Niagara USA Wine Magazine 2014 by Niagara USA Wine Magazine

COMPLIMENTARY

NIAGARA USA TM

WINE

2014

Re s o u r c e g u i d e t o t h e N i a g a r a W i n e Tr a i l U S A

INSIDE: A Character Study Niagara Wine Trail’s Tasting Rooms PLUS 20 Wineries & Cidery In-depth Profiles

WELCOME Now that summer has officially kicked off it’s finally time to get outdoors. With so many choices of places to visit, things to try and do along the Niagara Wine Trail USA, it’s also a good time to explore the other “perks” of this growing community. The Niagara wineries are joined by many other family-owned and small businesses that are just as passionate about the region’s local imprint as Niagara winemakers are about the fruit fermenting in their barrels. Woven into the fabric you’ll find restaurants with chefs choosing locally-sourced ingredients for their menus and local wines for their wine lists. You’ll find inns, shops, and country markets focused on celebrating the rich history and bounty of the region, and tour companies that will make your excursion to the region’s attractions a truly memorable one. To help get your journey started, in Niagara USA Wine Magazine you’ll find detailed profiles of the wineries and cidery that make up the Trail, with plenty of new offerings in the “Spotlight” sections. We are pleased to welcome the three new wineries on the Trail to this issue as well. Then join writer Devon Karn as she offers a glimpse inside the Trail’s diverse tasting rooms, in A Character Study (page 2), complemented with stunning photos by Kevin Karn. Visit the tasting rooms and drink in the ambience for yourself to see how the varied personalities are reflected in the types of wines and ciders you’ll taste at the sampling bars. In Beyond the Bottle (page 6), we explore hybrids – crossings of two or more grapes – which, as Bryan Calandrelli explains, translates into luscious red wines and crisp, clean whites on the Niagara Wine Trail – all ready for a try. In our food and wine pairing column, the Convivial Table (page 51), wine writer Michael Chelus details his four-course culinary adventure with Niagara wines and a local chef. The versatility of the Niagara wines are something you’ll want to explore further when you try Chef Raimondi’s recipe at home. And, in The Finish (page 60), Teresa Sharp offers some ideas for experiences that you won’t want to miss this season. Bring the whole the family and uncover the art, culture, and nature tucked within the expanded Trail. With so many adventures within a short drive, there’s a lot of local discovery waiting on the Niagara Wine Trail USA. This issue of Niagara USA Wine Magazine is your resource to help you plan a season-long journey. And remember, when you’re on the go, you can always bring the online version with you. Visit www.niagarawinemag.com to access it on your mobile device, anytime, anywhere. Cheers!

Linda Pierro Managing Editor

CONTRIBUTORS Bryan Calandrelli (Beyond the Bottle) is a winemaker, wine writer and

cinematographer working in the heart of the Niagara wine region. As a consultant, speaker, enthusiast and promoter of wine, part of his focus is on improving quality and awareness of the region’s wine industry. Michael Chelus (The Convivial Table) is a writer, blogger and attorney

who lives in Orchard Park, New York. He writes about wine and food for his blog, “The Nittany Epicurean.” He also covers the Niagara and Lake Erie winemaking regions for the New York Cork Report. Devon Karn (A Character Study) is a freelance journalist whose farming,

food, beverage, and art stories have appeared in publications throughout Western New York and Vermont. Kevin Karn (A Character Study) is a freelance photographer whose

work appears with Devon’s stories. Together they own Karn Creative, Inc., a tiny advertising and design shop in Buffalo, NY. Teresa Sharp (The Finish) is a freelance writer and editor based in

Lewiston, New York who has worked for numerous publications both local and national, covering news, features, business, and sports. She is grateful to live on the beautiful Niagara Wine Trail USA.

NIAGARA USA WINETM Volume 2 Issue 1 2014

ROBERT BEDFORD EXECUTIVE EDITOR LINDA PIERRO MANAGING EDITOR / DESIGN DIRECTOR

NIAGARA USA

WINE

M AG AZ I N E

INSIDE

DAVID LICATA MICHAEL LICATA ADVERTISING SALES

ELIZABETH ROSE MAUTE NIAGARA WINE TRAIL USA COORDINATOR VALERIE AHWEE COPYEDITING

A Character Study: Niagara Wine Trail’s 20 Tasting Rooms by Devon Karn

ADVERTISINg INqUIRIES: Contact ads@niagarawinemag.com or call 518-731-1332. SUBSCRIPTIONS: For rates, email us at info@niagarawinemag.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: We invite ideas for articles, photographs, letters, and other contributions from readers. Please write us at the address below or email info@niagarawinemag.com. Any manuscript or artwork submitted by mail should be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like it returned. Niagara USA Wine Magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of submissions.

Beyond the Bottle: Generation Hybrid by Bryan Calandrelli

9–49 Winery & Cidery Profiles

www.niagarawinemag.com

NIAGARA USA WINETM Magazine (ISSN 2333-4266) is published by Flint Mine Press, a division of Flint Mine Group, llc. ©2014 Flint Mine Group, llc. All rights reserved. Niagara USA Wine Magazine is a trademark of Flint Mine Group, llc. Material may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without written permission. The magazine assumes no responsibility to return unsolicited material. No statement in this publication is to be construed as a recommendation. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. Remember to drink responsibly.

The Convivial Table by Michael Chelus

52 55 60

Seedlings... Wine Country Events The Finish by Teresa Sharp

PHOTOS (top to bottom): Kevin Karn; Courtesy Niagara Wine Trail USA; Courtesy Spring Lake Winery; Courtesy Arrowhead Spring Vineyards

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

A Character Study Meet the varied personalities of the Niagara Wine Trail’s 20 tasting rooms By Devon Karn Photos by Kevin Karn

here’s something charmingly unassuming about the Niagara Wine Trail. The long country roads that make up the trail itself wind through an Eden of fruit groves, armies of apple trees that resemble aged dancers pirouetting out of the ground, orderly cherry trees whose blush rivals Washington, D.C. each spring, and acres of undulating blueberry and raspberry bushes any child would be happy to get lost in. Every now and then the peach, pear, and plum fruitscape breaks and begins again as rows upon rows of grape vines, carefully trellised, form wavy horizontal lines that provide a visible hint to the strengthening heartbeat of this region. Among them might sit a small wooden barn. A charming house. A metal outbuilding with an oversized garage door. From the road, they look like dwellings and farm buildings used to house the people and equipment that work the land around them. Look a little closer, though, and get ready to pull over. These are the official tasting rooms of the 20 wineries that form the Niagara Wine Trail. At times, the official green roadside marker sporting a white grape cluster, a modest sign, and an “open” flag waving in the wind are the only evidence that wine is being poured for the tasting. Once inside, the character of each tasting room is as varied as the wines produced along the trail, from calm, clean, and light to bold, dark, and a little bit fruity.

Unadorned Utilitarian A handful of the trail’s tasting rooms put their focus firmly on crafting fine drinkables – not outfitting their spaces with perfectly matched color palettes and vineyard-inspired décor. There are no chairs, tchotckies, or wall art, just a bar and shelves of bottles. These tasting rooms are not boring or unpleasant by any means, but their back-to-basics approach in some ways lets the tongue drink in what the eyes do not. This is definitely the case at Chateau Niagara Winery. A set of one-story high oak doors, handmade by owner Jim Baker, swing open into a 40-by-60-foot metal structure that houses a single open warehouse space that serves as a tasting room in the front, and a production and storage space in the back with nary a wall in between. Towards the back, soaring, stark white walls and bright overhead lights illuminate the winery’s stainless steel production tanks, forklift-accessible industrial shelves stocked with shrink-wrapped pallets of boxes, and large wooden and steel barrels on racks. Up front, Jim pours the winery’s signature dry European-style wines at a curved wooden bar set beneath the space’s lone piece of wall art. It’s a lab-like setting for a mad scientist, which is evident in the wine list and the stories that come with it. A full-time aerospace engineer at Moog by day, Jim and his wife Kathy grow 12 kinds of grapes that include well-known names and more unfamiliar European varieties such as Turan, Blaufränkisch, and Saperavi. From these worldly vinifera come wines like Kagor, a complex dessert wine – once made exclusively for the Czar of Russia – that Jim scoured ancient texts to replicate and become the only winemaker in the Western world producing it. Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery also takes a less-is-more approach to its tasting room. It was built

in 1920 as a hog barn with waist-high poured concrete walls so the pigs couldn’t escape. When continued on page 4

the DeMaison family bought the junk-filled old farm and turned the land towards wine, they turned the elongated structure into the tasting room with an unadorned, simple farmhouse feel. The room is lined with a wooden tasting bar backed by low windows that let in angled sunlight, lending a comfortable glow to the space’s stark white walls. It’s not uncommon to find three generations of the family pouring wine and making warm, genuine talk with guests underneath a central row of dim industrial ceiling lamps. Owner and patriarch

Other tasting rooms have laid-back interiors that invite visitors to come in, grab a glass, and just be. Minimally decorated in earthy hues with no harsh artificial lighting, these wineries have an understated elegance that’s as relaxing as the libations they’re pouring.

At Black Willow Winery, a pair of dark wooden doors open into one of the more spacious tasting rooms on the trail, a former dirt-floored pole barn that’s been completely renovated by owners Cynthia WestChamberlain and Michael Chamberlain. Dimly lit by recessed lights in the ceiling, a huge three-sided, chest-high tasting bar anchors one end of the room and welcomes tasters with warm and efficient service. It seems to melt into the glossy brown floor of the same color, giving the space a grounded warmth. Stoic black armoires display Black Willow’s meads named after Nordic deities and a selection of well-balanced wines, some of which are poured at the New York State Wine Outlet’s tasting room in Shanghai, China. The namesake black willow tree is present as hand-painted trees on the dump buckets, as wispy wrought-iron versions on the walls, and as matte black branches tucked into large gold vases around the room.

Donald DeMaison, a plaid-shirted farmer who seems equally comfortable on a tractor or on a fermentation room tour, has a way of making Western New York weather and its grapegrowing nuances accessible to any visitor. The wines poured in the tasting room here are just as solid as the people. Simple, well-done varieties include a customer-favorite citrusy dry Riesling; Pinot Magic, a dry white made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes; and a mellow Lemberger red.

One wall is covered in what looks like a giant woven basket from afar, but a closer look reveals staves from two and a half wine barrels intertwined together. It’s anchored in the center by an etched silver monogram and flanked on either side by minimalist shelving built from iron pipes and unfinished boards, which hold bottles of winemaker Jonathan Oakes’ signature wines.

five distinct and spacious surfaces at which to sample an astounding number of wines. Overhead, the polished pine Crawford ceiling beams are accented by Tiffany-style pendants that cast a muted glow into the otherwise dim room. Rough-hewn pine walls are lined with shelves of the winery’s vast offerings and a glass-doored entry into the winery’s production area.

Visitors are invited to sit and stay a while at high-top tables fashioned from wine barrels, or at the spacious curved tasting bar lined with adjustable-height industrial stools. A member of the Oakes family pours samples of the winery’s extensive and award-winning list into appropriate Reidel glasses for the tasting, and offers conversational tidbits about their 18 varietals of grapes, the finer characteristics present in their wines, and the history of the family orchards. For the wine-averse, there the family’s signature Steampunk hard cider or a half-dozen beers on tap.

In many ways, the tasting room at Schulze Vineyards & Winery feels more like an open-air pavilion than an enclosed building. Banks of windows overlooking the vineyards almost make the serene grey-green walls disappear entirely. Overhead, a soaring, honey-colored wood-paneled ceiling is full of skylights, which let the sunlight filter down through sturdy beams to the expansive tasting area below. Shaped like an elongated octagon, the tasting bar comfortably serves the winery’s sweet-leaning wines to a dozen people or more without feeling crowded. The bar and built-in cabinets throughout the space were built by German-born Martin Schulze out of black cherry wood that Martin and his father, Willie, rough cut from an old orchard on the property decades ago and stored in a barn for use in the future winery.

At Niagara Landing Wine Cellars, a pair of French doors connects the armchair-lined front porch of an industrial white metal building into a warm, almost Tuscan-feeling tasting room inside. A low, marble-topped bar snakes its way through the room, creating

Located towards the eastern end of the Niagara Wine Trail, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery doesn’t see as much bus traffic as some of the other wineries and tends to be a quiet respite during a weekend wine tour. The room is awash in muted tan, taupe, and brown, a simple earthy environment that hints at the family’s 90 years of farming.

Tasting Room Tidbit: It’s customary for wine tasting rooms to offer little bowls of wine crackers to help re-set taste buds between sips of different types of wine. These faintly sweet, white nibbles – along with water – absorb lingering flavors to prep your palate for the next pour. The goal is to reach for something rather neutral instead of overly salty, sweet, or intensely flavored, which can alter the taste of the wine. On the Niagara Wine Trail, many tasting rooms offer creative interpretations of the standard biscuit including oyster crackers, animal crackers, wheat crackers, and popcorn.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

PHOTO: Randall Tagg Photography/www.taggphotography.com

A healthy dose of energy and creativity infuse a handful of tasting rooms on the Trail, tucking welcoming details into comfortable spaces that make visitors just want to hang out and dream a little.

At A Gust of Sun Winery & Vineyard, a big brown barn looks unassuming from the street except for the bright yellow and orange sun with wind-swept rays affixed to the front. Inside, the space has an easy feel that’s friendly and fun. A big four-sided central bar is topped with thousands and thousands of wine corks encased under glass frames. The whole back wall of the warm orange room is built to look like a giant wine barrel complete with wooden staves and huge iron bands. In the center, though, is the door to the bathroom. Next to this comic commode is a set of stairs that lead to an upstairs lounge area equipped with a glass mosaic inlaid landing, leather teacup chairs, book cases, and a few tables fashioned from more wine barrels. The exposed beamed space, which was a “woman cave” and dance studio for the property’s previous owners, seats 30 people for special events. A commercial-looking white metal warehouse from the outside, Freedom Run Winery is part winery and part gallery inside. Its tagline, “where we view wine as art,” is evident both in the way wines are produced – by a collaborative wine design team rather than a sole winemaker – and in the tasting room’s

The front door at Arrowhead Spring Vineyards’ tasting room is a heavy wooden California craftsman masterpiece framed by intricate stained-glass panels depicting winding vines and grape clusters. It’s the first step back in time to the tasting room’s reclaimed timber frame interior, which feels like a slightly more modern version of a rural one-roomed schoolhouse. Underneath pegged posts and beams, a simple craftsman desk and chair sit between two large windows overlooking the sloping vineyard outside. Across the smooth pine floors is the tasting bar, a row of wine barrels topped with wooden planks that form a rustic workbench for sampling Arrowhead Spring’s hand-made, small-batch wines. Behind it, an open staircase leads to a storage loft upstairs. In the winter the space is warmed by a wood stove in the corner, which casts a comforting glow from within and reduces energy use – something that is

breathtaking details. The front of a sprawling L-shaped tasting bar is completely covered with backlit blown-glass flowers made by Richard Sean Manning, who co-owns the winery with brothers Larry and Chip and Larry’s wife Sandra. Long, flat stones snake across a bare white wall, mimicking the Niagara Escarpment across the vineyard where the Manning brothers grew up. Low leather sectionals and handmade bar tables that resemble wine barrel skeletons provide plenty of space to park and take in all the details, including voluptuous, free-form ceramic pieces made by Richard. A soaring wall separating the tasting room is made entirely of glass, allowing visitors to see the creative process that goes into every glass. Even the lawn outside acts as a canvas for a collection of “just because” endeavors including outdoor movie screenings, a teepee made of live hop vines, and a smaller vineyard entirely planted, tended, harvested, and made into wine by students from Niagara County Community College’s winemaking program. Seemingly worlds away from the sprawling farmlands by the lake, downtown Lockport’s

Flight of Five Winery is the only urban tasting room on the trail. Located inside the historic stone Old City Hall, which perches on the edge of the Erie Canal, the winery celebrates the creativity of the 1825 engineering achievement – the flight of five canal locks – outside its door. Owned by canal history buffs Jackie and Michael Connelly, the Flight of Five tasting room features framed works of art by Michael, a classically trained artist, depicting various scenes and boats along the canal. One pen and ink piece serves as the label art for the winery’s five selections. The tasting bar is made from hand-hewn lumber that pre-dates the age of the canal and fashioned to resemble the two angled doors of a 1920s canal lock. Blue, green, and clear glass wine bottle bottoms, all of which Jackie cut by hand, form a backlit, undulating “water line” just below the top of the bar. A dim, cavernous space with 20-foot-tall pressed tin ceilings, the Flight of Five tasting room celebrates the area’s craftsmanship by pouring not only its own wines, but also selections from other wineries and juice makers in the area.

The Trail’s agricultural identity is evident in the rustic character of many of its tasting rooms. Roughhewn beams, harvest artifacts, and industrial fixtures define spaces that were built to resemble barns or are actually housed within repurposed farm buildings.

important to environmentalist owners Robin and Duncan Ross. The entire structure is built into the hillside to allow the cellar temperature to be regulated by geothermal cooling. Outside, Ian the border collie gladly chases Frisbees thrown by visitors past a flock of murmuring, free-range chickens.

This summer, Arrowhead Spring will be joined on the trail by another timber frame tasting room at Victorianbourg Wine Estate. The winery’s existing cluttered, barn-like sampling area will be replaced by a 200-yearold hand-hewn Amish structure, which currently lies in unassembled piles outside. continued on page 8 NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

B E Y O N D

T H E

B O T T L E

Generation Hybrid By Bryan Calandrelli

In the wine world, the word “hybrid” can come as fully loaded as a Toyota Prius. Talk of hybrids may be as controversial as human-robot hybrids and met with the same skepticism as your typical alien-human hybrid conspiracy. Regardless of the reaction they can evoke, hybrid grapes — more specifically, French-American hybrid grapes — played a pivotal role in the viticultural history of the eastern United States. The Niagara Region USA is no exception and to this day, hybrids remain an integral contribution to the diverse variety of styles found in local tasting rooms. ike most domesticated fruits, the species of grape, plum, apple, strawberry or tomato that we consume today has been selected over time for its qualities, having been crossed with similar fruits to produce offspring which inherit the best of both parents. Vitis vinifera, the species of grape that includes popular wine varieties such as merlot and chardonnay are ultimately hybrids of their own, created through natural selection and/or grape breeding by the ancient winegrowers on the European continent. Today in tasting rooms throughout North America, when we refer to a hybrid-grape wine, we are alluding to the cross breeding of those vinifera grapes with species native to America like vitis riparia, vitis rupestris or in a few cases, vitis labrusca.

Species like Baco Noir, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc were bred for their cold hardiness, yields, vigor, or heat requirements, amongst many other considerations. Europe’s long-term acceptance of this new class of wine grape has shrunk since the initial growth of hybrid viticulture thanks to their increased yield leading to overproduction, which led to a ban of new planting in France and other restrictions through Europe. Their “non-traditional” aromas also sealed their fate across the ocean as hybrid wines couldn’t compete with the more classic flavors wineries were achieving with grafted vinifera vines. Yet with the United States and the east coast in particular being undiscovered territory for European wine grape

PHOTO: Amanda Bieniecki

viticulture, the popularity of hybrids grew here thanks to their While crossing grape species from different continents may have seemed like a natural progression in the evolution of international winemaking, the primary motivation for experimentation with French-American hybrids came after a devastating vine disease called phylloxera ravaged vineyards across Europe in the late 19th century. Given that this disease did not affect the native grape species of North America, cross breeding was considered an easier and cheaper option than grafting vinifera vines onto rootstocks of North American grape species. Thus began exploration into creating not only phylloxera-resistant vines, but also producing vines that were more resistant to other diseases, mildew, rot and fungus.

local genetics, open minded attitudes of our grape growers and an open and unregulated wine industry. Some of the earliest success stories here and across the pond were from grapes many of us will recognize from our travels throughout New York State and beyond. Grapes like Baco Noir (a cross of Folle Blanch and vitis riparia) and Chambourcin produce complex wines that bring the best of both worlds to winery tasting lists. Locally, Honeymoon Trail and Niagara Landing have been making solid Baco Noir for years, harnessing the grape’s potential to make a dark red, fruitforward wine with aromas of black fruits and herbs.

