Autumn is upon us. The harvest is in full swing, and the leaves are changing into a beautiful array of vibrant iridescent colors. What a spectacular time to visit the wineries along Cayuga Lake. During this peak season, give yourself plenty of time at each winery to relax and enjoy your wine tasting and the ambiance of the tasting room.
Here are a few guidelines to make your next wine tasting more enjoyable. Each tasting involves all your senses. Some of us have heard of the five S's regarding tasting - see, smell, sip, spit or swallow and savor. After the wine has been poured into your glass, examine its color by placing your glass towards the light. Now carefully swirl to open up the flavors or hints of fruitiness or nuttiness and smell the full floral aroma of the wine you taste. Then take a small sip and swish the wine all the way around your mouth to notice the taste and texture from light and refreshing to full and robust. Next either spit into the spit bucket discreetly or swallow and enjoy. Finally savor the lingering aftertaste by embellishing all the flavors of the wine from rich butter, smoky tobacco or a peppery finish. Join us for your next tasting here on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail if you are either a novice or a pro.
This month we are highlighting three wineries, which will offer harvest festivals. King Ferry Winery producer of Treleaven wines is hosting its Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14. Its Harvest Festival is held in conjunction with Bakers Acres Apple Festival. During the weekend, free wine tastings, tours, plus Cayuga Lake Creamery Ice Cream will be available for purchase. Mo's BBQ will also have food available straight from the smoker. On Saturday, Sounds of Restless will perform from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
On the weekend of Oct. 20 and 21, visitors will have their choice of festivals at Cobblestone Farm and Buttonwood Grove wineries. Cobblestone Farm Winery & Vineyard is hosting its Pumpkin Festival from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Costumed children will receive a treat.
At Buttonwood Grove Winery from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 21, visitors will enjoy live music with Bob Walpole, hayrides and tastings. It wouldn't be the fall season without the delicious taste of grape pies and pastries or fresh apple cider. Additionally the winery will host grape squeezing contests. The staff will be in Halloween costumes, and visitors may join in by dressing up as well.
Other events taking place later this month on Oct. 27: Goose Watch Winery's Chestnut Festival happening from noon to 5 p.m. Visitors may enjoy chestnuts harvested right at Goose Watch and sample roasted chestnuts, chestnut soup, live music and more. Celebrate Halloween at Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant by dressing up and receive discounts, and Bellwether Hard Cider will be offering cider for grownups. Attendees can relish in their Witches Brew and other Halloween treats. In the evening visit Americana Vineyards for its Spooktacular fifth annual after hours Halloween Party. There is a fee for their ghoulish food where you'll have a howling good time.
Cathy Millspaugh is the executive director of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. To learn more, visit www.cayugawinetrail.com
This month we are highlighting three wineries, which will offer harvest festivals. King Ferry Winery producer of Treleaven wines is hosting its Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14. Its Harvest Festival is held in conjunction with Bakers Acres Apple Festival. During the weekend, free wine tastings, tours, plus Cayuga Lake Creamery Ice Cream will be available for purchase. Mo's BBQ will also have food available straight from the smoker. On Saturday, Sounds of Restless will perform from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
On the weekend of Oct. 20 and 21, visitors will have their choice of festivals at Cobblestone Farm and Buttonwood Grove wineries. Cobblestone Farm Winery & Vineyard is hosting its Pumpkin Festival from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Costumed children will receive a treat.
At Buttonwood Grove Winery from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 21, visitors will enjoy live music with Bob Walpole, hayrides and tastings. It wouldn't be the fall season without the delicious taste of grape pies and pastries or fresh apple cider. Additionally the winery will host grape squeezing contests. The staff will be in Halloween costumes, and visitors may join in by dressing up as well.
Other events taking place later this month on Oct. 27: Goose Watch Winery's Chestnut Festival happening from noon to 5 p.m. Visitors may enjoy chestnuts harvested right at Goose Watch and sample roasted chestnuts, chestnut soup, live music and more. Celebrate Halloween at Knapp Winery & Vineyard Restaurant by dressing up and receive discounts, and Bellwether Hard Cider will be offering cider for grownups. Attendees can relish in their Witches Brew and other Halloween treats. In the evening visit Americana Vineyards for its Spooktacular fifth annual after hours Halloween Party. There is a fee for their ghoulish food where you'll have a howling good time.
Cathy Millspaugh is the executive director of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. To learn more, visit www.cayugawinetrail.com
