| As any wine lover knows, that next great bottle | | | | Eveningside Vineyards: Eveningside is a family |
| of wine can come from any of the world's great | | | | farm winery (complete with gorgeous red barn!) |
| wine producing regions. | | | | specializing in Chardonnays, Rieslings, and Cabernet |
| And while this travelogue's destination is very well | | | | Franc. We particularly recommend the 2007 |
| known, we'd also like to tell you about a friendly, | | | | Riesling, an excellent example of the style, and |
| terrific city that, frankly, probably isn't on many | | | | the Crofton Blush, a semi sweet offering that's |
| must see lists. | | | | ideal for summer sipping. |
| The New York State Wine Scene | | | | Honeymoon Trail Winery: Having the perfect |
| Wine and grape growing have long been a part of | | | | name for a winery in the Niagara Falls area, |
| New York state. New York is consistently in the | | | | Honeymoon Trail offers a beautiful setting to |
| top 10 states in terms of grape growing and wine | | | | sample their wines. Try the rich spicy Cabernet |
| production, and boasts well over 100 wineries. | | | | Franc and the White Lace, a blend of Riesling and |
| Wine trails abound here, from Long Island to the | | | | Cayuga White. We also took home two bottles of |
| beautiful Finger Lakes, and many more. Most of | | | | Just Peachy, a crisp and fruity wine made with |
| the state's climate and topography are ideally | | | | New York grown peaches. |
| suited to grape growing, and wine production has | | | | Warm Lake Estate: Pinot Noir is the name of the |
| been thriving since the 1800's. | | | | game at Warm Lake Estate. Wine Spectator |
| Western New York is an especially ideal area for | | | | consistently praises the Pinot Noir, rating it the |
| wine lovers, as the proximity to two Great Lakes | | | | best of its kind in New York. Their expansive |
| creates a perfect microclimate for wine grapes. | | | | vineyard, hosting exclusively Pinot Noir grapes, is |
| The Niagara Wine Trail, just minutes from Niagara | | | | viewable from the outside deck. |
| Falls and only 1/2 hour from Buffalo, boasts of 12 | | | | Arrowhead Spring Vineyards: This alluring family |
| wineries that offer a welcoming introduction to | | | | farm winery has a wide array of grapes in its |
| New York wine. | | | | vineyard, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, |
| First Stop: Niagara Falls | | | | Malbec, and Chardonnay, all of which do well in the |
| As we entered New York from the Pennsylvania | | | | Niagara region. The result is some of the more |
| border, we had our hearts set on an afternoon | | | | spectacular wine we enjoyed on this trip. |
| visit to Niagara Falls. First discovered by European | | | | We loved the smooth, buttery 2006 Barrel |
| settler Louis Hennepin in 1678, the world has been | | | | Fermented Chardonnay in particular. Another we |
| beating a path here ever since. And the Falls | | | | added to our collection is the Apogee Red, a |
| always delivers! The spectacular cascade of water | | | | delightful blend of European varietals that stands |
| is a jaw dropping and awe inspiring sight. | | | | well on its own or with a meal. |
| There are numerous places to view both the | | | | Niagara Landing Wine Cellars: One of the older |
| Horseshoe and American Falls, on the U.S. or | | | | wineries in the region, Niagara Landing offers over |
| Canadian side, but the best place to truly feel the | | | | two dozen wine selections along with an inviting |
| Falls is on the legendary Maid of the Mist. Before | | | | gift shop with artwork from local artists. |
| you step aboard, you'll be given a bright blue rain | | | | Go for the House White, a fruity blend, and the |
| slicker, complete with hood. As the boat chugs | | | | red Baco Noir, one of the most complex berry |
| toward the Falls, it will rock and bob as it churns | | | | and spice reds we've had. Another wine worth |
| over the turbulent water. Ultimately, you'll be | | | | crowing about here is Red Rooster, a smooth |
| ferried to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Here, | | | | drinking red blend. Last but not least, try the |
| the true power of the Falls looms before you, | | | | Boxer Blush, named after the family's pet boxer, |
