Exploring Finger Lakes Wine Country from the Comfort of Your Couch with Maiah Johnson Dunn
My Mother is the consummate host. She learned her skills from her Mom, my Nanny, who used to throw epic parties filled with good food, good wine, and great company. Over the years as Nanny aged, the celebrations shifted to my childhood home. From holidays to birthday parties to gatherings both happy and sad, my Mom hosted them all.
When I flew the coop and moved from Boston to Rochester with my husband, we kept the tradition alive. Turns out, I’ve grown to believe there is no better way to spend time than in your cozy place with your favorite people.
As a lover of food and wine, my gatherings always involve both, and I delight in introducing friends to Finger Lakes offerings. There’s excitement in the joint discovery of a snappy and delicious bubbly, a bright and fruit-forward rosé, or an artfully crafted red wine from upstate New York.
Our eleven narrow Finger Lakes were carved from glaciers that took repeated roundtrip journeys from Canada to New York during the ice ages. Alongside Great Lakes Erie and Ontario, they moderate both cool and warm weather throughout the year. The result is incredibly fertile land initially discovered by the Haudenosaunee (or Iroquois Nation) over 10,000 years ago that’s now home to a thriving wine country.
Though the land has been farmed for longer than most can fathom, there is still so much more to discover. Over the years, I’ve learned that the journey is half the fun and exploring with friends makes it even sweeter.
From girl’s night in to the housewarming you’ve been dreaming of, here's a list of great local wines to explore this season!
For Ladies Night In
There’s nothing better than a potluck dinner of your favorite foods around the intimate radius of a coffee table while you catch up with your friends. With a smorgasbord to enjoy and several palates to please, seek versatility in your wine pairing. For great value and easy drinking, Bubbly Candeo by Lakewood Vineyards ($14) on Seneca Lake is an off-dry sparkling wine. This prosecco-style bubbly is delicious in a mimosa or on its own.
For TACO NIGHT
A build-your-own taco bar is the ultimate host hack. With a variety of options, it becomes an interactive and fun experience that keeps your guests in control of their plates. For the perfect pairing, check out Osmote Wine’s 2023 Pocket Wine ($27), a 1.5L “bagnum” of Cayuga White with a touch of Melody. This wine is a celebration of hybrid grapes in the Finger Lakes region that tastes like a cold margarita in a bag.
For The (Long Awaited) Housewarming
POV: You purchased a fixer-upper at the height of the pandemic real estate market and had great intentions of DIYing all your renovations. Two years later and you’re crawling to the finish line for a well-deserved glass of bubbly (...just my husband and I?). Consider the 2015 Heart and Hands Wine Company Blanc de Blanc ($46), a new release for this Cayuga Lake based producer. With notes of brioche, almond, stone fruits, and lemon curd, this Methode Champenoise sparkling wine feels opulent and necessary for toasting to a new home (and your best self-made charcuterie board).
For The LAST SUMMER BBQ
Whether you order in (Bubby’s Barbecue, anyone?) or grill yourself, you can’t go wrong with the depth of flavor that comes from an authentic char. Pair the crispy edges of flank steak or portobello mushrooms over the coals with a 2021 Usonia Blaufränkisch ($28). This beautifully aromatic red wine with notes of dark cherries and smokiness does especially well with these complimentary flavors.
For A SOFT PANTS DATE NIGHT
Yes, it’s nice to get dressed up for a night out on the town, but a planned soft pants night at home can’t be beat. Cue up your next episode of The Bear and open Geneva’s Trestle 31’s 2022 Chardonnay ($38). Owner and winemaker, Nova Cadamatre is a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Honoree and rising star in the wine world. Her precision in the glass is equivalent to Carmy’s precision on the plate.
TIP FROM MAIAH: Sure, you can find a fair amount of local New York wine at your liquor store (if not, ask for them!) but the best way to support wineries is to purchase direct. Hop in the car and spend a Saturday in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Driving along the rolling hills of grapevines and catching glimpses of the lakes while you tasting room hop is good for your soul. Plus, who knows what you might discover worth sharing at your next house-hang.
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