NEW YORK STATE'S FINGER LAKES WINE COUNTRY’S POPULAR “RIESLING TO VISIT” PASSPORT RETURNS FOR SUMMER 2008

Finger Lakes Wine Country, NY (June 2008 GrapeVineTrail) – Finger Lakes Wine Country’s popular “Riesling To Visit” passport program is back for year three, offering travelers a simple method to sample the region’s signature Rieslings.

Visitors can purchase the passport, valid until August 31, 2008, on www.senecalakewine.com and sample a flight of wine at 28 wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail for just CA $12.00 (plus 8% sales tax). Additionally, the passport contains discounts to area accommodations, restaurants and other related businesses all around the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. For more information, visit Seneca Lake Wine Trail’s Website: www.senecalakewine.com

With terrain markedly similar to that of the traditional home of Rieslings – Germany – Finger Lakes Rieslings have blossomed. A hot, moist summer in 2007 has generated a lot of buzz and garnered attention from some of the nation’s top wine critics. Wine Spectator’s annual report card gave the region an A- for the 2007 vintages with many wineries earning “Excellent” ratings by the magazine, and the New York Post listed the region in an article on Five Great Summer Wines Worth Driving For. .

Nestled among the rolling hills and tranquil lakes of upstate New York are 9,000 acres of vineyards and 100 fine wineries that might well make one think of Napa or the Loire Valley -- but this is Finger Lakes Wine Country. Easily accessible, Finger Lakes Wine Country is quietly gaining notice as the wine country to which to retreat and recharge this summer. See the Beauty…Feel the History…Taste the Wine. Experience Finger Lakes Wine Country…Just down the road. www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com

FINGER LAKES WINES ARE WINNERS IN COMPETITION
One of the oldest and largest competitions in the United States, the International Eastern Wine Competition (IEWC) was held in May with over 2,200 entries, representing 38 states, three provinces of Canada, and 13 countries. New York wineries captured an impressive total of 221 medals—6 Double Gold, 27 Gold, 86 Silver and 102 Bronze, with Finger Lakes wineries leading the charge.

Swedish Hill Winery won two Double Golds (2006 Vidal Blanc, 2005 Late Harvest Vignoles) and three Golds (2006 Dry Riesling, 2006 Cayuga White, and Spumante Blush). Other Double Golds went to Keuka Spring Vineyards (2005 Epic), Lakewood Vineyards (Carpe Vinum Cayuga White), and Torrey Ridge Winery (2005 Seyval Blanc). Gold medals were awarded to Anthony Road Wine Company (2006 Dry Riesling); Chateau Frank Celebre and Dr. Frank’s Vinifera Wine Cellars (2006 Rkatsiteli); Chateau LaFayette Reneau (2006 Pinot Noir Blanc, 2006 Dry Riesling, and 2005 Reserve Chardonnay); Earle Estates Winery & Meadery (Niagara and Pear Mead); Glenora Wine Cellars (2001 Brut); Heron Hill Winery (2004 Cabernet Franc and 2005 Chardonnay) to list a few!

Also, at the recent 27th Annual Riverside International Wine Competition, Chateau LaFayette Reneau’s 2006 Dry Riesling won a unanimous gold, as did wines from Fox Run Vineyards and Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards & Winery.

WINE COUNTRY LODGING BARGAINS

NEW accommodations opening summer 2008!
The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is located at the southern end of Seneca Lake, offering 104 luxury guestrooms including suites, fitness center, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and a restaurant and bar with patio seating overlooking the lake. (607) 535.6116; www.watkinsglenharborhotel.com

THE INN AT GLENORA WINE CELLARS, Dundee, NY
30 luxury guestrooms and a fine dining restaurant in a relaxed atmosphere all with breathtaking views of Seneca Lake and the vineyards. (800) 243.5513 or (607) 243.9500; www.glenora.com

Glenora Tour Wine and Dine, available Sunday – Thursday, through October 2008
Learn about wine in the best way possible; by tasting it!
Package includes:
· Chauffeur from Grapevine Country Tours to drivearound to Seneca Lake Wineries, sharing expertise on fine wine and the Finger Lakes area
· Complimentary a bottle of Glenora wine (with a specialty Tour Wine and Dine label), cheese, and crackers from the picnic pack
· Tour for two of Glenora Wine Cellars and production (available every hour between 11AM and 5PM).
· CA $152 Glenora Gift Card to use at fine dining restaurant, Veraisons.

