This vineyard at  Chateau LaFayette Reneau Winery is where one can uncork New York wines in surroundings with the feel of yesteryear. The old 10-room brick house was built in 1911, which provides a wonderful view of the vineyards from each room. The renovated barn/winery also has that century old craftsmanship that can be tasted in the wine.

Nestled on the banks of Lake Seneca, the vineyards are fruitful and the harvest bountiful. For those that wish to extend their stay the Inn offers overnight accommodations. Cell phones and alarm clocks are discouraged so the guest and patrons of the winery can truly enjoy this peaceful setting.

When you Uncork NY at Wagner Vineyards you will be sipping four generations of history and dedication to the wine creating process of the Finger Lake region. This vineyard is located on the eastern slopes of Seneca Lake and was started back in 1978 by Bill Wagner. As a life long resident of the area and grower of grapes has made this one of the finer wines available in the industry.

Bill’s unique style is even shown when he designed and built an eight-sided building to house the winery. All of the wines produced by the Wagner family are cultivated and nurtured under their direct supervision. This controls the quality to ensure only the best are used in the wine making process.

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.

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.

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 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.

Yesterday I was on a business trip that took me out through many of the Finger Lakes Winery areas. Unfortunately it was not possible to stop and visit with our old friends because this was on a different matter and I did not have time to do anything for NYuncorked (dot com).

I was able to reflect on some of my years of travel and work throughout that region and the fine people with a strong work ethic that live there. Back in the late 1960′s and through the 70′s and 80′s I witnessed a transformation in the grape growing business and the expansion of many of the excellent wineries that you appreciate so much today.