FINGER LAKES NEW YORK WINE COUNTRY 2005 EVENTS

The following is a sample of annual events in Finger Lakes Wine Country. For a complete list of events, visit www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com or contact 1-800-596-9322. This calendar was compiled in December 2004. All information is subject to change.

January 2005
01/15 – 23/05/05             Bargain Bash, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Participating Seneca Lake wineries “clean house” for the New Year by offering extraordinary bargains. Look for limited quantity wines, bottles with damaged labels, unsold wine-related gift items and more. 877.536.2717; www.senecalakewine.com
 

01/28 – 01/29/05             Warm Up to Wine On Ice, Elmira
Beat the winter blues and sample the best wines and food Finger Lakes Wine Country has to offer. Enjoy live jazz and blues music from local musicians. 607.739.3636 Ext. 33

February 2005

02/05 – 02/06/05             Chocolate & Wine Weekend, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Sample chocolates and foods prepared with chocolate, all creatively matched with at one of the 25 participating wineries around the beautiful Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Wineries will be open 10 am – 5 pm both days. Cost $25 per person, including a commemorative wineglass. 877.536.2717; www.senecalakewine.com

02/11/05                          Hol Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight, Clemens Center, Elmira
In a career that has included Presidents, Senators, and other highly authoritative figures, Hal Holbrook’s most famous portrayal remains that of Elmira’s own and America’s literary icon – Mark Twain. In his one-man show, Holbrook presents Twain as an outrageously entertaining combination of stand-up comedian, devilish intellectual and grandfatherly philosopher in this Tony Award winning play. 800.724.0159; www.clemenscenter.com

02/14 – 02/15/05             Be Mine With Wine, Keuka Lake Wine Trail
A fun and romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Visit the wineries and enjoy a superb variety of romantic delights each paired with a different unique wine – an ideal winter get-a-ways for wine lovers!  Cost: $16 advance, $20 at the door. 800.440.4898; www.keukawinetrail.com
 

02/19/05                          Wedding & Special Event Extravaganza, Clemens Center, Elmira
Plan that Finger Lakes Wine Country destination wedding at this one-stop-shop consumer show. Fine the most spectacular vineyard settings, day spas with bridal party packages and the best reception venues to plan that special day in addition to door prizes, fashion shows and seminars.
800.724.0159; www.clemenscenter.com
 

02/20/05                          Prague Symphony Orchestra, Clemens Center, Elmira
Under the baton of Maestro Rastislav Stur, the Prague Symphony will continue a great tradition of classical music in Elmira. The program includes Dvorak’s Carnival Overture, Op. 92, Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 in D Major (“Prague”) and will conclude with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major (Pastoral). 800.724.0159; www.clemenscenter.com
 

02/26 – 02/27/05             Mardi Gras at the Wineries, Cayuga Wine Trail
Celebrate Mardi Gras at the wineries on Cayuga Lake with beads, prizes and festive food and wine samples. Costumed guests are eligible for the title of ‘King & Queen’ of Mardi Gras with their very own coronation ceremony in early Spring. 800.684.5217; www.cayugawinetrail.com

March 2005

03/12 – 03/13/05             Cruisin’ the Tropics, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Sample mouth watering tropical cuisine paired with local wines at the 25 participating wineries on Seneca Lake. Cost: $25 per person.
877.536.2717; www.senecalakewine.com
 

03/13 – 03/14/05             Great Grape Challenge, Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Keuka Lake’s newest event combines two fun activities and wine-based hors d’oeuvres to create a weekend full of surprises. Participate in a scavenger hunt a long the wine trail and at each participating winery find a different clue and try a mystery wine. Cost: $16 advance or $20 at the door. 800.440.4898; www.keukawinetrail.com
 

03/19/05                          Meet the winemakers, Cayuga Wine Trail
Take the mystery out of winemaking through one-on-one discussions with vintner’s and special tastings at wineries on the shores of Cayuga Lake.  800.684.5217; www.cayugawinetrail.com

