The Atwater Times - August 2020
NOW OFFERING TASTING RESERVATIONS THROUGH 10/31
In the Vineyard
We are starting to see the first of veraison in our earliest varieties. This is the time when the berries begin to soften and change color. The next couple of weeks will bring us completely through that process. Harvest is not far now!
Animals like grapes as much as we do, so we are in the middle of deploying all our wildlife deterrent devices. We use a combination of netting, “squawkers” that produce bird in distress sounds, and cannons that sound like gun shots. There are many challenges throughout the year getting good quality fruit to the press deck, but this time is among the most stressful. We’re hoping for good weather to hold out for the rest of the season and for the birds to stay away!
Wine Cellar Updates
We recently blended, coarse filtered, and bottled 496 cases of our Big Blend 2018, a combination of estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot after its long twenty-one-month slumber in barrels. Next, we’re moving to the Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, a straight up bottling from some of our most expressive barrels from the 2018 vintage.
Before August slips by, our last major bottling effort before harvest will be wrangling the very delicious 2019 reds, which will include Cabernet Franc and Syrah as well as a very special single barrel from the 2017 vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon!
End of Vintage
We’ve only got a few cases left of this vintage. Order before they are gone!
Dry Rose of Blaufränkisch 2019
New Releases
Pinot Gris 2018
New Release
Hand-picked and hand-sorted, 95% of the grapes were tank fermented and aged sur lees. 5% were skin fermented and barrel aged. The result is a crisp, mouthwatering Pinot Gris with notes of sweet and spicy orange blossom mixed with vanilla crème and tangy white peach and pear flavors that finishes with a rounded, silky, vibrant mouth-feel.
Gewürztraminer 2016
New Release
Our Gewürztraminer grapes were hand-sorted. Half were skin-fermented in open-top bins for fifteen days and the rest pressed and barrel fermented. They were separately aged eight months in neutral French and American oak barrels and blended prior to bottling. The resulting dry and complex wine shines with peach blossom and delicate floral aromas. The cool, slightly tart lychee palate is a thing of beauty. Richly textured with a creamy, caramel-like finish that lingers.
From the Tasting Room
Tastings are offered daily from 10:00 to 5:00 by reservation only. We are now accepting reservations through October 31, 2020. During these tastings for up to four people, one of our experienced hosts will present your choice of five wines along with cheese and crackers. You’ll learn about the winemaking process, the vintage, and the special characteristics of our estate.
“The one on one personal tasting and pre order of the cheeseboard is fantastic especially during this new way of living because of the Covid virus. Everyone is extremely friendly and knowledgeable of both the wines and the area.”
“The tasting was excellent! Jim was knowledgeable and pleasant. The wines were delicious! The view was impeccable!”
“We really enjoyed our time at the winery. The whole tasting felt like a special experience. And the ability to enjoy a bottle on the beautiful grounds afterwards really topped it off. Thank you for a great time!”
Atwater After Hours
Now that the sun is setting earlier, Atwater After Hours is 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday. You can enjoy al fresco wine by the glass or bottle, wine cocktails, and small bites. No reservations are required. For more information, please visit our website.
Employee Spotlight: Bobby Iszard
Bobby first came to Seneca Lake to attend a Boy Scout Camp and returned as a camp counselor where he met his wife. Her parents had a cottage at Glenora, and he was attracted to the lake’s beauty and serenity. They bought a house on Glenora Point in 1981.
Bobby was introduced to the wine industry and wine making by a NYS Supreme Court judge and his son-in-law as well as his son who worked at a winery as a teenager on a press pad. After he retired, his son, a Director of Sales/Marketing at a winery, asked him to help at wine events on the road. He was then asked to work in the sales room of a winery on the west side of Seneca Lake. Last year he joined us at Atwater.
Introducing our guests to the great wines from the Finger Lakes and how the lakes make up so much of the character of the people give Bobby satisfaction. He’s also gratified by how they react to our wines and the intimacy of our tasting venue. Not only do they appreciate our wines, but they share our love for the beauty of the Finger Lakes.
Since we’ve changed our tasting room procedures in the wake of COVID-19 for the safety of our guests and staff, our hosts have had to undergo new training. Bobby observes that the new format has had many positive effects, primarily that hosts are able to spend more personal time with each party to explore our wines.
