Ah, the smell of succulent treats, the lasting flavor of fine wines and the excitement of carnival games.

What could be better on a summer afternoon than the second annual Carnival Cook-off on the Cayuga Wine Trail?

With a treat for each of the

senses, the cook-off, sponsored by McCadam Cheese, is a

complete package of luxury and taste.

Each guest will receive a souvenir wine glass, wine and food pairings and a recipe booklet. McCadam Cheese will be sure nobody goes home empty handed.

“We get lots of different prizes, like shirts and hats,” Cathy Millspaugh, director of the Cayuga Wine Trail said. “There are consolation prizes too.”

Participants are eligible to win one of three grand prizes: A complete package for two at the 10 Fitch “Historic Luxurious Inn,” that includes a six-hour private wine tour for two in a chauffeur driven luxury sedan from Quality Winery Tours, a Garden Bed & Breakfast redeemed during the Holiday Shopping Spree event and a gift certificate to Ithaca Beer Company.

“It's lots of fun,” Millspaugh said. “Everybody's gonna have a really good time.”

Featured wineries will entice the gamers in each group with several original and traditional games for participants to wallow in the prizes.

The main treat of the cook-off is sure to please your tastebuds - the wineries will compete to make the cheesiest dish.

Sixteen cheesy recipes will be expertly paired with select fine wines, and participants will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite dish.

A recipe from each winery chef will go head-to-head for the cook-off master title.

“They're delicious recipes,” Millspaugh said as she described a King Ferry Winery recipe for cheddar apple crisp.

Staff writer Beth Noyes can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 252 or at beth.noyes@lee.net

If you go

What: Cayuga Wine Trail's Carnival Cook-off

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

Where: Cayuga Wine Trail

Cost: Advance tickets $20; Tickets the day of the event are $25; Designated driver tickets available.

For details or to purchase tickets: Call the Cayuga Wine Trail office at (800) 684-5217 or visit www.cayugawinetrail.com or buy tickets at any Wegman's store.