Culinary Destinations; Finger Lakes - Part 2

By Chef Armand Vanderstigchel

The following morning after an enjoyable visit at Konstantin Winery in Keuka Lake, the pursuit of visiting more Finger Lake wineries continues. A quick breakfast is enjoyed at the Finger Lakes visitor center where a large variety of cooked to order sandwiches are offered along with local wines, brews, coffee, and unique non-alcoholic beverages under the moniker Finger Lakes Welcome Center's theme "Wine and Water," p ay ing tribute to the region's famous vineyards and namesake lakes. I en joyed the “Canal Side grilled Cheese” made with local Happy Valley Farm Cheese varieties & Pesto and for beverage the delicious non-alcoholic cold pressed Grape Juice varieties of Rosette, Riesling and Concord pro duced by the renown Fulkerson winery & Farm in Dundee, NY. They were so good I had to try three of the varieties!

The Taste NY Market at the Welcome Center, partners with over 1,800 New York State farmers and producers- a wonderful program!

The first winery of the day was the celebrated Fox Run Vineyards located on the West side of Seneca Lake in Penn Yan. There is a beautiful deck overlooking the vineyards and Seneca Lake. Directly connected is the café which offers wine by the glass or bottle. Self-guided wine flights are available for purchase in the café or tasting room. The café menu is impressive with great Salads, Naan Bread Pizza, and a delicious Mac N’ Cheese skillet prepared with ingredients sourced from local businesses such as Muranda Cheese and Bostrom Farms.

Continuing down NY-14 which runs along the Lake Seneca the next stop is Glenora Wine cellars & Veraison restaurant. This is a beautiful winery resort located on Seneca Lake which opened its doors in 1977 as the first winery on Seneca Lake, pro ducing award-winning Finger Lakes wines and of fering year-round wine tastings and cellar tours.

There is an adjoined Inn for lodging and the restaurant Ve raisons is a from-scratch kitchen utilizing local.

It is a perfect place for lunch with a covered deck overlooking the lake and an assortment of creative Burgers, Salads, and continental dishes.

Ensuing, I visit the showstopping facility of Lakewood Farm also located on the west side of Seneca Lake, with east- facing slopes gently lead ing down to the shores. Owned and operated by the Stamp family since 1951, the vineyard’s first grapes were sold to Welch's Grape Juice Company in 1955. As the economic climate for small commercial grape producers became challenging, the Stamps took the next step and started making wine from their grapes which supplies 15 varieties.

In 1965, when First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson initiated her program to beautify our nation’s roadsides, Frank and Lucy Stamp contributed by planting a row of roses along Route 14.

In 1974, with the roses in full bloom, Lucy Stamp sent a letter and photo graphs to Lady Bird Johnson. They received a response from the First Lady, commending the Stamps for their “contribution to a more beautiful America.”

Each of the wines now features a rose on the label-the wine bottles are amongst of the most beautifully designed and eye-catching in the region. The modern tasting room and the wine-ma k ing fa cility is a show-stopper upon your arrival in terms of design and visuals of the fermentation tanks seen through the window. Adjacent to the tasting room is a beautiful lawn with tables stretching out directly along the vines with walking access to the Lake.

The final reward heading south along Seneca lake is visiting Watkins Glen State Park and the iconic most photographed little Red Gazebo/Pier-house on the Seneca Lake pier overlooking the abundant body of water.

Finalizing the extensive wineries excursion, I walk off some wine-calories by visiting Watkins Glen State Park-the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks. It is considered a natural wonder with 19 waterfalls that cascade down the stream and rock formation. I hiked along the busy Gorge Trail which is visually stunning, while being careful of the slippery steps.

After a quick swim in the beautiful large outdoor pool in the park, I opted for scenic photo opportunities at the Seneca Lake Pier. Complimenting the beautiful Red Pier-house are many hotels and restaurants on the pier to explore and dinner cruise options.

The eastern road north along Lake Seneca is beautiful during sunset with abundant wineries, breweries, and little restaurants.

Navigating away from Seneca Lake in the direction of Seneca Falls to connect to the thruway 90 towards Albany, I stopped at “the Village Soft Serve” in the small town of Ovid near Lodi. Delicious Ice Cream made with local Milk from “Upstate Farms Milk Co.” It was hands down one of the best soft serves I ever tried and belated regrets for not going back for seconds.

The highlight of this trip for me was the pleasure of witnessing this region supporting, developing, and strengthening its cottage industries. By keeping them striving, it inspires new generations of culinary artisans, wineries, and breweries.

A trip to the Finger Lakes region will be one of your great decisions, followed by great memories and a reinvigorated appreciation of our beautiful state.