Wine festival will attract thousands

WATKINS GLEN--The Finger Lakes Wine Festival presented by Yancey's Fancy New York's Artisan Cheese will be held this weekend at Watkins Glen International. Events begin Friday, July 12 and continue through Sunday, July 14.
The weekend offers the largest showcase of New York state wines with over 90 wineries paired with regional artisans, music and seminars in one location.
The event begins with the Launch of the Lakes toga and costume contest, Friday. The event features live music, wine tasting and food offerings. The opening party runs from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and requires an additional $20 admission ticket. Fireworks will conclude the evening.
The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. In addition to the wine, food vendors, music and outdoor demonstrations there are a number of additional activities visitors can participate in. A Great Western Breakfast at the Jack Daniel's Club will be available at 9 a.m. both days for $30.
Women for WineSense has created a unique slate of enhanced wine seminars that take place on Saturday and Sunday. "Rated, Reviewed, and RED!" will be Saturday, July 13 at 11 a.m. "Riesling, the Finger Lakes Region Claim to Fame" is at 2:30 p.m., also on Saturday. The "Rosé Rediscovered" seminar is Sunday, July 14 at 11:30 a.m. The events cost $30, $20 and $25 respectively.
"Our seminars offer a great opportunity for wine lovers to enhance their expertise and see Finger Lakes wine in a different perspective," Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup said. "We are thrilled to partner with Women for WineSense once again this year. With their support, we have been able to grow the seminar program into what it is today--an educational and tremendous part of our festival."
There is also a Taster's Banquet dinner, Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in the Jack Daniel's Club. The four-course meal is available with a $70 additional ticket.
In addition to the paid events, there are also free seminars throughout the weekend. "Cool Climate Reds" and "Unique White Wines of the Finger Lakes" are on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. respectively. "Some Like It Sweet" (12 p.m.), "Riesling--The Legacy of the Finger Lakes" (1 p.m.), "Finger Lakes--The Land of Lakes and Wine" (2 p.m.) and "Sparkling Wine and the Finger Lakes" (3 p.m.) talks will be held Sunday at the media center. There are also free cooking classes during the event.
Camping, along with admission and seminar tickets, can be purchased by visiting www.flwinefest.com or calling 866-461-7223.
Tickets start at $55.