Wine classic will be held downtown

PENN YAN--Downtown Penn Yan will be the host site for the first Flights of Fancy Finger Lakes Wine Classic, Saturday, May 14 from 2 to 8 p.m. This tasting event is co-sponsored by the Penn Yan Rotary Club and the Yates County Chamber of Commerce, pairing Finger Lakes varietal wines and regional cuisine.
"We are expecting at least 1,000 people," Rotary Vice President Carol Worth said. Worth noted this event will be the inaugural wine classic for what they hope becomes an annual event. She added the response from wineries has been so big they cannot fit anymore, adding next year, they hope to make the event span two blocks.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Penn Yan Rotary Club's community programs, including the Keuka Outlet Trail. Worth said Rotary hopes to raise $10,000 in their first year.
Participating wineries include: Anthony Road Wine Company, Chateau Lafayette Reneau, Fox Run Vineyards, Fulkerson Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, Heron Hill Winery, Hunt Country Vineyards, Keuka Spring Vineyards, Knapp Winery, Lakewood Vineyards, McGregor Vineyard Winery, Miles Wine Cellars LLC, Ravines Wine Cellars, Rooster Hill Vineyards, Stever Hill Vineyards, Vineyard View Winery, Wagner Vineyards and Zugibe Vineyards, among others.
Food vendors will include La Cocina Mexican Grill, New York Wine and Culinary Center Class at Milly's Pantry, Penn Yan Diner, Ravinous Kitchen, Steve Owen's Classic Café and the Top of the Lake Restaurant, among others.
Tickets are available in advance for $25 (plus tax) or at the gate for $30 (plus tax). The admission fee includes a souvenir wine glass and tasting tickets to sample the several wine varieties. Food tickets will be sold separately with six food vendors available.
Entertainment will intersperse the day, with live performances by Artistic License, accented by the sounds of jazz and classic contemporary hits. Chef demonstrations will be held in the festival tent and three cooking classes in the commercial kitchen of Milly's Pantry.
For more, visit www.fingerlakeswineclassic.com or call 800-228-2760.