Uncork a New York wine on the steep slopes of Torrey Ridge and step back in time with a view of Seneca Lake from a Civil War Era Barn. Scott Osborn purchased this old dairy farm and planted the first grape vines in 1984 then named his creation Fox Run Vineyards. Scott is not only a strong advocate of wine but also of garlic for a healthier life style. In 1993, the old barn was converted to a modern wine making facility. This was used until a building was erected up the slope in 1996 because of the need to expand.

This New York Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars, opened its doors in 1977 with a group of 4 investors. Today only one of the original investors, Gene Pierce has stuck through with the adventure that has seen his wines win as many as 75 awards in a single year. The production of great wines has grown from 5,000 cases that first year to 45,000 cases today.

Along with this success came expansion to include a 30-room inn for visitors to stay and enjoy the serene environment of Seneca Lake.  For dining enjoyment an elegant restaurant was added to satisfy those that do not wish to leave but need to eat while enjoying some of New York’s finest wines. For those that have a sweet tooth, they serve cherry cheesecake.

This Winery is the perfect place to uncork New York wines and enjoy art. Founded in 1995 by two retired college professors that believe their winery is the fusion of art and wine in a quaint boutique setting. David and Coralee Burch strive to achieve this by including on each vintage an original work of art on the label. This winery has also been awarded 23 separate medals for its wines throughout its history.

Ted Marks established Atwater Estate Vineyards in 1999. The vineyard was already established in the 1970’s and had changed hands from Bill Moffitt to Ed and Joanne Grow. The Grows operated the vineyard and winery under the label Rolling Vineyards until its closure in 1991. The vineyards were still cultivated and sold to surrounding wineries being purchased by Ted Marks.

Since the beginning, this vineyard has produced consistently clean wines with a limited harvest. With an average production of 8,500 cases a year careful attention to quality is maintained vintage after vintage.

This vineyard has a deep history of growing a bountiful harvest from the land. Situated on an old dairy and corn farm, this land has been fruitful for many centuries. With the vineyards reaching near the beach, the setting is referred to as the Sheldrake effect. With glacial sedimentary soil and the proximity near a deep body of water for a slower temperature change, this point of land has its own microclimate. This has lengthened the growing season by a full two week as compared to the surrounding counties.  Being on the eastern side of the lake also allows this piece of land to warm up faster than the west side which helps lessen the effect of frost.

By uncorking this New York wine, you are opening the dream of an American from the greatest generation that ever lived. The Prejean Winery was the dream of Jim Prejean, a WWII veteran. After a lifetime of work, a retirement in a business that was his dream come true was fulfilled. With his wife this winery has truly been a labor of love.  The land was purchased in 1978 and planted the following year. With commitment and dedication this winery has flourished. All of the vines are hand tended and the harvest is hand picked to ensure the highest quality of grapes is only used in the Prejean creations.

For this New York Winery the eastern shores of Keuka Lake is the perfect location for the McGregor Vineyard. This is a family run Winery since 1980 that follows the European philosophy of wine making. The McGregor’s’ say their wines reflect the “voice of the grapes”. The Vineyards were established before the winery with the planting of 28 acres of Vinifera and hybrid grapes in 1971. With continuous commitment to the vines and hand tending, superior wines have been created. This small but personal touch to creating fine wines can be tasted in their creations.

To uncork New York at the oldest winery on Cayuga Lake then you must visit the Lucas Vineyards. This family owned establishment was founded in the early 1970”s. The nautical theme of the wine labels and names are from the influence of one of the founder’s previous occupation as a New York City tugboat captain.

With Tug Boat Red, Tug Boat White, and Dry Dock named wines help kept revenue coming in during the early days. Today things have changed, not only are there seven nautical wines but medal winning wines like Methode Champenoise Champagnes. In 2008 alone this winery was the recipient of 67 medals from 12 separate competitions.