| with a roar so deafening you can barely hear the | | | | Sir Arthur. Also of note, we found the prices here |
| captain's dramatic announcement, "This ... is | | | | to be a great bargain. |
| Niagara Falls." | | | | Spring Lake Winery: The vineyard at Spring Lake |
| Of course, there are numerous places to part | | | | Winery is part of the peaceful 78 acre site, |
| with your money here, from wax museums to | | | | complete with an 8 acre lake and numerous |
| souvenir shops to helicopter rides. But no matter | | | | walking paths. We enjoyed an invigorating 2 mile |
| how you choose to experience Niagara Falls, we | | | | hike through the property before ending at the |
| have just one piece of advice: Bring lots of film! | | | | Tuscan style tasting room, where we dove in and |
| Experiencing Buffalo: Wings And Other Great | | | | tried the Gewurztraminer, with its bouquet of |
| Things | | | | apricot and banana. If you visit, be sure to ask |
| After drying off from our exhilarating Maid of the | | | | about their Wine Train excursions, a cooperative |
| Mist experience, it was time for the short 20 | | | | effort between the winery and a local railroad |
| minute drive to the Lake Erie port city of Buffalo. | | | | museum. |
| From reading the brochures we'd collected | | | | Chiappone Wine Cellars: Located on a beautiful |
| beforehand, we were intrigued by the promise of | | | | farm setting near the small town of Newfane, |
| historic architecture, trendy entertainment and | | | | Chiappone Wine Cellars has a long tradition of |
| shopping districts, and local food specialties. | | | | winemaking over three generations. We thought |
| We checked into our downtown hotel, the | | | | the whites were the stars here, in particular the |
| convenient Best Western Inn on the Avenue, to | | | | Morning Star, a dry but fruity Riesling that has |
| settle in for our 3 night stay in the Buffalo-Niagara | | | | won numerous wine awards. Also try Moonglow, a |
| area. With a particular local food specialty on our | | | | clean and smooth Traminette. |
| mind, we set out for a Buffalo institution, the | | | | Schulze Vineyards and Winery: Just a stone's |
| world famous Anchor Bar. | | | | throw from the shores of Lake Ontario, Schulze |
| The Anchor Bar is, of course, known as the origin | | | | Vineyards and Winery is situated on 120 acres of |
| of Buffalo wings. Since 1964, this neighborhood | | | | beautiful farm land. When you visit here, you'll |
| gem has been turning out several chicken wing | | | | literally experience the fresh aroma of grapes and |
| styles, one more delicious than the next. As good | | | | Lake Ontario at the same time. |
| as the chicken wings are, be sure to try another | | | | In their vineyard, current plantings include |
| Buffalo specialty, Beef on Weck. It's a thinly sliced | | | | Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, |
| roast beef sandwich, served on a specialty roll | | | | Catawba, Vidal, Niagara, and Riesling. In terms of |
| called a Kimmelweck, which is basically a round deli | | | | wine, we were delighted to taste some very |
| style bun with course salt and onion on top. | | | | interesting sparkling wines here, before moving on |
| Washed down with a pitcher of the always | | | | to their very nicely done Cabernet Franc Nouveau |
| marvelous Genesee Cream Ale, this is as close to | | | | and Vidal Blanc, among others. |
| heaven as you get in western New York! If all | | | | Freedom Run Winery: Freedom Run Winery is |
| this is making you hungry, never fear, the Anchor | | | | family owned and operated, with fragrant |
| Bar ships wings overnight all over the country. | | | | orchards surrounding the new tasting room. When |
| Over the course of the next three days, both | | | | we visited, 11 wines were available. We thought |
| before and after winery visits, we came to | | | | the Manning Manor Blanc was superb, a blend of |
| experience and know Buffalo. This is a proud, | | | | Cayuga White and Vidal Blanc, making for a |
| friendly city teeming with historic architecture and | | | | pleasant and mildly sweet taste. Also we |
| lively entertainment and shopping districts. It's also | | | | recommend the Cabernet Franc, with big flavors |
| a city of four distinct seasons. Temperatures are | | | | of dark cherry and blackberry. Before you leave, |