Picking a favorite Atwater wines is like picking which one of your children is your favorite—not easily done. However, Bobby is a big fan of our Dry Riesling and our Pinot Noir. At the same time, he thinks all our wines well-balanced with the concentration on the fruit.
Bobby loves to interact with our guests to learn more about them as individuals and how they react to our wines. Life is so complex, especially now with all that we are going through that concentrating on the wine, the beauty of the lakes, and the people allow a focus on the beauty of the moment!
GETTING OUR WINE
Ground Shipping
Our $10 per case ground shipping. Quantity and club discounts apply.
Curbside Pick-up
Order online and choose the "Pickup" option at checkout. When you arrive, park and call (607) 546-8463 to let us know you’ve arrived. We'll bring your wine out to you and load it in your vehicle.
Local Delivery
Order wine by noon Monday through Friday for same-day local delivery. Call us at (607) 546-8463 or place an order online and select the "Local Delivery" shipping option. There is a six-bottle minimum and a twenty-five-mile radius delivery limit.
Orders for pick-up or delivery can include specialty food, puzzles, and even wine keys! Browse our selection here.
CLUB HOUSE
We invite you to explore our Atwater's Edge Wine Club.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check out our Events Calendar for the latest events at and around Atwater Vineyards.
Aug 15, 2020 at 8:37 AM
PermalinkThe Atwater Times - July 2020
NOW OFFERING TASTINGS ON THE DECK BY RESERVATION
SEE DETAILS BELOW
In the Vineyard
It has been a very dry spring/early summer, and we’ve received less than an inch of rain in the past two months—six or more inches less than average. Fortunately, our soils have good water holding capacity and the grapevine roots go deep. We are seeing little stress, although we would be happy to get some rain! We have watered our young vines a couple of times because their root systems are not as developed as those in our older vines. It must be done by hand and is a time-consuming process since we do not have irrigation installed. The dryness does provide benefits: very little disease pressure and good fruit set, which is when the flower forms a berry. We often battle rain at bloom, which can cause poor fruit set. We did not have that issue this year, so there is a good crop out there if we can make it to the finish line with no problems.b
Wine Cellar Updates
On the heels of bottling the Pinot Noir 2019 and a couple of “orange” wines from the 2016 and 2017 vintages, we tackled the Stone Bridge Red 2019 in July.
This Atwater favorite is a blend of Marechal Foch and Chancellor; both are fermented on the skins and barrel aged for eight months in neutral American oak. The wine is usually finished with a few grams of residual sugar to increase the fruit expression and help round out the mouthfeel.
Later this month, we will begin to start pulling out the 2018 and 2019 reds from their slumber in the barrel cellar for our final round of bottling before we begin preparations for the 2020 harvest season.
End of Vintage
We’ve only got a few cases left of these vintages. Order before they are gone!
Cabernet-Merlot 2016
Pinot Gris 2017
New Releases
Blaufränkisch 2017
New Release
Grapes were fermented in open-top bins for eight days, then the wine was aged in American and Hungarian oak barrels for nine months. It offers aromas of chocolate which merge into smooth silky tannins on the palate with favors of maraschino cherry and a caramel toffee finish.
Dry Riesling Navone 2016
New Release
The grapes in this wine were sourced from the Navone Vineyards. Fifty percent were barrel fermented and fifty percent fermented in stainless steel. The wine was aged in neutral French and American oak for eight months sur lees. Bright and zesty, it shows more mineral and spice than fruit. The flavors are rich and flinty with citrus and apple remaining upfront, and a delicate nuttiness rounds out the finish.
From the Tasting Room
We’ve been re-open now just over a month, and we’ve loved having guests at the vineyard again. We are pleased to offer al fresco service with wine by the glass or bottle and wine cocktails or tastings by reservation only.
Since our last newsletter, we’ve also opened our deck for tastings by reservation. During these experiences, you’ll have a gorgeous view of our vineyards and Seneca Lake while one of our hosts guides you in an immersive wine tasting covering our estate, winemaking practices, and vintages.
Indoor and Deck Tastings
- Reservations are required and may be made online. When making your reservation you have the option of ordering add-ons such as cheese plates and chocolate selections.