Greyton and Walter Taylor established this new vineyard in 1958. Walter’s involvement in the wine industry makes the length of this family experience four generations long. The Taylor family’s involvement in the wineries stretches back to 1878. This family also pioneered the conversion of the New York vineyards from growing Native American grapes to the French-American hybrid.

Bully Hill offers a tour every hour of their winery and it is free for all visitors. There are over 12 buildings, which house this remarkable winery and its history. On site is the New York State Wine Museum of Greyton Taylor. Inside are the actual copper tools used to make the barrels over a century ago along with other memorabilia. With over 200 pieces of artwork, this is well worth the time to visits and is open mid May through October.

The Heron Hill Winery was started over 30 years ago as a dream of John Ingle. The growing and nurturing of the cold climate grapes to produce Riesling and Chardonnay has produced a selection of world-class wines. Located on a hill with a panoramic view of Keuka Lake, this winery is well established with quality in mind. With this remarkable experience and view from the first tasting room in mind, a second wine tasting room was built and opened on Seneca Lake to enhance the adventure of tasting Heron Hill New York wines.

When a New York uncorked wine is experienced on the scenic hillside overlooking Keuka Lake, the quality and adventure in taste is truly rewarding. The Wiltberger family created the Keuka Spring Winery and vineyards over 20 years ago in the Finger Lake region of the state of New York. This business started with a family dream and has flourished into award winning creations in taste. With the original plan to keep production down to only 2000 cases each year. The demand for their fine wines grew and faced with the constant situation of being sold out of wine, production has been increased to 8500 cases without a decrease in quality.

This family owned vineyard was established after high school sweet hearts, Art and Joyce Hunt, moved to the Hunt family farm in 1973. After a few years of research and planning a small-scale winery, the Finger Lakes Wine Cellar was started in 1981. With the personal guidance of the Hunt’s, this small winery flourished and in 1987 they formed Hunt Country Vineyards.

The first national recognition was for their Vidal Blanc Ice Wine in the 1990”s. Of the three children of these wine masters one has joined in the family business. This makes six generations of farming this same soil. With a degree from Cornell and internships in California and New Zealand, his contribution is having a positive influence in the family business.

This winery was established in 1987 on the southern end of Canandaigua Lake. The Brahm family has taken great pride to produce the finest wines in a tranquil antique country setting. With 4 generations experience in wine production, the flavor is of old world quality. The latest generation has a member that graduated from Cornell with a degree in Pomology.

In the 1960’s the family ventured into the now famous Naples Grape Pie production which has expanded to over 30,000 pies being produced in just a six week period each year. This is truly a grapery and not just a winery. A variety of specialty foods and sauces are also available but the wine has never been neglected.

The Six Mile Creek Vineyard is not only the place to uncork New York wines but the best Ithaca has to offer. For over 20 years this vineyard has been producing some of the finest wines from the Finger Lake Region. To go along with the vineyard is an exclusive line of handcrafted Spirits by Battistella to pick from.

Our resistance to one of the deadliest forms of cancer may be helped by a glass of wine. The rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the U.S. has increased 500% over the last thirty years. It’s a subtype of esophageal cancer triggered by acid reflux which causes Barrett’s Esophagus, a transformation of the cells in the esophagus to the type found in the stomach.

The findings are reported in the March issue of the journal Gastroenterology. One study determined just one glass of wine per day reduced the incidence of Barrett’s esophagus by 56%. The study was conducted by pharmaceutical maker Kaiser Permanente.

The news last week was disheartening for anyone who loves a glass of wine. A massive study of middle-aged British women showed an alarming increase in cancer risk among those who drink alcohol.

Researchers studied 1.2 million women in the United Kingdom and found that 13 percent of all cancers of the breast, liver, rectum, upper respiratory and digestive tract were attributed to moderate alcohol consumption.

Add this to the growing list of conflicting information about the foods we eat and drink. One week something prolongs our health, the next week that same item shortens it.