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NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

2012

The lineage of some hybrid grapes aren’t limited to just two species. Maréchal Foch and Seyval Blanc both owe their origins to the battle against phylloxera and both share genes from at least three separate origins, proving they can be disease resistant, cold hardy and appealing in the glass. Local vintners are also finding success with the American hybrid grape Diamond, which crosses Iona (a labrusca-vinifera hybrid) with the infamous native Concord grape. Concord, which most of us may associate with jams and jellies, or our great uncle’s homemade garage-made wines, lends its intense aromatics to Diamond (its white grape offspring), which like its parent is high in acid. This natural acidity promotes generous amounts of sweetness in the finished wine, which can unveil candied fruit aromas with floral qualities and no noticeable “foxy” character you may taste in native grapes. The unsung hero of the hybrid category may very well be Cayuga though. While a few wineries like Chateau Niagara produce a single variety Cayuga, the grape most often serves as the backbone in several white blends throughout the region. This Cornell crossing of Seyval Blanc and Schuyler grapes is resilient in the vineyard and well adapted for all styles of wine, adding intense aromatics in the glass and a roundness or richness on the palate to several local whites including Freedom Run’s Winery’s Freedom White table wine. No matter how delicious a wine made from any of these grapes may be, unfortunately there will always be a group of consumers who refuse to be open minded and judge their enjoyment of a wine by what’s in the glass. While this may not be breaking news, there is a certain amount of snobbishness in the wine industry — whether it comes from consumers, producers or critics. Once in a blue moon, a hybrid grape will break the glass ceiling and accept critical acclaim like Vidal (a versatile cross of Ugni Blanc and French-American hybrid Rayon d’Or) does when it’s made into icewine. Yet if I had to pick a typical table wine made from a hybrid grape that could change the hearts and minds of hybrid doubters, I’d probably pour them a Traminette or Vignoles. I’ve never had a bad Traminette (a cross of the French-American hybrid Joannes Seyve and Gewürztraminer) even in the hands of the most inexperienced amateur winemaker. And now that the world of wine is so appreciative of fruity whites like Moscato, I wouldn’t hesitate to pour them a glass of well-made Vignoles — a delicious grape now being made in both sweet and dry styles in the Niagara Region USA.

•

WHERE TO FIND HYBRIDS AS STAND-ALONE WINES OR IN BLENDS: BACO NOIR Honeymoon Trail Winery Lake Ontario Winery Midnight Run Wine Cellars Niagara Landing Wine Cellars Schwenk Wine Cellars Victorianbourg Wine Estate

CAYUGA A Gust of Sun Winery Chateau Niagara Winery Flight of Five Winery Lake Ontario Winery Honeymoon Trail Winery Leonard Oakes Estate Winery Schwenk Wine Cellars Winery at Marjim Manor

CHAMBOURCIN Black Willow Winery Lake Ontario Winery Leonard Oakes Estate Winery Schulze Vineyards & Winery Victorianbourg Wine Estate

DIAMOND A Gust of Sun Winery Black Willow Winery Honeymoon Trail Winery Midnight Run Wine Cellars Vizcarra Vineyards

FOCH Lake Ontario Winery

FRONTENAC A Gust of Sun Winery Leonard Oakes Estate Winery Flight of Five Winery Vizcarra Vineyards

LEON MILLOT Flight of Five Winery Lake Ontario Winery

NOIRET Leonard Oakes Estate Winery Midnight Run Wine Cellars

ROUGEON Vizcarra Vineyards

SEIGFRIED Schulze Vineyards & Winery

SEYVAL BLANC Lake Ontario Winery Victorianbourg Wine Estate

TRAMINETTE

VERDELET Victorianbourg Wine Estate

VIDAL

BlackWineryWillow

Trilogy rilogy White

New Y York ork State able W ine White T Table Wine

Alc. 12% by Vol.

te blend of ines with soft tes and a nice ish.

& Bottled by: ow W Winery inery York 982 willowwinery.com willowwinery.com

HYBRID HIGHLIGHTS

Leonard Oakes Estate Winery Niagara Landing Wine Cellars Vizcarra Vineyards Victorianbourg Wine Estate

Below: Some of the many diverse hybrid wines produced by the Niagara Wine Trail wineries.

CONTAINS SULFITES

White

Leonard Oakes Estate Winery utilizes the late ripening complexities of the Chambourcin grape in its Red Oakes red blend where it marries with primarily Noiret and Frontenac — both of which are relative newcomers to the hybrid grape scene. Noiret was born of Cornell’s grape breeding program as an option for growers who wanted a grape with noticeable tannin structure, color intensity and spicy, berry fruit flavors. Frontenac, a grape also bottled as a stand-alone variety at Leonard Oakes, is the product of research at the University of Minnesota which crossed a vitis riparia plant with a French-American grape called Landot 4511. It’s extremely cold hardy and has been known to survive temperatures as low as -33º F before recovering to produce a full crop. Frontenac is also very versatile and is appropriate for reds, rosés or even Port-style dessert wines.

Putney Gold Wine

Putney Gold Eveningside Vineyards

Putney Putney Gold Gold is a tribute to the Collie breed. breed. This breed breed has been long known known for their beauty, beauty intelligence, brav bravery ery and companionship companionship.. This Raven. wine is a tribute to our collies, Putney Putney and Raven. we They provide love. provide companionship and lo ve. And we all kno know that “All You Need eed is Lo Love!” ve!”

Enjoy, Randy and Karen Biehl Produced Pr and bottled by &WFOJOHTJEF 7JOFZBSET t -PDLQPSU /: OJO JEF O BSET t -PDLQPSU /: www.Eveningside.com

750 ml. Table Wine

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards Black Willow Winery Eveningside Vineyards Flight of Five Winery Freedom Rum Winery Lake Ontario Winery Leonard Oakes Estate Winery Midnight Run Wine Cellars Schulze Vineyards & Winery Schwenk Wine Cellars Vizcarra Vineyards

VIGNOLES A Gust of Sun Winery Flight of Five Winery Honeymoon Trail Winery Lake Ontario Winery NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

continued from page 5

We take anyone, any place, anytime. www.TheLimousineService.us

“

855-662-5466

1165 Erie Ave. N. Tonawanda, NY 14120

When we first established the Niagara Wine Trail through state law in 2002, who would have foreseen the tremendous growth of the local wine industry?

”

Best wishes to all the growers and vintners who are proving this initiative to be a lasting success.

Senator George Maziarz 175 Walnut St., Suite 6 Lockport, NY 14094 maziarz@nysenate.gov

maziarz.nysenate.gov

– Senator George Maziarz

More beams abound inside a small, storybook red barn nestled among the vines that serves as the tasting room for Eveningside Vineyards. Dark wood-paneled walls and low ceilings contain the sound, keeping the first-floor space quiet even when crowded. Red terra-cotta tiles line the narrow rectangular room, which is lined on both sides with smooth wooden bars that feature the tops of wine barrels jutting up through them. One displays merchandise for sale, while the other acts as the tasting table. Behind it, wooden former fruit crates and round terra-cotta drain tiles stacked on top of one another hold hundreds of bottles of the winery’s mostly dry wines and a record player that softly plays the Beatles. The 100-year-old barn was part of a working apple, pear, concord grape, and cherry farm that was passed down through several generations of the same family until the current owners, the Biehl family, bought it in 2000. Guests can take a glass of wine out to the covered back porch, sit in the rustic wooden armchairs, and gaze out over the 21-acre farm to the lazy sound of the wind chimes. At BlackBird Cider Works, the Niagara Wine Trail’s only dedicated hard cider producer, a red metal pole barn pops out of the apple orchards that surround it. Inside the large white garage door, which is thrown open and screened in the summer time, industrial steel-caged pendant lamps shine spotlights on clean concrete floors and rows of wooden barrels lying on their sides. Each one’s end is labeled with scripty sidewalk chalk words like “sweet,” “classic wood aged,” and “organic dry.” Next to them sit orchard relics like a hand-cranked cider press, a heavy cotton picking bag, and a metal-topped farmhouse table. The cidery uses conventional and organic apples from its own orchards and local honey to produce wooden crates full of a dozen types of hard cider including a super-dry brut-style cider fermented with champagne yeast, and the wild-fermented, Kentucky barrel-aged “Buffalo Bluegrass.” Rough-hewn, boardand-batten style wooded walls and a tasting bar of the same construction set a frontier tone at Midnight Run Wine Cellars.

Behind the bar, a soaring plum-colored wall extends all the way to the structure’s high ceilings and serves as a warm backdrop to a sizeable antique grape press. Wagon wheels, diminutive ruffled valence curtains, and plenty of country detail give the impression of a familiar saloon that pours 20 different wines. Inside a green-roofed red barn, the spacious interior of Lake Ontario Winery & Vineyards is a mix of rustic and naval touches. Exposed rough-hewn pine beams, plenty of windows that look out over the farm, a wood-topped U-shaped bar accented with stone, a four-sided fireplace, and a muted color palette create a laid-back, mountain ski-lodge atmosphere in the bistro area. A smaller tasting room’s wood-planked walls, low ceilings, and porthole window give tasters the feeling of being below deck in a ship. Décor featuring model ships, ropes, and several mannequins dressed in eye patches and scruffy beards celebrates the area’s maritime history and local lore that says pirates sailed the lake near the Devil’s Nose on Hamlin Beach, fought with the British, and stowed booty in hidden caves along the bluff. A cider room and brand-new building housing a barrel room for tastings and tapas are both set to open in June. 8

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

WINERIES & CIDERIES Some tasting rooms defy convention in more ways than one. They’re full of spirited décor, family lore, and furnishings or features that make them feel more like a free-spirited aunty’s home than a formal winery.

of the NIAGARA WINE TRAIL USA By Elizabeth Maute Coordinator for the Niagara Wine Trail USA

s the vineyards along the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario begin to flower and fruit, it is a signal that the warmer season is upon us, and the wineries along the Niagara Wine Trail USA are gearing up for another busy year of tours, events, and tasting opportunities. Along with the change of seasons, the wineries of the Niagara Wine Trail USA are also excited to share their new releases after last year’s bountiful harvest. Chateau Niagara Winery, The Winery at Marjim Manor, Vizcarra Vineyards, and Leonard Oakes Estate Winery are just some of the wineries with brand new offerings in their tasting rooms this summer.

The Winery at Marjim Manor actually is a

house – an old, haunted one. Owner Margo Sue Bittner greets guests in the foyer, an enclosed wrap-around porch lined with sunny windows, with a warm welcome and tales of the many former residents who met untimely deaths – most of them with one eerie similarity in common. As they listen, guests reach down to pet the troop of cats who wander freely underfoot. Built in the 1800s, the 9,500-square-foot mansion’s first floor features two tasting rooms anchored by stone fireplaces. One is resplendent in colorfully patterned wallpaper, billowing arrangements of faux flowers, and plenty of Victorian kitsch; the second is a mossy green room with a large L-shaped tasting bar and a small store selling local jams, jewelry, and a host of wine and cheese accessories. More than 20 sweet grape and fruit wines available for the tasting feature eclectic label art created in honor of the spooks and stories that fill the pages of “The Legend of Appleton Hall,” a small sepia-toned book written by Margo to capture the mansion’s tales. Inside a vine-covered Tuscan-inspired cottage, Honeymoon Trail Winery celebrates Route 104’s nickname as the roadway to Niagara Falls. There are touches of vintage romance throughout the space – intricate Tiffany-style chandeliers, exposed beam and sparkly stucco ceilings, wood paneled walls, and spacious floors set with patterned tile. The brick mantle of a massive woodburning fireplace at one end of the room is lined with illuminated clusters of grapes. A giant gilt mirror hangs over a spacious tasting bar, where Honeymoon Trail’s nearly 30 wines span the spectrum and include dry, sweet, sparkling, fruit, and everything in between. continued on page 53

Along with new wines, The Niagara Wine Trail USA is also pleased to announce expanded offerings in ciders and beer all along the trail. You are sure to find the perfect palate pleaser! With more variety than ever before, this is the perfect time to plan your tour of the region and experience the new tastes of the Trail. The warmer weather brings a number of our popular wine tasting events too. To start off the summer, the first Wine Trail event scheduled is June’s Wine & Cheese Pairing Weekend (which coincides with Father’s Day weekend), then July will bring with it the 6th Annual Wine & Culinary Festival in the Village of Lewiston. We will kick off the harvest season in September with the annual Harvest Fest Weekend along the Wine Trail. There are also events happening at each of the wineries at their specific locations. See their profile pages, or for a roundup of some of these events see page 55. Be sure to check the profiles for directions, hours, and plenty of other information to guarantee you have the best experience when you visit. There’s nothing more serene than being surrounded by the beauty the Niagara region has to offer. And there’s nothing more exciting than being part of a season full of new releases and opportunities to taste them. We look forward to seeing you on the Trail and raising a glass to cheer all that’s new for 2014!

INDEX Lake Region

Ridge Region

Black Willow Winery ................18

A Gust of Sun Winery & Vineyard................................46

BlackBird Cider Works.............22 Chateau Niagara Winery..........16 Lake Ontario Winery & Vineyards NEW! ........................28 Midnight Run Wine Cellars ......10 Schulze Vineyards & Winery ....14 Schwenk Wine Cellars NEW!....26 Victorianbourg Wine Estate ....12 The Winery at Marjim Manor ...20

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards ...36 Eveningside Vineyards.............40 Flight of Five Winery NEW! .......34 Freedom Run Winery ...............38 Honeymoon Trail Winery..........48 Leonard Oakes Estate Winery ..24 Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery ...44 Niagara Landing Wine Cellars..42 Spring Lake Winery..................32 Vizcarra Vineyards ...................30

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

MIDNIGHT RUN WINE CELLARS

A BOUT US

Established 2009

MIDNIGHT RUN WINE CELLARS is an experience in wine tasting, wine pairing and making new friends. There is a sign at Midnight Run that says “Come as strangers and leave as friends,” and it’s a motto that the owners and staff live by. The winery can be found within a farmers’ paradise in the beautiful vicinity of Ransomville, New York, conveniently located 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls and the City of Buffalo. The agricultural area is strategic for crafting fine wines, and the proximity to Lake Ontario provides their grapes with mild winters and an extended growing season. Come and enjoy peaceful surroundings, slow pace and country air. A friendly staff, as well as a comfortable western log cabin awaits your arrival at Midnight Run. If you’re looking to pair wines with your favorite food choices, the staff is always happy to help you choose a wine that also suits your palette. They enjoy conversation and ideas from customers which helps the winery stay on top of current trends and changing tastes. Guests can enjoy relaxing inside, or outside with a glass of wine, hard cider, or a refreshing wine slushy on a hot day. There is a gift boutique at the winery with unique items for all tastes–including wine bottle holders, cork cages, wine glasses, and picnic baskets. We also offer a choice of many artisanal cheeses. Every aspect of the winery is designed to make your wine tasting experience fun, educational and memorable. The tasting room at Midnight Run Wine Cellars is also available for celebrations for guests to enjoy with friends and family. Food, entertainment, and specialty wines are available for showers, parties or business meetings, from buffets to sit-down dinners. The winery will work together with you to create an event you will be proud of. In August, “Dining in the Vines” takes place amid the aroma and beauty of the vineyards. Guests enjoy a 5-course meal with select wines under a starry evening sky while listening to light Jazz – it’s a dining experience to remember!

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

WHITE WINES

MEET THE WINEMAKERS

CHARDONNAY

Midnight Run Wine Cellars is truly a family affair. Although Mike Palczynski is the official winemaker he gets a lot of help from his wife Linda and the rest of the family. Devan Derda, his youngest grandson (8 years old), even helps with bottling the wine.

DIAMOND NIAGARA NIAGARA GONE DRY RIESLING VIDAL BLANC WHITE STORM

ROSÉS STILETTO TWILIGHT

RED WINES BACO NOIR CABERNET FRANC CABERNET SAUVIGNON CONCORD MERLOT MERITAGE NOIRET RED STORM

The wines that are offered at Midnight Run are made with care and constant monitoring. Bench trials and testing at the winery are organized by Kim Derda, the tasting room manager. Friends of the winery enjoy giving their opinions and offer their perceptions of a wine and its characteristics, especially before it is finally finished and bottled. Midnight Run Wine Cellars’ wines, hard cider and dessert wines are special because they take a hands on approach to every aspect of production. This includes monitoring the soil, the grapes, and the fruit trees. Although not certified as an organic winery, they are making strides to cut back on the use of any products that would negatively effect the environment.

FRUIT WINES WICKED CHERRY

DESSERT WINES

There is a sign at

ICY APPLE

Midnight Run that says

LATE HARVEST VIDAL VIDAL ICE WINE

“Come as strangers and

CIDER

leave as friends.”

HARD CIDER

LAKE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT MIDNIGHT RUN AWARDS!

2014 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition Cabernet Franc – Silver; Vidal Blanc – Bronze 2013 The Great NY State Fair Cabernet Franc – Silver Medal Concord – Bronze Medal 2013 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition Baco Noir – Bronze Medal Niagara Gone Dry – Bronze Medal

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY MIDNIgHT RUN WINE CELLARS

TOURS By appointment

ADDRESS 3301 Braley Road Ransomville, NY 14131

ACREAGE 40 acres

NEW RELEASE! VIDAL BLANC

This year, Midnight Run released an award-winning 2014 Vidal Blanc semisweet wine, which will complete their trilogy of Vidal wines, along with their 2011 Vidal Ice Wine and Late Harvest. The Vidal wines are very much fruitforward. They have a luscious pear, sweet apricot flavor. Although the grapes have only been in the ground for 8 years, they are flourishing at the winery vineyard.

GETTING HERE FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take Robert Moses State Parkway to exit NY-104/ NY-18F toward Lewiston Artpark. Keep right onto NY-104 East. Turn left onto Ridge Road/ NY-104 and continue to make a left onto Cambria Wilson Road/NY-425. Turn left on Braley Road. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merge onto I-290 East, then exit 3B to US-62 North. Continue on Niagara Falls Blvd. for 4 miles. Turn right onto NY-425/Shawnee Road and continue to Braley Road. Turn left on Braley Road.

PHONE 716-751-6200 EMAIL info@midnightrunwines.com WEBSITE www.midnightrunwines.com OPEN Mon –Wed, 3–6pm; Thurs–Fri, 1–6pm Sat–Sun, 12–6pm CLOSED New Years Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas

PRODUCTION 1,000 cases OWNERS Michael and Linda Palczynski MANAGER Kim Derda WINEMAKER Mike Palczynski EVENTS Check website for upcoming events and monthly Happy Hours. May Annual Craft Sale Aug Dining in the Vines

TASTING FEE $3.00 for four wines

WINERIES NEARBY Victorianbourg Wine Estate: 7.6 miles Honeymoon Trail Winery: 6.7 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

VICTORIANBOURG WINE ESTATE

A BOUT US

Established 2006

VICTORIANBOURG IS THE CULMINATION of a life’s dream to become a wine grower and to make fine wines. After Victoria and Dan Hogue sold their previous business in 2005, they decided to pursue their lifetime dream of a vineyard and winery. After considering several areas on the West Coast, the Niagara region of New York State, they decided, was the best place to produce fine wines from the classic European wine grapes of Germany and northern France. In 2005, they found a 50-acre nursery and shrub farm that was available on the south shore of Lake Ontario, and purchased it.

WHITE WINES CHARDONNAY SPECIAL SELECTION

PINOT GRIS RIESLING FLEUR DU VIN GEWÜRZTRAMINER GRÜNER VELTLINER PECHETTE

The farm was covered with thousands of nursery plants, which they dug up and sold in order to free up the space for a vineyard. They planted the first few acres in the Spring 2006, and harvested their first substantial quantity of grapes in Fall 2009. Victorianbourg grows ten of the classic European grape varieties: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Grüner Veltliner, and Gewürztraminer. They also grow two French-American hybrid grapes: Chambourcin and Seyval; and one German hybrid, Regent. Sometimes people ask about the name Victorianbourg. Of course, the winery is named after Victoria—Dan says he has two real passions in life,“my wife and my wine,” and Victorianbourg combines them both in one place.

UVALINA BLANC

BLUSH WINES GSPRITZTN BLUSH MOULIN PECHE TORIAMOUR

RED WINES PINOT NOIR CABERNET FRANC MERLOT MERITAGE MERITAGE PROPRIETOR’S RESERVE

Victorianbourg’s vineyards are planted relatively closely for North America—the rows are 8 feet apart and vines 4 feet apart within the rows. This gives a planting density of about 1,350 grapevines per acre. The high density of plantings helps to limit the yield from any one vine, which concentrates the flavors in the fruit. Dan grafts his own cuttings for planting in the spring each year, as the goal is to gradually convert the entire farm to a vineyard. Rootstocks used vary with the soil structure, but most of the vines are in the standard rootstocks 3309C, 101-14, with a little SO4. In areas with especially heavy soils, riparia gloire is also used. Dan has also experimentally grafted the European vines onto rootings of some of the wild grapevines found growing on the farm (all within the species vitis riparia), with early indications of some success.

UVALINA

DESSERT WINES The suffix -bourg or -burg is often found in place names in France and Germany. They added it to Victoria’s name to indicate the type of wines they make—wines modeled on the very best of Germany and France.

MEET THE WINEMAKER

CHARDONNAY

CHOCOLATE ECSTASY CHOCOLATE OBSESSION

Dan says he has two real passions in life, “my wife and my wine,”

POTENSUS FINE SIENNA VIKA VERZAY

and Victorianbourg combines them both in one place.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

LAKE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT SPARKLING RIESLING ICE WINE

The first release of a sparkling Riesling Ice Wine is scheduled for the Fall 2013. The Hogues made a small amount of this wine in 2010, and liked it so much it all ended up at home. This year they expect to have enough to share!

THE ESSENTIALS MERITAGE PROPRIETOR’S RESERVE

WINERY VICTORIANBOURg WINE ESTATE

ACREAGE 50 acres, 14 under vine

This limited production, full-bodied wine is dry, rich, and fruit-forward. It is aged for 14 months in French Oak.

