May is Riesling month here on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail as well as across the Finger Lakes region. Riesling, sometimes called the “white queen,” is an exquisite white wine cultivated for centuries and truly is making a name for itself in the Finger Lakes.

It's considered the “Signature” wine of New York state. The Riesling grape demonstrates a delicate fruitiness with hints of peach, pear, apple or citrus and has versatility in taste as a dry, semi-dry or dessert wine.

Last month, the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance hosted a successful “Riesling Summit” in New York City, where six Finger Lakes Rieslings were blind tasted with six Rieslings produced from other parts of the world. The Finger Lakes Rieslings uniquely stood up to the test.

Earlier in the month, the New York Wine & Culinary Center located in Canandaigua hosted a “Rendezvous with Riesling,” a festive evening where guests sampled Rieslings from more than 40 New York state wineries.

Two of our very own wineries of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail received gold medals this year for their outstanding Rieslings. King Ferry “Treleaven” Winery won three gold medals for its 2006 Semi-Dry Riesling, and Lucas Vineyards won a gold medal for its 2005 Riesling. So, watch for the pink flags with the blue lettering and stop in for a very flavorful experience.

Unique to our area is the Vigneron Program held every year by Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery. In the finest wine making tradition, you can have your very own vineyard to tend during 2007. It's fun, easy and very rewarding. You may lease a 10-vine minimum of either Riesling, Chardonnay (whites), Cabernet Franc or Chancellor (reds). During Saturday morning coaching sessions, you will learn viticultural practices in order to nurture your vines into a successful grape crop. You will learn to tie, sucker and shoot position your vines at appropriate times during growing season and even have the fun of harvesting your own grapes. For more information, visit www.cayugaridgewinery.com or call (800) 598-9463.

Throughout the month, wineries will sponsor several events. Swedish Hill Vineyard will celebrate its 21st anniversary Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, with an annual porch sale and discounts.

On Saturday, May 26, King Ferry Winery/Treleaven, will host its “I Love Chocolate Day.” Sinful chocolate desserts will be paired with luscious wines. On the same weekend Thirsty Owl Wine Company, will hold its fifth annual bistro kick off.

In June, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail will host its second annual Carnival Cook-Off from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 23, and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 24. Tantalize your taste buds at the cheesiest of cook-offs sponsored by McCadam Cheese. While tasting culinary favorites at 16 different wineries, you'll play games of skill where you may earn points to receive prizes.

Throughout June, Six Mile Creek Vineyard will celebrate its 20th year as Ithaca's Own Winery. Special tours and discounts will be offered, and also on Saturday, June 9, it will serve customized grilled pizzas.

On Sunday, June 10, Buttonwood Grove Winery will host its Country Western Day.

Next month, learn why you'll be sharing your spot on the wine trail with greyhounds.

Cathy Millspaugh is the executive director of the Cayuga Wine Trail. To learn more, visit www.cayugawinetrail.com