03/24/05                         St. Petersburg Ballet – Romeo & Juliet, Clemens Center, Elmira
Witness the choreographic treasury of Russia’s famed St. Petersburg Ballet through the performance of the classic Romeo & Juliet. This ballet company is one of a handful to be given the official status as an Official State and Academic Ballet in Russia. 800.724.0159; www.clemenscenter.com

April 2005

04/03 – 04/04/05            Wine Murder Mystery Tour, Keuka Lake Wine Trail
A classic ‘who done it?’ weekend. Don a Sherlock Holmes’ hat and replace his familiar pipe with a wine glass. Enjoy wines and hors d’oeuvres at each participating winery while piecing together clues to find the solution to the crime. Tickets advance sale only. Cost: $16 per person, $30 per couple. 800.440.4898; www.keukawinetrail.com
 

04/23/2005                      Peter Ostroushko at the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning
Peter Ostroushko is one of the finest mandolin and fiddle players in acoustic music today. His music is created with passion and imagination and performed with breathtaking precision. Ostroushko dazzles with his command of various musical genres.  866.463.6264; www.corningcivicmusic.org
 

04/23 –04/24/05              Spring Wine & Cheese Weekend, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Sample delectable New York State cheese at one of the 25 participating wineries on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Featured wines are paired with delicious recipes prepared with products from Heluva Good Cheese Company of Sodus, NY. Cost: $25 per person which includes a cheese recipe book.  877.536.2717;   www.senecalakewine.com
 

04/23 –04/24/05 &         Wine & Herb Festival, Cayuga Wine Trails
04/30 – 05/01/05
Taste herb and veggie delicacies, paired with local wines at each winery on the Cayuga Wine Trail. Advanced tickets start at $25 per person which includes a collectable wineglass, recipe booklet and a potted herb to take home. 800.684.5217; www.cayugawinetrail.com

May 2005

05/01/05                          Opening Day at Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen
Motor racing fans can take on the left- and right-hand turns of this famed road course in their own vehicles or take a ride in a race car. Proceeds from this event benefit a local charity. 866.461.7223; www.theglen.com
 

05/01 – 05/02/05             Food Tour of Italy, Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Experience a wonderful assortment of Italian food specialties. Each participating winery offers mouthwatering cuisine pertinent to a specific region of Italy paired with palette pleasing Finger Lakes Wines. Cost $16 advance, $20 sale at the door. 800.440.4898; www.keukawinetrail.com
 

05/23 – 05/29/05             LPGA Corning Classic, Corning
Watch some of the world’s best female golfers at the Corning Country Club for a week-long golf showdown. See if reigning champ Annika Sorenstam can snatch the winner’s trophy again. 607. 962.4441; www.corningclassic.com

June 2005

06/03 – 06/05/05            Porche Clash, Watkins Glen
Rev your engines as over 300 Porches put ‘the pedal to the metal’ at Watkins Glen International Speedway at this event sponsored by the Porsche Club of America. 607.535.2486; www.theglen.com
 

06/10 – 06/12/05            Sahlen’s Sports Car Grand Prix, Watkins Glen
The exciting Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series is coupled with the newly titled Chemung Canal Trust 250 Grand-Am Cup Series on that Saturday and finally the Star Mazda North American Championship Series will be added to the weekend’s excitement. 607.535.2486; www.theglen.com
 
06/18/05                         Watkins Glen Waterfront Festival, Watkins Glen
A delightfully entertaining experience awaits at the Seneca Harbor Park on the shores of Seneca Lake in downtown Watkins Glen. Enjoy a full day of activities for the entire family, highlighted by the Cardboard Boat Regatta, where brave mariners actually climb in and pilot their handmade cardboard boats around the race course! In addition, find live music, vendors, a downtown parade and family activities. 607.535.3003; www.watkinsglen.com/promotions
 

