Vol. 8 No. 8-2022 Rye Month Farmers Market Week Lighthouse Day 2022/08/07
The Glenora Gazette
Est. 13 April 1994
The sky is partly cloudy over the vineyards of Glenora and the shores of Seneca (and most likely over the shores of the 10 other smaller Finger Lakes as well) on this the first Sunday morning of the 8th month of 2022. The temperature is 73 degrees but it feels like 75 degrees due to the humidity (89%). Lake temperatures: Seneca – 77.4 degrees; Keuka – 78 degrees.
In the vineyards: The dry weather conditions continue. Although there are sporadic thunderstorms with some rain, in general, it is the ole it depends on where you are located with respect to rainfall received. Veraisons (color change) is beginning to show in some varieties, another sign of progression in the ripening process. We are reading reports of an early harvest season in California, and our friend, Vineyard Ron likely has most, if not all, of his harvest completed in Florida. During conversations with other wineries and growers, it seems the crop is “growing” smaller each week. Certainly, the lack of rain impacts that and as the clusters get larger it is easier to see them, or not see them (meaning they are not there). At this point, it is difficult to predict when harvest will start for us as the lack of rainfall, temperatures, and crop size will all be factors that will impact the starting date(s). This coming Monday (the 8th) Winemaker Edward, Assistant Winemaker Emily, production manager Tracey, and the editor will meet to once again review the information that has been gathered or reported regarding this year’s crop. Following that meeting, Edward and Emily will be making vineyard visits to get their perspective on crop size and to start benchmarking the ripening process.
Speaking of Benchmarking – On Thursday Accounting Manager Tracey and the editor attended the annual presentation to those wineries who participate in the Farm Credit East’s Winery Benchmarking Program. This program gives wineries an in depth look at their operations and as well compares their operations to those of other participants. What is fascinating to us is that with over 400 wineries in NYS only 18 NY wineries participate. Perhaps the others operate by the ole farmer’s accounting system – if there is money in the checkbook everything must be okay. There is a fee, however it is much less than most wine trail membership fees. Another benefit is that since the information has been gathered from the participating wineries over a number of years it is fairly easy to see trends and then discuss the factors *usually very evident) that impact these trends – hard to disagree with facts and figures.
More Farm Credit meeting discussion – it is inevitable whenever wineries get together the discussion eventually revolves to “how is it going?” The initial answer is generally fine, but soon the comments turn to “well, visitation seems to be slow/down, visitors are not purchasing as much as before – quantity of wine and dollars spent, lots of other competition”. It was also interesting to listen what wineries are doing to attract visitors – events, music, yoga, food trucks, and more – no mentions of “visit us for our unique wines”. This is evidenced by looking at the wine trail websites – which have a significant focus on events at the wineries (this information is supplied by the wineries – they could provide information on the uniqueness of their wines – not focusing on the fact they have daily – weekly events. A new organization – the Finger Lakes Events Trail
This past week the Seneca Lake Winery Association (the Wine Trail) announced their upcoming (February 10-11, 2023) Wine Experience. This first of its kind for the wine trail is offering many unique opportunities and ways to participate – more information
https://senecalakewine.com/trail-calendar/ Also do not forget the deal of the year for you and your dog – Wine Trail’s upcoming Going to the Dogs event – A $54 ticket gets your dog a bandanna, and dog treats at 14 winners, and you get a free tasting at the 14 wineries (approx. value - $140. If you would like to take someone along (other than your dog) buy a couple’s ticket – approx. value – tastings for two at 14 wineries -- $280. Remember dog friendly wineries are also people friendly!!
It has been a wedding weekend at Glenora with weddings and/or receptions taking place on Friday and Saturday – what we call a double header wedding weekend. As always thanks to the restaurant, kitchen, maintenance, and Inn teams for making this happening and doing complete resets, sometimes in less than four hours – check out at 11 AM – check in at 3 PM – 30 rooms to be “turned” during that period!
Since gas prices (petroleum) are dropping we have decided to repave the driveways and parking lots at Glenora – for at least a couple of days this will provide a unique experience for our visitors.
Thought for the Week:
One cool judgment is worth a thousand hasty counsels. The thing to do is to supply light and not heat.
