Tuesday, April 02, 2013

SPRINGTIME IN FINGER LAKES WINE COUNTRY

Planning a weekend getaway to Finger Lakes Wine Country during the month of April? Spring in Wine Country is one of the most beautiful and exciting times to visit the region. The distinct Wine Trails of the three major lakes, Cayuga, Keuka, and Seneca are packed full of events to usher in this change of season. As the sun begins to shine and the landscape starts to come alive in the Finger Lakes, the timing is perfect to finally kick those winter blues and embrace the coming of summer.


Each wine trail is offering a unique and affordable wine and food pairing event during the month of April. With two spring-themed events featuring local cheeses and herb prepared creations, and another that brings you the flavors of Italy, all accompanied by the fine wines of the region;  possibilities are endless when it comes to planning your weekend in the FLX.


Here is a breakdown of the happenings along the Wine Trails:  


Keuka Lake Wine Trail | Viva Italia! | April 6 – 7, 2013
describe the imageEscape to the Keuka Lake Wine Trail to experience the cuisine of Italy at the seven member wineries. Focusing on simple preparations and high quality ingredients, wineries along the trail will explore the rich, flavorful specialties of the different regions of Italy, further enhancing the flavors with wine pairings from their vineyards. You will receive a complimentary wine glass, taste twenty-eight wines and enjoy over twenty food creations. Advance tickets for the whole weekend are $25 and tickets for Sunday only are $19; special discounted rates apply to designated drivers. Prices increase at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.


Cayuga Lake Wine Trail | 21st Annual Wine & Herb Festival | April 26 – 28, 2013
WAs the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail celebrates their 30th anniversary, join the festivities and delight in the arrival of spring by building your garden during the Trail’s Annual Wine & Herb Festival. Visit the sixteen members of the trail and receive a souvenir wineglass, potted herbs or vegetables from Schaefer Gardens at each winery, a plant carrier, as well as recipe cards. As you taste the wines along the trail paired with savory herb-inspired creations, you can look forward to recreating the experience at your home with the recipe cards you receive at each place. Also, participants will be eligible to enter to win a multitude of grand prizes throughout the event. Single tickets are $40 and couples tickets are $60 in advance; special discounted rates apply to designated drivers. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here. For Wine Trail packages that include accommodation, transportation, and tickets to the event, click here.


Seneca Lake Wine Trail | Spring Wine & Cheese Weekend | April 26 – 28, 2013
6 FacilityIndulge in the classic pairing of wine and cheese along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail during this popular wine trail event, co-sponsored by the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail. Taste the local cheeses of the region through cheese-themed dishes alongside the unique wines of the thirty participating wineries around Seneca Lake. This event offers an excellent opportunity to explore an incredible variety of wine and food combinations. Each attendee will receive a handmade cheese cutting board, crafted by Fish Woodworks from wood harvested in the Finger Lakes. Advance tickets are $35 per person; discounted rates apply to designated drivers. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.


If you are unable to attend any of these wine trail event weekends, don’t worry, there are more options in April! Each wine trail offers an on-going passport program that includes tasting discounts and other special features:


Keuka Lake Wine Trail Passport | Valid through December 31, 2013
Present your passport at each of the seven member wineries to receive a free standard tasting for two people. The passport includes discounts and coupons for the wineries and partner businesses. The passport is an affordable $12 plus tax per person.  To purchase, click here.


Cayuga Lake Wine Trail Vino Visa Coupon Book | Valid through December 31, 2013
This Vino Visa, valued at over $300, allows you to visit the sixteen member wineries and receive special tasting and retail deals at each place. A number of accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and transportation services offer great deals as well. The Visa itself costs $15 plus tax per person. Purchase two and receive two free 30th anniversary wine glasses.  For tickets and information on various deals, click here


On the 30th of every month, furthering the 30th anniversary celebration of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, each winery along the trail is offering great tasting and retail deals for visitors. Details can be found here.


Seneca Lake Wine Trail Riesling to Visit Passport | Valid through July 31, 2013
The Rieslings of the Finger Lakes are increasingly gaining recognition on the world stage. The Riesling to Visit Passport celebrates the award winning Rieslings of the region. The passport allows wine enthusiasts to explore twenty-five participating wineries along Seneca Lake, enjoying a free flight of wine at each place along the way, most of which include samplings of Riesling. The cost is $18 plus tax per person. For more information or to purchase, click here.


Another event in April that offers a more intimate and educational, behind-the-scenes view into the world of Finger Lakes Wine is the Winemaker Wednesdays program sponsored by the Seneca Lake Wine Trail:


Winemaker Wednesdays | April 10
Targeting the most curious and passionate fans of wine, this custom winery experience is truly one of a kind. Each participating winery, fifteen total, has developed some kind of special event or activity that day. Some activities include cellar tours, tank samples, wine and food pairings, exclusive reserve wine tastings, and more, usually led by the owner, winemaker, or vineyard manager. Appointments are required. For more information on pricing and offerings at each winery, click here.



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