The Art of "Vine" Dining

Finger Lakes wineries are the heart of what is better known as the Wine Trail and it here where scores of visitors flock to learn and taste (not necessarily in that order) about the fine wines produced in the local area. More recently, these same wineries are opening up their vineyards to visitors who are looking to do more than just drink (well, sip, swish and spit if you want to get technical). And I for one couldn't be happier. There are few experiences as delightful as a nice glass of wine and a great meal to go with it.

Depending on the vineyard, visitors can taste a variety of locally made wines and then sit down to an elegant meal. A little on the high end to be sure but when it comes to a truly great meal can you really put a price on satisfying your hunger? I think not.

Welcome to the Cuisine Trail

Let's face it: pretty much anywhere you go in the Finger Lakes Wine Country you're going to find vineyards, orchards and acres of locally produced vegetables. Put the two (or three) together and add a little meat or fish and you just created the basic concept of Vineyard Dining. Good food goes with a good glass of wine and that makes the Finger Lakes Wine Country a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.

Pick a Lake, Pick a Trail, and Pick a Meal

Of course you know that the Wine Trail covers quite a bit of ground and is only a "trail" in the sense that the overall direction follows the course of the Finer Lakes. Thus the Wine Trail will take you to lakes and areas as diverse as Cayuga Lake (home of the annual Wine and Herb Festival) to Keuka Lake (famous for its Harvest Tours) to Seneca Lake (Spring Wine and Cheese Weekend anyone). Sure, I'll give you a few of my favorite locations but it's up to you to travel the wine trail and stop and taste as you see fit. Follow your instincts and immerse yourself in locally produced dishes that reflect the cultures and lifestyles typical of the Finger Lakes region.

In short, many of the wineries supplement their wine tasting with multi-course dinners planned and prepared by the winemaker and his/her chef and await only the final ingredient - you.

And don't worry, if fine dining sounds just a bit too dressed up for, don't worry. Food festivals are part and parcel for the Finger Lakes region. Food festivals are definitely seasonal so whether it's Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter you can find that special something to sooth your appetite be it a cake, pie, stew or vegetable.

Favorite Haunts on the Seneca Cuisine Trail

There are so many great places and I'm still discovering more that I'm not sure where to begin. I know one thing - you gotta eat sometime.

Grist Mill Café - simple in appearance yet offers a great selection of home made baked goods and coffee that will tide you over until dinner time.

Crooked Rooster Pub - Probably more to drink than to eat, but the CRP (located in the village of Watkins Glen) can warm up your taste buds and get you ready for an afternoon of winery hopping.

Stonecat Café - Hector, New York's very own. A great place to eat and drink. Not just a meal…an experience.

Whoever coined the phrase, "Eat, Drink and be Merry" must have spent some time on the Finger Lakes Wine Trail. Count yourselves among the chosen few and get out there and discover some vineyard dining (and drinking) for yourself.