Shake those winter blues away with a tour of the Cayuga Lake wineries this Saturday and Sunday. The 16 wineries are holding the seventh annual Mardi Gras event, where participants will enjoy wine and food pairings as well as plenty of prize giveaways.
“We wanted to do something different than a Valentine's type of event but something early on in the year,” said executive director Cathy Millspaugh.
Organizers encourage people to dress up in costumes, though it's not required. The best-dressed couple will be selected as the 2009 king and queen, and will win free tickets to other events at the wine trail as well as tickets to the Finger Lakes Wine Fest and a one-night stay at La Tourelle Resort and Spa.
For Millspaugh, who helps run the event, it's fun to see everyone dressed up and having a good time.
“I think people are sick and tired of winter, and it's a lot of fun,” she said, adding that the 16 wineries go “all out” for the occasion.
Those who attend the Mardi Gras event can expect to taste food reminiscent of New Orleans, such as Cajun dishes, Jambalayas, different Creole dishes and fried puff dough made from bellwether cider known as beignets.
Participants will receive beads at each winery they attend and they will also be given coins. Those who pick a lucky coin will win a prize and anyone who visits all 16 wineries will be eligible to win one of three grand prizes: a one-night stay at the Wicher Garden Bed & Breakfast, a one-night stay at the Aurora Inn and a wine refrigerator stocked with a sampler case of wine.
In previous years, between 900 and 1,000 people attended Mardi Gras on the Cayuga Wine Trail, according to Millspaugh.
The event is a good way to get people out of the house during the winter, and it's a good way to draw business, Millspaugh said.
“It helps take away the winter blues but it also spurs the economy for wineries during a slower time of the year,” she said.
Gitana Mirochnik
253-5311 ext. 237 gitana.mirochnik@lee.net
If you go:
What: Mardi Gras on the Cayuga Wine Trail
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21 and 22
Where: Any of the 16 wineries; visit the Web site to select starting point
Cost: $20 in advance, $15 for designated drivers, $25 at the door
Info: Call (800) 684-5217 or visit www.cayugawinetrail.com
Organizers encourage people to dress up in costumes, though it's not required. The best-dressed couple will be selected as the 2009 king and queen, and will win free tickets to other events at the wine trail as well as tickets to the Finger Lakes Wine Fest and a one-night stay at La Tourelle Resort and Spa.
For Millspaugh, who helps run the event, it's fun to see everyone dressed up and having a good time.
“I think people are sick and tired of winter, and it's a lot of fun,” she said, adding that the 16 wineries go “all out” for the occasion.
Those who attend the Mardi Gras event can expect to taste food reminiscent of New Orleans, such as Cajun dishes, Jambalayas, different Creole dishes and fried puff dough made from bellwether cider known as beignets.
Participants will receive beads at each winery they attend and they will also be given coins. Those who pick a lucky coin will win a prize and anyone who visits all 16 wineries will be eligible to win one of three grand prizes: a one-night stay at the Wicher Garden Bed & Breakfast, a one-night stay at the Aurora Inn and a wine refrigerator stocked with a sampler case of wine.
In previous years, between 900 and 1,000 people attended Mardi Gras on the Cayuga Wine Trail, according to Millspaugh.
The event is a good way to get people out of the house during the winter, and it's a good way to draw business, Millspaugh said.
“It helps take away the winter blues but it also spurs the economy for wineries during a slower time of the year,” she said.
Gitana Mirochnik
253-5311 ext. 237 gitana.mirochnik@lee.net
If you go:
What: Mardi Gras on the Cayuga Wine Trail
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21 and 22
Where: Any of the 16 wineries; visit the Web site to select starting point
Cost: $20 in advance, $15 for designated drivers, $25 at the door
Info: Call (800) 684-5217 or visit www.cayugawinetrail.com
Citizen
Hot Jobs
New! Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are No comments posted.