Finger Lakes Winery Wins Top Award from Wine and Spirits Magazine 2011

Only 37 wineries in the U.S. are awarded “American Winery of the Year” bragging rights by the well-respected Wine and Spirits magazine. The Finger Lake’s own Lamoreaux Landing Winery, owned by Mark Wagner and Josh Wig, is now part of that elite group. This must be one of the lifelong achievements that winery owners wait to receive.

Winemaker Mark Wagner oversees the 110 acres of productive vines that provide 100% of the fruit used to create Lamoreaux’s annual vintage. Mark’s father planted some of the vines that are the basis for Lamoreaux wines, and Mark has continued that tradition; the winery now has seven vineyards along Seneca Lake in upstate New York.

Three 2009 wines from Lamoreaux each earned a 92/100 rating from Wine and Spirits: the 2009 Finger Lakes Dry Riesling; the 2009 Finger Lakes Red Oak Vineyard Riesling; and the 2009 Finger Lakes Round Rock Vineyard Riesling. Although Red Oak and Round Rock are both Lamoreaux vineyards, their grapes produce wines with distinct, flavorful characteristics. Join their wine club online to keep informed about happenings around the vineyard and be the first to know about their specials and events.

For over 8 years, I have had the pleasure of working for Samantha Izzo from Simply Red Lakeside Bistro to cater the Winemaker’s Dinner for Lamoreaux. This elegant night surrounded by delicatable food, wine, winemakers, owners, staff and wine talk is one you should not miss in November. You simply must visit in person to believe how gorgeous the setting is, including their fabulous Greek Revival structure. The friendly owners, local art displayed in the tasting room and wine-savvy staff make every visit special, and as Wine and Spirits has made clear, the wine is worth the trip!

Although it is possible to have their wines shipped to you, this Bed and Breakfast owner recommends that you enjoy them in Lamoreux’s own beautiful tasting room on the shores of Seneca Lake. My Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast will be happy to give you a Reisling to stay when you come to enjoy your wine-tasting adventure! I can pamper you with a couples massage and a soak in the outdoor wood-fired hot tub and maybe you can even stay in the Reisling Suite.

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
www.gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712
607-387-6033
fax 607-387-4035

Seneca Lake Wine Trail Events for 2011, Cruisin' the Tropics

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail Events for 2011 have already started but there are still more to enjoy. If you have never come to the Finger Lakes to enjoy the wine, the events are a great way to start. Most people come for long weekend and travel around the lakes stopping at wineries and savoring their wine with a special food prepared to show off the best qualities of the wine . These event tickets need to be purchased before you arrive or they may sell out before the event starts. Last weekend, they paired chocolate with wine. The next event is Cruisin' the Tropics, March 25-27.

Most wineries are serving some tropical specialties with their wine during this event. This event usually evokes a lot of creativity in decorations and spicy foods. This Bed and Breakfast owner likes spicy food served with Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Who doesn't want to cruise the lake and visit wineries decorated to make you feel like you are in the tropics? Most people who are also traveling around with you, are also enjoying the warm feelings from the wineries who participate. It is a very social event. Straw hats, sundresses, Hawaiian shirts, leis, lots of beads and sandals are paraded around and you know they were dug out of the darkest corners of their closets. Getting dressed for this event is only part of the fun, but enjoying the other outrageous outfits is almost as fun.

The event is a 3-day weekend long and this allows people to spread out the wine tasting so no one has to over indulge to visit all of the wineries. Many participants spend their weekend at a local Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfasts. Many Innkeepers add to the success and enjoyment to the vacation by providing a delicious beginning to your day and a great nights sleep. My Seneca Lake Bed and Breakfast is also known for providing the best places to find a gourmet dinner every evening. My Bed and Breakfast also has couple massages on location and an outdoor wood-fired hot tub to soak in at the end of your day to ensure a restful sleep. My Inn has 8 suites which allows a group of friends to come to enjoy this great time away together. Don't be late for the Cruise, and Bon Voyage!