ADDRESS 4402 East Lake Road Wilson, NY 14172

PRODUCTION 1,500 cases

PHONE 716-751-6576 EMAIL info@victorianbourg.com WEBSITE www.victorianbourg.com OPEN Jan–April: Fri–Sun, 12–5pm May–Dec: Sun–Thurs, 12–5pm; Fri–Sat, 10am–6pm

OWNERS Daniel and Victoria Hogue MANAGER Daniel Hogue WINEMAKER Daniel Hogue EVENTS Check website for upcoming events.

TASTING FEE $2.00 TOURS No

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take NY-18 west. FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take the Robert Moses Parkway to the end. Turn left on NY-18, heading east. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-425 north to NY-18. Turn right on NY-18. Winery is 1 ahead mile on the right.

WINERIES NEARBY Schulze Vineyards & Winery: 3.6 miles Midnight Run Wine Cellars: 7.6 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

SCHULZE VINEYARDS & WINERY

A BOUT US

Established 2007

IN 1966, WILLIE SCHULZE immigrated to the United States after living through World War II in Germany. It wasn’t long before his wife and family followed suit. Three years later, the family purchased a 122-acre farm in the hamlet of Burt, New York, which already consisted of grapes, sweet cherries, apples, and pears. After purchasing the farm, the Schulze family diligently worked to create their new life in the United States. Grapes became the primary focus in the 1970s when contracts for juice began with Welch’s and Great Western. During the 1980s it became a dream for Willie’s son Martin to open his own winery one day. Hybrid and vinifera grapes were planted to help achieve this dream. Willie and Martin also harvested wood from black cherry trees and stored them in one of the barns for later use in the winery. Finally, in 2006 the Schulzes’ dream became a reality with the start of construction on the winery. In May 2007, Schulze Vineyards & Winery opened for business. The cabinets and eight-sided bar in the tasting room are made from the same black cherry trees that Willie and Martin harvested years before. The cedar cathedral ceiling gives the winery a cozy atmosphere while the many windows overlook a beautiful view of the vineyards. Shortly after the winery opened, Ann’s eldest son Tyler became the tasting room manager and has helped the winery grow. A few years later, Ann’s youngest son Shaun also joined the business and today assists Martin in all the everyday operations, including managing the vineyard. In 2010, Jonathan Oakes was hired as the winery’s winemaker, and both Shaun and Martin assist Jonathan in the winemaking process. The winery participates in several outside events, including the Finger Lakes Wine Festival in Watkins Glen and many local farmers markets and festivals, and is host to many events, including weddings, showers, graduation parties and celebrations of all kinds. Schulze Vineyards & Winery has received fabulous awards for several of their wines. Most recently their Vidal Blanc and Block Three Ice Wines, as well as their Late Harvest have received multiple Gold medals from international wine competitions. Their wines are featured in several local restaurants and liquor stores throughout Western New York.

WHITE WINES CHARDONNAY RESERVE CHARDONNAY SIEGFRIED RESERVE RIESLING VIDAL BLANC THIRT Y MILE POINT NIAGARA

BLUSH WINE LOTUS CATAWBA

RED WINES MERITAGE CABERNET FRANC OLD BARN RED LAKE HOUSE RED RUBY

DESSERT WINE RCR RED DESSERT WINE LATE HARVEST VIDAL BLANC ICE WINE BLOCK THREE ICE WINE

CARBONATED CRACKLING NIAGARA CRACKLING CATAWBA MON CHERI

SPARKLING BLANC DE BLANC BRUT

At Schulze, we are winegrowers committed to producing elegant still, sparkling and Ice Wines that reflect and remain true to our terroir.

MEET THE WINEMAKERS Ann and Martin Schulze, owners of Schulze Vineyards & Winery are without a doubt passionate about their vineyards and winery. Along with Ann’s sons, the business has dramatically grown because of the dedication, attention to detail and care given in both the vineyard and tasting room. The Schulzes are also committed to being involved in their community where Ann grew up. Ann is a member of the Town of Newfane Tourism Board and Business Association, Farm Credit Customer Service Council, and Martin is also involved in the community as a member of the Farm Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Lake Erie Grape Program. When Ann and Martin aren’t too busy with the winery they enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. As of 2010, Jonathan Oakes has been their winemaker. He is also fourth generation and winemaker of Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. Jonathan graduated from Niagara College, Ontario, Canada and worked at Vineland Estates. He has become an expert on cool-climate winemaking, which is present in his award-winning wines.

Great wine truly begins in the vineyard and the forty-plus years of experience in grape growing that the Schulze family holds makes working for them very rewarding. – Jonathan Oakes, winemaker

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

LAKE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT BLANC DE BLANC BRUT

Produced in the French méthode champenoise tradition, this one-of a-kind sparkling wine opens up with aromas of peach and tropical mango and has a smooth, elegant finish. Serve slightly chilled with broiled seafood or pork tenderloin.

SIEGFRIED RESERVE 2012

Exclusive to our Schulze Vineyards & Winery, Siegfried is a specific clone of Riesling developed in Geisenheim, Germany, and is sparsely planted in the United States. This full-bodied wine presents brilliant aromatics of white peach and pineapple. Fruit forward and complexly layered with stunning balance.

THE ESSENTIALS BLOCK THREE ICE WINE 2011

Made using authentic Eiswein techniques, this wine has inviting aromatics of rose petals drenched in honey, with delicate undertones of pear and apricot. A truly unique expression in the realm of Ice Wine, it has a charismatic sweetness with a balance of lively acidity. Double Gold Medal: 2013 Tasters Guild International Wine Competition. Gold Medal: 2013 Riverside International Wine Competition.

WINERY SCHULZE VINEYARDS & WINERY

TASTING FEE $2.00

ADDRESS 2090 Coomer Road Burt, NY 14028

TOURS No

PHONE 716-778-8090 FAX 716-778-9775 EMAIL ann@schulzewines.com WEBSITE www.schulzewines.com

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take I-490 West to exit NY-531 West toward Brockport. Travel for 8 miles and turn right onto CR-36 North. Turn left onto NY-31 West. Turn right onto NY-260. Turn left onto Ridge Road. Continue on Ridge Road then turn right onto Peter Smith Road. Turn left onto NY-18, then turn left onto Coomer Road. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merge onto I-290 East then exit 3B to US-62. Turn right onto Tonawanda Creek Road. Turn left onto NY-270/Campbell Blvd. Continue to NY-93. Turn right onto NY-104/Ridge Road, then left onto Coomer Road.

OPEN Jan–April: Sun–Fri,12–6pm; Sat, 10am–6pm May–Dec: Sun, 12–6pm; Mon–Sat,10am–6pm

ACREAGE 120 acres, 47 acres under vine PRODUCTION 8,000 cases OWNERS Ann and Martin Schulze MANAGER Tyler Finley WINEMAKER Jonathan Oakes EVENTS Check website for upcoming events.

CLOSED New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

WINERIES NEARBY Chateau Niagara Winery: 2.6 miles Victorianbourg Wine Estate: 3.6 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

CHATEAU NIAGARA WINERY

A BOUT US

Established 2010

CHATEAU NIAGARA WINERY is located on 31 acres of soft, sandy loam farmland in Newfane, New York, right across the street from 18 Mile Creek. Just 2.5 miles south of Lake Ontario, the land is steeped in a history of fruit groves, making it ideal for viticulture. Featuring 6.5 acres of grapes, a nursery of experimental vines, wine production facilities, and a tasting room on the premises, visitors can get the full idea of what life as a vineyard owner is like. From the personal attention given every customer to a glimpse of the crush pad while the freshly harvested grapes are being processed, one can see there is honest hard work and effort put into every bottle of wine. Owners Jim and Kathy Baker bought the land in the spring of 2006, and before the ink was even dry, they were planting neat rows of vines with their four daughters and many friends to start their business. They began with only three varietals: Chardonnay, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer. When the vines had matured enough to yield their first crop in 2008, they bottled those three as dry white varieties. With the help of Joe Moberg, the vineyard manager, they have now expanded to include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch, Saparavi, and Agria, in addition to the Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling, which is made in small batches of fruitforward, food-friendly wine. When they opened their doors in March 2010, they were surrounded by their friends to celebrate their grand opening. They hope that everyone who comes to visit will leave as a friend, even if they started as a stranger.

WHITE WINES CAYUGA WHITE CHARDONNAY GEWÜRZTRAMINER RIESLING

RED WINES 2AMORÉ

MEET THE WINEMAKER Jim Baker does double duty as winemaker as well as owner. He is a career aerospace engineer with over thirty years’ experience in the aerospace industry. As such he combines technical expertise with creativity in developing wines inspired by Eastern European wines. While experimenting with the exotic, Jim does not lose sight of the classic styles that represent the more conventional wines. He has a passion for his red wines, and it is reflected in their character, with more exciting things to come.

BULLS BLOOD CABERNET FRANC PINOT NOIR

From the personal

TRINIT Y

attention given every

DESSERT WINES

customer to a glimpse

À LA MODE KAGOR

Now that Chateau Niagara Winery is in its third year, the Bakers are excited to continue developing and expanding the vineyard with both new, unusual varietals and classic favorites, which would further diversify their estate-grown selection. They also enjoy seeing the area expand as a burgeoning wine region. The Bakers believe that this fruit-growing region, with its rich soils, is gaining attention as a serious viticultural location. They feel privileged to be part of this exciting development.

of the crush pad while the freshly harvested grapes are being processed, one can see there is honest hard work and effort put into every bottle of wine.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

LAKE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT NEW WINE! 2AMORÉ

A new wine at Chateau Niagara is an uncommon blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This pairing evolved from their daughter’s wedding, held at the winery last fall. As part of that ceremony the new husband and wife each held a bottle of wine, one white and one red. They each poured their wine into the same glass, symbolizing that while they were separate and distinct prior to the ceremony, after the ceremony they were blended and inseparable. The Bakers treasured that imagery and decided to capture it in a new blush blend. Typically Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to blend, and responds only with similar or related grapes. Chardonnay is a cousin grape to Pinot Noir, and in fact, the original name for Chardonnay was Pinot Chardonnay. This blend became a quick favorite paired with pizza and pasta—it’s a very light blend and does not overpower the tomato-based components of pizza and pasta. Originally named “Bliss” we have renamed the wine “2amoré” celebrating the two wines, the two lovers, and a play on the Italian toast meaning “To Love”!

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY CHATEAU NIAgARA WINERY

TOURS Yes

ADDRESS 2466 West Creek Road Newfane, NY 14108

ACREAGE 31 acres, 5.5 acres under vine

PHONE 716-778-7888 FAX 716-778-7887 EMAIL info@chateauniagarawinery.com WEBSITE www.ChateauNiagaraWinery.com

PRODUCTION 600 cases OWNERS Jim and Kathy Baker WINEMAKER Jim Baker EVENTS Check website for upcoming events.

OPEN Jan–April: Sat–Sun, 12–5pm May–Dec: Mon, Thurs–Sun 12–6pm CLOSED New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day

GETTING HERE FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merge onto I-290 East then exit 3B to US-62. Turn right onto Tonawanda Creek Road. Turn left onto NY-270/Campbell Blvd. Continue to NY-93. Turn right onto NY-104/Ridge Road then left onto Ewings Road to West Creek Road.

TASTING FEE $3.00 for three wines WINERIES NEARBY Black Willow Winery: 3.3 miles Schulze Vineyards & Winery: 2.6 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

BLACK WILLOW WINERY

A BOUT US

Established 2010

AT BLACK WILLOW WINERY we offer a unique place where people can come to relax, reflect on the simple things in life and enjoy wine without being intimidated or uncomfortable. We want to share our knowledge and learn alongside our guests. Black Willow Winery is a familyWHITE WINES owned boutique winery. Our goal is to provide distinctive, BARE CAT BLUSH rich artisan wines and Meads for wine enthusiasts, as well as those experiencing wine for the first time. We strive to CHARDONNAY create a visceral wine experience offering affordable unique CLASSIC DIAMOND wine varietals best suited for the region. Our wines RIESLING RESERVE complement regional foods such as spicy barbecues, quail, TRILOGY WHITE turkey, venison and other wild game, trout, cheeses and home-style meals.

RED WINES

Black Willow Winery is located on the south shore of Lake Ontario on West Lake Road in Burt, New York, conveniently in the heart of the Niagara Wine Trail, USA. The winery sits on 43 acres of beautiful, lake-view country and has the best soil and drainage in the area suited to growing grapes. West Lake Road is a part of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, a major travel route for many summer tourists.

BLACK WIDOW BERRY CABERNET FRANC TRILOGY RED

MEADS ODIN’S NECTAR

Black Willow Winery holds twenty-nine international awards with Odin’s Nectar winning Gold, Silver, and two Bronze medals; Trilogy White winning Gold, two Silver, and two Bronze; and Black Widow Berry with five awards on its own. All of our wines, including our Meads which are fermented the traditional way, have won multiple awards. Who are the cats on our bottles, and do they not have any hair? The cats that grace Black Willow’s wine bottles are our hairless cats: Baggy Wrinkles, Noodle and Sasha. Although Baggy Wrinkles is no longer with us, we have dedicated our Bare Cat Blush wine in his memory. And yes, they are naturally hairless! That’s why they do not regularly hang out in the winery. They would much rather snuggle in a warm blanket in the house.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

Owners and winemakers Cynthia West-Chamberlain and Michael D. Chamberlain have had a passion for good wine and food for many years. Black Willow Winery has fulfilled a dream of theirs to share this passion with family, friends, and guests. Cynthia earned a degree in enology through the University of Missouri and the VESTA Program while planning the winery. Michael and Cynthia both oversee the day-to-day operations and winemaking. The Chamberlains also own and operate Milestone Builders, a design-build industrial/commercial construction company, which they established in May 2002.

FREYJA’S PASSION

VALKYRIE’S LURE Our tasting room offers an array of wine accessories, wineglasses, wine-themed clothing, handcrafted goods, DESSERT WINE crackers and cheeses, and sausage meats from local FLIGHT 6.1.37 vendors. Regional artists also have their work on display and for sale at the winery. Black Willow offers an exclusive line of chocolates from one of the top ten chocolatiers in the United States, which we use for our wine and chocolate pairings, offered daily. We host weddings, private parties, corporate events, and wine-related seminars.

MEET THE WINEMAKERS

Awards: • 2011 Small Business of the Year Award: New York State Small Business Development • 2013 Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce: Awarded Business of the Year for Olcott, New York • NYS SBDC 2013 Agriculture Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Our goal is to provide distinctive, rich artisan wines and Meads for wine enthusiasts, as well as those experiencing wine for the first time.

LAKE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT GOLD AWARD-WINNING MEAD/HONEY WINE

Black Willow Winery is the only winery on the Niagara Wine Trail that produces honey wine, or Mead. ODIN’S NECTAR

Traditional-style Mead made from nothing but pure local honey. VALKYRIE’S LURE

Traditional-style Mead made from nothing but pure local honey, then infused with pear and cinnamon. FREYJA’S PASSION

Traditional-style Mead made from nothing but pure local honey, then infused with strawberry and vanilla.

THE ESSENTIALS

TRILOGY WHITE

WINERY BLACK WILLOW WINERY

TOURS By reservation

ADDRESS 5565 West Lake Road Burt, NY 14028

ACREAGE 43 acres

PHONE 716-439-1982

PRODUCTION 3,000 cases

A delicate, proprietary blend of white wines with soft floral notes and a clean finish. Trilogy White has won four awards including Gold.

EMAIL sales@blackwillowwinery.com

OWNERS Cynthia West-Chamberlain and Michael Chamberlain

WEBSITE www.blackwillowwinery.com

MANAGER Cynthia West-Chamberlain

BLACK WIDOW BERRY

OPEN Jan–April: Sun–Fri, 12–6pm Sat, 10am–6pm; May–Dec: Mon–Sat,10am–6pm Sun, 12–6pm

WINEMAKERS Cynthia West-Chamberlain and Michael Chamberlain

TASTING FEES $2.00 for three wines $2.00 for dessert wine/Port $12.00 for four wines with chocolate pairing

EVENTS Check website for upcoming events.

This sweet red wine, infused with blackberry, is refreshing and smooth. It got its name from customers’ repeated slips of the tongue—Black Widow Winery— and is a top seller.

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take NY-18 west. FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take the Robert Moses Parkway to the end. Turn left on NY-18, heading east. FROM BUFFALO: Take NY-425 north to NY-18. Turn right on NY-18, heading east, for 5 miles.

WINERIES NEARBY The Winery at Marjim Manor: 5.1 miles Chateau Niagara Winery: 3.3 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

THE WINERY AT MARJIM MANOR

A BOUT US

Established 2004

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE between a wine and a spirit? At The Winery at Marjim Manor, wine is what you taste; spirits are who you meet. As you taste our fruit and grape wines, you will hear the story of the former residents. The Manor’s staff love sharing wine and food pairing tips along with the ghostly tale. If you are a “Pear Made in Heaven” and wanted to live “Applely Ever After,” please visit. We always “Peach for the Stars” while we share our “Gift from the Vine.” Visits are a “Treasure Beyond Measure.”

WHITE WINES

MEET THE WINEMAKER

CAT ’S MEOW

Domenic Carisetti is a University of California at Davis trained winemaker with thirty-five years of hands-on production experience at both large and small wineries. He has been making wines for The Winery at Marjim Manor since 2005.

( WHITE CATAWBA)

STARLIGHT (CAYUGA WHITE) 50 WINDOWS/100 WINDOWS (NIAGARA)

BLUSH WINE SHUBAL’S SUNSET (PINK CATAWBA)

RED WINES Opened in 2004, this W.O.W. (Woman-Owned Winery) is owned by Margo Sue Bittner. The name Marjim is a blend of her first name with that of her husband, Jim. It is a name they created over thirty years ago when they began dairy farming. The winery is a truly a family affair…Margo’s daughter, Janet Walker, assists with sales and marketing. The fruit comes from Bittner-Singer Orchards, where Jim is president. Their two boys, Kevin and David, work full time at Bittner-Singer Orchards also. The mansion, built in the 1800s, was originally a farmhouse and later a summer retreat for the Sisters of St. Joseph convent. The house even has resident ghosts. Visit the tasting room to hear the whole story. No recent sightings have been reported … yet. Even if you don’t see any of the resident ghosts, you can still say hello to one of the Manor Cats!

Over the years, The Winery at

CABERNET SAUVIGNON LORD OF THE MANOR/ LADY OF THE MANOR (CONCORD)

FRUIT WINES TRUE BLUE/DRY BLUEBERRY LEGACY (DRY CURRANT ) APPLELY EVER AFTER (8 KINDS OF APPLES)

PEACH FOR THE STARS PEAR MADE IN HEAVEN ADAMS APPLEBERRY (APPLE/CRANBERRY BLEND)

CHERRY RHAPSODY (DRY CHERRY )

STRAWBERRY DREAMS FOREVER KATAPALOOZA (FRUIT BLEND) TREASURE BEYOND MEASURE (SWEET PLUM)

CRANBERRY CRESCENDO HEART OF GOLD (APRICOT WINE)

BLUE BERYL

Marjim Manor has had wines

(SWEET BLUEBERRY )

made from cherries, apples,

(MONTMORENCY CHERRY )

peaches, pears, plums, currants, apricots, cranberries, blueberries,

CHERRY CONCERTO CORDIALLY YOURS

(CHERRY INFUSED WITH CHOCOLATE)

PORT STYLE CHERRY SERENADE (CHERRY DESSERT WINE)

and strawberries.

CHERRY SYMPHONY (MONTMORENCY CHERRY DESSERT WINE)

FRUIT/GRAPE BLENDS JEWEL OF THE CROWN (APRICOT/WHITE CATAWBA)

SOPHIA’S SUNRISE (CHERRY/CATAWBA)

THURSDAY AFTERNOON AT 3 (PEACH/NIAGARA)

SPARKLING ONCE UPON A TIME PHOTOS: Nick Serrata (above, opposite page); Cecelia Price (above right)

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

(APPLE)

Working with fruits other than grapes has presented a few challenges. Domenic has developed some unique techniques to create the award-winning wines. Over the years, The Winery at Marjim Manor has had wines made from cherries, apples, peaches, pears, plums, currants, apricots, cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries. There are varietals, fruit blends, and fruit and grape blends. The wines have ranged from a dry blueberry (residual sugar .25 percent) to a cherry dessert wine at 14 percent residual sugar. The grape wines have a similar range. The current red wines on the tasting bar include Cabernet Sauvignon, both a dry and sweet Concord, and Steuben. Likewise, the white wines range from a white Catawba to Cayuga White to both a medium and sweet Niagara. These wines have consistently won medals at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, New York State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, American Wine Society, International Eastern Wine Competition, National Women’s Wine Competition, and New York Wine and Food Classic. In addition to his hands-on philosophy, Domenic is a winemaking instructor both in person and online. His broad base of experience make him a much sought-after consultant. From harvest to bottling, his commitment to premium quality wines is appreciated by the staff at Marjim Manor.

