Posts Written OnJuly 2011

The 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference in Pictures

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor It's weeks like this one when I'm eternally grateful for the rest of the NYCR team. After the 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference in Charlottesville, VA last weekend, I headed west with Nena and Jackson to spend the week in Williamsburg with my parents — in a resort with expensive WiFi that didn't even work. I'm very behind on posting here on the site, but with the rest of the team around, the site thrived while I was 'away.' While I dig through my email and get cracking on a series of posts about WBC, drinking…

NOFO Rock and Folk Fest Kicks Off Tomorrow

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor NOFO Rock and Folk Fest, the second annual two-day music festival will kick off at Peconic  Bay Winery tomorrow at 11 a.m. My family and I had a great time at last year's event and we look forward to attending again on Sunday. I'll admit to not knowing many of artists performing over the two days, but for me, it's barely about the music itself — it's more about friends and family and enjoying a day in wine country, sipping local wine and beer, listening to music (any music) in a family-friendly environment. For those…

The Governor Just Did… What? The Meaning of New Legislation for Wineries and Consumers

By Evan Dawson, Managing Editor Last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation that, he says, goes a long way toward helping New York state wineries succeed. The changes come from recommendations made in 2008 by the New York Wine Grape Task Force, which was chaired by Paumanok winemaker Kareem Massoud.  You can check out the news release from the governor's office here. I figured there's no one better to put this stuff in context than Kareem Massoud. Our Q&A follows. NYCR: What is the biggest impact that will come from this legislation? KM: Making it easier for farm wineries to…

On Cayuga Lake, a Copper Glow (and the Pizza Within) Attract New Customers

By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor The small French commune of Tain-l’Hermitage is known for its pitched vineyards that yield some of the world’s finest syrah. It is not nearly so well known as the birthplace of copper ovens. “France’s soil is good for more than just winegrowing,” explain Seth and Mary Jane Kircher, the husband-and-wife owners of The Copper Oven, a specialty pizza joint connected to Cayuga Ridge winery. “Our oven was born in Tain-l’Hermitage and we worked with a family in Maine who helped us with its final construction.” The oven is a marvel to behold, and that’s…

Community Beer Works Prototype American Sour Ale

By Julia Burke, Beer Editor Buffalo's Community Beer Works received its TTB approval this month, taking the fledgling brewery one step closer to legit beerdom. Brewer and founder/owner Rudy Watkins was kind enough to send some prototype suds my way — technically homebrews for now, but previews of the recipes to be brewed when CBW finally opens later this year. One of the hottest nights of the summer seemed perfect for cracking a sexy sour, and knowing Watkins to be as passionate about sours as I am, I had a feeling I'd be in for a sensory treat. Watkins explained…

NYCR Wins 2011 Wine Blog Award for Best Single-Subject Wine Blog

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor I think I can speak for my fellow editors and contributors when I say that we'd publish this website even if only our friends and family read it. Cliche or not, it's a labor of love. We really do love doing it. That said, it is still an honor to be recognized by our peers in the wine writing community and readers like you. A little over an hour ago, it was announced that we won the Best Single-Subject Wine Blog category at the 2011 Wine Blog Awards. Winning this category for the third-straight year…

Aboard the SS Acidhound: the Summer of Riesling Concert 2011

By David Flaherty At 8 pm, amidst the sweltering steam bath of NYC, the Half Moon set sail on the East River. Aboard were 27 cases of German Riesling, 2 kegs of Gotham Project Riesling, about 40 tons of ice, 3 local bands, 1 German wine queen and 225 thirsty acidhounds. The Summer of Riesling sold-out boat cruise was underway. Stepping aboard, the guests were greeted with a glass of Gotham Project Riesling from upstate NY in the Finger Lakes.  From here on out, it was all German Riesling as the month of July has been devoted to the motherland.…

Heading Virginia Wine Country for the 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor Later today I'll be heading south on I-95 to attend this year's Wine Bloggers Conference later this week in Charlottesville, VA. It's been a few years since I've attended WBC but I'm looking forward to catching up with colleagues from coast to coast and to exploring Virginia wine country again. The agenda is jam packed with wine, wineries and informational sessions, but there are a few things that stand out as the can't-miss parts of the programming. First at the two keynotes, Friday's given by none other than Jancis Robinson and then Saturday's offered by…

Op-Ed: “On Spitting and Sangiovese in the Finger Lakes” Rob Tebeau, Fringe Wine

Editor's Note: The following is an op-ed written by Rob Tebeau from the blog Fringe Wine, a site focusing on the lesser-known regions and grapes in the wine world, based on his first visit to the Finger Lakes wine region. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the NYCR or its editors. By Rob Tebeau, Fringe Wine From June 24 through July 1, 2011, I was on vacation in the Finger Lakes, checking out the local wine scene. New York Cork Report executive editor Lenn Thompson helped me with an itinerary full of can