Seneca Wine Trail sets 1st quarter events

There no doubt will be additions as the year plays out, but the 36-member Seneca Lake Wine Trail already is sharing part of its 2010 calendar with the public.

Both standard tickets and discounted designated driver tickets now are available for the following events scheduled in the first quarter of the year:

• Polar Passport: While most people visit the wineries during the busy summer and autumn season, in the winter season owners, winemakers and vineyard managers are more available and are more likely to be available to chat in the tasting room. $10 plus tax, valid at most Trail wineries immediately through March 31.

• Bargain Bash: Participating wineries clean out inventory and drop prices on select items consisting of everything from wine, to wine glasses, clothes and other retail items. Subscribers to the Trail mailing list also receive a postcard once per year that includes a half-dozen coupons that can be used during this non-ticketed event scheduled for January 8 and 9.

• Pasta & Wine Weekend: The Barilla-ponsored event has each participating winery creating a unique pasta dish paired with one of their wines for you to sample. The event is sponsored by Barilla. This event coincides with Bargain Bash, so it’s a weekend full of good fun, great wine, and fantastic deals. $25 for a standard, one person ticket, January 15-17.

• Chocolate & Wine Weekend: Wine samples are paired with chocolates, or foods prepared with chocolate. $30 for a standard, one person ticket, February 12–14.

• Cruisin' The Tropics Weekend: Visitors are invited to don tropical shirts and sunglasses and take a self-guided "cruise" around Seneca Lake and its numerous wineries, each of which will have a tropical theme for the event in decor, food and specials. $30 for a standard, one person ticket, March 26-28.

• Spring Wine and Cheese Weekend: The event, co-sponsored by McCadam Cheese, combines the classic tastes of wine and cheese into one weekend. This event is a great opportunity to experience a vast array of food and wine combinations. $30 for a standard, one person ticket, April 23-25.

Tickets for all the events can be bought online at Seneca Lake Wine Trail or purchased directly from the Trail office at (877) 536-2717.

You also can check out other New Torkk wine trails by going here.