The BEST Vineyard in Skaneateles — Anyela’s

The most popular vineyard on Skaneateles Lake

It’s a COLD memorial Day weekend. I’m wearing a down vest and wool mittens. Why would there be a crowd gathered 5 miles south of the town of Skaneateles at 3:30 on such a chilly Saturday afternoon? Because there is live music playing at Anyela’s Vineyard.

Tasting Room

Anyela’s Vinyard is the best and ONLY vineyard on Skaneateles Lake. Inside, I notice the tasting room, with its high ceiling,  has gorgeous woodwork. At the end of the tasting area, is a large patio/dining area with a view of Lake Skaneateles. The live music has not even started and every table is full, with many crowding around the tasting bars. This is a happenin’ place!

What makes Anyela’s wines unique??

“Unlike other vineyards along neighboring Finger Lakes, we protect our vines from the cold after the fall harvest. One by one, we carefully remove them from the trellises and bury them in the rich earth to insulate the sensitive primary buds, which eventually become the fruit. In spring, we re-trellis the vine for maximum sun exposure. We also control our grape yield to cultivate the ripest, most flavorful fruit.”

Live music on Saturday afternoons

So what does that mean? Great reds. Remember, it’s Memorial Day weekend and the nights are dipping into the low 40s this year. That short growing season is better for whites (particularly chardonnay and Riesling).  But the reds at Anyela’s make it worth the Saturday afternoon nosh. We enjoyed a 2008 Pinot Noir, as well as a four grape blend called “Sync.”

Colorful, tasteful decor

We were not thrilled by the overpriced cheese plate that we ordered to enjoy our bottle with, nor the inflexible server, but it didn’t stop us from ordering another plate for bottle number two!

When you take a wine tour around Skaneateles Lake, be sure not to miss Anyela’s. It’s the only place you need to stop!

Anyela’s is located 2433 West Lake Road, Skaneateles, NY 13152
Phone: (315) 685-3797

Brown Hound Bistro — A Lovely Stop — In Between

The Brown Hound features fresh, healthy fare.

Driving from Canandaigua Lake towards Naples and then veering towards the rolling hills of Bristol we came upon the Brown Hound Bistro — a lovely little restaurant — in between.

We did a quick wine tasting at  Arbor Hill Grapery, before we walked next door. A Grapery is a store that has LOTS going on with grapes — jellies, candy, gifts and of course wine. The tasting was generous and we sampled cheeses at the same time.

View of Brew and Brats (left) and The Arbor Hill Grapery

The Brown Hound is located between Canandaigua and Naples, in South Bristol. They offer brunch, dinner, and more, all with a focus on local foods and Finger Lakes wines. The Brown Hound is located in a tiny 100-year-old house.  We sat out on the wrap-around deck, which was not fancy, but very comfortable. and cool on a hot day.

Our waitress was friendly, fun and helpful — answering our endless questions about whether ingredients, checking with the chef through the kitchen window. We sat out back on the deck and it was about 80 outside and was perfect temperature on the shady deck. Starting with local wines and some amazing sourdough bread, we had plenty of time to relax and unwind after playing a round of golf.

Braised Scallops with Quinoa

My top recommendation:  the seafood bisque which had a roasted red pepper/lobster taste that was rich and creamy.

My husband enjoyed the Wild Mushroom Risotto:  Creamy, slow-cooked arborio rice with assorted mushrooms, parmesan, white wine, finished with white truffle oil and vegetable.

My friend enjoyed braised scallops over quinoa with peppers and other veggies. The quinoa was really tasty.

I had a tuna steak (“meh”) with sweet apples and a yummy radish cake (daikon).

We ate very early in the evening and I noticed that the tables were filling up early on a Saturday night.

The Brown Hound is just a few minutes south of Bristol Mountain ski area, The Brown Hound can be easily access via RT 21 from Canandaigua, or RT 64 from Bristol.

6459 State Route 64, in South Bristol.

Call for  a reservation 585-374-9771.

Reviews

FREE Outdoor Expo June 8, Mendon Ponds Park in Rochester NY

I want to try Paddle Boarding. Here’s my big chance!

Genesee Brew House: Enjoy the Sparkling Waters of the Genesee

High above the “sparkling” waters of the Genesee River in Rochester NY, is the Genesee Brew House, once a century-old packaging center, the  Brew House has transformed the 9,200 square-foot space into a beer destination, featuring interactive exhibits, multimedia content, gift shop, pilot brewery and pub-style restaurant.

The Brew Pub offers all the classic Genesee Beers plus a changing array of delicious microbrews, I loved the Expresso Porter. The bar upstairs was built from old beer barrel boards. It was opened in September of 2012, after a LONG restoration process which is well documented.

The  retail store sells irresistible “Beer Gear,” the great selection of vintage t-shirts, with the full “Brew-story”. We were not wowed by the food, but the beer on the terrace with this fabulous view was well worth the price.

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am – 9pm Thurs-Sat 11am – 10pm Sunday Noon – 9pm 25 Cataract St. Rochester, NY, 14605 Get Directions 585-263-9200 Check out their reviews on Yelp.