Wine and Culinary FAQ's

Wineries - Tastings & Tours | Gotta Taste It | Homegrown & Handmade
New York Wine and Culinary Center | Finger Lakin' Good | Routes 5 and 20 | Wine Packages

Q. Is transportation available for traveling along the wine trails for tastings?

A. One popular way to travel along the wine trails is by limousine and tour bus. This leaves the driving to someone else. There are a number of companies who provide winery tours.

Q. Why is the Finger Lakes known for its wine making? What is the specialty?

A. The Finger Lakes has a perfect climate and soils for grape growing, as well as a long tradition in winemaking. The specialty is Reisling, but as with other winemaking areas, there is a great diversity in offerings.

Q. What other foods is the Finger Lakes known for?

A. Driving the countryside shows the great variety of vegetables and fruits which prosper here. Among the best known? Cabbage, beets (and many other root vegetables), pumpkins, strawberries, and apples. Visit www.fingerlakesagriculture.com to get an overview of all the seasonal specialties.

Q. Are there guided tours for the wine trails or are they self guided?

A. There are both guided tours and self-guided tours available and vary according to transportation providers. Be sure to ask when scheduling your tour.

Q. How far apart are the wineries?

A. There are over 100 wineries in the Finger Lakes region. Some may be as far as 20 miles apart, but many are within a few minutes drive. The trails are organized around the lakes. Pick your trail by following your specific wine interest. Visit our site, www.fingerlakestrails.com to see other routes.

Q. Are the wineries open all year? What are the wineries' hours?

A. Most wineries are open all year, but may have limited hours. The hours vary among the individual wineries. It is always a good idea to call ahead.

Q. Is transportation available for traveling along the wine trails for tastings?

A. A popular way to travel along the wine trails is by limousine and tour bus. This leaves the driving to someone else. There are a number of companies who provide winery tours.

Q. What restaurants are on the lake?

A. Dining lakeside and sipping New York State wine is one of the favorite activities. Experiences vary, but start with a search here and choose on 'Lakeside' under Unique Settings

Q. Where can I get a grape pie?

A. Grape Pies are sold at a variety of places in the Naples areA. One of the best known is Monica's Pies, which is open year round. Other seasonal locations are at Gentner's Valley View, Arbor Hill Grapery, and many local farm stands during the harvest season in September and October. Be sure to ask at local restaurants if grape pie is a choice for dessert.

Q. When is the Naples Grape Festival?

A. The Naples Grape Festival is typically held the last weekend in September. This year's dates are September 29 and 30, 2007 Contact Information: 585-374-2240 www.naplesvalleyny.com

Q. What is the phone number for the New York Wine & Culinary Center?

A. The phone number is 585-394-7070; the website is www.nywcc.com