LAKE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ONCE UPON A TIME

Our 2014 Signature Wine. This sparkling apple wine is light and refreshing. It is perfect for toasting a wedding or anniversary couple. The label can be personalized in a myriad of ways. Put an initial on the apple, and the names or initials of the special couple on the trunk of the tree. Put names and dates on the trunk. Commemorate the birth of a baby with a wine to drink on his or her 21st birthday! The possibilities are endless. KATAPALOOZA

This Silver Medal Winner is a blend of four different fruits: blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, and red currant. Similar to Sangria, it goes well with a spicy beef dish. It is a perfect wine to sip while sitting on the patio! Fill a pitcher with ice, Katapalooza, and sliced oranges, cherries, strawberries, or your other favorite fruit for a refreshing summer treat. LADY OF THE MANOR

This sweet Concord wine, our Gold Medal Winner, has a deep rose color. Its grapey aroma has undertones of cherry and red currant with a hint of caramel. It is soft and silky on the palate. What pairings work for this wine? As a red wine, it traditionally goes with beef dishes. It also can pair with rich sauces, especially spicy marinara. It is also the perfect wine with a chocolate dessert, butter, or almond cookies and chocolatecovered nuts. An added bonus: The label can be personalized for a special lady in your life!

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY THE WINERY AT MARJIM MANOR

TOURS No

ADDRESS 7171 East Lake Road (Route 18) Appleton, NY 14008

OWNER Margo Sue Bittner

PHONE 716-778-7001 FAX 716-778-7003 EMAIL Margo@MarjimManor.com WEBSITE www.MarjimManor.com OPEN Mon–Sat, 10am–6pm Sun, 12–6pm CLOSED New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day TASTING FEES $3.00/$5.00 with wineglass

WINEMAKER Domenic Carisetti EVENTS Check website for upcoming events.

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take Lake Ontario Parkway until it ends at NY-18. Turn right. Follow NY-18 through Orleans County. Winery is 5 miles past the blinking light. FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take the Robert Moses Parkway east until it ends at NY-18. Turn left on NY-18. Follow NY-18 through Wilson and Olcott Beach. Winery is 3 miles past Olcott Beach on the left. FROM BUFFALO: Take NY-78 (Transit Road) north to Olcott Beach. Turn right at the light at the intersection of NY-18 and NY-78 in Olcott Beach. Winery is 3 miles on the left.

WINERIES NEARBY BlackBird Cider Works: 5.4 miles Black Willow Winery: 5.1 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

BLACKBIRD CIDER WORKS

A BOUT US

Established 2011

THE WESTERN NEW YORK REGION has a rich history of producing hard ciders. Prior to the recent mass commercialization of hard cider beverages, most hard cider was made by private citizens for personal consumption and the process was carried out in their barns, basements, and sheds. BlackBird Cider Works has captured this part of the region’s rich history by producing a collection of hard ciders, including several ciders in their HERITAGE COLLECTION that are produced using local cider-making techniques, including natural fermentation and aging ciders in oak barrels. BlackBird Cider Works is a producer of premium craft hard ciders made from apples grown on the owner’s 37.5-acre estate orchard. The cidery, nestled in an orchard on the shore of Lake Ontario, produces a wide range of styles, including barrel-aged ciders and ciders made with certified organic apples, as well as other interesting and unique hard ciders, including English, French, New England, Bourbon Barrel Aged, and fruit-infused ciders. The cidery strives to keep their selection interesting by constantly introducing new products. The cidery’s rustic tasting room is stacked with oak aging barrels and contains a few interesting apple-harvesting and cider-making artifacts from the past. Scott Donovan, apple grower and cider maker, is the founder of BlackBird Cider Works and also owns Donovan Orchards LLC, a small commercial orchard with approximately 24 acres of conventional and certified organic apples in production. As of 2013, over twenty-five different varieties of apples are grown in the orchard, including popular varieties like Empire, Cortland, and Jondagold as well as diseaseresistant and American and English heirloom cider varieties. There is also a small pear block in the orchard. Annual apple production ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 bushels per year.

ORGANIC ORGANIC OAK BARREL AGED DRY CIDER ORGANIC OAK BARREL AGED SEMI-SWEET CIDER ORGANIC OAK BARREL AGED SWEET CIDER

CLASSIC BRUT FRENCH ST YLE CIDER BLACKBIRD PREMIUM DRAFT CIDER CLASSIC WOOD AGED CIDER

HERITAGE ORCHARDIST ’S RESERVE CIDER BUFFALO BLUEGRASS KENTUCKY BARREL AGED DABINETT ENGLISH ST YLE CIDER NEW ENGLAND ST YLE CIDER

In 2006, founder Scott Donovan purchased the 37.5-acre RED BARN FARM ST YLE orchard property from the Bittner family, owners of CIDER The Winery at Marjim Manor. At that time there were no buildings on the property, only orchards. Scott designed and constructed a New England–style barn and began farming apples and expanding the orchard. With virtually no background in agriculture, Scott began learning how to grow quality fresh grade apples. In 2010, the barn was converted into what is today the cidery building and BlackBird Cider Works became a licensed farm cidery in 2011. BlackBird Cider Works became a full member of the Niagara Wine Trail in 2013.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

MEET THE CIDER MAKERS Scott Donovan, Master Cider Maker at BlackBird Cider Works had a vision to introduce a line of hard ciders that would have a broad appeal to the growing population of cider consumers, but also capture the nearly lost art of hard cider making that was common in the East Coast apple-growing regions over the last 300 years. As a craft beer enthusiast with a twenty-year background in home brewing, Scott had traveled to the cider regions in Europe, where he witnessed the popularity of hard ciders long before the resurgence of ciders in the United States. His background in home brewing and craft beer enabled him to begin experimenting with ciders, and prototypes were made immediately after the very first harvest in 2007. Scott is a trained hard cider judge and has participated as a judge in numerous commercial and non-commercial international cider competitions since 2010. Kristin Gregory, formerly Assistant Cider Maker, who has studied cider making under Scott at BlackBird Cider Works since 2012 was promoted to Cider Maker in late 2013 and is responsible for the cidery’s operations.

LAKE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT RECENT AWARDS

2014 Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (Commercial Division): Silver: – Dabinett English Style Cider – Red Barn Farm Style Cider – New England Style Cider

2013 Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (Commercial Division): Silver: – New England Style Hard Cider – Sweet Organic Oak Barrel Aged Hard Cider – Dry Oak Barrel Aged Hard Cider – Classic Wood Aged Cider Bronze: – Semi-Sweet Organic Oak Barrel Aged Hard Cider – Dabinett English Style Cider

THE ESSENTIALS CIDERY BLACKBIRD CIDER WORKS

TASTING FEE $3.00 for four ciders

ADDRESS 8503 Lower Lake Road Barker, NY 14012

TOURS No charge with tasting fee

PHONE 716-795-3580 EMAIL info@blackbirdciders.com WEBSITE BlackBirdCiders.com

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take I-390 north to the Lake Ontario Parkway. Then take NY-18 west, then turn right on quaker Road. Cidery is 1 mile on the left on the corner of quaker and Lower Lake Road. FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take Robert Moses Parkway to the end. Turn left on NY-18, heading east. Turn left on quaker Road. Cidery is 1 mile on the left on the corner of quaker and Lower Lake Road. FROM BUFFALO: Take NY-78 north to NY-18. Turn right at the light at the intersection of NY-18 and NY-78 in Olcott Beach. Turn left on quaker Road. Cidery is 1 mile on the left on the corner of quaker and Lower Lake Road.

OPEN Jan–April: Mon–Thurs, 12–4pm; Fri, 12–5pm; Sat, 10am–5pm; Sun, 12–5pm May–Dec: Mon–Thurs, 12–4pm; Fri, 12–6pm; Sat, 10am–6pm; Sun, 12–6pm CLOSED New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

ACREAGE 37.5 acres PRODUCTION 5,000 cases OWNER Scott Donovan TASTING ROOM MANAGER Chris Budde CIDER MAKERS Scott Donovan, Master Cider Maker Kristin gregory, Cider Maker EVENTS Check website or Facebook page for updates and current information. Monthly food pairings & cider lectures Aug 24 3rd Annual Summer Cider Celebration

WINERIES NEARBY Leonard Oakes Estate Winery: 13.5 miles The Winery at Marjim Manor: 5.4 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

LEONARD OAKES ESTATE WINERY

A BOUT US

Established 2006

THE FOUNDATION OF THE OAKES FAMILY LEGACY began when Leonard Oakes bought land in the northwest corner of Orleans County. With this purchase, he forged the family’s beginnings in agriculture, an endeavor that continues today. Four generations have farmed the same land, establishing the Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in 2003, an award-winning producer of handcrafted artisanal wines and ciders. The signature terroir of the region is defined by the soil structure and topography carved out by the glaciers of the last Ice Age. The natural escarpment, fertile soils rich with deltaic glacial deposits, and the moderating effects of Lake Ontario create a lush macroclimate for the vineyards, which produce a wide array of varieties with regionally distinct flavors.

WHITE WINES CHARDONNAY RIESLING TRAMINETTE VIGNOLES G RÜNER VELTLINER

The Oakes family, rooted in the region and their agricultural heritage, nurture the bounty of the vineyards. Generations of Oakes have ventured out into the world and returned to the farm with broad expertise and a unique vision. Together they have created a personal wine experience that is truly tailored to each individual, providing an experience that is engaging, fun, and informative. This passion is also represented in their diverse array of high-quality wines.

BLANC D’ORLEANS ESCAPE BLANC

RED WINES CABERNET FRANC PINOT NOIR MERITAGE FRONTENAC

MEET THE WINEMAKER In Spring 2003 the Oakes planted their first wine grapes. From that initial planting of six acres and fourteen varieties has evolved what is known today as Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. The winery’s winemaking and grape-growing team is led by Jonathan Oakes, Leonard’s great-grandson, who was raised on the farm. Recognizing the similar attributes of terroir on both the Canadian and the American sides of the Niagara region, Jonathan chose to study at Niagara College, Canada. After a brief stint working in Ontario, he returned to the farm in 2008 and established a foundation of viticultural attributes and wine styles to extend his family’s agricultural heritage. Jonathan is committed to producing premium wines with a distinctive sense of place.

RED OAKES

Enjoy a glass of fine wine in the vineyard or a flight of the best wines paired with local cheeses, charcuterie, and chocolate in the tasting room. Visit Leonard Oakes Estate Winery for a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience!

CHAMBOURCIN

FRUIT WINES

Enjoy a glass of fine

FUJI APPLE CERISE

wine in the vineyard or a

DESSERT WINES

flight of the best wines

VIDAL BLANC ICEWINE

paired with local cheeses,

LATE HARVEST VIDAL TESOURO BRANCO

charcuterie, and chocolate

VINHO TESOURO

in the tasting room.

CIDER STEAMPUNK CIDER

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT VIDAL ICE WINE

The Niagara region’s production of traditional Ice Wine has taken an international stage. In an area that is moderate enough to produce beautifully crisp white wines yet warm enough to fully mature a host of red varieties, local wineries are also, surprisingly, able to grow cold-tolerant varieties that withstand the winters. This interesting balance with Mother Nature yields the perfect environment for creating Ice Wines from grapes that are frozen on the vine and often harvested in January under 3 feet of snow. Niagara USA is a world-class producer of Ice Wine and has received many accolades at national and international competitions.

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY LEONARD OAKES ESTATE WINERY

PRODUCTION 8,000–10,000 cases

ADDRESS 10609 Ridge Road (Route 104) Medina, NY 14103

OWNER The Oakes Family

PHONE 585-318-4418

MANAGERS Wendy Oakes Wilson, President Jerod Thurber, Sales, Tourism, Events Aaron Johnson, Tasting Room

EMAIL info@oakeswinery.com

STEAMPUNK CIDER

Another one of the winery’s unique products is Steampunk Cider, which is produced using a blend of English cider apples and new-age dessert apples. The cider’s Steampunk moniker pays homage to the Victorian-era steam-driven cider mills, and is a marriage of Old World style and New World flair. Steampunk Cider has attracted enthusiastic fans from the around the globe—from New York City to London.

WEBSITE www.oakeswinery.com OPEN Mon–Fri, 11am–6pm; Sat, 10am–6pm; Sun, 12–6pm TASTING FEES $3.00 for four wines Seasonal flights TOURS By appointment ACREAGE 16 acres under vine, 6 acres of Old English apple varieties

WINEMAKER Jonathan Oakes EVENTS Check website or Facebook page for updates on events. July 12 LynOaken Open Market Aug 30 4th Annual Steampunk Festival

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Follow NY-104 West from I-390 for 45 miles. FROM BUFFALO: Follow I-90 East to exit 48A North on CR-77. Follow CR-77 to NY-63 North. Follow NY-63 to NY-104 West. Winery is 2 miles on the right.

WINERIES NEARBY Schwenk Wine Cellars: 18.7 miles BlackBird Cider Works: 13.5 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

SCHWENK WINE CELLARS

A BOUT US

Established 1990

FROM THE FAMED WINE REGIONS of Germany to a small family-owned vineyard and winery in Western New York, the award-winning wines of Schwenk Wine Cellars beckon not only to experienced wine lovers, but to those new to the adventure as well. During the warmer months you can sit and enjoy a glass of your favorite Schwenk wine on the patio with a local cheese (Muranda) from Waterloo, New York. Schwenk Wine Cellars is also a member of the Western New York Country Barn Quilt Trail, which originated in Kendall, New York. They are the only winery on the Quilt Trail and their quilt is called “Grape Vine Wreath.”

WHITE WINES

MEET THE WINEMAKER

DRY RIESLING

Beginning with recipes passed down from his great-grandfather, a winemaker and butcher from Austria and Germany, Paul Schwenk has been making awardwinning wines since the 1970s. Paul is personally involved in every step of the winemaking process from planting the vines to harvesting the fruit, blending and fermenting the juices to bottling and labeling the finished product.

MALLARD POINT WHITE SNOWFLAKE WHITE STONE BOTTOM CAYUGA WHITE LIGHTHOUSE WHITE GEWURZTRAMINER SEMI-SWEET RIESLING ORCHARD BAY VIDAL WHITE LAKE BREEZE

Schwenk Wine Cellars, owned by Paul and Cathy Schwenk, is the home of Mallard Point Vineyards. The vineyard and winery are located in Kent, New York, the heart of the Black North Country, near the shores of Lake Ontario. The warm breezes that blow off the lake in the fall to early winter and the cooling breezes in the summer create a microclimate that is favorable to grapes and local fruits such as cherries, apples, blackberries and peaches that are used in some Schwenk wine recipes.

GOLDEN PHOENIX

BLUSH WINE HUMMINGBIRD’S KISS

RED WINES ROGUE SOCIET Y RED BACO NOIR

Paul attended classes at the Rochester Institute of Technology for engineering and Cornell University for viniculture and enology, studying under Dr. Robert Poole and Dr. Nelson Shaulis. Paul also received a lot of his hands-on education from his grandfather, Maximilan, and his father, Andreas, who were farmers and vineyard owners themselves.

RAINMAKER RED

Schwenk wines have been entered in competitions since 1960 with Paul’s father, Andreas. Paul continues to enter and win awards on a yearly basis for his wines. Each wine has a varied and unique label that brings out the character of the wine. Schwenk Wine Cellars/Mallard Point Vineyards continues to carry on the family tradition of producing award-winning wines. Paul and Cathy regard themselves as guardians of the land, tending the fields stirred by lake breezes and touched by the sun, which nurtures the fruit to make the juice of the wine stand strong.

LAKE ALICE RED LIGHTHOUSE RED SNOWBIRD SANTA’S SECRET DASHER’S SLEIGH BELL RED

Over the years Paul has experimented with various grapes, fruits, and techniques. He has perfected a collection of wines to be enjoyed with friends and family during holidays, special occasions, and dinners at home.

FRUIT WINES

During the warmer

CRAZY FOX RED

months you can sit

ONE-EYED JACK PHOENIX PEACH

and enjoy a glass

DESSERT WINES

of your favorite Schwenk

PORT

wine on the patio with a local cheese...

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

LAKE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT LAKE ALICE RED

A dry red blend of estate-grown Frontenac and Baco Noir grapes. Aged for three years with eighteen months in American Oak.

LIGHTHOUSE WHITE

This Double Gold Medal Winner is a blend of Traminette and Vignoles. It has a slightly spicy taste with a touch of fruit.

THE ESSENTIALS ORCHARD BAY VIDAL

This Silver Medal Winner is produced from 100 % estategrown Vidal Blanc grapes, and is semisweet with slight tropical flavors.

WINERY SCHWENK WINE CELLARS/ MALLARD POINT ADDRESS 1456 Bills Road Kent, NY 14477 PHONE 585-682-4629 EMAIL schwenkwineinfo@gmail.com WEBSITE www.schwenkwinecellars.com

TASTING FEE $2.00 for 4 wines TOURS By appointment OWNERS Paul and Cathy Schwenk WINEMAKER Paul Schwenk EVENTS July 26

Christmas in July

OPEN Jan–Mar: Sat–Sun, 12–5pm Apr–May: Thurs–Fri, 2–5pm; Sat–Sun, 12–5pm June–Dec: Wed –Sun, 12–5pm

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take I-390 West to Brockport. Then take I-19 north to NY-104 West and make a right turn on Kent Road. At NY-18, turn left (west) and continue to Bills Road on the right. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-90 East to Batavia exit, then take NY-98 North to NY-18. Bills Road is 2 miles on the left.

CLOSED New Year’s Day, Easter, Christmas Day

WINERIES NEARBY Lake Ontario Winery: 19 miles Leonard Oakes Estate: 18.7 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

LAKE ONTARIO WINERY & VINEYARDS

A BOUT US

Established 1962

IN 1962, DAVID N. BOWER SR. purchased Mayer’s Cider Mill Inc. in Rochester, New York, hoping to produce apple cider and grape juice products reminiscent of his father’s that were produced on his family’s vineyard in Northern Pennsylvania when he was a child. Establishing a very successful business and a great reputation, David N. Bower Sr. quickly expanded his business to include his sons, David N. Bower Jr., and William Bower. Together, they expanded by purchasing a fifty-five acre farm in rural Hilton, NY near the Lake Ontario State Parkway. They introduced apple cider, grape juice, fresh peaches, cherries and apples, and fried cakes to the farm, and to the area, quickly gaining a solid reputation for their WHITE WINES food products. CAYUGA WHITE By 1982, with the purchase of Vino Corporation, the family expanded into “make-your-own” wine and beer products and kits made with local juice, fresh-pressed and packed at Mayer’s facility. Other kits gained popularity such as the cheese making kit, soap making kit, and perfume making kit. Expansion continued with Mayer’s Packaging Group, a full service bulk wine and juice packing and shipment service for wineries and distilleries.

CHARDONNAY PINOT GRIS RIESLING

Throughout the years the family has strived to maintain excellence and quality in their products and service consistent with their long-standing reputation.

VIDAL VIGNOLES

BACO NOIR

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

Dave III currently consults for his father and teaches Enology at Surry Community College in Dobson, North Carolina, one of the country’s premier winemaking and teaching facilities, the only one of its kind on the east coast.

CABERNET FRANC CABERNET SAUVIGNON CHAMBOURCIN FOCH GAMAY BEAUJOLAIS LEON MILLOT

In 2005, the Off the Vine Bistro was added to

MERLOT

provide a venue for FRUIT WINES PEACH

CIDERS

David N. Bower Jr. grew up making wine with his father and serves as the businesses winemaker. He originally got his start producing small batches and quickly increased his output. Throughout the years, Dave Jr. watched the popularity of the Niagara region in Canada, long before the wineries began to pick up on the American side. His son, David N. Bower, III, attended Cornell University and received a Plant Science and Viticulture and Enology degree in 2011.

SEYVAL BLANC

RED WINES In 2002, Lake Ontario Winery and Vineyards was established on the Hilton property with eighty-nine acres of vinifera and hybrid grape vines. The winery and vineyard produces and bottles all of its own wine and products. In 2005, the Off the Vine Bistro was added to provide a venue for bistro lunch service and events. In 2012, in a partnership with the International Peace Garden Foundation. the War of 1812 International Peace Garden opened at Lake Ontario Winery and Vineyards. Lake Ontario Winery procured all of the donations to make this international garden possible.

MEET THE WINEMAKER

bistro lunch service and events.

LAKE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT LAKE RIDGE RESERVE

The Reserve label provides depth of flavor and mouthfeel to the palate. All of these wines have been primarily fermented in steel and secondarily fermented in French American Oak, or Hungarian Oak barrels.

PIRATES LAGOON

Enter the Pirates Lagoon and enjoy this blended line of wines! Each wine is perfectly blended in a sweet to semi-sweet fashion with its own unique flavor. Experience the Black Pearl and the new White Pearl wines and prepare to discover some hidden treasure!

LAKE ONTARIO FRUIT WINES

100% fruit wine bottled and produced on the premises using 100% locally grown fruit, not added concentrate.

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY LAKE ONTARIO WINERY & VINEYARDS ADDRESS 1593 Hamlin Parma Townline Road Hilton, NY 14468 PHONE 585-392-5296 EMAIL davejr8@me.com WEBSITE LakeOntarioWinery.com

TASTING FEE $2.00 for 4 wines TOURS By appointment OWNERS The Bower Family WINEMAKER Dave N. Bower Jr. EVENTS Check website or Facebook page for updates on events.

OPEN Tues & Sun: 11am–6pm Wed–Sat: 11am–9pm CLOSED Mondays

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take NY-104 West to NY-259 North (Parma Town Corners) to NY-18 West to Hamlin Parma Townline Rd. FROM BUFFALO: Take NY-18 toward Rochester, to Hamlin Parma Townline Rd.

