“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.”

While initially a playful response, his answer set into motion a new reality for the Wilsons. “I believe that you make your own luck, if you will. You have to grab opportunities.”

My pup and I got caught in a snow squall during our morning walk last week. We strolled along the same route just two days prior, during the beginning of an over 50-degree day in mid-February.

McGregor has already been hosting annual parties but this year is different. With the retirement of the Black Russian Red label and a brand refresh to honor the Saperavi grape, McGregor decided to redesign the experience as well.

It seems that gathering impressive wineries under one roof is standard for The Smith Opera House in Geneva. First, it was FLXcursion, an International Riesling Expo hosted last July, and now A Sparkling Night at the Smith.

It was six degrees when the Sheldrake Point Winery team woke up on ice wine harvest day. They initially planned to pick before sunrise, but temperatures were so cold they had to wait.

Of the over 400 indigenous grape varieties grown in Georgia, only 38 are designated for commercial use. And within those 38, just two are grown and receive name recognition here in the Finger Lakes: Rkatsiteli and Saperavi.

After yet another truly strange year, I’ve decided I’m only gifting one thing: wine. Under the Christmas tree? Wine. A friend’s birthday? Wine. A holiday dinner contribution? Wine. The perfect New Year’s toast? …I think you know my answer.

“Over time, you'll start to see the silver linings that you couldn't see in the moment. I know there's more of those coming.”

With over 100 cideries in New York producing world-class bottles, we’re just getting started. And in my personal quest to drink bubbles (almost) daily, cider seems like a great option to throw in the mix. 

After last year’s tiny Turkey day for two, we’re excited for a return to something that feels normal this year. It’ll be a moment to savor, and the wine needs to match. I hope you enjoy!

“Please don’t talk his ear off, honey,” I begged. My husband and I were visiting Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery and the tasting room associate was a prime victim. It was our first vacation since 2019 and Andy was excited to talk to strangers.

“We are always chasing grapes,” I said to my husband one hot summer day in 2018. It was something we’d made a tradition of while traveling–always running off to the nearest wine country to whatever city we were in.

Chardonnay harvest began at Wagner Vineyards on October 8th–a much-anticipated pick after the team discovered something truly shocking in the vineyard this summer. “When we describe our Unoaked Chard as having “lightning fresh acidity,” this is NOT what we meant!”

Back-to-school season brings a return to familiar routines. And somehow golden hour seems even more golden–perhaps because we remember to stop and savor the last sunsets before winter takes hold.

Welcome to that funny time of year. That time when the air on your morning dog walks starts to hit differently. It’s a little cooler, and crisper, and you realize a light sweater might be a good idea.

We arrived at night. It was 2016, and my first time in the Finger Lakes to visit my long-distance boyfriend. We cracked open a bottle from Limeberry Winery and cozied up on the couch, waiting for the surprise he said had to wait until morning.