On Friday, Aug. 22, I had great pleasure in attending a Riedel Glass Workshop with world renowned 10th generation glassmaker and owner of Riedel Crystal, Georg Riedel. He took us on a comparative wine glass tasting with three Finger Lakes Rieslings. Riedel's emphasis is on knowing all there is to know about wine in order to make the perfect glass.

During the workshop, attendees were enlightened by Riedel on how important a wineglass is and how a glass can make all the difference in tasting wine. Each of the glasses brought out various aromas to the nose and diverse tastes to the palette. Three different Rieslings from Knapp Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars and Sheldrake Point Vineyard were presented in a horizontal tasting, meaning we tasted the same wine in seven different Riedel glasses. Each glass had a different size and shape and brought out certain characteristics.

We were then asked to vote on which glass made the wine taste the best. The Sommeliers Riesling Grand Cru won.

Congratulations to Swedish Hill Winery for winning the prestigious Governor's Cup trophy at the 2008 New York Wine & Food Classic held last month. Swedish Hill took this award for its 2007 Vidal Blanc and was additionally awarded “Winery of the Year.” The award recognizes the top prize of all 775 New York wines, judged by 25 experts.

Swedish Hill's 2007 Vidal Blanc, a semi-dry varietal with a combination of floral and fruity flavors, was also voted Best White Wine and Best Vidal Blanc. At the competition it took two Double Gold, two Gold, 11 Silver and seven Bronze.

Join us for our 25th anniversary Harvest Hoopla celebration and toast the trail during the month of September at each of the 16 wineries. Each winery is hosting an event to celebrate the harvest.

On the weekend of Sept. 6 and 7, Hosmer Winery will hold “Some Like it Hot” fall extravaganza with spicy and savory local food to complement wines. A fall art festival is planned at King Ferry Winery with local art and artisans; Goose Watch and Swedish Hill will hold Fall Fever Days and a jazz wine and music festival will be held at Goose Watch Sept. 7. Bellwether Hard Cider offers historical information on apples, and Long Point Winery will demonstrate pasta making.

The weekend of Sept. 13 and 14, Knapp Winery will serve a five-course meal by Chef John McNabb featuring the winery's award winning wines and cordials. Cobblestone Farm Winery and Knapp Winery will host a dual grape-stomping festival with an “I Love Lucy” look-alike contest. Lucas Vineyards will hold a German Festival with music, polka contests and German food, and Thirsty Owl will celebrate its sixth anniversary bash.

Also, Sheldrake Point Vineyard will welcome its new vintage with a Wine Maker's Dinner.

On Sept. 20 and 21, Six Mile Creek commemorates its 21st anniversary Harvest Festival. Buttonwood Grove Winery will hold a Fall Foliage Festival. Montezuma Winery experience the Harvest Hoedown will be offered, and Bellwether will offer a lecture on apples.

And Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery will demonstrate harvesting equipment Sept. 27.

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