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Enjoying a wine region ...

glass by glass
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By Debbie Gioquindo,
CTC , CSW, WLS

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RY

Planning your trip through wine country can be a daunting task, especially if you arent familiar with the region. Every wine region is different, so dont expect the wineries to be all on one road, one after another with an abundance of places to stop, eat or sleep. So lets get started fill up your wine glass, rev up your computer and let the research begin...

ew York alone has 12 wine regions, with three of the major ones being the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and the Finger Lakes. And lets not forget the Greater Niagara Area region. Each is uniquely different from the other, and specializes in different varietals, styles and methods of winemaking. Before you start planning your trip, take a good look at the region and what is has to offer while you are there.

WINE TASTING CHECKLIST


Maps, regional guides and magazines, and a GPS unit (these can be indispensable to get you from winery to winery, or around unfamiliar territory) Plenty of bottled water Snacks like cheese and crackers, or bread to cleanse the palate A large cooler for your wine purchases (if it is summertime, you run the risk of spoiling your purchase if you drive around with wine in the trunk) A corkscrew to pop open a bottle if you plan on picnicking A pocket-size bottle of Wine-Away or Vino 911 (in case that red wine gets on your white shirt or dress!)

To do this, youll have to get online or on your mobile device. Most wine regions have their own websites or apps, and youll find there are many other wine travel websites that have trip planning tools as well. When you visit these sites theyll give you a better understanding of the region, its infrastructure and what accommodations are available, along with lists of wineries to visit, ideas for things to do, unique attractions, calendars of events, etc. Strategically look for your lodging in an area that is easily accessible to everything (truth be told, I usually do this the old-fashioned way and get out a map). All regions have lodging choices that can accommodate your budget, whether its an off-the-main-road motel, a chain hotel, or a cozy bed & breakfast.

Next Step: Wineries


Now its time to think about the wines you like and/or would like to experience, and importantly, what the wine region is best known for. Think about what kind of wineries you want to visit. Small, family-owned? Those with large facilities? Ones that offer tours? Have picnic spots or restaurants on site? Have live music or special events? Once youve picked out a region, and honed in on the wineries youd like to visit, its time to ask how many
Keep in mind the time of year you are visiting. Some wineries are closed on certain holidays and during winter months, or may require an appointment especially if you are traveling with a group of eight or more.

wineries can I visit in a day? On a leisurely day, three to four, depending on the infrastructure and geography of the wine region. If you begin immediately when the first winery opens its doors then you can potentially visit six to eight in a day! As a general rule, allow yourself at least one hour at each winery; some tastings will take more time if a tour is involved, others less. And remember, when youre on the road, if you see a winery that looks intriguing, stop! Ive discovered some of the best wines and wineries by accident. In the tasting room, dont pass judgment on varietals you havent tried, this is the best time to taste and decide if you like them. Experiment a little, let your palate go.

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WINE

A little advice on purchasing wines: If you try one and like it, purchase it. Many wineries make certain wines in small production, so if you dont buy it while you are there, you might find yourself contacting the winery weeks later, only to be disappointed to find it just sold out for the year. While at the winery purchase a few bottles of it, or if it is exceptional, even a case. Chances are when you bring that bottle home and drink it, youll want more!
If youre enjoying your tasting and the staff at the winery, youll want to savor the experience and not worry about the time.

This will prevent palate fatigue, when all the wine begins to taste the same. You will appreciate them more this way.
Try not to pack everything into one day after all, youre supposed to be relaxing!

WINE COUNTRY TRAVEL

While Youre There...


