Chronology of Enology
HOW IT WORKS: Everyone begins their experience at their reserved starting time at Toro Run. You will then move on to Buttonwood Grove Winery and end your trip at Knapp Winery. At each winery you will have a distinct wine tasting experience to brag about. Plan on spending at least an hour at each vineyard which should give you enough time to shop and travel to the next winery.
From a young winery to more established vineyards, visitors will experience thoughtful and distinct wine tasting sessions that will dazzle the palate and excite the mind. A chronology of a time-honored tradition of winemaking-enology awaits you at each unique vineyard. You will be immersed in understanding wines from different locals, vintages and using your senses to taste wine as well as understand the terroir of our beautifully vast Cayuga Lake.
As the new kid on the block, Toro Run will introduce guests to the exciting new, cutting-edge wines that winemaker Ian Barry has been hard at work on. You will taste tank and barrel samples and wines fermented in brand new clayvers, concrete ‘eggs’ and terra cotta amphoras, as well as wines finished in more well-known oak and stainless-steel methods. Recently under new ownership, Toro Run Winery will soon be unveiling their new brand and these new carefully curated wines, and YOU will be the first to get a sneak peek at the exciting, ‘experimental’ lineup that will revolutionize the Finger Lakes. A lovely selection of sparklings and still wines will be accompanied by a ploughman-style platter of hearty breads, earthy cheeses, and chutneys.
Moving on to Buttonwood Grove Winery, where original owners Ken & Diane Riemer set out to create their dream winery, to the Buttonwood we know and love now under ownership of Dave & Melisssa Pittard who have taken the Riemer’s dream to the next level. With a primary focus of grapegrowing and winemaking, as well as guest experiences, our team is filled with knowledgeable, passionate vignerons who take pride in sharing our creations and our ever-evolving beautiful space. Guests will be welcomed with a pour and a story! First up, our award-winning Riemer Block Riesling, from the oldest vines on our property, which highlights the mineral-driven expressions of our particular vineyard site. Next, guests will enjoy a showcase of white, rosé, and red wines all made from the same grape – Cabernet Franc. Alongside the wines, we will offer a vivacious spread of crudite, fruits, nuts, and cheeses.
And finishing at Knapp Winery where amuse bouche styled food will be served alongside library wines of Riesling from the following vintages–2014, 2015, 2016 vintages. We will explore the uniqueness of each vintage and explain the influence of climate on our vineyards and region. A small platter of Chef John’s culinary creations will be offered with the Rieslings and will include mini Chevere arancini with caper lemon aioli, tuna tartare on wonton with ginger gastrique, poached pear and Muranda Bleu Cheese mousse on brioche, and honey and Mascarpone Mousse on lemon shortbread. Followed by a Tasting of Cabernet Franc from some of the oldest vines on Cayuga Lake and alongside our current vintage of our stainless-steel fermented Cabernet Franc.
Reservations may be made on the Knapp Vineyards Website Calendar
