Niagara Escarpment

He Shoots...He Pours!

When I first noticed Bully Hill's advertisement on the boards on HSBC's hockey arena during Buffalo Sabre's games, I was a bit puzzled. Was the hockey watching demographic really going to put down their Molson and Labatt beers and try some NYS wines? But since I've been exposed to tasting room audiences lately I know that you just can't stereotype groups of people and what they drink.

Well the Sabres and Bully Hill Vineyards has gone one giant step further and released Sabres Red and White wines made from New York State grapes, according to the Buffalo Biz Journal. I've actually seen the wines in a few stores already and it's true. I passed on the Sabre's themed Perry's Ice Cream brand but I not an ice cream geek like I am a wine geek. So it's only a matter of time before I try the red wine and report back. Hopefully I can catch a hockey game on the tele when I pour it.

And a Few More on the Way...

Another article about the Niagara Wine Trail was published on monday by the Buffalo News. The story highlights the grand opening of Schulze Winery and Vineyards while pointing out that there a couple more wineries getting ready to open their doors as well.

Quotes from the article:

“This is one of the biggest success stories in Niagara County,” said State Sen. George D. Maziarz, R-Newfane. “There has been a tremendous increase in business.”

“It’s a beautiful area to grow grapes and make wine,” Duncan Ross said. “And I think we can make the best wines in the state, and the proof of that is across the river.”

With Leonard Oakes Winery and Arrowhead Spring Vineyards about to add two more stops to the trail, this year will be remembered as the break-out year for wine tourism in my opinion. I personally can't wait to taste wines from each of the new wineries and I'll let you know when I do.

Harvest Update as of Oct. 8

Just some notes from this year's grape harvest to add today. All the press coming out of Ontario Wine Country has been positive with "as good as it gets" as a common reference to this years growing season. I'm getting the impression that Niagara USA Wine Region growers agree.

I wrote the first harvest report from the region for Lenndevours New York Food and Wine Blog last week. Lenn does a fantastic job of writing about NY wines, especially his in depth coverage of Long Island Wine Country. His interest in the Niagara Wine region is growing and I hope his readers, of which there are many, share the same curiosity in what's happening up here.

Randy Biehl of Eveningside Vineyards in Cambria, NY reported harvesting Chardonnay on Oct. 1 with text book quality fruit with plans to harvest his Riesling this week. He also mentioned that his vineyards are experiencing a full canopy and a healthy crop even though this summer has been severe drought conditions. Randy agrees with most on the Canadian side of the border that this summer has the makings of a classic vintage.

Duncan Ross of the soon to open Arrowhead Spring Vineyards harvested his Chardonnay last week and called this season a wonderful year. Freedom Run Winery in Lockport, NY harvested their Cabernet Franc last week and crushed yesterday with picture perfect brix and acidity levels from their young vines.

Schulze Vineyards Hosts "A Day in the Country"

A summer season packed full of outdoor events is winding down around here. Fall is demanding our attention even though temperatures in the 80's are lingering lately. Pumpkins are out, cider is on the table, and corn stalks are now a decoration for halloween. I can't think of a better time of year to enjoy a lazy sunday in the country with a bottle of wine, food, and live music.

Schulze Vineyards and Winery in Burt, NY is officially celebrating their grand opening this sunday October 7th from noon till 6pm. For $15 you receive a complimentary wine glass, wine tastings, and food from the grill. That price also includes live music by John and Mary & the Valkyries. The theme is "A day in the country" and if you haven't been out to Burt, NY, just south of Lake Ontario, it IS the country. Surrounded by cherry orchards, corn fields, and vineyards Schulze's Winery has that cozy country feeling. So bring a blanket, buy a bottle of bubbly, and take a moment to enjoy the best time of year in the country.