- Each scheduled tasting is up to an hour and will be offered from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- The maximum group size we can accommodate is four (4).
- Only those individuals on your paid reservation are allowed inside or on the deck for tastings, and we cannot admit anyone under twenty-one years of age.
- To maintain social distancing, your host will lead you through your tasting, take any bottle orders you have from your assigned seating, and package your purchase for curbside pickup.
- Dogs are not allowed in the tasting room or on the deck.
Al Fresco Service
- Wine by the glass or bottle service is outside. We have covered picnic tables and an assortment of lawn chairs. You may also bring your own chairs or blankets. Please be mindful of the weather when you prepare your trip.
- Seating is first-come, first-served. Our hosts will be on hand to direct you, take your order, and answer any questions your may have.
- Al fresco service will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
- The maximum group size we can accommodate is six (6).
- Leashed dogs are allowed in our outdoor areas and must maintain social distancing.
We will be observing all New York state mandates regarding COVID-19 safety measures. Guests must wear a mask in all common areas; they may be removed once seated. We ask you follow all directional and traffic flow signs and observe social distancing (six feet) between groups. Please do not come to the winery if you are displaying signs of COVID-19 or another contagious disease or if you have been exposed. Thank you for helping make this a safe and pleasant environment for our other guests and employees.
For those outside of the area or who are still wanting to stay at home, we are offering a ground shipping offer, curbside pickup, and free local delivery.
Ground Shipping
Our $10 per case ground shipping. Quantity and club discounts apply.
Curbside Pick-up
Order online and choose the "Pickup" option at checkout. When you arrive, park and call (607) 546-8463 to let us know you’ve arrived. We'll bring your wine out to you and load it in your vehicle.
Local Delivery
Order wine by noon Monday through Friday for same-day local delivery. Call us at (607) 546-8463 or place an order online and select the "Local Delivery" shipping option. There is a six-bottle minimum and a twenty-five-mile radius delivery limit.
Orders for pick-up or delivery can include specialty food, puzzles, and even wine keys! Browse our selection here.
CLUB HOUSE
Amanda and her staff are busy preparing the next quarterly shipment for wine club members. Due to COVID-19 social distancing and space concerns, we will not be having a pick-up party in August, but we encourage you to take advantage of your free tasting or al fresco service for wine by the bottle or glass while picking up your wine. If you have questions, please email her at amanda@atwatervineyards.com or call (800) 331-7323.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check out our Events Calendar for the latest events at and around Atwater Vineyards.
Jul 15, 2020 at 8:53 PMThe Atwater Times - April 2020
Missing wine country?
Be sure to tune in to our LIVE webcam and visit us from the comfort of your home!
In the Vineyard
Farming does not stop for anything, and we are grateful that we have been designated an "essential” business. In the vineyards, we are well acquainted with social distancing. It is often a solitary job, and even when there are a few of us working, we have a good amount of space between us—we are staying very safe!
Currently, we are working on tying the vines to the "fruit wires.” The wires will carry the weight of the fruit as the grapes ripen. We are also in the process of converting some varieties to "improved" trellis systems, which can make tying a bit challenging. When vines are trained a certain way for a long time, it can be difficult to retrain them. We will get them straightened out with a little time and effort.
READ MORE ABOUT VINE TRELLIS SYSTEMS IN OUR BLOG
On a side note, it’s been fun having help from winemaker Vinny during the past few weeks. He is getting back to his roots! We’ve been discussing our hopes and dreams for the vintage in depth which is always fun and productive.
Wine Cellar Updates
In March, Vinny and George topped the barrels, and now the wine is aging before bottling begins in the summer.
Because wine barrels are porous, the liquid evaporates over time and creates “headspace” which increases the surface area of the wine and makes it vulnerable to oxidation. Topping the barrels replaces the evaporated wine, limiting oxygen contact and inhibiting microbial growth. The winemakers top the barrels with wine held back earlier in the winemaking process.
Pinot Noir 2017
New Release
We destemmed 80% of the hand-picked and hand-sorted pinot noir grapes while leaving 20% in whole clusters. They underwent an eight-day fermentation in open-top bins. The wine was then transferred to neutral French oak barrels where it aged nine months. Its resulting deep ruby red color entices you to inhale aromas of violet, spice and cherry cola. Flavors of juicy ripe cherry and cranberry meld into velvety tannins on the finish.
