The winter of 2025 was not for the faint of heart: Central New York saw 25+ feet of snow, and the polar vortex plunged much of the state into frigid temperatures on-and-off from December through February.
Which is all to say, everyone—even the snow obsessives among us—is eager to greet spring this spring. There are few better ways to do it than in wine country, where spring is a time of celebration and renewal, not to mention newly released wines and newly energized events.
As the unmistakable sound of birds tweeting outside our window can be heard, and the feeling of sun on our bare skin is sinking in, we’re headed out to wine country. Across the state, vintners are as ready as we are to get the party started. A peek at the fun ahead. Hope to see you there!
Festive Feasts
Chateau Frank, the sparkling wine house of Dr. Frank Winery in Hammondsport, is throwing a two-day party dedicated to food, wine and the Bard. The Feast of the Ides of March, held March 15-16, 2025, will be set against the backdrop of spring in the vines. Food and wine pairings are designed to reflect the poetry and complexity of Shakespeare. Dig into Meat Pie + Cabernet Franc, Roasted Lamb + Lena Reserve and more. Tickets are $120 for a seated dinner.
Anthony Road Wine Company’s winemaker Peter Becraft and Billsboro vintner Vinny Aliperti are duking it out, allowing guests to judge the winner. But it seems like everyone wins, because Chef Brud Holland is dishing out three courses, paired with six wines from Anthony Road and Billsboro on March 29 from 6 to 8 pm. The food fight goes down at Anthony Road in Penn Yan. $110.
Cheese and wine is a classic pairing for a reason: it’s delicious! The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is throwing an epic Spring Wine and Cheese pairing celebration from April 11-April 13. $80 tickets are good for all three days. Attendees can embark on a self-guided tour of wineries around Seneca Lake, with a selection of cheese-themed dishes paired with local wines at every stop. Each ticket holder will receive one wine and food pairing, with an additional three tastings at participating wineries. Designated drivers get the food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Spring Into Wine Release Parties
Being a wine lover in New York has its rewards, but there are extras when you’re a wine club member. Dig into all of the spring releases at Macari Vineyards’ Third Annual Macari Wine Club Spring Tasting March 1-2, 2025 at Meadowlark North Fork. The event will feature new wines and library selections, with the option to customize Wine Club selections in real time. Light bites will be served. Wine club members only, free. (Not a member? Check out the options here). Reservations are required.
Celebrate the beauty that 2024 brought to the glass at Wölffer Estate Vineyard on Saturday, March 1. At the Dream Harvest Lunch, attendees will enjoy a seasonal lunch in the wine cellar, paired with tank and barrel sources from the 2024 vintage. Winemaker Roman Roth will also share a few surprises. Be among the first to try the 2024 Cellar Series Chenin Blanc and the 2024 Estate Rosé.
Milea Estate Vineyard is throwing a Spring Wine Club Party Friday, March 14 from 4 to 7 pm, and then Saturday, March 15 from 12 to 6 pm at the Clubhouse at their estate in Staatsburg. Get an inside peek into Milea’s newest releases, with seasonal bites from Chef David Kim. Quarterly wine selection available for pickup. Club members and a guest attend for free, non-members can join for $35.
Fun Amid the Vines
Fox Run Vineyards is greeting the new season with a ceremonial Burning of the Canes on March 15, 2025 from 12 to 4 pm. Instead of mulching the canes, the crew at Fox Run embraces this ancient tradition, building a bonfire and inviting wine enthusiasts from near and far to toast to the vineyard team’s hard work. Enjoy food, wine and live music by Nate Michaels. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.
Put on your dancing shoes and take a Latin Dance Aerobics Class with Michelle Madore at Hunt Country Vineyards in Branchport. Attendees will learn how to Latin Dance with World Champion Dancer Michelle Madore. The classes are held on four Thursdays (March 27, April 3, April 10 and April 17) from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Registration is required, and tickets are $25.
McCall Wines is opening up its first seasonal burger night on Thursday, May 15. Come hungry for estate-raised grassfed Charolais beef burgers paired with award winning wines + French fries and homemade chocolate cookies. Weather permitting, every Thursday and Friday through Columbus Day Weekend in Cutchogue.
