This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. It is the 3rd most planted red wine grape in Germany. MORE >>

Here are two natural wines from France that have you covered. Arretxea, Irouleguy 2005 about $20. Tissot, Arbois, Poulsard, vielles vignes, Jura 2006 about $17. The weather is rapidly changing: one day, fall; the next day, snow! This hearty red pairs well with rich foods and cold weather. Although not big and boozy (only 12.5% MORE >>

Winemakers Notes: Syrah has found an ideal home in the Finger Lakes , where our climate mimics France's Rhone Valley, where the grape produces some of the finest wines in the world. Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. From that day on I was a fan. MORE >>

Can't seem to find a Finger Lakes Riesling I don't like. Thanks to my son, this past weekend I opened a dry Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars located in Lodi, NY, on the east side of Seneca Lake and my first stop on the annual " Deck the Halls " event on Dec. have to say his timing was impeccable. g/L pH: 2.93 Alcohol by Volume: 12.1 MORE >>

Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Can't do much better than that. Alcohol: 13.0% MORE >>