On thirty-five Cayuga Lake acres, Kelley O'Neill has used his new vineyard and winery to make a purposeful life.  With the help of his wife Angela, he has converted formerly fallow property they bought in 2002 into a vineyard, winery and small tasting room. Randolph O'Neill Vineyard is located just north of Hosmer Winery on... Continue Reading →

Thanks to The Cork Reports 2017 Wines of The Year for including me in their choice of East Coast Wine Writers.  I was happy to be able to select Johannes Reinhardt's Rosé. After I submitted the article I got the following information from the winemaker about this spectacular wine: "(Aged in) All stainless steel! 100% Pinot Noir from our... Continue Reading →

We've captured the story of three winemakers who are "starting a-new".  Follow the links! Ian Barry Mark T. Wiltberger Peter Weis

 We're sorry to note that the tasting room has permanently closed on May 30th 2020. However, Ian will continue to make fine wines ! By Wayne Schutz, Photo Credits Alice Schutz With a welcoming smile, Ian Barry greeted us at the door of his historic tasting room in Burdett.  Built around 1819, the building serves as a... Continue Reading →

By Wayne Schutz, Photo Credits Alice Schutz Winemaker Mark Wiltberger has come full circle: growing up and leaving the Finger Lakes, traveling, and then returning to make wine at his own winery, Mark T. Wiltberger Cellars on Keuka Lake. The son of nearby Keuka Springs Vineyards owners, Len and Judy Wiltberger, Mark started his own brand in... Continue Reading →

So we finally were able to get to Flatt Rock Wine Cellars in Valois NY on the East Side of Seneca Lake. Its just north of Scale House Brew Pub on the west (lake) side of Rt 414. We were greeted by Darla Flatt, who was gathering Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for a grandchild's birthday party.... Continue Reading →

By Wayne Schutz,  In a rustic red schoolhouse built in 1887 on Keuka Lake, a young German winemaker is fulfilling his destiny. Peter Weis, from the Mosel region in Germany, follows in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, making superb German style wines here in the Finger Lakes. With a philosophy that wine “starts in a... Continue Reading →

A few weeks ago my wife and I had the chance to visit Bruce Murray and his wife at their newly opened tasting room and warehouse.   Until now, tasting were only available by appointment and they were held in the couple's kitchen.   The new tasting room reflects their love of clean architecture styles.... Continue Reading →

My wife and I finally got to stop at FLX Wienery on Rt 14 near Dundee NY. Why have we waited so long? There's an extension lunch menu, a fantastic selection of wines, beers and sodas. You can even  bring your own bottle and they'll  uncork it for free! My K-town burger was perfectly done... Continue Reading →

Tierce is a wonderful example of collaboration among the wineries and winemakers of the Finger Lakes. Born in 2005, it's the product of blending the best from Anthony Road, Fox Run and Red Newt wine companies. I've been told by one of the wine-makers to wait a few more years before trying. We're looking forward... Continue Reading →

We were saving this Pinot Meunier to taste alongside Dr Frank’s Meunier. An unauthorized visit to the wine cellar by a relative made the contents of this bottle disappear. Now we need to get another one so I guess it’s another trip to Long Island. C’est la vie.