GAWT VI

Each year over the Columbus Day holiday, my family congregates in the Finger Lake region of New York state for what we affectionately call the Great American Wine Tour. Four of my Brooks cousins started this 6 years ago - many thanks Memory, Marcia, Marta, and Jacqui!

Each year is different: lake toured, wineries visited, family members attending - and this year my SIL, Chris, made us fabulous shirts. But, there are some things that remain the same: connecting with family, camraderie, and Memory's birthday.

This year, we chose the western side of Seneca Lake and visited a record 9 wineries. How are the wineries selected? Well, Brent does a little research through Wine Spectator and other wine publications to see who's getting good publicity. Then, a meeting of the minds occurs in the bus on the way to the first winery. As you can see, Marta, Brent, and Jacqui debate the pros and cons.... ....while Duane and Theresa peruse the most recent Seneca Lake Wine Trail guide.
The rest of us just sit back, enjoy the ride, and catch up with news. The big news this year is Maureen's engagement to Dickie. Here Jacqui congratulates Mo. The ring is gorgeous!

Our first stop was Fox Run, the previous scene of a "Brent faux-pax." Really, does that fox look like a cat to you?The 2006 Cabernet Franc/Lemberger here at Fox Run was yummy. Jacqui says, "This would be perfect with pepper encrusted steaks." The description for Fox Trot Red suggested it was a "fruity red wine blend of Cabernet Franc and Concord Grapes. Okay, I admit it, I turned my nose up at the concord grapes. But, Jacqui says, "don't prejudge." I took a deep cleansing breath, swirled, sniffed, tasted...yeah, Welches is okay for juice but not so good for wine! we did pick up their 2006 Pinot noir though. A little pricey but delish.

We were all in high spirits as we sported our new shirts. Obviously one of us was a little more excited than the rest!Back into the bus and on to Seneca Shore Wine cellars. This place is known for the medieval wines. I believe we picked up a Gewurztraminer Trimanette and their Reserve Port. Other reviews weren't so great: Jacqui says, "Their port tastes like cough medicine." And, you know it's not good when Mo says, "The no-oak chard smells like dirty feet."

Anthony Road has a beautiful garden and view of the lake. One pricey bottle of Herman Wiemer Riesling and we were on the road again.

At Prejean Winery we were looking for a place to picnic, but it was a no-go. After purchasing the 2007 Un-oaked Chardonnay (ugh) and a late harvest vignoles, our driver kindly snapped a photo of all of us.

We're all happy that Paul was able to join us this year. So....ya got your knees fixed and just passed the pain on to me?

Torrey Ridge Winery had a beautiful gazebo. Our race bus driver cut off the other bus who thought to picnic there. Brent and Mo ran like the wind to claim our picnic spot. It was perfect. Unfortunately, this winery is not. They have little to no customer service, they are rude, and quite frankly their wine isn't very good either. I didn't feel bad using their picnic spot and then not buying anything here.

If you love oak, you'll love Villa Bellangelo. We didn't purchase anything here, but thought their gewurztraminer was good. Jacqui says, "The White Scooter would be great with pancakes." Do you suppose it was something Dad drank?

It was a stupendous year for gewurztraminers and Glenora Wine Cellars had one worth buying too. We also picked up a sparkeling that was so-so, but I'm sure we'll enjoy. We picked up serveral selections at Fulkerson - Traminette and their Reserve Red. The best exchange of the day though was between Maureen and Memory:

Mo says, "Dornfelder's bouquet is like ass."
Memory responds, "Yeah, it's Bumfelder."

By the time we reached our 9th winery, Arcadian Estate Winery, the tasters were dropping like flies. There were only 7 of us and I think Dad's the only one who made a purchase.

Each year we wrap up the GAWT with dinner. This year, we chose the Red Newt, on the eastern shore of Seneca, and one of our favorite winteries. We were thrilled that Aunt Carolyn, cousin Paula and her husband Bill could join us for dinner. The food was fantastic, unfortunately, sorting out the bill was less than wonderful. But hey, we were all together for another year and what a great way to end the weekend.


Celebrating Memory's birthday has kind of become tradition for us. I thought the stirrups were a great gift, and so was shocked that she was so embarassed. We already have next year planned, but now I'm having second thoughts about it! Oh what the heck, it's just family! LOL!

Next year, GAWT VII - Keuka, here we come!