| moderated by Lake Erie, and we learned that the | | | | be sure to see the various works of glass and |
| mercury has never hit 100 in Buffalo. In winter, | | | | pottery art, handmade by one of Freedom Run's |
| the area surrounding Buffalo is a skiers paradise. | | | | owners and available for purchase via their |
| So no matter your pursuit of choice, there's | | | | website. |
| something waiting for you in Buffalo. For a | | | | Leonard Oakes Estate Winery: This brand new |
| complete list of things to see and do, visit our | | | | winery is the only Niagara Wine Trail member |
| Recommendations section below. | | | | outside of Niagara County, as it's just over the |
| Niagara Wine Trail | | | | Orleans County line, just 5 minutes from Vizcarra |
| The Niagara Wine Trail is very convenient to both | | | | Vineyards. The official grand opening is early July, |
| Buffalo and Niagara Falls. From downtown Buffalo, | | | | but the wines and tasting room were ready to go |
| it's less than 1/2 hour to the main cluster of | | | | when we visited a few weeks prior. |
| wineries, situated just west of the small village of | | | | Leonard Oakes Estate wines are all produced |
| Lockport, NY. Just take Route 425 north from | | | | from grapes grown on site, and are fun and easy |
| Buffalo and follow the winery signs. | | | | to drink. Try the wonderfully complex Frontenac, |
| There are 12 wineries on the trail, 11 of which are | | | | with notes of dark fruit like blackberry and plum. |
| right in Niagara County. Even if you don't have the | | | | On the lighter side, opt for a true taste of the |
| opportunity to visit all 12 as we did, take the time | | | | region with White Oakes, a refreshing blend of |
| to enjoy the pleasant short drive from Buffalo or | | | | Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, and Cayuga White. |
| Niagara Falls to see one or two. This is agriculture | | | | The Winery at Marjim Manor: Finally, we'd like to |
| country, a haven for fruit growing. There's a | | | | take you to the shores of Lake Ontario to the |
| sense of serenity here, with rolling breezes off | | | | gorgeous grounds and setting of The Winery at |
| Lake Ontario just a few miles north. | | | | Marjim Manor. The winery's location has an |
| The wineries here celebrate the passion of | | | | interesting history, serving at various times as a |
| winemaking, and you'll be in luck if the wine trail is | | | | grainery, a home, and even a convent. Some |
| hosting an event while you visit. You'll find | | | | even say the place is haunted! |
| everything from Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, | | | | The wines, though, are very upfront and friendly. |
| Pinot Noirs, Rieslings, dessert wines, and fruit | | | | Fruit wines rule the day here, all produced from |
| wines. Of particular note, we found that most | | | | the owner's large orchard. And this is truly a |
| wineries on this trail had a unique style specialty, | | | | spectacular location to taste wine and linger, with |
| with almost all using grapes and fruit from the | | | | a commanding view of Lake Ontario. We found |
| immediate area. Let's get to know each of the 12 | | | | several truly unique wines here, with one of our |
| wineries ... | | | | favorites being Thursday Afternoon At Three, a |
| Vizarra Vineyards: This is a great family | | | | blend of Niagara grapes and peaches. Another |
| destination, with two outdoor patios with vineyard | | | | was the white One Hundred Windows, an easy to |
| and sunset views, and U-Pick opportunities from | | | | drink, fruity selection. Be sure to take your time |
| onsite orchards. The vineyard itself is part of | | | | here ... the setting and the grounds are stunning. |
| Becker Farms, a well known attraction in this | | | | We divided these winery visits into a three day |
| area. | | | | period, visiting a maximum of four per day. The |
| There's a full selection of reds, whites, and | | | | best part about this wine trail is the close |
| specialty fruit wines here. We enjoyed the crisp | | | | proximity of the wineries ... not only are they an |
| Rusty's Riesling and the sweet Barreled Over | | | | easy drive from one another, but they're very |
| Niagara, made from the Niagara grape common in | | | | close to Buffalo as well. |
| the region. | | | | |