Finger Lakes Wine Festival goers looking for a hands-on, intimate educational experience flock to the Riedel Experience. The Riedel Experience is a VIP ticket to the Finger Lakes Wine Festival that offers educational seminars, intimate tasting experiences with Finger Lakes winemakers, and some great take-homes like a complete Riedel wine glass set.
This was the second year the Riedel Experience was offered at the festival. Here is a look at some of the excitement from Saturday's happenings.
The Riedel Experience takes place in the Great Room of the Media Center at Watkins Glen International (where the Finger Lakes Wine Festival takes place annually). This year there was 120 ticket holders.
Each participant receives the tasting set of Ridel wine glasses. These glasses are varietal specific. The set included an oaked Chardonnay glass, a Riesling glass, a Pinot Noir glass, and a Cabernet glass.
The first tasting session was led by a Riedel representative. This sensory experience demonstrated that the shape of the glass does matter when drinking wine.
The second tasting session was led by Anna Lee Iijima of Wine Enthusiast magazine. This tasting focused on some of Anna Lee's Finger Lakes favorites and featured commentary by the winery owners and winemakers. On stage with Anna Lee is Oskar Bynke of Wiemer Vineyard, Fred Frank of Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, Kim Engle of Bloomer Creek Vineyard, Steve Shaw of Shaw Vineyard, and Morten Hallgren of Ravines Wine Cellars.
The participants of the sessions were completely engaged and enjoyed hearing first hand from these Finger Lakes winery owners.
The last tasting session of the day was lead by Evan Dawon, author of Summer in a Glass. Evan focused his tastings on Finger Lakes Rieslings.
Evan was kind enough to sign copies of his book after his presentation. Each participant received a signed copy of the book.
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