Flashback to Winter 2012: I schwent to a Wine and Food Festival in Upstate New York while still blogging on Melissa’s 100. This was #52. Go to a wine and food festival. 

“Last weekend, I crossed an unexpected goal off my list- #52. Going to a wine and food festival in upstate New York! When I lived in New York, I wasn’t a fan. I hated the snow. I hated being so far away from family. But after I spent time away from the area, I found that going back to visit every once in awhile is really enjoyable.

If you’ve never been to the Finger Lakes, I highly recommend it. The wine trails are unexpected- but amazing. I’m quite partial to the quiet wineries around Canandaigua Lake. Coincidentally, that was where the 2012 nICE Wine Festival was held.

I’m usually really on top of my list items- this time around, I’m letting things happen a little more naturally. The Wine Festival was my Mom’s idea. We spent a few hours at the New York Wine & Culinary Center tasting various ice wines. We had a really great time and tried a lot of different wines from various New York state wineries. There was even an olive oil tasting- I had a fantastic basil infused olive oil that I’m determined to buy on my next visit home.

But back to the wine. Let me tell you something about ice wine- it’s usually delicious. I’m partial to sweeter, white wines, so ice wine is a natural favorite for me. A few weeks ago, I went wine tasting with a friend. A running joke of ours was about a winery in South Jersey— almost every wine was sickeningly sweet. The man who was hosting the tasting would suggest that we drizzle EVERY different type of wine over vanilla ice cream. You probably could have- the wine was like syrup.

Unfortunately, I discovered that this practice is not just for South Jersey wineries. Nearly every ice wine at the festival was the same syrup-like consistency. It was disappointing. I was lucky to find a wine that was actually pretty fantastic (Heron Hill Vidal Blanc), but for now, I’m going to stick to the dryer reds.

If you’re local to the Canandaigua area, here are some fantastic wineries/shops/restaurants to check out. (Even if you’re not, you can order from most of these locations online!)

F. Oliver’s Oils and Vinegars– Main Street, Canandaigua
Inspire Moore Winery & Vineyards– Naples, NY
Monica’s Pies- Naples, NY”