Road Trip: Part 3 - Wine Country

On the way back from Buffalo, we headed to one of the wine trails in the Finger Lakes region, the Cayuga Lake Trail. Since we'd be driving by this way anyway, we both figured "what the hey."

So first off we started at the Montezuma Winery right at the top of Cayuga Lake. A very cute little nook of a place with very sweet wines and big tasting pours. They also had a cute gift shop and had a great staff that even gave us a big wine case so that we could safely store the wine we bought, plus some. They also had this nice honey derived vodka that was surprisingly smooth enough to even drink on the rocks. When those new paychecks start to come in, it's on like Donkey Kong.

Next, following a lovely scenic drive by the side of the Cayuga, was the Cobblestone Farm Winery. This place had a huge chunk of big sky above it and looked like a dream. They featured some great wines plus a bunch of jellies, jams and spice foods to enjoy and buy for presents. However, we were about a day too late for their annual cherry picking, but we were still able to frolic amongst the cherry trees and nibble on what we found.

Knapp Winery was next which was another vision set against the scenery of the lake. A very inviting place with a very large selection of wines, plus their own grappa, which was as deadly as was expected. A nice shot of lovely lighter fluid never hurt nobody. ;-)

Finally, we ended the wine trail with the Sheldrake Point Vineyard. It was getting near closing and we weren't the only ones capitalizing on that fact, so there was a bit of a tasting rush. One of the drier wines of the trip, so it was a nice change in flavors. Will have to go back and spend more time there and also check out their Simply Red Bistro. Since this was closed, we asked one of the workers where they would normally go to eat and they directed us to this hole in the wall place down the road called Mulligan's.

It was interesting, very down-home filled with regulars and soft country music. The food was a little over priced for what it was, but it was nice to support a local place. Plus they had a great view of the lake that hypnotized you as you ate. It whispered to you, "hey, you should get a boat and come and play with me! Or at least rent a home for the summer and enjoy me all to yourself!"

After this, it was back to our last hotel which was the Extended Stay of Syracuse. Clive started to catch a second wind by this time so it was off to absorb some local color and head to a dive bar, of course. So on Google Maps we found a great little hole in the wall called Gilligan's Pub. At first, it was a little frosty, but once we got in a couple games of pool with the locals and had some nice stiff drinks, all was well and we started really getting along with everyone. Clive even took over the jukebox, just like old times and a good night was had. Thanks so much Gilligan's Pub, you guys have a great place down there.

For all the lovely photos, take a venture over to my Flickr photoset for the whole trip and feel free to poke around my other sets as well. ;-)