Colorful foliage, abundantly stocked farm stands, and sparkling weather all make autumn an ideal time to take a drive along western New York’s wine trails.
Jim Trezise of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation says that since 2011, the number of farm wineries have grown by nearly 50 percent in New York and commercial wineries have seen the same growth percentage. Farm winery branch offices have jumped 90 percent during that time, from 29 to 55.
Also growing are microbreweries – up 160 percent and restaurant brewers up 230 percent.
Farm distilleries have grown from 10 to 55 since 2011 and farm cideries have escalated from 7 to 29, an increase of 480 percent.
“New York State is fast becoming the farm-based craft beverage capital of America,” Trezise says.
The craft beverage boom is also a huge boost to the state’s agricultural base, Trezise notes, because raw ingredients used – grapes, apples, other fruits and grain are grown right here on local farms.
If you’re thirsty for a taste of New York wines, plan a trip along either the Lake Ontario or Niagara Wine Trail.
The moderating effect of Lake Ontario – cooling in the summer and warming in the winter – creates good grape growing conditions along the Lake Ontario Wine Trail. On the Niagara Wine Trail, the Niagara Escarpment and surrounding area also benefits from its proximity to the Great Lake. The warm micro-climate is additionally aided by the fact the Escarpment actually traps warm air. Couple the mild conditions with excellent soil and you have ideal conditions for grape and wine production.
According to the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, the Niagara Region is one of the fastest growing wine regions in the state.
Local Wineries on the Lake Ontario Wine Trail:
•Casa Larga Vineyards, 2287 Turk Hill Road, Fairport. Casa Larga has been producing high quality, award winning wines for 40 years.
•Lake Ontario Winery and Vineyards, 699 Five Mile Line Road, Webster (see also the Niagara List). The original location at the historic Mayer’s cider mill has wines available for purchase and tasting.
•Young Sommer Winery, 4287 Jersey Road, Williamson, between Williamson and Pultneyville. Young Sommer specializes in fruit and grape wines.
•Apple Country Spirits Farm Distillery, 3274 Eddy Road, Williamson. Apple Country produces fine quality fruit-based spirits made from fruit grown on their farm.
Local Highlights of the Niagara Wine Trail:
•Schwenk Wine Cellars, 1456 Bills Road, Kent. Schwenk produces award winning wines which include semi-dry to sweet. The winery features a tasting room.
•Lake Ontario Winery, 1593 Hamlin Parma Townline Road, Hilton (see also Lake Ontario Wine Trail for Webster location). The Hilton location features a tasting room, bistro and gift shop.
•Vizcarra Vineyards at Becker Farms, 3724 Quaker Road, Gasport. Becker Farms has a tasting room and produces fruit, white, blush and red wines including Spiced Apple, Apple Cranny, Perfect Plum and Becker Blue. Becker Brewing offers eight locally produced, hand-crafted micro brews and ciders. The farm features u-pick fruit, a bakery, homemade jams and fudge.
•Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, 10609 Ridge Road, Medina. The location features a tasting room and gift shop. Leonard Oakes produces a number of different wines including classic and dessert wines, fruit wines and its popular Steampunk Cider.
