"Wine is bottled poetry" - Robert Lewis Stevenson

Wine has quite a history (I’m talking about the history connected less with the word itself and more with the luscious fruit of the vine). According to some sources, wine was being made in China about 9000 years ago which is probably a bit too long to leave in a bottle. Actually, the oldest bottle of wine in the world (which is on display in Germany) dates back to about 325 A.D.

Allusions to this nectar of the gods are made in ancient Greek and Roman mythology, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, the Bible, and numerous other texts throughout the past couple millennia. Even renowned scientists have had a role in understanding and furthering the process of winemaking.

As fascinating as its history might be, the best thing about wine is enjoying it in the present (although some wines do get better with age), and since the Finger Lakes region is the second largest wine region in the country, there are many opportunities to enjoy this delicious beverage. Nestled at the southern tip of pristine Keuka Lake, the charming village of Hammondsport offers the best of two worlds – small town Americana at its finest (with quaint shops located around the Village Square, wonderful restaurants, warm and friendly people who live and work there, as well as Keuka Lake) and award-winning wineries.

What you’ll find here is a wonderful mix of styles and personalities, as each winery has its own specialty ranging from delicious dessert wines to excellent fruit sparkles to Great Western champagne to delectable dry wines to mouth-watering hybrids to wine served with laughter to unique and exquisite varieties. Although the area is known for its Rieslings, and rightly so (you’ll find some of the best along the hillsides that surround Keuka Lake), reds have also been making a strong push the past few years and are starting to be recognized for their quality.

But when it really comes down to it, what makes a great wine isn’t what the experts say, it’s what appeals to you and with such a diverse selection of wines to choose from it won’t take long for you to find something that appeals to you.

As ironic as it might seem, wine tasting isn’t just about tasting wines. It’s about the overall experience of getting together with friends, laughing, having a great time. In addition to breath-taking views of Keuka Lake, some wineries offer live entertainment throughout the summer and fall, others have wonderful restaurants, some have their own culinary events where excellent foods and wines are paired together, while others are part of the Keuka Lake Wine Trail which has a number of exciting events, including one this Valentine’s Day weekend (2/13-2/14) you won’t want to miss.

Even though wine tastings at the wineries are so much fun, you can also enjoy great wine right here in Corning with events like Cabin Fever (February 19th) and several others throughout the year. Featuring over 30 wineries and breweries from New York’s Finger Lakes Region, complimentary limousine shuttles, collectible wine and beer glasses, great shopping and dining promotions, Cabin Fever is a great way to sample wines and beat the winter doldrums.

Oh, and don't forget to check out the exciting Winter Wine Weekend Getaway Packages being offered by dozens of area accommodations going on now through the end of April (featuring a number of complimentary goodies like wine tastings, museum passes, and more).