Vintner’s Guestroom: CA $565 *
Vintner’s Deluxe Guestroom: CA $596 *
Vintner’s Select Guestroom: CA $636 *
* for a private tour add an additional CA $51.00

Glenora’s Waterfalls of New York, available weekdays and weekends, through September 2008
Enjoy a relaxing and adventurous vacation hunting for waterfalls in the Finger Lakes.
Package includes:
· 2008 Waterfalls in Central and Western New York, A Finder’s Guide
· New York State Park Pass, with admission to Watkins Glen State Park and any state park in the area
· Picnic pack and enjoy a bottle of Glenora wine (with a Waterfalls label just for the occassion!), cheese, and crackers.
· $152 Glenora Gift Card to use at fine dining restaurant, Veraisons.

Vintner’s Guestroom: 1 night (Sun – Thurs) CA $385; 2 nights (Fri – Sat.) CA $607
Vintner’s Deluxe Guestroom: 1 night (Sun – Thurs) CA $415; 2 nights (Fri – Sat.) CA $688
Vintner’s Select Guestroom: 1 night (Sun – Thurs) CA $455; 2 nights (Fri – Sat.) CA $760

HOLIDAY INN ELMIRA RIVERVIEW, Elmira NY
In the heart of the Finger Lakes region, this friendly, full-service hotel offers a convenient location that will make the most of valuable leisure and business time. The hotel is located just minutes away from downtown Elmira, its business district, and many local area attractions. 607-734-4211; www.FingerLakesHotels.com

Wine Weekend 2008, available Summer 2008
Enjoy a romantic weekend away and visit the scenic Finger Lakes Wine Country while traveling to Seneca Lake to the family owned Hazlitt Winery. Taste great wines and learn all about the family history of this 1852 Winery.
Package includes:
· Overnight accommodations at the Holiday Inn Elmira Riverview
· CA $35.00 voucher for dinner at Anthony’s Restaurant
· Complimentary breakfast both days
· CA $25.00 Voucher to spend at Hazlitt Winery
· A special taste of the Finger Lakes in guestroom upon arrival

CA $187 for 1 night based on double occupancy
CA $313 for 2 nights based on double occupancy
*Based on availability, vouchers not redeemable for cash, must book in advance, 48-hour cancellation policy.

HOLIDAY INN HORSEHEADS, Horseheads, NY
The Holiday Inn Express Horseheads hotel is a 99 room, 2-floor indoor corridor hotel. It is centrally located to Elmira, Corning and Watkins Glen and just minutes away from the National Soaring Museum, the Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, the Corning Museum of Glass, Watkins Glen International Racetrack, the First Arena, the Arnot Mall and many Finger Lakes wineries. (607) 739-3681; www.FingerLakesHotels.com

Escape to Wine Country 2008
So Many Wines, So Little Time!
Stay with us and enjoy everything the Finger Lakes Region has to offer, all conveniently located within a short driving distance. This package includes a visit to Hazlitt 1852 Winery to learn about the family history of the winery while sampling award-winning wines. Browse the gift shop with your CA $20.00 voucher and catch the “Red Cat” fever. Dinner this evening will be at Tanino’s Restaurant in historic Hanover Square. You’ll awake the next morning with our “Express Start” breakfast.
Package Includes:
· Overnight Accommodations
· Express Start Breakfast
· CA $20.00 Voucher to Hazlitt Winery
· CA $30.00 voucher to Tanino’s Restaurant

Starting at CA $191.99 per night based on double occupancy, Valid until December 31, 2008

*Based on availability, vouchers not redeemable for cash, must reserve at least 7 days in advance. Reservations require full prepayment for the entire stay at time of booking. No refunds if cancelled or changed.