WINERIES NEARBY Leonard Oakes Estate: 34.8 miles Schwenk Wine Cellars: 19 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

VIZCARRA VINEYARDS AT BECKER FARMS

A BOUT US

Established 2004 (Vizcarra Vineyards); 1894 (Becker Farms)

BECKER FARMS IS CELEBRATING its 120th anniversary this year! In 1883, at the age of twenty-four, Julius Joahann Heinrich Becker boarded the steamship Fulda at the Port of Bremen in Hamburg, Germany, and set sail for the Port of New York. From there he made his way to Wolcottsville, New York. Eight years later, he met again the daughter of his former employer in Germany, where he had worked as a shepherd. He married Augusta Emilie Henrietta Dettbarn in 1891, and together they established Becker Farms in 1894. The Beckers worked the land, using high-quality soil to grow the finest fruits and vegetables. They preserved all their produce so they could enjoy their harvest through the long, harsh winters. Through the years, Becker Farms has been passed from generation to generation. They weathered the Great Depression, various wars, countless blizzards, floods, economic booms and busts. Throughout it all, they made a living from what they harvested and sold extra produce at a roadside stand. As the world changed from agricultural to industrial to technological, roadside stands had to compete with grocery stores. Many farmers went bankrupt or their farms were taken over by larger industrial farms that grew mainly for wholesale distribution to grocery stores. Fresh produce could be shipped from anywhere in the world by planes and refrigerated trucks, enabling grocery stores to name their price. Becker Farms was on the brink. In 1968, fifteen-year-old Oscar Eduardo Vizcarra flew from Lima, Peru, to New York City. From there he made his way to Delhi, New York, where he eventually met and fell in love with Melinda Ann Perry, daughter of Joyce Becker, the last of the Beckers living on Becker Farms. In 1979, together they took over Becker Farms. It has been 120 years and five generations since Julius and Augusta Becker established Becker Farms. Today their descendants still grow high-quality produce for visitors to come and pick. They use the fruits and vegetables to make wines and pastries, and also serve the freshly picked produce at the many events hosted at the farm.

WHITE WINES PINOT GRIS TRAMINETTE RIESLING RUST Y ’S RIESLING DUST Y ’S DIAMOND FALLS FUSION BARRELED OVER NIAGARA

BLUSH/ROSÉ WINES WHITE MERLOT SITTING DUCK STEUBEN ERIE CANAL CATAWBA

RED WINES RED COOP QUAKER RED ROUGEON PASO FINO CONCORD

MEET THE WINEMAKERS Andres Vizcarra and Zack Klug are the winemakers at Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards. As one of the fifth generation to work on the farm, Andres manages both wine production and the tasting room. His mother, Melinda Vizcarra, was the first to make wine on the farm and passed her knowledge to Andres, who now continues the family’s winemaking tradition. Zack Klug, a relative newcomer to the industry, recently completed the NCCC’s (Niagara County Community College) winery operations program. He has already applied his knowledge to help make Vizcarra Vineyards’ upcoming vintages of wine the best yet.

CIDERS BBC TRADITIONAL HARD CIDER BBC OAKED HARD CIDER BBC CONCORD BBC BLACK CHERRY BBC BRUT BBC OLD ENGLISH

It has been 120 years and five generations since Julius and Augusta Becker established Becker Farms.

CARBONATED/SPARKLING

Today their descendants

SPARKLING VIDAL BLANC

still grow high-quality

PORT/DESSERT

produce for visitors to

SINFUL STRAWBERRY SINFUL RASPBERRY SINFUL PLUM SUPER RUBY

come and pick.

PHOTOS: Esther Vizcarra

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT NEW CIDERS

This summer Becker Farms will be releasing a line of six new hard ciders ranging from dry-oaked, traditional English hard cider to a more playful sweet hard cider. There will be something for everyone! NEW “SINFUL SERIES”

Also being released this year is a new line of fortified dessert wines called the “Sinful Series.” These strawberry, plum, raspberry, and cherry fortified wines are robust and decadent, each with an ABV of 17%. These wines pair perfectly with any of your guilty pleasures.

THE ESSENTIALS TRAMINETTE AND SPARKLING VIDAL

Last but not least is the brand new Traminette and Sparkling Vidal, released just in time for summer. This crisp, tart, crackling Vidal is perfect to celebrate with or just enjoy on its own on a hot summer night. The Traminette, our newest dry white, has hints of melon, lychee, and sage, and finishes clean. Try all of these new products and more as you help celebrate Becker Farms and Vizcarra Vineyards 120th anniversary!

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take I-490 West to exit NY-531 West. Travel 7.9 miles and turn right onto CR-36 North. Turn left onto CR-31 West for 5.9 miles. Continue on CR-31A for 29.9 miles. Turn right on gasport Road, then turn left on Slayton Settlement Road. Turn left on quaker Road. Becker Farms is 1 mile on the right. FROM BUFFALO: Take NY-78 North to CR-31 East to the traffic signal in gasport. Turn left and proceed north to Slayton Settlement Road. Turn right and travel east 1/2 mile to quaker Road. Turn left on quaker Road.

WINERY VIZCARRA VINEYARDS AT BECKER FARMS ADDRESS 3724 quaker Road gasport, NY 14067 PHONE 716-772-2211 FAX 716-772-7429 EMAIL info@beckerfarms.com WEBSITE www.beckerfarms.com OPEN May –Nov: Mon–Thurs, 11am–6pm; Fri –Sun, 11am–7pm Jan –Apr: 12–5pm, closed Tuesdays CLOSED New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day

TASTING FEE $3.00 TOURS No ACREAGE 340 acres, 6 acres under vine PRODUCTION 1,353 cases OWNERS Oscar and Melinda Vizcarra MANAGERS Amanda Vizcarra, Andres Vizcarra, Oscar Vizcarra, Elizabeth Shaffer WINEMAKER Zack Klug, Andres Vizcarra EVENTS Check website for upcoming events. Sept Labor Day Harvest Festival Concord Stomp Octoberfest Pumpkin Fiesta Oct Haunted Hayride

WINERIES NEARBY Spring Lake Winery: 5.4 miles Leonard Oakes Estate Winery: 7.3 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

SPRING LAKE WINERY

A BOUT US

Established 2006

FINE WINES, MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES. Spring Lake Winery, situated on the Varallo family estate, is a destination open year-round to welcome guests in true Italian style. Their scenic Riesling vineyards open onto a secluded park and 8-acre, spring-fed lake—carved out of a century-old stone quarry—beside the Tuscan-style winery. The land beneath the vineyards was once an ancient beach, the shore of a prehistoric Lake Ontario. The lake is now 11 miles away, but the majestic Niagara Escarpment remains, towering 250 feet above the vineyards and WHITE WINES holding the warm, moist lake air like a blanket over the vines. This unique geography—where the water meets the CHARDONNAY land—is reflected in every bottle from Varallo Vineyards. ESTATE RIESLING DRY Their Estate wine is bottled on-site using their natural ESTATE RIESLING spring mineral water in the winemaking process, keeping SEMI-DRY the process as chemical-free as possible. There is something MOSCATO for all palates—red, white, and rosé wines, including very WHITE MERLOT dry to sweeter wines.

RED WINES Spring Lake Winery is a must-stop on the Niagara Wine MERITAGE Trail USA. The highlight of a visit to the winery in (CABERNET/MERLOT/MALBEC) autumn is their ever-popular Vineyard Express excursion. ZINFANDEL Spring Lake is one of the only vineyards in the country where a vintage train drops off passengers at the winery! A visit will be a memorable experience filled with fine wines, live music, and lunch by the lake. See Facebook or their website for dates and band listings. Try Lunch by the Lake from Spring Lake Café, or relax at the Picnic Bistro Tables along the Lakeside Nature Trail. Spring Lake Winery at Varallo Vineyards is the perfect destination for any private party, especially winery weddings. They host parties ranging from intimate gatherings to elaborate celebrations at their lakeside gazebo. The winery has become a part of many families’ memories and new traditions. Enjoy their wines and beautiful lakeside vineyard. Ti’aspettiamo!

Spring Lake is one of the only vineyards in the country where a vintage train drops off passengers at the winery!

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

MEET THE WINEMAKER Spring Lake’s passion for wine is a family affair. The head winemaker is Dominic Varallo, assisted by his brother Rico, father Nicholas, and first-generation Papa! Three generations of the family—all with one dream—work together, returning to their Italian roots by using family recipes to provide visitors with fine wines and memorable experiences. Dominic’s winemaking career started early, learning from Papa and Nana, who are from Casalbordino in Abruzze, Italy. A great wine begins in the vineyard with nature and terroir providing the wines’ taste each year. From vine to wine a natural winemaking process is used at Spring Lake to capture the true flavor of the grape. The Varallos have returned to their family signature traditions with a modern edge, using environmentally conscientious grape-growing techniques to produce limited, handcrafted batches of their premium wines. Spring Lake’s wines garner an increasing number of national and international awards every year. They recently won a Double Gold for their 2009 Estate Riesling and Bronze for their 2010 Estate Riesling Altra at the 2013 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. Visit Spring Lake Winery, try all of their wines, and judge for yourself!

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT NEW RELEASE! 2009 ESTATE RIESLING

The 2009 Estate Riesling is the new pride and joy at Spring Lake, garnering a 2013 Finger Lakes Double Gold medal, qualifying for the Australian Canberra Classic and winning a Bronze medal in Fall 2013. COME ESCAPE TO THE LAKE!

Spring Lake Cafe: Wine ice cream, wraps, salads, snacks—summer to fall. Lakeside Nature Trail & Picnic Bistro Tables: Relax with a glass or bottle of your favorite Spring Lake wine—year round. Vineyard Express: Vintage train excursions to the winery including tastings and much more—late summer to fall.

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY SPRINg LAKE WINERY VARALLO ESTATE VINEYARD ADDRESS 7373 Rochester Road (Rte. 31) Lockport, NY 14094 PHONE 716-439-LAKE (5253) EMAIL info@springlakewinery.com WEBSITE www.springlakewinery.com

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take I-490 West to exit NY-531 West toward Brockport. Travel for 8 miles and turn right onto CR-36 North. Turn left onto CR-31 West, continue to follow CR-31A, then back onto CR-31 West. Winery is 2 miles on the right. FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take CR-31 West for 18 miles into Lockport. Turn left to stay on CR-31 West, then continue for about 2 miles. Winery is on the left. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merge onto I-290 East then I-990 North. Exit at Millersport to NY-78 North/Transit Road and continue for 6 miles. Turn right onto CR-31 West, then continue for about 2 miles. Winery is on the left.

OPEN Jan–April: Daily by appointment; Fri–Sun, 12–5pm May–Dec: Daily, 12–6pm CLOSED New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day TASTING FEES Start at $3.00; $2 purchase refund coupon

TOURS Start at $10.00 per person ACREAGE 78 acres, including 8-acre private lake PRODUCTION 1,000 cases OWNERS The Varallo Family Tamre and Nick Varallo, Mark Varallo MANAGER Cate DiNino WINEMAKERS Dominic, Americo, and Nicholas Varallo EVENTS Check website for dates or call ahead for upcoming events. Monthly

Painting Uncorked

Monthly

Wine & Food Pairing

Monthly

Viva Italia Dinner & Dancing Viva Roma Toga Party! Italian Christmas

June 20 Dec

WINERIES NEARBY Flight of Five Winery: 3.7 miles Vizcarra Vineyards: 5.4 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

FLIGHT OF FIVE WINERY

A BOUT US

Established 2013

FINE WINE AND LOCAL FLAVOR are what drew Jackie and Mike Connelly to open their urban winery on the edge of the Erie Canal in the heart of Lockport’s Canal Heritage District. Flight of Five Winery was established in January 2013 and is named in tribute to the Erie Canal’s historic Flight of Five Locks, the only twin set of five locks ever built. For centuries, builders, farmers, and adventurers have labored in this region. At this site, 190 years ago, they constructed the waterway outside the winery’s door. The project tested engineering techniques, provided jobs for an immigrant population and a means for local farmers to ship their products to markets fresh and more efficiently. The winery is located in what was once the courtroom inside historic Old City Hall. It was built as a grain mill, later converted to a place to experiment in pressurizing water to send throughout the city (aka fire hydrants), and then in 1893 it became Lockport’s City Hall. The tasting room is crowned by its original tin pressed ceiling. The tasting bar is built from twice reclaimed handhewn timbers and resembles a lock gate from the 1820s. Flight of Five Winery owes a great deal to those nearby who tend their vineyards and orchards, growing the fruit that is used to produce Flight of Five’s wines. The Connellys rely on time-tested agricultural practices and the distinctive characteristics of the terroir. In addition to their Signature Flight of Wine, they offer an all dry wine flight and a semi-sweet to dessert flight. These include Flight of Five’s wines and a selection of wines from other wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail. The flights change seasonally. They are intended to supplement the offerings and tempt visitors to venture out into the countryside to further experience the local wine trail. You will find a selection of local foods and locally produced products available as well. In the tasting room you’ll find fresh fruit, cheeses, roasted nuts, smoked sausages, fruit butters, and relishes, to name a few. All are available to eat in or take home.

WHITE WINES CANAWLER WHITE* LOCK 68 LOCK 69 LOCK 71

ROSÉ WINE

MEET THE OWNERS The winery’s mission is to produce fine wines, made from the grapes of select local vineyards, utilizing the varietals and viticultural practices that will offer up wines the Connellys want to present you. Their team analyzes the characteristics of the fruit, guides it through fermentation, and develops blends and aging criteria to bring you the best the geography and climate have to offer. Flight of Five officially opened its doors in August 2013 with five wines named for the historic locks outside their door. Signature Wines are served in a flight and include Lock 67, a dry red Frontenac wine; Lock 68, an off-dry Cayuga wine; Lock 69, a blend of Cayuga, Vidal Blanc, and Vignoles; Lock 70, a semi-sweet Rosé blend of four varietals; and Lock 71, a sweet Niagara wine. (The residual sugar increases with the lock number on each wine.)

LOCK 70

RED WINES CANAWLER RED*

Flight of Five Winery

LOCK 67

is named in tribute to

CIDER

the Erie Canal’s historic

TOWPATH CIDER* * to be released in 2014

Flight of Five Locks, the only twin set of five locks ever built.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT NEW 2014 RELEASES!

Canawler Red and Canawler White: Both wines are blends of five (their favorite number) different grapes, and finished dry. Towpath Cider: A blend of heritage apples and pears brings the rich fruit from Blackman Homestead Farm to a light, crisp beverage.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Gallery Five: Michael Connelly’s exhibit of original art will open on June 20 and be available for viewing and purchase during regular business hours. Michael holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and his works, some drawn from private collections, will be on display for the first time. Towpath Wine & Dine: As the winery’s new offerings are released, they will be teaming with a local restaurant who will prepare the perfect accompaniment. These wine and food pairing dinners are planned for each Fall and Spring. New Medina Railroad Stop: Just a block away from the winery, the train will be making regular stops at the new platform on Gooding St. Scheduled wine trains and excursions will be announced.

GETTING HERE REACH US BY BOAT, BIKE PATH, OR CAR: FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take CR-31 west to Lockport. It becomes West Ave. then becomes West Main St. Turn left on Pine St. Winery is on the right after the parking lot and before the bridge over canal. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190N, merge onto I-290E, then 990N to exit 4, Millersport Highway. Turn left, continue onto Rt. 78 at merge with Transit Rd. N. Turn right onto West Main St., left on Pine St. Winery is on the right after the parking lot and before the bridge over canal.

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY FLIgHT OF FIVE WINERY

PRODUCTION 1,200 cases

ADDRESS 2 Pine Street Lockport, NY 14094

OWNERS Jacqueline and Michael Connelly

PHONE 716-433-3360 EMAIL info@FlightofFiveWinery.com WEBSITE FlightofFiveWinery.com OPEN Jan–Dec: Daily, 12–7pm

MANAGER Jen Brennan

EVENTS Check website and Facebook page for dates of upcoming events. June 20 Gallery Five Opening Reception TBD Towpath Wine & Dine

CLOSED New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day TASTING FEE $7.00 TOURS No

WINERIES NEARBY Arrowhead Spring Vineyards: 4.0 miles Spring Lake Winery: 3.7 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

ARROWHEAD SPRING VINEYARDS

A BOUT US

Established 2005

NESTLED BENEATH THE CREST of the Niagara Escarpment is the Arrowhead Spring Vineyards tasting room, perched on the hillside, with broad sweeping views of the Niagara Region and across the lake to Toronto. Founded in 2005, the winery produces approximately 5,000 cases of wine, including Chardonnay, Meritage, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Riesling. For a sweet delicacy, there is also late harvest and icewine—rated highest produced in New York by Wine Spectator. With a focus on growing and making fine wines through sustainable practices, the estate winery is built into the hillside to take advantage of natural earth cooling. The barrel room is a constant 55–60 degrees with no additional cooling required. The tasting room is of timber frame construction using reclaimed and “standing dead” timbers and other recycled materials. Enjoy the relaxing interior while taking in the stunning views of the Niagara Wine Country. Look to the north to see the farm’s 10-kilowatt wind turbine. The green energy produced powers equipment used in the production of wine. Using sustainable farming practices, Arrowhead Spring Vineyards grows Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and a small amount of Malbec. The vines are grown on a north-south axis following the flow of water off the escarpment to the shores of Lake Ontario to the north. No herbicide is used on the property. A healthy cover crop is sown in each row to provide biodiversity and natural fertility to the soils, augmented by natural wildflowers. End posts are made from locust trees, a healthy natural post that sheds none of the harmful chemicals that are a byproduct of treated lumber.

WHITE WINES CHARDONNAY RIESLING GEWÜRZTRAMINER

ROSÉ DRY ROSÉ

(PINOT NOIR)

RED WINES MERITAGE SYRAH PINOT NOIR MERLOT CABERNET SAUVIGNON CABERNET FRANC MALBEC

PORT/DESSERT WINE Sustainable efforts do not end in the vineyard. The winery uses labels that can be washed away in warm water to LockPORT RED facilitate bottle recycling. Customers and home winemakers ICE WINE are encouraged to recycle, and the winery is happy to ( VIDAL/CAB FRANC) provide used wine bottles to home winemakers. Natural LATE HARVEST cork, grown on trees that are harvested every ten years ( VIDAL/CAB FRANC) without harm to the tree, is used in the enclosure. Cork is 100% biodegradable and trees help reduce carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. The wine is bottled in lightweight glass, reducing the energy used in production and transportation. All bottles used are produced in North America ensuring that less energy is used in shipping. Wax and recyclable tin capsules are placed over the corked end. With a knowledgeable tasting room staff, Arrowhead Spring Vineyards is the perfect place to enjoy the flavors of the Niagara Escarpment region.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

MEET THE WINEMAKER Duncan and Robin Ross operate Arrowhead Spring as a team. Duncan makes the wine and Robin manages the vineyard. Both have a focus on quality, traditional methods and sustainability. Robin would not agree to start a winery with Duncan until he could “objectively prove” he could make great wine. In 2005, Duncan entered their prototype vintages into the INDY Wine Competition, the largest amateur wine competition in North America. The future was in the balance: Would they build a winery on their new property, or simply a home? The wines won numerous awards, including the National Wine Champion Lallemand Trophy. The rest, as they say, is history. In the years since, the wines made by Arrowhead Spring Vineyards have been highly rated. “Most of the work is in the vineyard, growing optimal quality. Robin is making sure we have the best fruit to work with,” says Duncan.

Using sustainable farming practices, Arrowhead Spring Vineyards grows Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and a small amount of Malbec.

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT A PASSION FOR RED WINES

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards is known across New York State as a producer of high-quality red wines. The winery has an obsessive focus on quality in the vineyard and in the wine. The northwest slope of the vineyard results in a warm microclimate, and the escarpment breezes, limestone-based soils, and plenty of sunshine make this an ideal place to grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.

THE ESSENTIALS

TOP AWARDS

• Lallemand Trophy, National Wine Champion, INDY 2005 • Best Winery 2010, Artvoice, Best of Western NY • Best Winery 2012, Buffalo Spree, Best of Buffalo • Best in Class, Riverside California • Icewine 89, 90, and 92 points, Wine Spectator • Beverage Artisan 2012, Edible Buffalo

GETTING HERE FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take NY-31 West. Turn left on Town Line Road, then turn left into the winery. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merge onto I-290 East then I-990 North. Exit North French Road and turn left. Travel approximately 1 mile to NY-270/Campbell Blvd., then Campbell Blvd. becomes Town Line Road. Head north for 10.2 miles, then turn left into the winery.