Remember too, that you arent out to get drunk, so dont be afraid to spit! Its okay to lean over the dump bucket and spit out your wine. If others look at you strangely, well, they just dont know the art of wine tasting. Six to eight hours of tasting can be tiring both for you and your palate. I have a rule if I really like the taste of a particular wine, then I savor it, enjoy it and swallow. Otherwise I look for the dump bucket. Everyone has a different palate and every winemaker has a different approach to making wines, so never be embarrassed to discard it or say, ...this wine isnt for me. I always encourage travelers to ask questions when visiting a winery. If you are talking to the winemaker or winery owner, chances are theyll be happy to talk about themselves, their winery, and their philosophy on making wine. Some initial questions you might want to ask: When was the winery started? What brought you into the wine business?
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Remember youre on vacation, so take full advantage of the region. When you are in wine country for several days, be sure you keep a day open for the other activities that are suggested on the websites or by people you meet. Dont be afraid to ask the locals questions; youll find they love to give advice. Inquire about restaurants that they like to dine at, and even ask about their favorite wineries. There might be a great historic site to see or place to hike that wasnt mentioned on a website. Leave some time for these other activities they will enhance your overall wine country experience. You might try beginning your day with a hearty breakfast, perhaps indulging in a spa treatment, or visiting a local museum, and then spend the afternoon wine tasting.

After a day at the winery, treat yourself...you deserve it.

SALON

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LTD

FULL SERVICE SALON

255 Mansion Street Coxsackie, NY 12051 518-731-2559 www.salon255.com


FACIALS MASSAGE HAIR MANIS PEDIS WAXING G I F T C E R T I F I C AT E S AVA I L A B L E TANNING

Exclusive Wine Vacations


Where Wine & Travel Come Together

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FINGER LAKES REGION

www.hvwinemag.com Summer/Fall 2012

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WHERE TO STAY
HUDSON VALLEY REGION

How many cases do you produce in a year? What is your signature wine, and why? What would you drink if you werent drinking wine? Will you be releasing any new wines soon?

When tasting individual wines, these questions might help you discover why you like the wine or not: What is the vintage and varietal? Is this estate wine (grapes grown in your vineyard)? If not, where were the grapes sourced from? What type of oak do you use for aging, if any? Was it aged on the lees (the yeasty sediment after fermentation)? Final notes: When touring wine country always enjoy the local cuisine and drink the local wines on the restaurant menu. And dont be disappointed when you get home and open that bottle of wine that you loved at the winery to find it doesnt taste exactly as exciting as when you were there. Youre just missing the ambience the people and the place. Just think of it as an incentive to travel back to that particular wine region again theres always plenty more to explore. Happy wine travels!

Barclay Heights Bed & Breakfast at Smythe House 158 Burt Street, Saugerties, NY 12477 845-246-3788 | cell 845-532-5565 www.OutstandingHospitality.com
Experience Outstanding Hospitality; Luxury rooms, gourmet breakfast

GETTING AROUND
All Transportation Network The Better Travel Experience. 800-525-2306 www.alltrans.net

WINE COUNTRY EVENTS


SEPTEMBER

Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck, NY SatSun, September 89 www.HudsonValleyWineFest.com Harvest Celebration of Food & Wine Keuka Lake Wine Trail, Penn Yan, NY SatSun, September 1516 www.keukawinetrail.com Taste of New Paltz Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz, NY Sunday, September 16 www.newpaltzchamber.org Stems & Steins Wine, Beer, and Food Festival North Street Recreation Center, Old Forge, NY SatSun, September 2223 www.viewarts.org/Stems_and_Steins.cfm

Fall Weekend Wine Tasting Tours


Enjoy a two nights stay at the VanWinkle Inn in Greenville, gourmet breakfast, car ser vice to and from 6 wineries, lunch served at a select winery plus a gift certificate towards dinner at one of our fabulous local restaurants.
A Sleepy Bed & Breakfast

OCTOBER

Wine Festival at Bethel Woods 200 Hurd Road, Bethel, NY Saturday, October 6 www.bethelwoodscenter.org
NOVEMBER

VanWinkle

Inn

www.vanwinkleinn.com

Hudson Valley Wine Magazine Presents the Crown Maple Wine, Cider & Maple Fest 47 McCourt Road, Dover Plains, NY Saturday, November 10 crownmaple.com
DECEMBER

CALL FOR DETAILS & RESERVATIONS 518-966-4100 or 518-577-7109

The Holiday Market at Bethel Woods 200 Hurd Road, Bethel, NY SatSun, December 12, 11am4pm www.bethelwoodscenter.org

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