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
www.gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712
607-387-6033
fax 607-387-4035

The State Theater in Ithaca NY is Looking Beautiful

This evening I went to the after-hours event associated with the Ithaca NY, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. So many business people gathered around to share, network and enjoy some great food. Simply Red Lakeside Bistro, Collegetown Bagels, Sheldrake Point Winery, Ithaca Beer and Viva Taquiria catered the event serving wonderful food and drink. It was held in The State Theatre in Ithaca NY. This is a beautiful theater built in 1928. It is the last of the theaters which there were 15 of them in Ithaca NY at one point. So many people have donated their time and money to save and renovate this theater. Tonight, a Trumansburg painter, Dan Burgevin was present painting the plaster repair spots. It was supposed to bring all of us closer to the great improvements that have brought this gorgeous theater back to its original beauty.

Continue to support this theater by going to their website and picking out the next show you will attend. During times like this, area residents can't forget all of the good work that has been done to keep great music, theater, and dance in this town. Entertainment presented in this warm, luxurious space is what gets all of us through our winters. Get off the sofa and enjoy your winter. If you live outside of Ithaca, consider staying in my wonderful Finger Lakes Bed and breakfast. The wine trail is open to serve, as well.

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
www.gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712
607-387-6033
fax 607-387-4035

Cayuga Wine Trial Makes Finger Lakes Wineries More Affordable

The Cayuga Wine Trail is offering 4 wine-tastings in the Finger Lakes Wineries at one low price, $115 for couples and $70 for individuals. The Season Pass may be purchased in advance, and will save you 35% off the ticketed price. The 4 events along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail are the Mardi Gras Scavenger Hunt; "Say Cheese"; the Wine and Herb Fest; and the Holiday Shopping Spree.

The Cayuga Wine Trail's first event of the year is the annual Mardi Gras, March 5 and 6. If you can't make it to New Orleans, join the celebration on the Wine Trail! You will be served award-winning wines paired with Cajun cuisine; the recipes will be provided, as well. The weekend includes new features such as St. Patrick's Day beads and a scavenger hunt. The hunt for the gold coin will result in one lucky winner taking home a case of Gold Medal-winning wines from the Cayuga Lake wineries. Are you feeling lucky?

"Say Cheese" is the newest of the Finger Lakes Wineries Trail events. Bring your camera, and be ready to show your best side, as there will be a contest for the best photo taken during this event, being held March 26 and 27th. Wine tasters will be treated to local cheeses chosen specifically to compliment each local wine. You do not want to miss this event!

The Wine and Herb Fest is the third event included in the Season Pass. The Fest will be held April 29-May 1, and again on May 6-8. Participants will be treated to savory dishes paired with wines for the year 2011, and participating wineries will provide everyone with an herb or vegetable plant to take home to your own garden. This is a Cayuga Lake Bed and Breakfast's favorite event. It occurs just at the beginning of the planting season, when all things seem possible and new. Each wine taster/gardener can receive 16 herb or veggie plants perfect for the garden.

Last but not least, the year wraps up with the Holiday Shopping Spree, November 18-20 or December 2-4. Wine enthusiasts take this opportunity to supply their wine cellars for the winter holidays. Participants also enjoy receiving one-of-a-kind, unique ornaments from each winery.

The Season Pass is available for a limited time, and can be purchased through the Cayuga Wine Trail office at (800) 684-5217.

These events provide an opportunity for you to plan a getaway that allows you to explore award-winning Cayuga Lake wineries and discover this beautiful region of upstate New York. To fully enjoy the experience, spending the weekend at a Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast will help you truly relax and make the most of your time here. The Finger Lakes Region is a beautiful spot for vacationing, and this innkeeper will help you start each day right with a breakfast crafted from local organic foods. You can choose to finish each day with a massage or a soak in an outdoor wood-fired hot tub. Most weekends there is live music and/or theater, and there is always an abundance of wonderful cuisine. Let us help customize your experience.

Innkeeper Rose Hilbert
POB 95, 112 E. Main St.
Trumansburg, NY, 14886
info@gothiceves.com
www.gothiceves.com
1-800-387-7712
607-387-6033
fax 607-387-4035