WINERY ARROWHEAD SPRINg VINEYARDS

TOURS By appointment, $25.00

ADDRESS 4746 Town Line Road Lockport, NY 14094

ACREAGE 7 acres under vine

PHONE 716-434-8030 EMAIL info@arrowheadspring.com WEBSITE ArrowheadSpring.com OPEN Jan–Apr: Sat–Sun, 12–6pm May–Dec: Daily, 12–6pm CLOSED New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day TASTING FEE $1.00 per wine

PRODUCTION 5,000 cases OWNERS Duncan and Robin Ross MANAGER Robin Ross WINEMAKER Duncan Ross EVENTS Check website for other winery events. June 19 “Cement Suitcase” Movie Screening July 17 Wood-Fired Pizza Event

WINERIES NEARBY Freedom Run Winery: 0.8 miles Flight of Five Winery: 4 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

FREEDOM RUN WINERY

A BOUT US

Established 2005

FREEDOM RUN WINERY FINDS ITS INSPIRATION in the beauty and history of its vineyards nestled on the bench of the Niagara Escarpment, where the Manning family and staff believe that the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Niagara region should be enjoyed by all who visit looking for wines with a sense of place or terroir. The winery’s one-of-a-kind, eye-catching tasting room and view of its picturesque vineyards create an ideal setting in which to experience some of the finest wines the East Coast has to offer. While Freedom Run’s wines range across the full spectrum of dry to sweet, white to red, the winery believes the Niagara Escarpment’s character is best experienced through its drier offerings of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and the winery’s flagship Appassimento Meritage WHITE WINES blend, which is crafted with the same natural grape-drying CHARDONNAY process that produces the classic Amarone wines of Italy’s CHARDONNAY UNOAKED Valpolicella region. Since its first harvest in 2007, the FREEDOM BLUE winery has received several accolades, including Double Gold medals for its reds, in addition to a rare 90-point FREEDOM WHITE score from Wine Spectator for its very first estate-grown GEWÜRZTRAMINER Cabernet Franc. NIAGARA The layout of the winery was focused on giving the winemaking team the freedom and space to work without restrictions, in an environment that is both functional and beautiful. Visitors to the tasting room have a view of the full production area of barrels, tanks, presses, and other equipment, and if the team is hard at work on next year’s vintage, guests are always welcome to watch or even lend a hand. Owners Larry and Sean Manning’s design of the winery intended to showcase the family’s appreciation and dedication to celebrating wine as an art form, actually includes several original works of art by Manning. From the intricate stonework on the walls to the hand-blown glass on the bar, every square foot has been designed to open up your senses to art and wine. The combination of the colorful tasting room, the rustic charm of the historic barn, and the scenic grounds alongside the vineyards make for a memorable experience. Guests can stop and enjoy the breathtaking views, distinctive wines, and delicious foods Freedom Run has to offer.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

RIESLING ESTATE VIN GRIS ESTATE

RED WINES CABERNET ESTATE CABERNET FRANC ESTATE FREEDOM RED MERITAGE ESTATE

MEET THE WINEMAKERS Just as the various elements that make up terroir—soils, microclimate, slope, vintage —all combine to influence the grapes in the vineyards, the wines of Freedom Run are influenced by the Wine Design Team. Freedom Run’s wines are a product of the passion, curiosity, and commitment of the staff, and their philosophy that everything they do affects wine quality. Vineyard Manager Luke Hall embraces the challenge of delivering healthy ripe fruit every year, knowing that a wine’s overall quality depends on his meticulous hand in the vineyard. The goal of the winemaking team is to preserve the character and integrity of those grapes through hand harvesting, small lot fermentations, and a gentle use of oak aging. Freedom Run believes in the “less is more” approach to its cellar work and applies it through the absence of added enzymes, tannins, and acidity. The winery’s estate wines are given only minimal filtration, if any, and the resulting wines reflect this natural approach.

PINOT NOIR ESTATE PINOT NOIR ESTATE RESERVE

DESSERT WINES

...every square foot has

LBV PORT-ST YLE RED

been designed to open

BLACK CURRANT NÉKTAR

up your senses to art

VIDAL ICE WINE

and wine.

APPLE JACK

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT NEW RELEASES

Even with the winery’s positive critical acclaim of its first estate wines, Freedom Run’s owners and winemaking team believe that their best wines lie ahead. Its experimentation with the appassimento process of drying grapes has just begun, and the upcoming season will see the release of the 2011 Appassimento Meritage, which should demonstrate the region’s ability to make powerful, full-bodied yet balanced red wines.

THE ESSENTIALS

Freedom Run will also release several new Pinot Noirs in the near future, with a single-barrel offering of its Wild Ferment Pinot Noir and single vineyard release Pinot Noirs from its recently expanded vineyard holdings. Those looking for more than just grape wines will be excited by the winery’s Black Currant Néktar dessert wine and its new vintage release of the freeze-distilled apple wine dubbed Apple Jack.

GETTING HERE FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take NY-31 East. Turn left on Town Line Road and continue to Lower Mountain Road. Turn left on Lower Mountain Road, then follow signs. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merge onto I-290 East then I-990 North. Turn left on North French Road and travel approximately 1 mile. Turn right (north) onto NY-270/Campbell Blvd. Campbell Blvd. becomes Town Line Road. Turn left on Lower Mountain Road, then follow signs.

WINERY FREEDOM RUN WINERY

TASTING FEE $5.00 for four wines

ADDRESS 5138 Lower Mountain Road Lockport, NY 14094

TOURS Yes

PHONE 716-433-4136 FAX 716-433-4174 EMAIL manningmanor@freedomrunwinery.com WEBSITE www.FreedomRunWinery.com OPEN Year-round Sun–Wed, 12–6pm; Thurs–Sat, 10am–6pm

ACREAGE 160 acres PRODUCTION 9,000 cases OWNERS The Manning Family WINEMAKERS Wine Design Team EVENTS Check website for upcoming events.

CLOSED Easter, Christmas Day

WINERIES NEARBY Eveningside Vineyards: 1.1 miles Arrowhead Spring Winery: 0.8 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

EVENINGSIDE VINEYARDS

A BOUT US

Established 2000

SOME ENTER THE WINE BUSINESS because it is a business; others enter because of passion for wine. Eveningside Vineyards is a winery that opened more than a decade ago because of Randy and Karen Biehl’s love, understanding, and passion for wine, and a desire to be fully immersed in the lifestyle that a winery brings. Randy was trained at Cave Springs Cellars in Ontario, Canada, where focused vineyard practices and quality winemaking is stressed. Those guiding principles were brought to Eveningside Vineyards, established in 2000, where the focus is on vitis vinifera, European-style wines, and traditional winemaking practices. All of Eveningside’s red wines are aged in oak barrels in a temperature- and humidity-controlled barrel room. The winery uses barrels from France, Hungary, and Pennsylvania. The wine press is made by the German company Willmes, arguably the best wine press manufacturer in the world. Since the Biehls take such pride in grape growing, they wanted their grapes to be pressed in the best press possible. Much effort is expended in maintaining the vineyard because that is where Eveningside believes great wine is made. They have contract grape growers as well, who must also meet the winery’s high grape-growing standards. Eveningside Vineyards is very picturesque, so countless visitors stop to pose for photographs on the property. Wedding parties often come by for photography sessions.

WHITE WINES CHARDONNAY BARREL-AGED CHARDONNAY UNOAKED EVENINGSIDE WHITE (CHARDONNAY/RIESLING)

VIDAL

ROSÉ MOUNTAIN ROSÉ

RED WINES CABERNET FRANC CLARET

Eveningside is often asked how long red wines are aged in the barrels. The reply is “The wine will tell you when it is ready.” The winery does not have a set schedule for barrel aging. In their ten years of operation, eight months was the shortest with a Syrah in new barrels, and thirty-eight months was the longest for a Cabernet in older barrels.

MERLOT PINCAB (CABERNET/PINOT NOIR)

The tasting room is an old 1920s barn, renovated while retaining much of its original charm. The wood walls and ceiling are from a bygone era. You can enjoy the view of the property by sipping on some wine in a cozy covered patio behind the tasting room. The production facility, the actual winery, is a new building 100 yards away from the tasting room. Although it is not usually open to the public, wine tours are held here by reservation only. The experience of learning about wine is enhanced when surrounded by wine tanks, equipment, and barrels. The winery believes in education, whether it is teaching customers or supporting local colleges. When you visit Eveningside Vineyards, you will have a new appreciation for wine and the winery lifestyle.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

Winemaking at Eveningside Vineyards is a collaborative effort. Daily operations involve owner Randy Biehl and cellar master Jason Mueller. He is also a certified sommelier who completed his studies in Toronto. The two oversee harvest, crush, press, racking, and bottling. Yeast selection and inoculation is completed by Karen Biehl.

RIESLING

PINOT NOIR

MEET THE WINEMAKERS

All winemaking activities are conducted in conjunction with consultant winemaker Angelo Pavan of Cave Spring Cellars in Jordan, Ontario, Canada. Angelo is an internationally recognized winemaker and often presents at wine conferences in Canada, the United States, and Italy. Cave Spring regularly attends Wine Spectator Grand Galas. The Eveningside team is so pleased to work with such an accomplished winemaker, who brings decades of experience along with an international perspective to winemaking.

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT PINCAB

Typically Eveningside makes traditional blends and varietal wines, but this year the winery added a new blend with a unique dimension. The blend – 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 55% Pinot Noir – is called PinCab.

MERLOT

This year the winery also released two styles of Eveningside’s 2011 Merlot. Some of the Merlot was aged in older oak barrels and have imparted very little oak characteristics. Typically, Eveningside would blend it with the new barrels of Merlot, but that is not the case this year. They will have a traditional barrel-aged Merlot, and a Merlot with little to no oak characteristics. These two styles will clearly show the impact of oak barrels on wines. EVENINGSIDE WHITE

Another new blend with an interesting twist is a barrel-aged Chardonnay blended with Riesling, called Eveningside White.

GETTING HERE FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take CR-31 West. Turn left on Town Line Road and continue to Lower Mountain Road. Turn left on Lower Mountain Road, then follow the Eveningside signs. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merge onto I-290 East then I-990 North. Exit North French Road and turn left. Travel approximately one mile to NY-270/Campbell Blvd., then Campbell Blvd. becomes Town Line Road. Turn left on Lower Mountain Road, then follow the Eveningside signs.

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY EVENINgSIDE VINEYARDS

TOURS By appointment, $10.00 or $40.00

ADDRESS 4794 Lower Mountain Road Cambria, NY 14094

ACREAGE 2 acres under vine

PHONE 716-867-2415 EMAIL rbiehl@eveningside.com WEBSITE eveningside.com OPEN May–Dec: Sat–Sun, 12–6pm July–Aug: Open Mon, Sat–Sun, 12–6pm CLOSED Jan–Apr: Closed Mon–Fri

PRODUCTION 1,500 cases OWNER Randy Biehl MANAGER Randy Biehl WINEMAKERS Angelo Pavan, Consultant Randy Biehl EVENTS Check website for upcoming events.

TASTING FEE $4.00 for four wines

WINERIES NEARBY Niagara Landing Wine Cellars: 1.5 miles Freedom Run Winery: 1.1 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

NIAGARA LANDING WINE CELLARS

A BOUT US

Established 1998

NIAGARA LANDING’S MISSION is to make superb, quality wines of exceptional value that enhance their customers’ enjoyment. Niagara Landing Wine Cellars is the oldest winery on the Niagara Wine Trail, established in 1998. The land, however, has been dedicated to growing grapes since the late 1800s. The winery is perfectly positioned at the base of the Niagara Escarpment, where the moderating temperatures from Lake Ontario provide for a longer growing season. Three generations of the Smith family have tended these vines over the years.

WHITE WINES Niagara Landing approaches their quest for great wines from two critically important areas—grapes and the best farming practices. Old vines, planted in the late 1800s, now have roots that reach deep into the soil, yielding greater complexity and structure for Niagara Landing’s wines. Then the best farming practices are used in harvesting the crops to yield grapes that produce the finest flavors and balance, in extracting the juice, and then in fermenting it into the final product. The winery strives for excellence in every step of the process. Peter Smith, continuing his family’s legacy, has a goal of producing the highest-quality wines for people throughout New York State. Niagara Landing’s growth as a wine producer can be directly attributed to the stewardship of the grapes and the use of advanced production techniques, supervised by professional winemaker Dominic Carisetti. Formerly from Taylor/Great Western and Constellation Brands, Dominic crafts Niagara Landing’s wines for the diverse tastes of the winery’s customers. The combination of the latest techniques and Dominic’s forty years of winemaking expertise result in superior wines.

GEWÜRZTRAMINER MIST Y NIAGARA RIESLING ROSEBUD GOLD ROSEBUD PEACH ROSEBUD WHITE TRAMINETTE VIGNOLES

BOXER BLUSH ROSEBUD ROSÉ RASPBERRY ROSEBUD

FRUIT WINE CRANBERRY

RED WINES BACO NOIR

Niagara Landing approaches their

RED ROOSTER

quest for great wines from two

SWEET CAPTAIN

critically important areas—grapes

DESSERT WINE

and the best farming practices.

ALMOND DREAM

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

Domenic Carisetti is a 1975 graduate of the winemaking program at the University of California at Davis. In 1975, he was appointed assistant winemaker for the Taylor Wine Company in Hammondsport, New York and in 1976, at the ripe old age of 23, to winemaker for all of Taylor’s sparkling, table, and dessert wines, with an annual production of 6 million cases. In 1980, Domenic was appointed senior winemaker for Taylor and Great Western wineries. In 1986, Domenic became manager of winemaking for Canandaigua Wine Company (Constellation Brands) where he held that position until 1997.

BLUSH/ROSÉ

MERLOT

MEET THE WINEMAKER

STEARMAN STEUBEN

CHOCOLATE DREAM

In 1997, Domenic started his own winemaking consulting company to meet the growing demands of farm wineries. In July 2005, Domenic assumed full winemaking responsibilities for Niagara Landing Wine Cellars and The Winery at Marjim Manor, and was also instrumental in the development of several other wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail. In addition to his hands-on winemaking duties, Domenic also teaches basic and advanced winemaking courses for VESTA (www.vesta-usa.org) for Missouri State University and is a sought-after speaker and seminar leader.

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT GOLD MEDAL WINNERS: ROSEBUD PEACH

Let fresh Niagara grapes and peaches envelop your senses. Serve ice cold with fresh berries and peaches over vanilla ice cream. ROSEBUD WHITE

The sweet scent of white grapes and rose petals, rich in the fruit of the Vidal Blanc grapes. Serve ice cold. PORT

A blend of premium red grape varieties, slowly fermented to develop its full flavored richness.

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY NIAgARA LANDINg WINE CELLARS

TASTING FEE $3.00 for six wines

ADDRESS 4434 Van Dusen Road Lockport, NY 14094

TOURS No

PHONE 716-433-8405 EMAIL peter@niagaralanding.com WEBSITE www.niagaralanding.com

GETTING HERE FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take CR-31 West. Turn left on Town Line Road and continue to Lower Mountain Road. Turn left on Lower Mountain Road, then turn right on Van Dusen Road. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merge onto I-290 East then I-990 North. Exit North French Road and turn left. Travel approximately one mile to NY-270/Campbell Blvd., then Campbell Blvd. becomes Town Line Road. Turn left on Lower Mountain Road, then turn right on Van Dusen Road.

OPEN May–Dec: Mon–Sat, 10am–6pm; Sun, 12–6pm Jan –April: Sun–Fri, 12–6pm; Sat, 10–6pm

ACREAGE 130 acres PRODUCTION 10,000 cases OWNER Peter Smith WINEMAKER Domenic Carisetti EVENTS Check website for upcoming events.

CLOSED New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

WINERIES NEARBY Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery: 2.8 miles Eveningside Vineyards: 1.5 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

LONG CLIFF VINEYARD & WINERY

A BOUT US

Established 2011

A FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED estate winery, Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery is dedicated to producing high-quality vinifera wines, in the tradition of the family’s ancestral routes, which trace back to the Alsace region of France. Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery is proud to be a threegeneration business of viticulturists and winemakers. All of Long Cliff ’s wines are made from estate-grown grapes on the family farm, which was first acquired by Donald DeMaison in the early 1970s. While the property is now home to the family business, for the last forty-plus years the land and neighboring farmhouse have hosted summer picnics, Sunday dinners, and countless memories of love and laughter.

WHITE WINES SAUVIGNON BLANC PINOT GRIS RIESLING SWEET PINOT GRIS

RED WINES

LEMBERGER Keeping it in the family is important to Long Cliff, and BLAUER HIMMEL there is no doubt that it adds to the camaraderie. Long PINOT NOIR Cliff started as Donald’s vision over a decade ago, when PINOT MAGIC the newly retired family patriarch decided it was time to launch the dream he had harbored ever since purchasing the farm. With the help of his family, the DeMaison clan put their heads together and began logging busy days and sleepless nights of paperwork, vineyard labor, and of course, winemaking! While they have learned that it is at times more challenging than they could have ever imagined, they have come to realize that it is also more rewarding than they’d pictured in their wildest dreams.

Located within the Niagara Escarpment AVA, the unique climate and soil conditions of the region are credited with making the production of Long Cliff ’s high-quality wines possible. Farmers first, the family believes that a good wine starts in the vineyard. The testament of a good farmer is the permutations of minerality detected in a superb wine. When the winery first opened on 11/11/11, there were only four varieties gracing the wine list. It has more than doubled since then, and will continue to grow in the years to come, but the commitment to producing only the finest quality wines will remain unchanging. Born from a hobby, the family’s passion is unwavering as the winery transitions from a dream to reality.

For the last forty-plus years the land and neighboring farmhouse have hosted summer picnics, Sunday dinners, and countless memories of love and laughter.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

MEET THE WINEMAKERS Donald DeMaison: Don has a passion— producing excellent grapes—which he has spent the past four decades mastering. Winemaking is his life, tracing his farming roots back to his great-great-grandfather who emigrated from the Alsace region of France. As the president of Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery, Inc., Don works as grape grower, winemaker, and entrepreneur, completely dedicated to producing vinifera wines of superb quality. On any given day he can be found taking on whatever tasks Long Cliff might demand of him, but what he seems to enjoy most is guiding the family business toward their vision. Kevin DeMaison: He’s infamous in the tasting room for his barrel tastings, always offering customers sneak peeks of what’s up and coming for Long Cliff, but Kevin’s real skill is in viticulture. Raised a farmer, Kevin couldn’t refuse the offer to come back and give Dad a hand when Don first pitched his winery dream over a family dinner. “There’s nothing like being out in the vineyard in the middle of summer… I swear you can hear those silly things talking to you!” he says. Danielle DeMaison: Danielle came into the family business in 2012, directing all tasting room activities—managing Long Cliff ’s Facebook and blog, handling events both at the winery and offsite, and, of course, conducting tastings and sales. After graduating from the University at Buffalo with a BA in Classics and English, she returned to school in the Fall of 2013 to pursue a degree in Winery Operations from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT VINTNER’S RESERVES

The 2012 harvest was superb! The extraordinary warm and dry season created ideal growing conditions for our estate vinifera grapes. From this production we have released four Vintner’s Reserves with outstanding taste, quality, and characteristics: 2012 Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.

THE ESSENTIALS

BOOK CLUB

Looking for something different? Long Cliff ’s culinary-focused book club meets in our tasting room at 6pm on the first of each month. The books are selected from a wide variety of different genres on a rotating basis. Share some wine and a great book with friends! Visit our website for our list of upcoming selections. OLD-FASHIONED CORN ROAST

Join us August 9 for an evening of fun under the stars at our 2nd Annual Old-Fashioned Corn Roast. Tickets will be available in June. Call the tasting room to reserve yours for this sell-out event: (716) 731-3316.

WINERY LONg CLIFF VINEYARD & WINERY

ACREAGE 165 acres; 5.5 acres under vine

ADDRESS 3617 Lower Mountain Road Sanborn, NY 14132

PRODUCTION 1,300 cases

PHONE 716-731-3316 EMAIL longcliffwinery@gmail.com WEBSITE www.longcliffwinery.com OPEN Jan–May: Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm; Sat, 10am–6pm; Sun, 12–6pm Jun–Dec: Mon–Fri, 12–6pm; Sat, 10am–6pm; Sun, 12–6pm TASTING FEE $3.00 for three wines; $5.00 for five wines TOURS By appointment

OWNERS Donald DeMaison and Kevin DeMaison MANAGER Danielle N. DeMaison WINEMAKERS Donald DeMaison and Kevin DeMaison EVENTS Check website for upcoming events. Aug 9 2nd Annual Old-Fashioned Corn Roast

GETTING HERE FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merging onto I-290 East. Exit at Niagara Falls Blvd. and continue to I-425. Turn left onto Lower Mountain Road.

WINERIES NEARBY A gust of Sun Winery: 2.0 miles Niagara Landing Wine Cellars: 2.8 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

A GUST OF SUN WINERY & VINEYARD

A BOUT US

Established 2010

A GUST OF SUN WINERY is a home away from home! Everyone who visits is treated like a good friend. There is something to meet everyone’s taste. Enjoy a traditional wine tasting, or a special treat with a wine and chocolate pairing. A Gust of Sun partners with Stuffed Chocolate, a local chocolatier who makes several chocolates to pair with their wines.

WHITE WINES DRY RIESLING CHARDONNAY DRY VIGNOLES DRY NIAGARA THREE WESTIES WHITE

A Gust of Sun features the Harmon→E lounge above the tasting room, equipped with cozy chairs, tables, books, games, and a projector and screen. The lounge can be reserved and rented for private events at very reasonable rates (visit their website for current rates).

