Reflecting on the winter season, looking ahead
A version of this column was published was published 04/20/22 in The Observer and The Review & Express.
Photo by Anthony Road Wine Company.
Since September 2021 I’ve arrived in your newspapers three times a month to talk about wine (and a little cider). During this time, I’ve learned a ton about the craft of writing, that wine is infinite in both learning and exploration, and that the Finger Lakes is unlike anywhere else. The column has been an invaluable experience only made better by the people I’ve met along the way.
People like Taylor Stember, assistant winemaker at Anthony Road Wine Company. Though she hails from California, Taylor is all in on New York wine. “Every time I explore deeper into the wines of the Finger Lakes, new and old, I am floored by the complexity, intention, and depth that they have.”
Taylor, who’s been working alongside longtime head winemaker, Peter Becraft, is thankful for the opportunity to learn from the team at Anthony Road. She explains in an earlier interview: “not only is there a more diverse range of winemakers and grape growers, but the older generation is opening up their platforms for a young and eager workforce to come in and get their hands dirty.”
A perfect example of this is John Martini, owner and 2022 New York Wine and Grape Foundation Unity Awards Jim Trezise Lifetime Achievement Award winner. His lifelong commitment to the industry and his desire to share knowledge forward is commendable. For winemakers like Taylor, it’s invaluable. “Every year brings something new and hopefully makes us all better winemakers. There is a beautiful dance here between tradition and adaptation, and I am totally enamored by it.”
It’s been an absolute joy to tell stories about the makers I’ve come to love over the years. However, as the busy summer season is quickly approaching, I will be focusing on my role as Beverage Education Manager at New York Kitchen. Please visit us in Canandaigua to learn more about the incredible agriculture and viticulture happening in our state.
There are still so many stories to share. Hopeful and exciting stories like Taylor’s, and the work happening at Anthony Road. Or stories of resilience and faith, like Daniel and Olivia at Scout Vineyards, who launched their brand at the beginning of the pandemic and have been steadily laying the foundation for their future. Or stories of progress, like the Hosmers, who are driving forces for sustainability efforts in the region. And stories of community, like 20 Deep Winery in Honeoye Falls, where they’ve been offering family-friendly experiences leading up to their future tasting room opening.
I look forward to telling them one day in the future, and in the meantime, I hope to see you at NYK soon!