Wayne County Life

SUBMITTED by Terri Goebel

JD Wine Cellars welcomes the New Year with their seventh annual chili tasting and wine pairing event. The chili tasting event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, January 21st & 22nd from 12pm to 5:00pm.

The chili tasting will feature 2 homemade chili dishes expertly paired with JD Wine Cellars wines (or non-alcoholic juices). Guests can select an additional 3 wines to sample while visiting the tasting room this weekend.

Tickets for this event are $10/person or $5/person for JD Wine Cellars Case Club Members. For more information call 315-986- 4202 or visit www.JDWineCellars.com.

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SUBMITTED by Kyle Miller (19-Apr-2012)

Senator Nozzolio met recently with State Department of Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine to discuss initiatives to promote our State’s farms and winemakers, including the new Viticulture Center project at the New York State Agriculture and Food Technology Park in Geneva. Senator Nozzolio worked with Governor Cuomo to secure funding in the State Budget to help Finger Lakes Community College’s expand its groundbreaking Viticulture and Wine Technology program at the Ag-Tech Park.

Senator Nozzolio with Commissioner Aubertine

“FLCC’s Viticulture program--the only one of its kind in the Northeast--is critically important to the Finger Lakes Region’s continued emergence as one of the premier winemaking areas of the Country,” said Senator Nozzolio. “The new Viticulture Center at the Ag-Tech Park will be the ideal location for our future winemakers to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to continue developing New York’s wine and grape industry as one of our fastest growing economic engines.”

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SUBMITTED by Christopher Staub (22-Apr-2012)

"Sunset Wine-Tasting" event this Friday April 27th from 5-7 pm.

 Ontario Barn Vineyards presents Hypnotic Clambake in LIVE performance!

Hypnotic Clambake kicks off 1st of Five 2012 Friday evening live music events inside our wine tasting barn.

The legendary pop-klezmer-zydeco-bgrass band will rock the big red barn at 513 Whitney Road in Ontario, NY from 5 to 7 pm this Friday evening as Ontario Barn Vineyards serves up some of the best NY State wines.  Band leader Maury Rosenberg and his fantastic bunch of musicians are no strangers at the farm, having performed each of the 5 years we have had our Labor Day weekend Ontario Barn Festival. So it is only fitting that we asked them to start off our Friday evening series that will feature great LIVE music on selected dates from April until August 31.  See calendar for the dates of the other Friday evening events, which will feature string quartets, jazz ensembles and Mammox encoring its 2011 performance on August 31st.  Be sure to arrive a little ahead of 5 pm to get your parking and find a space by the counter. No cover charge. Wine tasting and wines by the glass. (Please note: Alcohol may not be brought onto the premises or property and you must be 21 or older to enter. Non alcohol beverages will also be available).

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SUBMITTED by Christopher Staub (30-Oct-2011)

Four of the five wineries of the Lake Ontario Wine Trail can be found on lovely meandering back roads in Ontario, Macedon, Williamson, North Rose and Wolcott. While easily accessible from main roads, one has to know where to look to find these gems that are part of the Greater Rochester area.

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SUBMITTED by Chris Staub (8-Sep-2011)

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SUBMITTED by Chris Staub (8-Sep-2011)

Ontario Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Event Held at Ontario Barn Vineyards

Pictured above is Christopher Staub, owner of Ontario Barn Vineyards serving left to right; Vicki Steele, Chamber President and Bob Kelsch, Ontario Town Supervisor and his wife, Linda.

A Business After Hours sponsored by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce was held at the Town of Ontario’s first winery, Ontario Barn Vineyards located at 513 Whitney Road, Ontario, New York on August 25, 2011 from 5-7 p.m.

Approximately twenty Chamber members attended and were offered to select from a variety of New York State white and red wines for the wine tasting. An appetizer tray was provided by Vicari’s Pizzeria located at 1795 Road, in Ontario.

Ontario Barn Vineyards is owned by Christopher Staub, LLC and opened in the spring of 2011. A rustic barn on the property has been renovated to serve as a wine tasting room and retail space. As well as wines, a variety of cheeses and unique wine related gifts are available. The vineyards are located on a 11 acre fruit and Christmas tree farm. Commercial production of the blend’s 2011 vintage will begin this fall.

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SUBMITTED by Camille Campanaro (24-Aug-2011)

Taste the Goodness, a charity wine tasting event, will be held Friday, September 9 at JD Wine Cellars at Long Acre Farms in Macedon, NY, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.

