Wednesday in the Finger Lakes

Day 4 of wine-tasting in the Finger Lakes

Today we headed to Seneca Lake, Eastern shore to begin another long day of wine-tasting. We began at Atwater, and headed North to Chateau Layfayette Reneau where we had a fun tasting, then to Red Newt where we found a geo-cache (another of our hobbies). 

Leidenfrost Tasting Room

We hadn't planned to stop at Red Newt as the prices looked a little high for us and the winery was a little off the beaten path, but since there was a geo-cache on the property, we gave it a try and were glad we did.  The really good red wines (rare in the Finger Lakes) were worth the trip, even though we only bought one bottle of Red Eft, a lower cost (but still very good) red blend.  Eft is a young newt, so they picked this name for their red blend that is meant to be enjoyed young. 

Next we headed to Leidenfrost, one of our favorite stops of the day because they are very dog-friendly.  As usual, we left the dogs in the car.  Susie, who was working the tasting room, noticed the dogs through the window and invited them into the tasting room, had treats for them, and didn't mind us letting Rohan off her lease to wander around. 

Of course Rohan headed behind the bar to look for more treats, then came and sat with us hoping for peanuts.  We think this is one of the only wineries we have visited that served peanuts instead of crackers at the tasting bar.  They worked really well.  We then sat on the deck overlooking Seneca while we enjoyed a picnic lunch.  We bought a few bottles of wine and headed on our way East to the West shore of Cayuga where we stopped at Hosmer. 
We visited Hosmer 15 years ago on one of our first trips to the Finger Lakes.  Hosmer's winery and tasting room is one of the few that has not changed in 15 years. 

This was another delightful experience and again, we bought a few bottles of wine.  Next, headed North on Cayuga, we stopped at the Thirsty Owl, then Goose Watch, Knapp, Lakeshore. 

Goose Watch is another one of our favorites from the past and we liked it even more this trip than we had before. 

The three of us at Goose Watch

At Knapp, we really enjoyed talking with Alexandera (Alex) at the tasting bar, and with one of the cellar workers about their barrels which are stacked high in a barrel room adjacent to the tasting room.  Unlike many wineries, they continue to use their barrels for about 10 years just for wine storage, long after they have lost their oakiness that adds to the complexity and character of the wine.  Most wineries only use their barrels for 3-5 years then sell them or use them for decorations.

Our final stop for the day was Lakeshore. 

This was one of our favorite wineries from many years ago because the customers relax in rocking chairs and on benches facing the tasting bar and fireplace.  This year John, the owner and winemaker, was doing the tasting and so we could ask lots of questions and learn a few new facts about wine-making.  We stayed past the 5 PM closing time talking with John, letting the dogs run a bit in the yard, and taking a few photos. 

That was nine wineries on Wednesday, not quite the 10 we expected to visit each day, but the great time and lunch on the deck at Leidenfrost, and very enjoyable tastings and visits at Goose Watch, Knapp, and Lakeshore which were well worth the extra time we spent at each of them.