Rolling out the barrels at Keuka Spring

PENN YAN, NY -- Visiting winery tasting rooms is a pasttime with growing popularity. But, if you want to get behind the scenes a bit more, Keuka Spring Vineyards has something on the schedule.

The public will be able to participate in small-group barrel tastings in the facility’s tank room on either Saturday or Sunday, December 5-6.

They will be able to compare bottled vintages with barrel samplings of the upcoming 2009 vintage, accompanied by the winery’s winemaking team.

“Along with the library tastings we have in the summer this is a way for people to have a fun and interactive experience learning about our wine and the winemaking process behind it,” said owner Len Wiltberger, who owns Keuka Spring with his wife, Judy.

“The barreled wines are the early versions of next year’s vintages. By hosting a barrel tasting just after the harvest, we offer visitors the chance to learn more about the process that transforms fresh, ripe grapes into wine.”

The $25 admission fee covers the tastings, hors d’oeuvres and a complementary wine glass. Plus, discounts will be offered for case purchases. Reservations, which are required, may be made online or by calling (315) 536-3147.

Keuka Spring is located at 243 State Route 54 (East Lake Road) just outside Penn Yan on the east side of Keuka Lake. The Wiltbergers founded the winery in 1985.

---

ON THE WEB
• Keuka Spring Vineyards
• Keuka Lake Wine Trail
• Dowd's Guides

(Have you checked the New York Wine Events Calendar today? If not, click here.)

Saratoga horsey set getting wheels

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- Here's one for your future file: August 18, next summer.

That's the date for "Get Your Motor Running." No, not the Steppenwolf song that opened with that line, but rather a fundraiser for Saratoga Bridges, to be held at a place better known as a gathering spot for the horsey set during the annual Saratoga Race Course thoroughbred season.

Siro’s restaurant, located next to the race course, will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. that day for the 21st annual gala.

Included in the event will be a pig roast, an open bar, live music and an appearance by Goldy McJohn, founding member and original keyboardist of the Steppenwolf rock group that recorded "Born To Be Wild."

Attire will be cocktail casual or biker garb.

Saratoga Bridges began with a community-based home for people with developmental disabilities. It now has a residential program and a variety of day services.

---

ON THE WEB
• Download "Born To Be Wild"
• Siro's restaurant
• Dowd's Guides

Canandaigua historic homes tour set

CANANDAIGUA, NY -- This small Finger Lakes city is replete with historic homes, many of Victorian design. Usually, all that visitors can do is drive by them and wonder what's inside. Usually.

The Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park has planned a tour of some of them along Howell Street, from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 5.

Six historic Howell Street homes, such as one shown above, will be open for display that day, plus the Gate House at Sonnenberg, just inside the Sonnenberg Gates at Howell and Charlotte streets.

Tour booklets will detail the history of each home, including special architectural features. Visitors will park in the Sonnenberg lot, and tram shuttle service from the main parking lot to the front gates of Sonnenberg will be provided.

Tour booklets, at $20 per person, may be purchased by calling Sonnenberg at (585) 394-4922. They will be available for pickup at Sonnenberg the day of the event.


During tour hours, Sonnenberg's 1887 mansion also will also be open with light refreshments available. Starting at 4:30 p.m., carolers and a Victorian Santa will be on hand at the Mansion. Community members may visit the mansion throughout the home tour hour free of charge.

---

ON THE WEB
• Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion
• Visiting Canandaigua
• Dowd's Guides