January 2016

When life hands you frozen grapes…

If you’ve never tried ice wine, having your grapes freeze on the vine might seem like a disaster. Fortunately, Upstate New York vintners know how to make the most of a frozen grape. Thanks to sugars that don’t freeze, frosty grapes can be pressed to extract small amounts of incredibly flavorful juice. The New York Ice Wine & Culinary Festival is a celebration of this cold-climate wine and its complementary cuisine. If you’re still looking for a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, this festival might be just the ticket.

Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 11am-6pm
Casa Larga Vineyards, 2287 Turk Hill Road Fairport, NY 14450
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New York Flavor

It only takes a few wine tastings to know that tiny environmental variations can have a big impact on wine flavors. For that reason, it’s exciting that Ice Wine producers from all over the state will gather at this festival. It’s like a statewide wine tour without the travel! Visitors will get the rare opportunity to sample wines from dozens of microclimates, all in one place (not to mention one ticket price).

The wine is just the beginning!

All wine samplers need sustenance. At this event, you can expect the perfect pairings for your palate. Cuisine Tasting Stations will offer ice wine-inspired and infused foods to round out the day’s culinary offerings.

For those in search of a romantic experience, there will be live tango performances, horse-drawn vineyard sleigh rides, and an outdoor “Luv Shack” with mulled wine, hot chocolate, and the ever-popular cocktail luge.

Spending the day with someone who’s not a fan of ice wine? Tastings of beer, spirits, and hard cider will also be available, along with a cash bar.

Once you’ve had your fill of libations, take a stroll around the wine-inspired market full of handmade and artisan goods and treats.

Full details and accommodations can be found on the Casa Larga Vineyards & Winery website.