Winter is finally starting to show itself in the Twin Tiers. But don’t hibernate! Now is one of the best times to visit the wineries in the NY Finger Lakes Region. For those of us who like visiting when it’s a little quieter, this time of the year provides ample opportunities to leisurely travel along the Lakes tasting wine, chatting with Tasting Room staff and even occasionally, the winemakers themselves.
Here are some specials out there for visiting anytime this month:
- The Polar Passport offers carriers the opportunity to receive a free flight of wines at each of the 20+ participating wineries along Seneca Lake. Each passport is just $12 and is valid through March 31, 2012. Seneca Lake Wine Trail
- Bargain Bash is an annual Seneca Lake Trail (SLWT) event that offers a week of sales at the participating wineries. Specials vary from winery to winery, but many post their Bargain Bash specials on their web sites or Facebook pages. The SLWT web site also provides some of this information.
- Vino Coupon Book offers specials at each of the 16 wineries and other businesses that are a part of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Each coupon book is $15 and good through 12/31/2012.
But if you prefer a little more activity, there are several Trail and even cross-lake events too! Here are a few of the bigger events planned in January:
- Pasta & Wine Weekend (SLWT Event), January 13 – 15. $30 per person (with wine tasting ticket); $20 designated drivers (non-alcoholic beverage offered) Tickets include gift item at starting winery and then a pasta and wine pairing at each participating winery.
- Wine on Ice, January 27 & 28. Tickets: $23 - $27 per person. Attendees choose which of three sessions they’d like to attend at the First Arena, Elmira. Tickets include a souvenir glass, samplings from each of the participating wineries, hors d’oeuvres.
- Between the Lakes, January 28 from 11am-5pm. Regular Tasting fees apply, special food pairings are free. For example, Sheldrake Point on Cayuga will serve Gougeres, tasty puff treats made with cheese, a popular treat in the Sough of France. Sheldrake Point on Seneca will pair strawberry swirl cheesecake bars with their Cabernet Franc Ice Wine.
- 2300 Degrees: Fire and Wine, January 19. 5:30-7:30pm at the Corning Museum of Glass. Free admission. A night of live music, glassmaking performances and wine tasting from local Finger Lakes wineries.
And some winery-specific events:
- Winter Music Series at Ventosa Vineyards, Saturdays from 3-6pm. Cost: free
- Winter Music Series at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, Saturdays at 3-6pm. Cost: free
- Artist’s Reception at Sheldrake Point on Seneca Lake, January 28 from 4-7pm. Opening reception for exhibit by Stu Gallagher, Syracuse-based photographer.
Whether you choose to go when its quiet or to go for an event, January offers the perfect time to visit.
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