BY Stephanie Specchio
WATKINS GLEN--Wineries from throughout the region are participating in the 26th annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival at Watkins Glen International, Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9. The event features more than 50 wineries, cideries, and distilleries, including local favorites like Glenora Wine Cellars and Lakewood Vineyards and those who travel from farther away, like Thousand Islands Winery, based in Alexandria Bay, New York. The event typically draws crowds from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Connecticut along with local supporters throughout New York. Over the weekend, participants will enjoy comedy shows, live music, mentalist presentations, and ice carvings.
In addition, a variety of other events unfold during the weekend, some of which require additional admission tickets. For example, the festival kicks off on Friday evening at 5 p.m., July 7, with the Launch of the Lakes where the traditional toga contest is held and Bacchus, the God of Wine, blesses the Festival. This annual event includes wine samples, live music, and fireworks and does require an additional ticket.
After a day of tasting libations, it may be time for a feast. If so, attendees can purchase a ticket for the Taster’s Banquet, held on Saturday night. This is a multi-course meal that features wine pairings and highlights wines from the Finger Lakes region.
According to New York Wine & Grape Foundation, New York supports more than 35,000 acres of vineyards and the industry has a $6.65 billion economic impact.
For more information, including to purchase tickets and answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.flwinefest.com. One-day passes are $53 and two-day tickets are $58 online. A designated driver option is also available for $33.
WATKINS GLEN--Wineries from throughout the region are participating in the 26th annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival at Watkins Glen International, Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9. The event features more than 50 wineries, cideries, and distilleries, including local favorites like Glenora Wine Cellars and Lakewood Vineyards and those who travel from farther away, like Thousand Islands Winery, based in Alexandria Bay, New York. The event typically draws crowds from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Connecticut along with local supporters throughout New York. Over the weekend, participants will enjoy comedy shows, live music, mentalist presentations, and ice carvings.
In addition, a variety of other events unfold during the weekend, some of which require additional admission tickets. For example, the festival kicks off on Friday evening at 5 p.m., July 7, with the Launch of the Lakes where the traditional toga contest is held and Bacchus, the God of Wine, blesses the Festival. This annual event includes wine samples, live music, and fireworks and does require an additional ticket.
After a day of tasting libations, it may be time for a feast. If so, attendees can purchase a ticket for the Taster’s Banquet, held on Saturday night. This is a multi-course meal that features wine pairings and highlights wines from the Finger Lakes region.
According to New York Wine & Grape Foundation, New York supports more than 35,000 acres of vineyards and the industry has a $6.65 billion economic impact.
For more information, including to purchase tickets and answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.flwinefest.com. One-day passes are $53 and two-day tickets are $58 online. A designated driver option is also available for $33.
