riesling was not on my wine list until, I discovered the wide range of Riesling wines. Later in Germany's Mosel Valley, and the ClareValley, Australia, another wine region well known for Riesling I was able to develop a deeper appreciation for the amazing range of Riesling wines that are available. For sure after my introduction to Finger Lakes Rieslings in 2015, I became totally jazzed to continue exploring Riesling wines.

Mosel Valley, Germany © Spaswinefood

Visitors planning a Finger Lakes wine adventure will find these websites quite helpful:

1. Finger Lakes Wine Country

2. Finger Lakes Wine Alliance

3. Finger Lakes Tourist Alliance

4. Finger Lakes Wine 

Returning summer 2021 I was able to revisit  some of my favorite Finger Lakes wineries; so I look forward to doing future posts. For sure, both my 2015 and 2021 visits allowed me to discover what is special about Finger Lakes Wine Country. I invite you to join me in my travels in the Finger Lakes and elsewhere in the sharing of these adventures at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood  on  Twitter and Facebook. 

CHEERS!!

Sharon

Summer 2021

Finger Lakes, New York

© Spaswinefood

A Summer Afternoon 2021, Cayuga Lake © Spaswinefood

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook