The Seneca Lake Wine Trail
I have travelled many paths but until this summer, never the Seneca Lake Wine Trail where history, beauty, and award winning wines are found in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Prior to the annual Wine Bloggers Conference held in the area this past August, I participated on an excursion to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail where warm greetings and unbridled enthusiasm from winemakers, wine growers, and winery owners matched those of the fifty wine loving bloggers from around the world. Our mission was to learn as much as we could about the region, the people, and of course, the wines.
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail was formed in 1986 to attract those who appreciate good wine, history, and beautiful surroundings. It’s now a vibrant community of over thirty five wineries, a distillery, seven breweries, and a meadery. With the deepest water in the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake boasts gently sloping hillsides and a terroir in which cool climate grapes thrive.
The sweeping view of the lake from the tasting room of Villa Bellangelo was the setting for our first stop, a walk-around tasting of wines from King’s Garden and Villa Bellangelo. Later, we arrived at Ventosa Vineyards where a vineyard tour, a lively presentation from the area’s women winemakers, and a beautiful four course dinner on the verandah were held. The following morning, refreshed and ready to learn and sip once again, our group visited Anthony Road Wine Company for a morning tasting and tour of the production facility and vineyards. Our last stop of the excursion was Fox Run Vineyards for another vineyard tour (honestly, I always learn something new during these tours…) and lunch complemented by five estate wines.
You may already be aware that the Finger Lakes wine region is on many a wine aficionado’s A list. I’m certainly returning to this enchanting area and if you’ve never had the opportunity to visit, you must.
Here’s why…
The wines are delicious
Throughout the little more than twenty four hours of my visit, I tasted a plethora of food friendly Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and more…so many were memorable. From Lakewood Vineyards I found a full bodied 2013 Pinot Gris with aromatics of melon and yellow flowers. Villa Bellangelo’s 2013 Gewurztraminer was bright and lively with floral, spice, ginger, and apricot notes. Wagner Vineyards offered their 2013 Fathom 107, a dry and tangy blend of Riesling and Gewurtztraminer that exuded floral notes and stone fruit on the nose then bracing acidity, spice, and a snappy finish. The first winery on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail to open after the 1976 Farm Winery Act was passed was Glenora Wine Cellars. I found their 2013 Pinot Blanc enticing with aromas of lemon and chalk and notes of vanilla, pear, citrus, lime and minerality on the palate. And yes, the area produces red wines as well. I particularly loved the powerful Ventosa Vineyards 2011 Lemberger that had just that day received a coveted award, The Governor’s Cup. Other noteworthy wines included the dry Three Brothers Wineries and Estates 2014 Pinot Noir Rose that displayed light red fruit flavors and paired beautifully with beet-melon-arugula salad with goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and cheribundi-curry vinaigrette. Leidenfrost Vineyards Cabaret Port exuded the rich, raspberry, black currant, and vanilla notes that I craved as I enjoyed salted caramel and shaved dark chocolate…
The food is organic and authentic…with style
Beautifully presented at each winery was a bountiful tray of local cheeses, charcuterie, breads, jams, and fruit, each item labeled with its name and origin. The cheeses melted in my mouth, the breads were fresh (and often warm), and the fruit was bright and juicy. Our aptly termed “Culinary Experience” at Ventosa Vineyards included (among other courses) grilled petit Finger Lakes Farms filet mignon and scallops with wilted baby kale lightly dressed with Piggery Bacon vinaigrette and Cayuga blue and pickled red onion. Are your mouth watering yet? The following day Fox Run Vineyards shared a “Food and Wine Experience” luncheon with Bel Ceillo from the Muranda Cheese Company in Waterloo, housemade wine barrel smoked sausages and salami from Battistoni Brands in Buffalo and shortbread with fresh butter from Kriemhild Dairy Farms. Each course at both Ventosa and Fox Run was paired with one or two carefully chosen wines. Served with casual elegance, the cuisine of the Finger Lakes impressed my palate as much as the wines.
I appreciated the sense of community
As in a small town, everyone in the wine business knows one another. Wherever I swirled and sipped, winemakers, winery owners, and others demonstrated a genuine appreciation for their colleagues’ talents, personalities, and wines. Winemakers are willing to assist others with techniques and owners are more than ready to help when called upon. Everyone I met understands that by working together more will be achieved. In this case, they are acutely aware that a collegial atmosphere is crucial in order to gain the much deserved national and international recognition for this wine region. I like that.
Women winemakers rock!
After appetizers and before dinner at Ventosa Vineyards, four women in the wine industry shared thoughts and anecdotes. Marti Macinski, former attorney and now owner and winemaker at Standing Stone Vineyards, discussed the many roles of women in the vineyard. Winemaker at Leidenfrost Vineyards, Liz Leindenfrost, explained how she arrived at her job as third generation winemaker and owner after not pursuing her passion as a classical musician (but she is a member of a burlesque troupe). Jenna LaVita, winemaker at Ventosa Vineyards, gave us more information about the Governor’s Cup award, and Erica Paolicelli, Partner and General Manager at Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, explained how the “industry thrives on community and camaraderie”. These four women are proud, strong, and an asset to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Finger Lakes wine region. Please click on the links to learn more about these fascinating women.
The scenery is stunning
What’s there not to love about driving through the gently winding roads, noting historic homes in quaint towns, and arriving at a winery where a view of Seneca Lake with its shimmering blue water awaits? Vineyards at Ventosa are located between the broad porch of the tasting room and lake and the production facility at Anthony Hill offers appreciative wine lovers a view of the vineyards, tasting room, and bright blue water. In fact, the vast majority of wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail are at water’s reach. As I watched the orange and golden hues of the sun setting beyond the trees at Ventosa, I couldn’t help but realize how fortunate are those who live and love life in this part of the country.
Those along the way of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail shared with me their food, wine, stories, and spirit. They are ready to share all of those things with you, too.
Cheers~ Cindy