(RIESLING/CAYUGA/NIAGARA)

The grounds at A Gust of Sun are available for picnicking, relaxing outdoors, and enjoying a glass or bottle of wine with friends. There is a large tent outside each summer for visitors to enjoy. During busier times, there is an outside tasting bar as well. The grounds can also be rented for private functions. A koi pond, vineyard, fruit trees, and grassy spaces make this a picturesque location for weddings, vow renewals, family reunions, etc. The lounge and grounds can be rented after hours or on days when we are not normally opened if arrangements are made in advance.

(RIESLING/CAYUGA/NIAGARA)

DRY DIAMOND SEMI-DRY RIESLING SEMI-SWEET VIGNOLES SWEET WESTIES WHITE

The winery’s three West Highland white terriers—Cody, Abbey, and Jewell—are the inspiration for Three Westies White and Sweet Westies White wines. These wines are a blend of Riesling, Cayuga White, and Niagara. Each grape brings another personality to the blend, like their dogs bring to their home. The Westies are always out greeting customers, and love it when guests ask for treats for them from behind the counter. A Gust of Sun Winery has teamed up with Diamonds in the Ruff Animal Rescue of Lockport, New York. They are a non-profit animal rescue organization that is run by a dedicated group of volunteers in Niagara County. A dollar from every bottle of Dry and Sweet Diamond wine goes toward their rescue efforts.

SWEET NIAGARA SWEET DIAMOND SAX ON THE PEACH (PEACH AND APRICOT-INFUSED NIAGARA)

BLUSH WINE RASP-ODY IN BLUE (RASPBERRY-INFUSED NIAGARA/ CONCORD)

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

Husband and wife, Erik and Shane Gustafson not only run the winery, tasting room, and vineyards, they also make the wine! Shane has a degree in Food Process Engineering from Purdue University and a certificate for winemaking from UC Davis. Erik teaches college chemistry. The two combined are a winemaking match from heaven! Shane and Erik met at Purdue University, where their passion for wine began. Shane took Wine Appreciation courses and encouraged Erik to do the same. They soon began hosting wine and cheese parties, and introducing their friends and family to wine as well. When they moved to Iowa, Shane and Erik poured wine at several local wine shops in the Quad Cities to increase their knowledge of wine and gain industry connections.

RED WINES PINOT NOIR TRISMEGISTUS (CAB SAUV/CAB FRANC/MERLOT)

CABERNET FRANC FRONTENAC CHERRY SUNBURST (CHERRY-INFUSED CONCORD/FRONTENAC)

DESSERT WINE LATE HARVEST VIGNOLES

While at the winery, ask about the Solar Winds Wine Club and the benefits that come with joining!

MEET THE WINEMAKERS

In 2008 they started to look for the perfect spot to open their winery. They investigated the Niagara Wine Trail while visiting Erik’s parents in Hilton, New York (a suburb of Rochester). They fell in love with the burgeoning wine region and started to look for locations to make it their home. In 2010, they moved to New York, and in August 2011, their dream became reality when they opened A Gust of Sun Winery & Vineyard.

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT WINEMAKER’S RESERVE VIGNOLES

This dry version of our Vignoles makes an excellent food-pairing wine. Golden in color, the nose gives an aromatic punch, with notes of pineapple, cinnamon, peach, nectarine, tea, and orange blossom. The mouth gives slightly less fruit and higher acidity for a clean, crisp finish. TRISMEGISTUS

“Trismegistus” translates to “the three greatest.” This blend of three majestic wine grapes—Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot—is named after the ancient Egyptian alchemist Hermes Trismegistus, who knew the secret of turning base metals into gold. This Meritage blend represents the best in dry reds. SWEET WESTIES WHITE

A blend of Riesling, Cayuga White, and a splash of Niagara, was inspired by Erik and Shane’s three West Highland terriers. Chef Walter Quinn created a special blend of spices for this wine that can transform it into a hot, mulled version. Ask the tasting room staff for a spice packet!

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY A gUST OF SUN WINERY & VINEYARD

TOURS By appointment

ADDRESS 4515 Baer Road Ransomville, NY 14131

ACREAGE 17 acres, 2 under vine

PHONE 716-731-4878 EMAIL info@agustofsun.com WEBSITE www.agustofsun.com

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take NY-104/Ridge Road for approximately 55 miles. NY-104 becomes Lockport-Olcott Road/NY-78, then returns to NY-104/Ridge Road. Continue 9.4 miles, then turn left onto Baer Road. FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take Robert Moses State Parkway to exit NY-104/NY-18F toward Lewiston Artpark. Keep right onto NY-104 East. Turn left onto NY-104/Ridge Road. After 9 miles, turn right onto Baer Road. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merge onto I-290E, then exit 3B to US-62 North. Continue on Niagara Falls Blvd. for 4 miles. Turn right onto NY-425/Shawnee Road and continue for 7.3 miles. Turn left onto Upper Mountain Road. In 1 mile, turn right onto Baer Road.

OPEN Jan–Apr: Fri, 12–6pm; Sat, 10am–6pm; Sun, 12–6pm; Happy Hour, 6–7pm May–Dec: Sun–Fri, 12–6pm; Sat 10am–6pm Other times by appointment. CLOSED Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day

PRODUCTION 2,000 cases OWNERS Erik and Shane gustafson TASTING ROOM MANAGER Yvonne Ridley WINEMAKERS Erik and Shane gustafson EVENTS Check website for upcoming events. June 20 Late Night at the Winery Aug 8 Late Night at the Winery Aug 16 3rd Annual Anniversary Party

TASTING FEES $4.00 for four wines ; $5.00 for four wines with chocolate pairing for each wine WINERIES NEARBY Honeymoon Trail Winery: 2.4 miles Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery: 2 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

HONEYMOON TRAIL WINERY

A BOUT US

Established 2005

HONEYMOON TRAIL WINERY, home of the original Niagara Winery, is located on the historic Honeymoon Trail (now known as Route 104), leading to the stunning honeymoon capital of the world—Niagara Falls. Honeymoon Trail Winery is on the Niagara Wine Trail and is minutes from Lake Ontario and Niagara Falls. Travel the picturesque Route 104 to Honeymoon Trail Winery and enjoy fine wines carefully crafted by their award-winning winemaker using the finest New York State ingredients. Relax by the large wood burning fireplace in their magnificent tasting room and enjoy a tasting while browsing the gift shop. The Tuscany Room is available for bridal showers, meetings, anniversary parties—make your next event a memorable one at the winery! Honeymoon Trail Winery has competed and won awards at several prestigious competitions, including: New York Wine and Food Classic, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Lodi-California Rotary International, Indianapolis International, New York State Fair, and Best-of-Appellation. Awards include: Diamond—Gold; Chocolate Covered Cherry—Silver; Pink Catawba—Silver, White Lace—Silver, Peach—Bronze; Chillin’ Niagara—Double Gold; Apple—Double Gold; Pink Catawba—Double Gold; Baco Noir—Gold Tri-Medal; Diamond—Best of Category Gold; Mighty Niagara—Gold; Chillin’ Catawba—Gold; Honeymoon Sweet—Gold; Just Peachy—Silver; Chillin’ Cherry—Silver; Coyote Moon—Silver; Pink Diamond—Silver; Cranberry—Silver; Semi-Sweet Riesling—Bronze; White Lace—Bronze; Steuben—Bronze; Rosé—Bronze. Visit Honeymoon Trail Winery, sample the wines, meet the winemaker. and shop in the beautiful wine and gift boutique.

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

WHITE WINES CHARDONNAY NIAGARA DRY CAYUGA WHITE BIG BEAR RIESLING WHITE LACE DIAMOND MIGHT Y NIAGARA HONEYMOON SPICE WHITE VIGNOLES

BLUSH WINES STEUBEN PINK CATAWBA PINK DIAMOND

RED WINES

MEET THE WINEMAKER Garry and Lori Hoover opened Honeymoon Trail Winery in 2005. Garry had a passion for winemaking, which came through in his delicious, awardwinning wines. He produced wines that made the connection between the land and the glass. The winery’s goal was, and still is, to produce quality wines relying on the fresh, local New York State fruit each year. The result—you can’t drink just a glass, you have to finish the bottle! Today, David Lindsay, the winery’s newest member, continues Garry’s legacy. Dave is a graduate of Niagara College, Canada— Winery & Viticulture Tech. He is continuing to produce fruity wines and wines that age gracefully.

PINOT NOIR CABERNET BLEND HONEYMOON’S OVER BACO NOIR COYOTE MOON ROSÉ HONEYMOON SWEET

Honeymoon Trail Winery

FRUIT WINES

is located on the

HONEYMOON SPICE RED CRANBERRY APPLE

historic Honeymoon Trail leading to the

DESSERT WINES

stunning honeymoon

JUST PEACHY CHILLIN’ NIAGARA CHILLIN’ CATAWBA CHILLIN’ CONCORD CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY CHILLIN’ CHERRY PORT

capital of the world— Niagara Falls.

RIDGE REGION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT NEW RELEASES — COMING SOON! PINOT NOIR

A wine-lovers wine, balanced and versatile. Pairs well with all foods and cheeses. TROPICAL HONEYMOON

A tropical paradise you can taste – succulent pineapple and honey notes, balanced with a crisp finish. Delicious! PORT

A great port, made with local Concord grapes. A treat for anyone!

THE ESSENTIALS WINERY HONEYMOON TRAIL WINERY

TOURS Yes

ADDRESS 4120 Ridge Road (Route 104) Lockport, NY 14094

ACREAGE 20 acres

PHONE 716-438-3255 FAX 716-438-3256 EMAIL honeymoontrailwinery@gmail.com

GETTING HERE FROM ROCHESTER: Take NY-104/Ridge Road for approx 50 miles. NY-104 becomes Lockport-Olcott Rd/NY-78, then returns to NY-104/Ridge Road. Continue approx 12 miles to Honeymoon Trail Winery. FROM NIAGARA FALLS: Take Robert Moses State Parkway to exit NY-104/ NY-18F toward Lewiston Artpark. Keep right onto NY-104 East. Turn left onto Ridge Road/ NY-104. FROM BUFFALO: Take I-190 North, merge onto I-290 East, then exit 3B to US-62 North. Continue on Niagara Falls Blvd. for 4 miles. Turn right onto NY-425/Shawnee Road and continue to Ridge Road/RT-104.

WEBSITE HoneymoonTrailWinery.com OPEN Mon–Sat, 10am–6pm Sun, 12–6pm

PRODUCTION 13,000 cases OWNER Lori Hoover MANAGER Lori Hoover WINEMAKER Dave Lindsay EVENTS Check website for upcoming events. Sept Harvest Festival

CLOSED New Year’s Day, Christmas Day TASTING FEE $5.00; $8.00 with commemorative glass WINERIES NEARBY Midnight Run Wine Cellars: 6.7 miles A gust of Sun Winery: 2.4 miles

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

A VIEW TO REMEMBER! THE NEW

Schimschack’s

R ESTAU R AN T

BREAKFAST • BRUNCH • LUNCHEON DINNER • SIT DOWN BUFFET • CATERING

Weddings • Showers • Reunions • Funerals • Business Meetings

The Brookside Banquets www.brooksidebanquets.com

Plenty of Free Parking 2990 Lockport Olcott Road, Newfane

778-8500

Dinner is served year-round. Visit our website for hours and gift certificates. www.schimschacks.com

2942 UPPER MOUNTAIN RD., SANBORN 716-731-4111

R E S TA U R A N T • B A R • C AT E R I N G

80 MAIN STREET, SUITE G

8 0 M AL OI CNK P OSRTT ,RNEY E 1T4 0, 9 4S U I T E G 16.201.1859 L O C K P7 O RT, NY 14094 W W7 W .1M 6 E R.I 2 C A0 NA 1- N. 1Y . C8O5M 9 W W W. M E R I C A N A - N Y. C O M

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ 50

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

T H E

C O N V I V I A L

TA B L E

The Versatility of Niagara Wine By Michael Chelus he Niagara Wine Trail members offer a diverse selection of wines and ciders. The versatility of these offerings is best demonstrated when paired with a great meal where the characteristics of the food and beverages are displayed in a way that accentuates and elevates both.

To demonstrate this, the Wine Trail members were asked to select their products they felt would best pair with a four-course meal prepared by Chef Carmelo Raimondi of Carmelo’s Restaurant in Lewiston. Chef Raimondi, a self-taught chef and restaurateur who has been running his restaurant in the same spot in the Village of Lewiston since 1993, has a passion for using the finest local products in his cooking and presenting them in a simple, yet elegant fashion that allows the ingredients to shine. Each course was paired with two wines of those suggested by the wineries that paired best.

BRAISED LAMB WITH CREAMED FENNEL, MINT GREMOLATA, RICOTTA & ENGLISH PEAS Serves 4 Extra-virgin olive oil 4 lamb shanks (about 1-1/4 lbs. each) Kosher salt 1 large Spanish onion or 2 small yellow onions, cut into 1-inch dice 3 carrots, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch dice 3 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch dice 4 cloves garlic 1 (12-ounce) can tomato paste 2 cups hearty red wine 2 tablespoons rosemary leaves, finely chopped

10 to 12 thyme branches, tied in a bundle 3 to 4 cups water 4 bay leaves Gremolata: 1 lemon, zested 1/4 cup finely chopped mint leaves 1 small garlic clove, minced 1 cup fresh peas 1/2 cup fresh ricotta

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large Dutch oven generously with olive oil and bring to a high heat. Season the shanks generously with salt and add them to the pan. Brown well on all sides. This is an incredibly important step; do not rush it. Meanwhile, puree the onions, carrots, celery and garlic in a food processor until it becomes a coarse paste. Remove and set aside. Remove the shanks from the pan to a sheet tray. Discard the excess fat from the pan. Add a little more oil to coat the bottom of the pan and add the pureed vegetables. Season with salt to taste. Sauté the vegetables until they are very brown and aromatic, about 20 minutes. The brown vegetables should form a crust on the bottom of the pan, but do not let this burn; it is where a lot of the flavor is! Don’t rush this step either, since this is where you will develop the brown color and flavor.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Arrowhead Spring Vineyards

Add the tomato paste and brown for 5 minutes. Stir in the red wine, chopped rosemary and thyme bundle. Stir frequently and cook until the wine has reduced by about half.

The first course was an antipasti course featuring Chef Raimondi’s scratch-made foods. The course contained several house-cured salumi made from heritage pork raised by T-Meadow Farm in Lockport, and slaughtered at Dispenza’s Meat Market and Slaughterhouse in Ransomville. The selection of salumi included lardo, pancetta, guanciale, coppa, mortadella, culatello, ’nduja, pork liver pâté and finocchio. The course also contained house-made pickles, house-made mostarda, diced dried apples from Singer Farms in Appleton, and a sliced apple from Lynoaken Farms in Mendina.

Add the shanks back to the pot and pour in 3 to 4 cups of water. The shanks should be submersed, if they are not, add more water. Add the bay leaves to the pan. Cover and put in the preheated oven. Cook for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, turning the shanks over about halfway through the cooking time. Check the shanks every 45 minutes or so. If the liquid has reduced too much add more water. Remove excess fat as you go. Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking time for maximum browning. When the shanks are done, the meat should be tender. Add peas to braising liquid. Gremolata In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and set aside until ready to use.

recipe continued on page 59

The bright acidity and floral notes in the 2012 Reserve Series Riesling from Leonard Oakes Estate Winery cleansed the palate well between bites of the rich meat. The Lock 67 Frontenac from Flight of Five Winery, served slightly cooled, was reminiscent of a still Lambrusco, showing plentiful cherry notes as well as a small

continued on page 59

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

SEEDLINGS WHAT’S NEW TO BUY, TRY, OR DO

BLO G GE D & NOTE D:

CHIL L ING BY DESIG N

Keep up with the Niagara Wine Trail USA all year long for the latest on winery news, awards and events. Follow the blog, Behind the Bottle, at:

Great ideas are born when you recognize a problem. For Matt Baack, the innovator of Angle 33 Wine Thermals, the problem was a sopping mess involving a bottle of Chardonnay and a melting bucket of ice at an upscale restaurant. Thus, using the natural laws of thermal mass and his years of expertise in the cement business, the streamlined, elegant design of Angle 33 Wine Thermals was born. These functional concrete wine chillers will maintain cellar temperature inside and out—without the hassle of ice—even in the heat of summer. Eco-friendly and handcrafted in the U.S., they’re available in 12 sophisticated colors, perfect for outdoor entertaining. No water, no ice, no sweat – even the bottle’s label will remain intact. Available at www.angle33.com

niagarawinetrail.wordpress.com

M A R KING M ILES TO NES Join in the fun as Niagara Wine Trail wineries mark their special anniversaries with celebratory events. The Winery at Marjim Manor is kicking off their 10th anniversary with a bash on Saturday, August 2, followed by a lineup of special events on the 10th of each month. A Gust of Sun Winery & Vineyard, just three years young, is celebrating with an anniversary party on Saturday, August 16. And Becker Farms, a fixture in Gasport since 1894, is honoring its deep-rooted history by celebrating its 120th year in the community! Stop by to congratulate the Vizcarra family on this major milestone and be sure to sample some of their new wines, ciders, and craft beers too. For details visit the winery websites.

E-V-O-OH! A new line of Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars from Black Willow Winery makes its savory debut this season, with varietals to satisfy the culinary artist in us all. Choose from the more delicate extra-virgin Spanish olive oils to the versatile, flavorinfused Blood Orange, Tuscan Herb, Roasted Garlic, or Wild Mushroom and Sage for unexpected flavor in marinades, salads and rubs. Pair them with the traditional 18-year Aged Balsamic, or go bold with sumptuous flavors like Dark Chocolate, Black Mission Fig, Pomegranate, Blackberry-Ginger, or Cinnamon Pear. Like a little heat? Try the Organic Serrano Honey Balsamic for a splash of extra spicy flavor! Find them at the tasting bar at Black Willow Winery. Shipping available. www.blackwillowwinery.com

FUN SUMMER SPARKLERS You don’t need a special reason to celebrate with these deliciously crafted bubbly wines from the Niagara Wine Trail wineries. These easy-breezy, affordable quaffers are perfect accompaniments for the lazy, hazy days ahead. Try Cerise, with a sweet-tart burst of cherry from Leonard Oakes Estate Winery; Crackling Niagara, a sweeter, intensely fruity wine from Schulze Vineyards & Winery; the sensuously crisp Sparkling Vidal from Vizcarra Vineyards; or The Winery at Marjim Manor’s upcoming release, Once Upon a Time, with a crisp, just-picked apple effervescence. All are fizzy and superbly refreshing!

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NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

MOVIES q

BOOKS q

CEMENT SUITCASE: A BREAKOUT OF A RUT FILM

THE WO RL D ATL AS OF WINE 7TH EDITIO N

While many films explore the “stuck in a rut” theme, writer and director J. Rick Castaneda’s Cement Suitcase is a comedy stand-out, with well-executed filmography, a spectacular cast and a perfect balance of serious undertones blended with outright laughs. Filmed in Washington State’s rural wine country, Cement Suitcase is centered around Franklin (Dwayne Bartholomew)— the best tasting room manager in Yakima Valley—whose life has become “stuck” like the sediment at the bottom of a wine barrel. His co-workers despise him, his girlfriend (Kristina Guerrero) is cheating on him; he’s broke, about to lose his home, has lost ambition and self-respect. When he meets his girlfriend’s other guy (Shawn Parsons), and a daffy roommate Jackford (Nathan Sapsford) literally breaks into his life, Frank’s fading will and humdrum existence becomes more than “red and white.” The humorous events throughout Cement Suitcase lead its main character to self-discovery and a decision to leave his baggage behind, while movie viewers follow his poignant journey with laughs—and perhaps a sip of reality. Cement Suitcase is an unconventional comedy with a polished look, quality cast of quirky characters, and a fresh new take on an old theme. Not surprisingly, this film has won numerous awards on the festival circuit and has garnered much critical acclaim. Oenophiles have also embraced the film and the filmmaker. “I hadn’t seen a lot of films that took place in a winery, and I thought it would be a great place to set a film. And boy am I glad I did … the wine community has really reach[ed] out to this film and made us feel like family,” notes director Rick Castaneda. Feeling stuck? Cork open your favorite bottle of wine, download Cement Suitcase and settle in to taste some great entertainment. Buy or rent on iTunes and Amazon, or visit www.cementsuitcase.com Bring the movie to your town: www.tugg.com/titles/cement-suitcase Catch a screening of Cement Suitcase at Arrowhead Spring Vineyards on June 19. www.arrowheadsprings.com Character Study

Hugh Johnson & Jancis Robinson

Much has changed in the world of wine since The World Atlas of Wine was first published in 1971. The new 400-page seventh edition chronicles emerging wine trends with an updated, fresh look as well. For the first time in its 43-year history, the complete work is also available as an iPad eBook with its dynamic text, stunning photographs, charts and maps brought to life in beautiful back-lit color. The World Atlas of Wine is widely recognized by critics and experts as the most authoritative wine resource available, but its accessible, unpretentious approach and bold infographic style confirms its rightful place on both the well-versed and beginner wine buff’s bookshelf. Acclaimed wine writers Jancis Robinson and Hugh Johnson help readers maneuver the complicated subjects of rising wine regions, climate change, consumer tastes, and new winemaking techniques in an enjoyable style, punctuated with specially created charts and more than 200 maps. The World Atlas of Wine takes a comprehensive look at the world and explores more than seventy North American vineyards, including for the first time, northern Virginia. Just two pages are dedicated to the wine regions of New York State, with the Niagara Escarpment region garnering a mention for its Vidal icewines. Since its first release, the Atlas has been published in over 15 languages, with more than 4.5 million copies sold worldwide, but never before has navigating worldwide wine trends been more accessible with the addition of the digital version. On the road of wine, this definitive atlas paves the way. Published by Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. | $55.00 iPad eBook | $29.99 www.worldatlasofwine.com

continued from page 9

Walking around Vizcarra Vineyards at Becker Farms is like strolling through a small rural town square back before cars were invented. Antique farm equipment sits among several simple buildings with colorful signage pointing way to the wedding pavilion, farm animals for petting, a brewery, a bakery, a farm market, and a wine shop. The 120-year-old working farmstead’s wine sampling room is a cheerful, comfortable space that feels like an extension of a great-grandmother’s home. Instead of tea, friendly farm workers pour the winery’s signature fruit wines, familiar reds and whites, and a new Sinful Series of fortified port-style wines.

painted wine glasses and serving plates handmade by local artists, and fresh grapes and vegetables in the fall.