Pétillant Naturel 2019
New Release
Hand-harvested, estate grown Riesling and Gewürztraminer were whole-cluster pressed together in our wood basket press and fermented using a pied de cuve of indigenous yeasts. At 1.4 brix, the wine was bottled unfiltered and allowed to finish fermentation for carbonation. No sulfur was added and the wine has been left on its lees. Light, natural, and fizzy, it has a refreshing, spontaneous style.
From the Tasting Room
Although we are closed for tastings, we’re still busy preparing orders for pickup, local delivery, and shipping, and our tasting room has been converted to a mini warehouse. We are also now able to ship to Arizona and North Carolina!
Ground Shipping
Our $10 per case ground shipping special lasts through the end of April. Quantity and club discounts apply.
Curbside Pick-up
Order online and choose the "Pickup" option at checkout. When you arrive, park in the marked space and call (607) 546-8463 to let us know you’ve arrived. We'll bring your wine out to you and load it in your vehicle.
Local Delivery
Order wine by noon Monday through Friday for same-day local delivery. Call us at (607) 546-8463 or place an order online and select the "Local Delivery" shipping option. There is a six bottle minimum and a twenty-five-mile radius delivery limit.
Staff Updates
Many of our staff members were out of the area—and Matteo was even out of the country—when the President issued social distancing guidelines. All are healthy, but they’re sheltering in place for the time being. Other employees are staggering shifts and telecommuting to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Some employees working from home have gained new co-workers: four-legged furry friends who don’t necessarily respect office etiquette during video conference calls!
Lily had a prime spot on Aimee’s lap for the Seneca Lake Wine Trail marketing teleconference.
We’ll be bringing you updates on our social media channels about how our staff is weathering the stay-at-home order.
Amanda’s new co-worker, Storm, got tired of watching from the sidelines and decided to take over while Bali was upset her favorite break spot in the sun was occupied.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check out our Events Calendar for the latest events at and around Atwater Vineyards.
Apr 18, 2020 at 7:36 AMThe Atwater Times - March 2020
Be sure to tune in to our LIVE webcam to watch March transition from a lion to a lamb.
IN THE VINEYARDS
We’ve passed the time of year when we expect to get our major cold events and have not seen significant bud damage, so we decided to push through and finish pruning the vineyards. Now we hope we don’t have a frost event after the vines have started to grow in the spring!
With pruning done, we’ve returned to trellis work to get things ready for tying. We’re repairing posts and wires now so that we can then tighten the wires. The canes left after pruning will be wrapped around the wires for support. The wires need to be tight so that they can support the weight of the fruit as the vines grow.
WINE CELLAR UPDATES
Our winemakers have been undertaking blending trials of skin-fermented, barrel-aged Vignoles 2016, Riesling 2016, and Gewürztraminer 2017. Vinny and George are also preparing to bottle our 2019 Vignoles and Stone Bridge White at the end of March.
New Release
Fahrenheit 2016
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were handpicked and frozen for three weeks then whole-clustered pressed, cold-settled, racked and fermented in stainless steel. After fermentation was stopped, the wine was aged in stainless steel tanks. The wine has aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and orange marmalade, intriguing flavors of apricot, honey, allspice, and strawberry jam, and a delightful silky texture.
FROM THE TASTING ROOM
We've rearranged our tasting room to give you more room to sit and enjoy our wines. Please join us for a tasting and see our new look!
Spring holidays are on the horizon, and we will be posting wine cocktail recipes Amanda developed for you to use for brunches and other special events. Our first featured drink is the MoonWalk. Check out our social media in the upcoming weeks for more delicious cocktails.
MoonWalk
Combine:
1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
1 oz. orange liqueur
3 drops rose water
Shake with ice
Top with Sparking Gewürztraminer 2013
CLUB HOUSE
Our annual Wine Club Party will be held on June 13th from 5:00 until sunset. Enjoy hayride tours throughout the vineyards, vertical wine tastings with the winemakers, great music with Aaron Lipp & the Slacktones, catered hors d'oeuvres with a full buffet dinner and delectable desserts. Close the evening by watching the sun set over the vineyards and Seneca Lake. Get your tickets here.
Mar 15, 2020 at 9:04 AM