Finger Lakes Wine festival will attract thousands

WATKINS GLEN—More than 80 wineries and nearly 100 food vendors are scheduled to participate in the 2013 Finger Lakes Wine Festival, Friday, July 12, to Sunday, July 14, at Watkins Glen International.
The festival is one of the largest showcases on New York wines in the world and also features entertainment, food and arts. The three-day weekend starts with the a Launch of the Lakes. Gates open for camping at noon, while the toga party launch runs from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per person.
Saturday and Sunday’s schedule includes culinary classes, seminars, cooking demonstrations, rides around the WGI track, and plenty of wine to taste.
The New York Wine & Culinary Center, Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty will provide hands-on free cooking classes and demonstrations. Information and sign-ups for the indoor classes are at the reception desk inside the culinary center. The Finger Lakes Wine Festival presents free educational seminars in the media center. Times for both Saturday and Sunday are 11:30 a.m. for dry vinifera red wines and 1 p.m. for dry and off-dry Riesling.
The Glen Club will host a Taster’s Banquet Saturday night. Dinner is prepared by Chef Paul Mach of Pennsylvania College and features regional food products paired with specific New York wines. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required.
The wine festival will once again offer The RIEDEL Experience Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It costs $199 per person and includes a select number of wineries and their samples: Standing Stone Vineyards, Lakewood Vineyards, Ravines Wine Cellars, Wagner Vineyards, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, Heron Hill Winery, Swedish Hill Winery, Glenora Wine Cellars and Casa Larga Vineyard.
A one-day taster pass for either Saturday or Sunday is $40 at the gate. Designated driver passes, for Saturday or Sunday, are $15. A one-day pass for minors is $15, while children under five are free. Strollers are not allowed in the tasting area. The two-day pass is $50. Guests should be prepared with photo ID showing proof of age.
All camping is “dry” camping and has no hookups. Sites are generally 20 by 40 feet each. A camper and tow vehicle pass is included with each site. Water and restrooms available, while showers are available for a fee. Camping spots cost $75 at the gate, while recreational vehicle camping is $275 and includes 50 amp electric and shared water hookup.
For more, visit www.theglen.com.