WAGENER ESTATE BED & BREAKFAST, Penn Yan, NY
Historical elegance awaits you at our national and state register 1700's home which sits on top a knoll on five pastoral acres in the quaint village of Penn Yan, New York. The 200 year old homestead blends Federal and Greek revival architecture. The Wagener Estate is located in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes Region and New York wine country. (315) 536-4591; www.wagenerestate.com

Passport Special
Stay any 2 nights Sunday - Wednesday, May 1,-August 31, in the room of your choice and we will include a Riesling to Visit Passport per person. Passports are good at over 20 wineries around Seneca Lake, Your passport will enable you to receive a free flight of wines at each of the participating wineries. Your stay will also include a full candlelit breakfast for two each morning.
Package Includes:
· Valid Sunday-Wednesday, May 1 - August 31, 2008
· Posted room rates apply
· Based on double occupancy, NYS tax applies
· 20%savings.

Summer Escape Special
Escape with your special someone to the peaceful, romantic Finger Lakes. Stay any two nights from May through October and enjoy a full candlelit breakfast morning, gift certificate to local dinging and retail places and a VIP pass for free tastings.
Package Includes:
Overnight accommodations for two nights.
Full candlelit breakfast for two each morning.
CA $40.00 Dining/Retail gift certificate.
VIP pass for free tasting and discounts at local wineries.
Valid Sunday - Wednesday May 1 - October 31 2008
Catawba room only CA $262.00
Based on double occupancy, NYS tax applies
20% savings.

SUMMER FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
June – July – August 2008

5/22-9/01/08 Yosemite 1938: On the Trail with Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe,
Rockwell Museum of Western Art, Corning
In 1938, photographer Ansel Adams took a journey with his close friends, including Georgia O’Keeffe through Yosemite’s backcountry. The album displays their trip through the stunning scenic landscapes of Yosemite as well as intimate candid portraits of the artists. This rare album is on loan, and is accompanied by rarely seen photographs of O’Keefe in her New Mexico home photographed by Todd Webb. To reserve Special Opening Reception tickets on June 5, 2008, call (607) 974.2810. Exhibit Info and Tickets; (607) 937-5386; www.rockwellmuseum.org

6/28-6/29/08 Barbecue at the Wineries (Part I and II), Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Join us for a terrific summer celebration! Each winery will be offering its best barbecue foods and recipes paired with a selection of great wines that are sure to set the standard for your BBQ success. Sauces served at each winery are all produced by local NYS businesses. Fee CA $25 per person in advance, CA $30 per person at the door; CA $40 per couple in advance, CA $46 per couple at the door. (800) 440.4898; www.keukawinetrail.com

6/27-1/04/09 The Science of Glassmaking: Eight Centuries of a Magical Art,
Corning Museum of Glass, Corning
Trace the art of glassmaking through this century by century display. The exhibition includes arrangements of the recipes, tools, technical process and finished pieces of eight centuries of work and ingenuity. Discover Rakow’s collection and glance at historical prints and images from rare books. FREE. Contact the Library at (607) 974-8649; www.cmog.org

6/28-6/29/08 Fourth Annual Cherry, Cobblestone Farm Winery, RomulusB
Join the festivities of sweet and sour cherry picking, award winning wines, a finger licking BBQ, hayrides, scrumptious ice cream -- including a cherry ice cream and a merlot sorbet (made from Cobblestone Farm’s Merlot) -- and delicious fresh-baked Amish pies, cookies and breads. 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM. (315) 549.8797 www.cobblestonefarmwinery.com

7/01/- 9/6/08 Come Fly With Us, Harris Hills Soaring Center, Elmira
Open only on the weekends since spring, Harris Hills Soaring Center is now open seven days a week for the brave of heart. Weather permitting, Harris Hills is now offering demonstration glider rides. Be bold and catch a soaring flight with our FAA- approved Commercial Pilots, or come watch the action from our clubhouse deck. No Reservations. (607) 796.2988; www.harrishillsoaring.org

7/4-7/5/08 June Bug Centennial Celebration, Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Keuka
Celebrate the Fourth of July commemorating the flight of the June Bug in 1908. It was the first pre-announced, open to the public, flight in America landing Curtiss the title of “the Father of the American Aircraft industry.” View the Aviation Art Exhibit and join in on the day’s activities for the whole family both in the museum and at Taylor Park. (607)569.2160; www.glennhcurtissmuseum.org