About half way between Buffalo and Rochester, Schwenk Wine Cellars is housed inside a big, blue metal barn with a giant painted “barn quilt” square that signifies their status as the only winery on the Country Barn Quilt Trail of Western New York. A red front door opens to a small tasting room with a homely feel. Cathy Schwenk can usually be found behind the kitchen counter-like tasting bar pouring the winery’s sweet to semi-sweet selections. Most are updated iterations of old family recipes passed down to Paul Schwenk from his grandfather and great-grandfather, who were both winemakers from Germany. A cozy gift area features

The tasting room is a warm, welcoming space with salmon-pink walls, a rosy cherry wood tasting bar and shelves of wine, pink-hued tile floors, a stone fountain, and plenty of light. Italian music fills the room. Above the spacious marble-topped bar, a large painting by Patrick Varallo depicts the small Italian town where his family came from. Smaller paintings and black-and-white photographs show the Italian countryside and family members pressing grapes. The old wooden press still sits back in the production room amidst shiny modern stainless steel equipment, a testament to the strength of this family’s winemaking heritage.

Winemaking is also a family affair at Spring Lake Winery at Varallo Vineyards. Three generations of the large Varallo clan can be found trimming vines, raking the property’s park-like lawns surrounding a spring-fed lake, pouring their signature dry, Italian-style wines, or setting up for a wedding on the back patio. Even 90-year-old Nonna Francesca is at work back in the kitchen, where she refuses to share her secret biscotti recipe with the rest of the family.

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NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

LYNOAKEN on FARMS theRidge Gift Shop and Farm Market

2714 Main St. Rte. 78 Newfane, NY SHOPPE HOURS

Tues. 10-4 Wed. 10-4 Thurs. 12-6 Fri. 10-4 Sat. 10-4

Shoppe On Main A gallery style shoppe, featuring over 50 local artists & craftsmen. On the Niagara Wine Trail. www.ShoppeOnMain.com

and Heritage U-Pick starting again in the the Fall of 2014

585-798-1060

lynoakenfarms.com lynoak enfarms.com

10609 Ridge Road Med Medina, ina, NY 14103

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

Find us on Facebook

.COM WNY’s PREMIER GELATO

www.BarkerChocolateBox.com

Open 7 days a week

June 20 Late Night at the Winery A Gust of Sun Winery & Vineyard 4515 Baer Rd., Ransomville www.agustofsun.com Special after-hours wine tastings. June 20 Gallery Five Opening Reception Flight of Five Winery 2 Pine St., Lockport FlightofFiveWinery.com Featuring the works of Michael Connelly. June 20 Viva Roma Toga Party! Spring Lake Winery 7373 Rochester Rd., Lockport www.springlakewinery.com A toga party to kick off the summer! June 22, July 1, and July 20 Krafts with Kelley The Winery at Marjim Manor 7171 E. Lake Rd., Appleton www.marjimmanor.com Wine-related crafts with refreshments. July 12 LynOaken Open Market Leonard Oakes Estate Winery

10609 Ridge Rd., Medina www.oakeswinery.com July 17 Wood-Fired Pizza Event Arrowhead Spring Vineyards 4746 Town Line Rd., Lockport ArrowheadSpring.com July 26 Christmas in July Schwenk Wine Cellars 1456 Bills Rd., Kent schwenkwinecellars.com

PHOTO: Amanda Bieniecki

June 19 “Cement Suitcase” Movie Screening Arrowhead Spring Vineyards 4746 Town Line Rd., Lockport ArrowheadSpring.com See page 53

WINE COUNTRY EVENTS

WINERY & CIDERY HAPPENINGS

ON THE NIAG ARA U SA WINE TR AIL Sip, sample, solve a murder mystery. . . celebrate wine season all year long. Don’t miss these annual Wine Trail events! June 13–15 Wine & Cheese Weekend Artisan cheese and wine paired perfectly during Father’s Day weekend! Tickets are valid for all three days, and include a tasting of three wines and cheese samples at each participating winery, plus a commemorative glass. July 26–27 Wine & Culinary Festival | Academy Park, Lewiston The Trail’s 6th annual premier wine and culinary event, not to be missed! September 19–21 Harvest Fest Celebrate harvest season with wine and food! Tickets are valid for all three days and include a tasting of three wines and sample of harvest-themed cuisine at each participating winery, plus a commemorative wine glass. October 17–19 Hallowine Murder Mystery Weekend Celebrate Halloween with a “Madd Hatter” murder mystery. Come as yourself or in costume. Collect the clues and interview suspects at each winery to solve the mystery. Tickets are valid for all three days and include wine tasting at each participating winery and a commemorative glass. November 7–10 Share the Bounty An annual charitable event to benefit local food banks, food pantries, and charities. Each winery will have a different donation fee for their tasting. December 5–7 and December 12–14 Holiday Happening Collect a different ornament at each of the participating wineries to make a complete set! Enjoy three tastes of wine at each winery, and receive a commemorative wine glass at your first stop. Tickets are valid each day of the two-weekend event.

V I S I T W W W. N I A G A R A W I N E T R A I L . O R G F O R D E T A I L S & T I C K E T S

continued on page 57

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

RESOURCES Support these local businesses and let them know you saw them in Niagara USA Wine Magazine. ATTRACTION 1 Aquarium of Niagara

LODGING 12 Brookins Inn & Suites

www.aquariumofniagara.org Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village

Old Fort Niagara

Lake Ontario Brewery

Senator George Maziarz Niagara County Community College (VESTA)

LynOaken Farms

Watt Farms Country Market

www.wattfarms.com

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

Old City Hall Tea Parlor

50 59 50 50 54

www.BarkerChocolateBox.com

BC 20

Schimschack’s Restaurant

www.schimschacks.com 21

Sweet Melody’s Italian Gelateria 54

www.sweet-melodys.com

58 22

The Wilson House Restaurant & Inn

Main Liquor Store

The Wine & Liquor Outlet

Zambistro

www.zambistro.com

www.wineandliquoroutlet.com TRANSPORTATION Bedore Tours

www.bedoretours.com Grand Tours and Ridge Road Express

grsbuses.com The Limousine Service

www.TheLimousineService.us Metropolitan Limousines

www.MetLimos.com Misty Thunder Limousine Service

www.MistyThunderlimo.com Timkey Limousine Company

www.timkeylimo.com

www.thewilsonhouserestaurant.com 58

585-798-0506

www.mericana-ny.com

lynoakenfarms.com 11

Lighthouse Grill -n-Spirits

18 Mericana

www.brownsberrypatch.com 10

Carmelo’s Restaurant

www.GatesCircleLiquor.com 26

www.lighthousegrillnspirits.com

amvizcarra@niagaracc.suny.edu FARM MARKET 9 Brown’s Berry Patch

maziarz.nysenate.gov 8

RESTAURANT 15 The Brookside Banquets

WINE & LIQUOR SHOPS 25 Gates Circle Wine & Liquor

www.carmelos-restaurant.com

www.NiagaraRiverRegion.com 7

Red Coach Inn

www.brooksidebanquets.com

www.LakeOntarioWinery.com COMMUNITY 6 Niagara River Region Chamber

www.RedCoach.com

www.beckerfarms.com 5

Lockport Inn & Suites

www.ShoppeOnMain.com

www.lockportinnandsuites.com

www.oldfortniagara.org BREWERY 4 Becker Brewing Company

SHOPS 24 Shoppe on Main

BrookinsInn.com

www.bnhv.org 3

Numbers correspond to location on map. See inside back cover.

Misty Thunder

WINE COUNTRY EVENTS

LIMOUSINE SERVICE

Serving all of WNY & Canada

ALL OCCASIONS

Weddings • Nights on the Town • Proms Sightseeing • Airport Service • Toronto Excursions Corporate Accounts • Gift Certificates Featuring USA & Canadian Wine Tours

Buses • Bus Limos • SUV Limos Why Risk a D.W.I.?

NORTHTOWNS

297-4413

SOUTHTOWNS

OFFERING: Vans • Sedans Party Buses Stretch Limos Stretch SUV Limos

628-3828

www.mistythunderlimo.com

Family Owned & Operated • 24 Hour Prompt Service 7 Days A Week Worldwide Reservations • Corporate Account Specialist

Wine Country Events continued from page 55 August 8 Late Night at the Winery A Gust of Sun Winery 4515 Baer Rd., Ransomville Special after-hours tastings.

September Harvest Festival HoneymoonTrail Winery 4120 Ridge Road, Lockport

August 9 2nd Annual Old-Fashioned Corn Roast Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery 3617 Lower Mtn. Rd., Sanborn A fun night under the stars.

September–October Labor Day Harvest Festival, Concord Stomp, Octoberfest, Pumpkin Fiesta Vizcarra Vineyards 3724 Quaker Rd., Gasport Celebrate the harvest season!

August 16 Anniversary Party A Gust of Sun Winery 4515 Baer Rd., Ransomville 3rd anniversary celebration!

October 5 Haunted Victorian Tea The Winery at Marjim Manor 7171 E. Lake Rd., Appleton Hear tales of the Manor’s spirits.

August 16 Dining in the Vines Midnight Run Wine Cellars 3301 Braley Rd., Ransomville An elegant 5-course meal with wine in the vineyard.

October 18–20, 25–27 Haunted Hayride Vizcarra Vineyards 3724 Quaker Rd., Gasport

SPECIALIZING IN WINE TOUR PACKAGES

August 24 3rd Annual Summer Cider Celebration BlackBird Cider Works 8503 Lower Lake Rd., Barker Orchard tours, country barbeque, and cider on tap. August 30 4th Annual Steampunk Fest Leonard Oakes Estate Winery

10609 Ridge Rd., Medina Fire show, food trucks, circus acts, fireworks, cider and beer.

December 14 Holiday Victorian Tea The Winery at Marjim Manor 7171 E. Lake Rd., Appleton Customs and foods from around the world.

– Bedore Tours fleet has various vehicle sizes: shuttles, mini-buses, 39- and 56-passenger motor coaches – Charter vehicles for any occasion, local or across the country and Canada – Customizes one day and multi-day group tours Call: 716-696-3200 | 800-538-8433 Visit our website: www.bedoretours.com

December Italian Christmas Spring Lake Winery 7373 Rochester Rd., Lockport

Scan to keep up with winery events:

Get fresh with us!

Pick Your Own Fruit Ice Cream & Deli Country Marketplace Family Fun

Open Daily May 1st – October 31st 14264 Roosevelt Hwy (Rt.18) Waterport, NY 14571

585-682-5569 www.brownsberrypatch.com

NI AGA RA U SA W I NE MAGAZ I NE

MA R K E TP L AC E Lighthouse Motel 1563 Jackson Street Olcott, New York 14126 (716) 778-7270

Motel Efficiencies Furnished 2-room apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and cable tv.

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ESTATE TOURS t 6- - Just 20 minutes south of Buffalo on Lake Erie

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Grow with the Niagara Wine Trail USA Advertise in

NIAGARA USA WINE MAGAZINE ads@niagarawinemag.com 58

NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

Convivial Table continued from page 51

Creamed Fennel

1 small onion, sliced thin 1 fennel or anise bulb (about 3/4-lb.), trimmed and sliced thin 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 grates of nutmeg

1/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese About 1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons Sherry

In a skillet, cook onion and sliced fennel in 2 tablespoons of the butter, covered, over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for 12 minutes, or until the fennel is just tender. Stir in the Sherry and boil the mixture, uncovered, for 1 minute. Stir in the cream, cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring, adding the water as needed to thin the sauce if desired, for 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and keep it warm. To serve: Transfer creamed fennel to serving plates, top with braised lamb shank and garnish with braising liquid, gremolata, peas and ricotta.

amount of residual sugar which paired very well with the herbs and spices used to cure the salumi. For his second course, Chef Raimondi prepared a scratch-made pasta – Spaghetti alla Chitarra – with a “Sicilian Pesto” of almonds, mint, San Marzano tomatoes, garlic and Parmigiano Reggiano. The Trilogy White (NV) from Black Willow Winery, a blend of Chardonnay, Cayuga and Gewürztraminer, offered good acidity and tropical fruit notes on the palate that paired nicely with the mint and almonds. The 2Amoré from Chateau Niagara Winery, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offered nice acidity and cherry fruit that cut through the richness of the cheese and pasta. The third course featured a braised lamb shank topped with a mint gremolata served with English peas, housemade ricotta and creamed fennel. The richness of the lamb was a natural pair for the 2011 Syrah from Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, given its bold white pepper and blackberry notes. The cassis notes of the 2011 Cabernet Franc from Eveningside Vineyards made it another great pairing with the dish.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Arrowhead Spring Vineyards

Chef Raimondi ended the meal with a vanilla bean and peppercorn Panna Cotta. The Panna Cotta was rich and creamy, with a hint of spice. Full of floral notes, the 2011 Block Three Ice Wine from Schulze Vineyards elevated each bite of the rich dessert. Another great pairing was the 2013 Eveningside Semi-Dry Riesling, which offered sweetness and a dose of acidity that matched well.

Lockport Inn & Suites

• 90 Guest Rooms • Fireplaces & Jacuzzi Suites • In-room Refrigerators, Microwaves & Coffeemakers • Free Movies • A/C • Phone • Voicemail

• Complimentary In-room Wireless High Speed Internet • Swimming Pool • Hairdryers, Irons & Boards • Restaurants within Walking Distance • Conference Rooms • Fitness Center

(20 Minutes From Buffalo Airport)

716-434-5595 315 S. TRANSIT LOCKPORT 877-465-4100 • www.lockportinnandsuites.com

rustic with love Home Grown – Hand Picked Hand Made 425 Center Street Lewiston, NY Call for Reservations 716.754.2311

No matter the choice of food, you’ll be able to find something from the Niagara Wine Trail to not only pair with it, but to elevate it to a higher level.

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Carmelo’s Restaurant | 716-754-2311 | carmelos-restaurant.com 425 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092

www.carmelos−restaurant.com NIAGARA USA WINE • 2014

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Get Exploring! The Niagara Wine Trail USA has been busy branching out in new directions, and visitors with a taste for adventure should do the same. New wineries, new associate members, and new experiences await! The entire Trail has been split into Ridge and Lake sections, allowing for an expansion to 20 primary establishments reaching into new territory. The Trail also has attracted dozens of associate members, offering everything from lodging to dining to transportationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all eager to make a visit enticing and complete. What does this geography lesson mean to the average visitor? It means a wealth of nearby opportunities to round out a day or weekend of sampling fun, native fruit wines like apple or peach, or quality European specialties, from dry to sweet. This Wine Trail has it all, and what follows is just a â&#x20AC;&#x153;tasteâ&#x20AC;? of what might also be found off the beaten path.

OPEN DAILY Y 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (716) 285-3575 9LVLW XV RQOLQH DQG Â´OLNH XVÂľ RQ ) DFHERRN w w w.aquariumofniagara.org

How about an overnight stay in a (possibly haunted) lighthouse? Check out Thirty Mile Lighthouse, perched on the shores of Lake Ontario in Golden Hill State Park, Barker, with yearround accommodations. And speaking of state parks, why not hike a gorge with the help of the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation staff, with numerous programs at area locations? For more ideas of what to do, visit: www.niagara-usa.com. Now that the Wine Trail has extended further into Orleans County, which includes Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and Schwenk Wine Cellars, how about a stop at the R. H. Newell Building, 115 W. Center St., Medina? This 1876 gem was once a high-end, custom shirt factory, and now hosts a cafĂŠ, outdoor lounge and the Hart House Hotel. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget a visit to the Medina Railroad Museum. History comes alive at two popular spots in the region, with the help of interpreters dressed in period costume against the backdrop of historic buildings. Both offer daily visits as well as special events. Visit Old Fort Niagara in Youngtown, occupied through three centuries by France, Great Britain and the United States. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village in Amherst, whose popular Scottish Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary on August 16. During the weekend of July 26â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27, plan to visit the Trailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine and Culinary Festival in Academy Park in Lewiston, which offers you a chance to sample the wares of all 20 Trail members at one site. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sure to whet your appetite for follow-up visits to your favorite wineries. A quiet little gem in Niagara Falls, close to the mighty cataracts, is Oakwood Cemetery and its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stunters Rest,â&#x20AC;? the section set aside for the daredevils who have tried to tame the falls. Look for the grave of Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to go over the falls in a barrel and survive in 1901! And a visit to nearby Buffalo offers the chance for a couple of new experiences, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;STOREHOUSE,â&#x20AC;? a dynamic performance planned by Torn Space Theater designed for the warehouse and outside grounds of Silo City on August 22â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24. While in Buffalo, set aside time for a boat, bus, bike or walking tour with Buffalo Tours, through Preservation Buffalo Niagara. For more information, go to www.visitbuffaloniagara.com. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get out on the Trail and get exploring!

NIAGARA USA WINE â&#x20AC;˘ 2014

â&#x20AC;˘

BlackBird Cider Works

LAKE ONTARIO k Rd W. Cree

Black Willow Winery

Winery at Marjim Manor

17 Victorianbourg Wine Estate

THE REGION

NIAGARA WINE TRAIL USA

Schulze Vineyards & Winery

Chateau Niagara Winery

Ewings Rd

24 12 15 Midnight Run Wine Cellars

Vizcarra Vineyards

Niagara Landing Wine Cellars

W. Center St

Honeymoon Trail Winery A Gust of Sun Winery

6 20

Freedom Run Winery

Eveningside Vineyards

23 26

Spring Lake Winery

7 29

Long Cliff Winery

N. Main Street

Leonard Oakes Estate Winery

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards

Flight of Five Winery

21 18 13 27

NEW YORK

14 to 25

Schwenk Wine Cellars

Lake Ontario Winery Hamlin Center Road

West Ave

East

Ave

e Stre

to 56

Ridge Region

Lake Region Black Willow Winery 5565 West Lake Road Burt, NY 14028 www.blackwillowwinery.com

Schulze Vineyards & Winery 2090 Coomer Road Burt, NY 14028 www.schulzewines.com

A Gust of Sun Winery & Vineyard 4515 Baer Road Ransomville, NY 14131 www.agustofsun.com

Leonard Oakes Estate Winery 10609 Ridge Road Medina, NY 14103 www.oakeswinery.com

BlackBird Cider Works 8503 Lower Lake Road Barker, NY 14012 BlackBirdCiders.com

Schwenk Wine Cellars/ Mallard Point 1456 Bills Road Kent, NY 14477 www.schwenkwinecellars.com

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards 4746 Town Line Road Lockport, NY 14094 ArrowheadSpring.com

Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery 3617 Lower Mountain Road Sanborn, NY 14132 www.longcliffwinery.com

Eveningside Vineyards 4794 Lower Mountain Road Cambria, NY 14094 eveningside.com

Niagara Landing Wine Cellars 4434 Van Dusen Road Lockport, NY 14094 www.NiagaraLanding.com

Flight of Five Winery 2 Pine Street Lockport, NY 14094 FlightofFiveWinery.com

Spring Lake Winery 7373 Rochester Road Lockport, NY 14094 www.springlakewinery.com

Freedom Run Winery 5138 Lower Mountain Road Lockport, NY 14094 www.FreedomRunWinery.com

Vizcarra Vineyards 3724 Quaker Road Gasport, NY 14067 beckerfarms.com

Chateau Niagara Winery 2466 West Creek Road Newfane, NY 14108 www.ChateauNiagaraWinery.com Lake Ontario Winery & Vineyards 1593 Hamlin Parma Townline Road Hilton, NY 14468 LakeOntarioWinery.com Midnight Run Wine Cellars 3301 Braley Road Ransomville, NY 14131 www.midnightrunwines.com

Victorianbourg Wine Estate 4402 East Lake Road Wilson, NY 14172 www.victorianbourg.com The Winery at Marjim Manor 7171 East Lake Road Appleton, NY 14008 www.MarjimManor.com

Numbers on map correspond to Resources on page 56.

Honeymoon Trail Winery 4120 Ridge Road Lockport, NY 14094 HoneymoonTrailWinery.com

ente E. C