06/25 – 06/26/05            Wine Cards Wild Weekend, Cayuga Wine Trail
Collect wine cards at each participating winery a long the shores of Cayuga Lake and learn more about the wines available. Receive prizes for our card-winning combinations, as well as commemorative glass and food samplings for all participants. Tickets from $15 per person. www.cayugawinetrail.com
 

06/26 – 06/27/05             Barbecuing at the Wineries, Keuka Lake Wine Trail
A terrific summer celebration, each winery will be offering their best BBQ foods and recipes paired with a selection of great wines that are sure to set the standard for the BBQ season. All BBQ sauces served at each winery are produced by local New York State businesses. Tickets: $16 advance, $20 at the door. 800.440.4898; www.keukawinetrail.com

July 2005

07/09 – 07/10/05              SCCA Glen Nationals, Watkins Glen
The amateur race car event, held by the Sports Car Club of America, is the longest-running event at The Glen. Enjoy fast paced action for the race’s 58th year. 866-461-7223; www.theglen.com

7/15 – 7/17/05                 Finger Lakes Wine Festival, Watkins Glen
Over 60 prestigious wineries from throughout New York will be on hand offering tastings and wine specials. Enjoy arts and craft vendors, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, live music, pace car rides and the Corning Museum of Glass Hot Glass Road Show. 607-535-2481; www.flwinefest.com
 

07/23 – 07/24/05             ARTSFEST: a festival of art, Corning
Enjoy a two-day celebration of the arts. Fine arts and crafts, entertainment, great food and wine tasting. At the Rockwell Museum of Western Art’s Annual KIDS WEST event dress up like a cowboy then grab an Art Pack, filled with puzzles and interactive games tied in with the museum’s collection, and hit the museum’s Art Trail. 607.937.6292; www.gafferdistrict.com

August 2005

8/11- 8/12/05                  NASCAR Nextel Cup at the Glen, Watkins Glen
New York State’s largest weekend spectator sporting event takes center stage in the much-anticipated racing event at The Glen. Support races include the Mohegan Sun 150, NASCAR Grand National Division, the North Series, and the Grand American Sports Car Series’ 250. Also incorporates the Race Fever Night street party on Corning’s historic market street. See the drivers, NASCAR car displays and best regional cuisine. 866-461-7223; www.theglen.com

September 2005

09/09 – 09/11/05             U.S. Vintage Grand Prix at Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen
Rounding out the racing season is the largest vintage motor sports event of the Watkins Glen schedule. Cars from racing’s past roll in for a weekend honoring racing’s heritage. Take a stroll through the Antique Auto Show, or walk through the garage and paddock to see the historic autos up close.  866.461.7223; www.theglen.com
 

09/11/05                         Oktoberfest, Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Enjoy German music and food while tasting world-class Germanic style wines produced in Finger Lakes Wine Country. See the region in one of its most spectacular seasons: Autumn! Tickets: $16 advance sale; $20 at the door. 800.440.4898; www.keukawinetrail.com
 

09/23 – 09/24/05             Crystal City Jazz Festival, Corning
Corning’s Gaffer District comes alive with the sounds of Jazz. Participating businesses will feature live jazz entertainment and wine tasting. Enjoy local and regional jazz artists in Centerway Square. 607.937.6292; www.gafferdistrict.com
 

09/23 – 09/25/05             Inaugural IRL Indy Car Series, Watkins Glen
See the cars and stars of the Indy 500 as they descend on The Glen for a weekend of high-octane thrills, all vying for the championship series title. Other events at the Glen over this weekend include the Menards Infiniti Pro Series, the Historic Grand Prix series with historic Formula 1 cars like the Lotus 79 John Players Special – Mario Andretti’s Championship car, and the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series. 866-461-7223;  www.theglen.com
 

09/28 – 10/01/05             45th Annual Seminar on Glass, Corning
The Corning Museum of Glass hosts lectures focusing on Venetian glass of the 15th and 16th centuries, luxury glass in central Europe, and the Jarves Collection of Venetian glass on display in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The program also features a demonstration of Venetian glassblowing. 800-732-6845; www.cmog.org