Thirty area restaurants, specialty food vendors, breweries and wineries, including the Lake Ontario Wine Trail, will provide samples in the Big Red Barn. With thirty tasting stations, attendees should plan to bring an appetite. Guests will then vote on the Best Taste, Best Sip, Best Specialty Food and Best Display based on the vendor samples. In addition to the tasting booths, attendees can participate in raffles and a 50/50.

Dress casually to enjoy a wagon ride to JD Wine Cellars Vineyard and sample wine right in the vineyard. Long Acre Farms’ (www.longacrefarms.com) Mini Back 40 will also be open, with the giant jumping pillow, sand box, mini maze, traverse climbing wall and spider web.

Tickets include tastings, hayride, wine tote, glass and a mini bottle of Blackberry Boogie wine.

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SUBMITTED by Camille Campanaro (25-Aug-2011)

Silver honors were given to JD Wine Cellars’ Free Flight and Cabernet Franc wines at the 2011 NY Wine & Food Classic competition. JD Wine Cellars’ Marquette, Riesling and Blackberry Boogie received bronze medals.

The competition was held August 15 & 16 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen, NY. Entries for the competition included 726 wines and 15 spirits from wineries and distilleries from Long Island, Hudson Valley, the Finger Lakes, Niagara Escarpment and Lake Erie.

“We are very pleased with the success that our wines have had in competitions,” explains Joan Allen, owner of Long Acre Farms and JD Wine Cellars. “Having just entered our second year as a winery, these awards show us we’re doing well and serve as proof of the quality of our wines.”

JD Wine Cellars opened on May 1st, 2010. It is the latest addition to Long Acre Farms, an agri-tainment site focused on creating a fun and educational destination for families. The award-winning wines and the rest of the winery’s red, white and 100% fruit wines are available in the Tasting Room, located at 1342 Eddy Road in Macedon.

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SUBMITTED by Nicole Mahoney (28-Jun-2011)

Five of JD Wine Cellars’ wines won medals at the New York State Fair Competition that took place earlier this month. Free Flight and Marquette received gold medals and Lemberger, Riesling and Rhythm & Bluesberry earned bronze.

The New York State Fair holds the competition each year as a way to present New York State fine wines to the public. The fair runs from August 25th – September 5th at the fairgrounds in Syracuse. All wine entries are sampled at the Commercial Wine Information Booth where knowledgeable volunteers inform visitors about NY wines, wine-growing regions, wine trails and special wine events.

“As a new winery, it’s very validating to take home medals from the State Fair,” said Doug Allen, winemaker and co-owner of JD Wine Cellars. “Last year was our first year and we received three medals from the Fair, one of which was Best of the Fruit Category for our Blackberry Boogie, and nine altogether in our first year as a winery.”

JD Wine Cellars is the newest addition to Long Acre Farms. Specializing in red, white and 100% fruit wines, it is a fun and educational wine tasting venue. In line with the goals of Long Acre Farms, JD Wine Cellars aims to provide an authentic and family-friendly experience to its guests. The winery is a member of the Lake Ontario Wine Trail and is open daily for wine tasting experiences.

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SUBMITTED by Chris Staub (6-Jun-2011)

Come try our picks of the top North Fork Pinot Noirs from Castello di Bourghese

Visit Ontario Barn Vineyards this weekend, June 11 and 12 to try excellent Pinot Noirs "imported from Long Island", along with our other featured wines.

Our picnic tables are on the lawns and you can come get a bottle of wine and some tasty items for picnicing. Hope to see you this weekend.

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SUBMITTED by Chris Staub, Ontario Barn Vineyards (31-May-2011)

Ontario Barn Vineyards

An 11 acre Christmas tree and fruit farm with bucolic views of 19th century red barns is the backdrop for the town of Ontario’s first winery. Look for Ontario Barn Vineyards to be a local tourist destination, just 15 minutes east of Rochester. The winery is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5:30 pm and a visit makes a great day trip or first stop on the Lake Ontario Wine Trail for folks not wanting to venture too far from home with high gas prices this summer

Ontario Barn Vineyards will be producing its first vintages of white wines this season, which will be bottled in spring 2012. Meanwhile it features some of the best wines from around New York State for tasting in its rustic and iconic 1875 red barn. The spring and summer wine selections include Chardonnays, Rieslings, Niagara and Cayuga blends as well as excellent reds including Cabernet Sauvignon from Seneca Lake and fine Pinot Noirs from Long Island.