7/4-7/6/08 IRL Camping World Grand Prix, Watkins Glen
The Independence Day celebration will kick off on the waterfront of Seneca Lake with a festival that runs all evening with kids games, music, food vendors, a huge fireworks display over the lake – and of course, the Grand Prix. Race through the weekend with a line up of events including: IndyCar Series practice and autographs, carnival block party, fireworks, Corning Duels, IndyCar Series Qualifiying, the KONI Challenge Series Race, Penn Grade 1 Historic Grand Prix and culminating in the Camping World Grand Prix. Tickets and Info. (866) 461.RACE. www.theglen.com

7/12-7/13/08 SCCA Glen Nationals, Watkins Glen
Come out and race in the 60th Year of the Glen with its longest running event. This weekend features a variety of pre-war, sports cars, Can-Am’s, Indy cars, muscle cars and much more! (866) 461.RACE; www.theglen.com

7/18-7/21/08 Finger Lakes Wine Festival, Watkins Glen
More than 90 prestigious wineries from throughout New York will be on hand as Watkins Glen International is transformed into Finger Lakes Wine Country, pouring 500+ wines and offering wine specials. Arts and craft vendors, champagne breakfast, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, live music, and Hot Glass demonstrations from The Corning Museum of Glass are all available for guests. (607) 535-2481; www.flwinefest.com

7/24-7/27/08 GrapeHound Wine Tour, Cayuga Wine Trail
The Cayuga Wine Trail is celebrating its third year of this unique greyhound adoption and wine tasting event. Starting with a welcome at Montezuma Winery, this regional wine event has cookouts, concerts, greyhound vendors and doggie ice cream socials. Spend the evenings enjoying wine and some hors d’oeuvres in the vineyards, under the stars and in the company of greyhounds and dog lovers alike. Proceeds from tickets are donated to greyhound adoption; www.grapehounds.com

7/27/08 Jazz Greats at Glenora - Spyro Gyra, Glenora Wine Cellars, Dundee
Enjoy this Sunday afternoon in the vineyard with a good glass of wine and the cool sounds of live music. Unwind to the sounds of the acclaimed Spyro Gyra, which has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards and sold about 11 million records. Bring lawn seating, purchase some food and drink and relax to some great music in the vineyard. (800) 243.5513; www.glenora.com

8/2-8/3/08 Glorious Garlic Festival, Fox Run Vineyards, Penn Yan
Celebrate the 15th Annual Garlic Festival with vendors, music, food for purchase, Corning Museum of Glass Show and much, much more! Admission is FREE.
(315) 536.4616; www.foxrunvineyards.com

8/7-8/10/08 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series- Zippo 200/Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series and NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Weekend, Watkins Glen
New York State’s largest weekend spectator sporting event takes center stage its 22nd straight year tradition at Watkins Glen International. Sports Illustrated named the event “the Best NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Race of 2007.” The weekend’s races include: the Crown Royal 200, the Grand American Rolex Sportscar Series Qualifying and Saturday’s NASCAR Series Zippo 200. Meet the drivers, enjoy NASCAR car displays and delight in the best regional cuisine. (866) 461-7223; www.theglen.com

8/17/08 Jazz Greats at Glenora - Ken Navarro, Glenora Wine Cellars, Dundee
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon on the lawn at the winery and enjoy the cool sounds of live music by award winning contemporary jazz guitarist and composer Ken Navarro. Get there before 2pm with your lawn blankets and settle in the vineyard overlooking Seneca Lake. Food and wine are available for purchase. Rain or shine. No pets. Kids under 12 free, free parking.
(800) 243.5513; www.glenora.com

8/28-8/31/08 The Art of Ferrari, Corning
Art of Ferrari features the rolling works of the famed Italian auto maker along Market St in Corning. It is an open celebration of art, design, culture, and tradition, showcasing the very best of the Finger Lakes region eight years and running. (607) 937.3625 www.artofferrari.org

To request FREE Finger Lakes Wine Country travel information, click on www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com or call (800) 813-2958.