October 2005

TBA                                Haunted Hayride, Cayuga Wine Trail
Ride through a haunted vineyard. The wagon goes out every 1/2 hour from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Cider and donuts for everyone!  800-869-9271; www.knappwine.com

TBA                               Ghosts in the Galleries, Corning Museum of Glass, Corning
This annual haunted house promises thrills and chills for children of all ages, as well as games, activities, and a very special Halloween-themed Hot Glass Show. 800-732-6845; www.cmog.org

November 2005

TBA                               Christmas Arts & Crafts Festival, Corning
The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Tier. Over 116 exhibitors from New York and Pennsylvania offer handmade items of exceptional quality and craftsmanship during this two-day show. This event is heralded as the kick-off of the holiday shopping season.  607-936-4686; www.corningnyartsandcrafts.com
 

11/13 – 11/14/05 &         Keuka Holidays, Keuka Lake Wine Trail
12/04 – 12/05/05             Hearty Winter Foods are featured with award-winning red wines.
Each ticket holder receives a grapevine wreath at their starting winer, pick up an ornament from each participating winery a long the trail and receive a free holiday wine glass. Tickets are advance sale only. Cost: $45 per person, $50 per couple. 800.440.4898; www.keukawinetrail.com
 

11/19 – 11/20/05 &         Deck the Halls Weekends, Seneca Lake Wine Trail
12/03 – 1204/05
The grapevine wreath holiday event offers holiday wine and food pairings. Decorate a grapevine wreath with a ribbon and unique ornament from each winery. 877-536-2717; www.senecalakewine.com

11/25 – 11/26/05             Crystal City Christmas, Corning
Enjoy the delights of the holiday season – horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment in the village square, ice skating, a holiday parade on Historic Market Street, and an open air holiday festival. Kris Kringle presides over the activities in his Crystal House in Centerway Square. Corning’s Gaffer District is illuminated with traditional holiday decorations. Celebrate Christmas in the American Holiday tradition in the Crystal City – Corning. 607-974-6436; www.gafferdistrict.com

December 2005
TBA                                Starshine Christmas in the Village, Penn Yan
The historic Main Street of Penn Yan transforms into a winter festival with holiday music provided by local school and church choirs. Hot food and beverages, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, a pancake dinner and the arrival of Old St. Nick himself are just part of the evening events.  800-868-9283
 
12/03/05                         “Sparkle” Crystal City Christmas, Corning
Corning’s Historic Market Street celebrates 30 years of “Sparkle”! Celebrating traditions filled with food, music, entertainment, and crafts. 607-974-6436; www.gafferdistrict.com
 

12/03 – 12/04/05             Holiday Shopping Spree, Cayuga Wine Trail
Sample wines and holiday treats! Take home a souvenir wineglass, collectible Cayuga Wine Trail gift, a coupon book with savings on wine purchases and discounts at area accommodations, attractions and restaurants and holiday recipes. 800-684-5217; www.cayugawinetrail.com
 

TBA                                St. Lucia Day, Cayuga Wine Trail
Celebrate the traditional Swedish holiday and enjoy special treats handed out by Santa Lucia. Shop for Christmas gifts and take advantage of all the great sales. 888-549-WINE; www.swedishhill.com
 

TBA                                Touch of Christmas, Dundee
Join with neighbors and friends in a celebration of the season during Dundee’s annual holiday gift to the community. Holiday music, decorations, seasonal foods and a visit by ‘Ole Saint Nick, himself.  315-536-3111

TBA                                Annual Rockwellian Christmas in the Park, Hammondsport
Join this Rockwellian themed event where a cool, crisp, and snowy evening in Hammondsport turns into an Old-fashioned Christmas. Sip hot cider while a horse and carriage pull along towards the many vendors and shops decorated in the taste of Rockwellian. 607-569-2989

See the Beauty, Feel the History, Taste the Wine. Experience Finger Lakes Wine Country…
Just down the road. www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com

December 29, 2004   Posted in: United States NorthEast