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SUBMITTED by Chris Staub, Ontario Barn Vineyards (4-June-2011)

Ontario Barn Vineyards

Ontario Barn Vineyards is open Saturdays and Sundays only, from noon to 5:30 pm for wine tasting, wine purchases and gift retail. Picnic foods and wines can be purchased and enjoyed at our picnic tables by the garden. Our farm winery is located just minutes east of Rochester, New York and presents a lovely setting with its park-like lawns and gardens, trees and of course the iconic red barn, where the wine tasting takes place. Visit our website for full details, including wine lists and directions. Ontario Barn Vineyards is located at 513 Whitney Road in Ontario, New York.

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SUBMITTED by Chris Staub, Ontario Barn Vineyards (27-Mar-2011)

New York Assemblyman Bob Oaks notified the owner of the new business Ontario Barn Vineyards last week that approval was granted by the New York State Liquor Authority for its farm winery license application. With all federal, state and local licenses now achieved, the first winery to be located in Ontario, New York will begin weekend wine tasting and retail in May.


According to owner, Christopher Staub, Ontario Barn Vineyards will feature premium wines from other New York State wineries and will develop its own labels of limited production vintages. Watch this and other publications for the soon to be announced opening weekend.

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SUBMITTED by Mary Beth Mahaney, Long Acre Farms (11-Jan-2011)

Couples Wine 101

Having a solid foundation is the key to any relationship and also to enhancing your enjoyment of wine. This Valentines Day immerse yourself in the world of wine with an introductory wine class especially for couples at JD Wine Cellars, the area’s newest winery. This class will give an overview of wine types, characteristics, how to serve & store wine, reading labels and more! Together, you and your Valentine will taste wines from different regions of the world then enjoy a chocolate pairing full of tips on how to pair food and wine at home. The class is being held on February 12th at 5pm for only $50 per couple. Visit www.JDWineCellars.com or call 315-986-4202 to reserve your space.

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SUBMITTED by Mary Beth Mahaney, JD Wine Cellars (1-Dec-2010)

The growing Lake Ontario Wine Trail is set to host its first Holiday Tour on December 10th, 11th & 12th. From 12pm-5pm each day, visitors can enjoy wine and food pairings, giveaways, holiday shopping and more at each of the trail’s participating locations.

This free event will offer an opportunity to take the trail less traveled and discover the beauty and uniqueness along Lake Ontario. Trail stops include award winning wineries, a farm market, gift shops, and an art & gift gallery. At each stop, visitors can enter to win a $150 gift package. The more stops made, the more chances to win.

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SUBMITTED by Chris Staub, Ontario Barn Vineyards (7-Oct-2010)

Ontario Barn Vineyards in Ontario, NY

This weekend October 9 and 10 and also the weekend of October 23 and 24, Ontario Barn Vineyards presents its "Harvest Weekends" all four dates from 9 am to 4 pm. There will be fresh picked fruit, lots of pumpkins, spices, arts and crafts and chances to "win a picnic" in the spring when the winery expects to be fully open.


Ontario Barn Vineyards is located at 513 Whitney Road between Lincoln and County Line Roads, about a mile south of route 104.

Find us on the web at www.OntarioBarnVineyards.com.

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This coming Saturday will see community events happening all day long in Newark.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.- Newark-Arcadia Historical Society's Historic House Tour, featuring 7 unique homes, complete with vintage cars in the driveways. Tickets are only $10 per person, and available at Wegmans, Doebler Realty, Village Pharmacy, Flower Mill, Nine Pines, Sharon's Snip Shop, all in Newark and Breens in Palmyra and S.A. Gilbert Jewelers in Geneva. Tickets can also be purchased at the Newark-Arcadia Museum on High Street, where refreshments will be available.

The Nick Gillette Band will kick off the Newark Chamber of Commerce Wine & Arts Walk set for 2-5 p.m. at the Port of Newark, sponsored by Wegmans and IEC. A chicken barbeque and pizza vendor will be featured in the T. Spencer Knight Park. Immediately following the concert, the Wine & Arts Walk will commence at the Chamber building, next to the East Avenue bridge. Tickets for the wine walk and tasting will be sold there at $10 and several choices of wine will be available. Included in ticket prices is a commemorative wine glass. From there move on to student art displays at Market Alternatives and Ruffalo Appliances on South Main Street. Next, visit the Newark- Arcadia Museum and check out their Empire Crafts Corp. exhibit, and across the street in the Newark Public Library you can visit the Hoffman Clock Museum. Next, visit the Wayne County Council for the Arts and view their "Floral & Fauna" exhibit. Relax at Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast at 310 High Street, where Wegmans Olde World Cheese Shop and Zugibe Vineyards will offer tastings and cheese pairings. Keep your wine glass, present it at the Corner Tavern, Burnham's Canalside, D's South of the Border, or Parker;s Grille, and receive a complimentary glass of wine of soda with dinner that night.

