Holiday Barrel Tasting

Ever wonder how those freshly harvested grapes become fine wines?  For a behind the scenes view come to Keuka Spring Vineyards’ annual Holiday Barrel Tasting Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4. The day will feature exclusive, small group barrel tastings in the tank room with the winemaking team, comparing bottled vintages with barrel samples of the upcoming 2011 vintage. Tastings will be held at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm each day.  “This is a way for people to have a fun and interactive experience learning about our wine and the winemaking process behind it,” says Mark Wiltberger, winemaker at Keuka Spring Vineyards. “It’s held in the barrel room, where the wine is actually made, and offers guests the opportunity to learn a few winemaking secrets. Many of our guests are making it an annual tradition.”

A $25 fee includes the barrel tasting, a complimentary wine glass, and a festive hors d’oeuvres reception. Discounts for the event are available for Keuka Spring case and wine club members. Reservations are required and tasting sessions are filling up quickly. Participants in the barrel tasting will have the opportunity to purchase special pre-released vintages and access to special discounts. The tasting room, fully decorated for the holidays, will be open for regular business weekends in December until the 18th.
       
Keuka Spring Vineyards is located at 243 State Route 54 (East Lake Road) just outside of Penn Yan on the east side of Keuka Lake. Owners Len and Judy Wiltberger have been committed to producing premium wines since they founded the winery in 1985. To make reservations for the Holiday Barrel tasting, contact the winery at 315-536-3147. For more information, visit www.keukaspringwinery.com