Just in time for summer Lakewood Vineyards is releasing its first-ever session wine, Sidekick. Taking a page out of the session beer playbook, easy-drinking session wines have been gaining popularity as many wine lovers are seeking lower-alcohol alternatives. Sidekick is a spritzy dry rosé available in 375ml bottles, both as singles and as a 4-pack. With 7.8% alcohol, this wine is the perfect sidekick for wherever the summer takes you.

“We were interested in this growing category of low-alcohol wines but we didn’t want to make a wine unless it met our high standards of quality and taste. The 2021 harvest provided suitable fruit for this project and we’re very pleased with the results,” says winemaker Chris Stamp. Assistant winemaker Abby Wilkens led the blending trials and found bright zippy fruit and mouth-watering aromatics with a unique blend of Vidal Blanc, Muscat and Vincent.

Sidekick session spritz is a new category for Lakewood and taps into the winery’s love of dogs. “When people think of Lakewood, they think of our rose logo, but they also think of our dogs. Guests walk through the tasting room doors and often ask, ‘Where are the dogs?’” says Erin McMurrough, brand manager. “We believe dogs make life better.” Lakewood is committed to supporting the community’s four-legged friends in need; for every bottle of Sidekick sold through the tasting room, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Schuyler County. Executive director Georgie Taylor says, “We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends at Lakewood for this exciting partnership. We are grateful for their ongoing support and commitment to the community and animals in our care.”

Sidekick is now available at Lakewood Vineyards’ tasting room, $6 per 375ml bottle or $20 for a 4-pack.

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Lakewood Vineyards, located in Watkins Glen on the west side of Seneca Lake, is a family owned and operated farm winery established in 1988. Lakewood’s 105-acre vineyard includes vines dating back to 1952 and currently consists of 14 varieties.

Website: www.lakewoodvineyards.com