We're Not Done Yet! Starting at 7 p.m., the Newark Public Library and Timothy C. Johnson Forum will present the first of a series of Environmental theme films. Playing on Saturday is Trash, a provocative investigation of one of the fastest growing industries in North America, the garbage business. Free.

Photo- Newark's Historic East Avenue, circa 1910.

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SUBMITTED by K. Moolchan (9-Sep-2010)

Ontario Festival Promoted Solar Energy and Great Live Music

Live Music

Drinkin wine with your dinner… upstate… is a line from one of Chris Staub’s upstate New York folk tunes, a bluegrassy ballad of a farmer-wannabe who comes up from the (New York) City to work on the farm in a place like Ontario, New York. On Saturday of Labor Day weekend, Staub once again hosted the Ontario Barn Festival at his picturesque farm property on Whitney Road, in Ontario, about 15 minutes east of Rochester, where happy folks gathered and enjoyed the live indie bluegrass and acoustic music, fed merrily on American Legion BBQ and sipped Billsboro wines.

“What I like best about the Ontario Barn Festival is that after each full year of planning, on the day it all goes down, I get to sit in a lawn chair, watch our guests dancing on the grass to the mesmerizingly wonderful music of Hypnotic Clambake, Norman Hasman or Waitin on a Train.”

Staub plans to develop and license a limited production winery later this year at the site. This year’s audience came from not only the local neighborhoods of Ontario, Webster, Williamson, Churchville, Greece and Rochester, but also from Toronto, Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Stevenage England, New Paltz and Sugar Loaf, NY. The local motels were full.

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Newark- The Newark Chamber of Commerce will offer its first "Wine & Arts Walk" on Saturday, September 25 from 2-5 p.m. rain or shine. An afternoon of art, history, wine and music will begin at T. Spencer Knight Canal Port at the Port of Newark. Music provided by Nick Gillette and sponsored by Wegmans and IEC will begin at 2 p.m. A chicken BBQ and pizza vendors will be on site.

The walk and wine tastings will begin at the Chamber office located at the Port. receive your wine glass, directions and suggested itinerary as well as the first tasting.

Along the route visit student artwork on display at Ruffalo's Appliance and Market Alternatives on South Main Street, the Empire Crafts Corporation exhibit at the Newark-Arcadia Historical Museum on High Street, the historical clock collection at the Hoffman Clock Museum at the Newark Public Library and the 2010 Members Show of "Landscapes and Florals" at the Wayne County Council for the Arts on West Miller Street.

The walk ends at the lovely Vintage Gardens Bed & Breakfast at 310 High Street, where Zugibe's Vineyards and Wegmans will offer wine tastings and cheese pairings.

Advance tickets for the wine tastings and walk are recommended and can be purchased at Newark Wegmans or the Chamber office on Van Buren Street. The cost is $10 and benefits the chamber community events. Participants must be 21 years oor older. With a purchase of dinner that evening at local restaurants Burnham's Canalside, The Corner Tavern, D's South of the Border, or Parker's Grille & Tap House- participants receive a free glass of wine, beer or soda.

For more information contact John Zornow, Chamber secretary 331-2705 or Linda Werts, event co-chair 331-6999, lwerts@aol.com

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SUBMITTED by Mary E. Mastracy, Wayne County Tourism (16-Aug-2010)

Grand Opening Baskets

Thorpe Vineyard has opened a second wine tasting room conveniently located on Ridge Road, and easily accessible for Lake Ontario Wine Trail travelers. The home winery, now in its 22nd year of operation, is located outside of Wolcott just a half mile east of the picturesque Chimney Bluffs. Owner, Fumie Thorpe, fondly calls her vineyard “The Little Winery on the Great Lake,” and it is so quaintly tucked away that many folks tend to miss it! Thankfully, the new satellite location is easier to find and will offer the same tasting line-up of award-winning wines (just minus the lake view).

Visitors can find the new tasting room at the Orchard View Country Market at 10006 Ridge Road, North Rose, NY 14516. This is right at the intersection of Ridge Road and Lake Bluff Road (Rte 414). The Grand Opening occurred Saturday, 21 August 2010. For more information, visit the website http://www.thorpevineyard.com/. Hours for the new wine-tasting location are 12 noon till 6 pm daily.

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