The weekend of the Grapehound Wine Tour on the Cayuga Wine Trail was certainly a sight to see. More than 500 people and 400 dogs were present for the event, and everything went quite smoothly due to the great organization between the wine trail and its co-organizer Larry Bowersox of Keystone Greyhounds of Pennsylvania. These greyhound events help promote the rescuing of these beautiful, docile animals and helps to put an end to a terrible fate.

Our Carnival Cook-Off event took place at the end of June, and was not only an event but a winery competition. Each winery prepared a McCadam cheesy dish and the event ticket-holders voted for the best culinary delight. Long Point Winery on the east side of Cayuga Lake was the winner with its vegetarian muffaletta and won a one night stay at the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles. The scrumptious recipe can be found on our Web site.

The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance is now endorsing its “Carry Finger Lakes Wine” campaign for the rest of the year. Many of our loyal customers have shown concern that our wines are not in restaurants and on wine retailer's shelves. One way to remedy this problem is the next time you plan to have dinner at your local restaurant and desire a glass of your favorite Finger Lakes wine, check out its wine list. If there are numerous choices applaud the restaurant, if not ask politely if they'll carry your wine choice for the next time you visit. We all can make a difference.

The two wineries we are highlighting this month are Long Point Winery and Thirsty Owl Wine Company. Long Point Winery's new Web site is up and is quite amazing thanks to the owner's son Anthony DeRado. Gary Barletta the owner and winemaker has done it again by winning Gold Medals for his winery's Dry Riesling, and Syrah. Samantha and Spike, his fur-lined buddies, would also like to tell their dog friends about the new line of organic gourmet dog treats by Serenity Pets products. With a $5 treat purchase, $1 off the winery's Moon Puppy Wine is offered.

Thirsty Owl Wine Company & Bistro is celebrating its fifth anniversary. In addition to its old vine Pinot Noir and Riesling, the winery has recently planted several new acres of Riesling as well as Pinot Grigio. Among the many medals earned this year, its '06 Diamond was awarded Gold in the Tasters Guild International and its '06 Riesling took Silver in the prestigious L.A. International Competition.

During August, Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant each week will hallmark a drink using its unique Alembic still. A special tour will show visitors the process and present the opportunity to taste the products.

On Aug. 10, Buttonwood Grove Winery will feature live music from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. by “Pete Panek and the Blue Cats,” Ithaca's foremost electric blues band. On Aug. 24, Backtalk will play a wide range of Motown, classic '50s and '60s, blues and jazz.

Be the first to sample the limited release wines and wine specials at Swedish Hill Vineyard Saturday, Aug. 11. On Sunday, Aug. 12, celebrate the senses with food, massage and live music from 2 to 5 p.m. at Six Mile Creek Vineyard. In the evening, join them for a four-course slow food dinner.

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