Meet our neighbors
Anyela's Winery is owned by the Nocek family and located just 2 miles from our farm. They have been our neighbors since 2001. It is the only winery at the present time on Skaneateles Lake.
First a little history of the Finger
Lakes region wine industry:
The region covers 2.6 million acres with more
than 11,000 acres planted in vines. This makes the Finger Lakes the
largest wine region in New York State, accounting for 80% of the state’s total
wine-grape production.
The Finger Lakes area has been
compared to Germany because of its short growing season and icy winters.
Like Germany, Riesling is the preferred grape variety in the Finger Lakes
region, as it performs well even in these harsh conditions. Here, the
grape produces a regional style displaying intense floral aromatics, fresh
acidity, and mineral, citrus and apple flavors. The cool climate
varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc – are also
widely planted. Finger Lakes vineyards also produce wines made from both
French/American hybrids and native grape varieties. Sparkling wines and ice
wines are regional specialties.
Unlike other vineyards along
neighboring Finger Lakes, Anyela's protect their vines from the cold after the
fall harvest. One by one, they carefully remove them from the trellises and
bury them in the rich earth to insulate the sensitive primary buds, which
eventually become the fruit. In spring, they re-trellis the vine for maximum
sun exposure. They also control their grape yield to cultivate the ripest, most
flavorful fruit."
Unfortunately, the only time I can get to the winery is after the harvest. As you can see in this picture the vines have been removed from the trellises. Some day I'm going to stop by while they are in the process and if they will let me I would love to help.
The tasting room is open noon to five daily, with
extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer. From a list
of eight whites and eight reds, you can select your choice of five
samples for $2. You can also purchase cheese plates and lunch,
featuring fresh vegetables from Anyela's gardens, served from noon to
three Friday, Saturday and Sunday (in season).
Many weddings are held in the Gazebo overlooking the lake.
Wine tasting is also held in the wine cellar.
A perfect setting for a lovely evening.
The winery has won many awards from the New York State Fair, Tasters Guild International, and Riverside International Wine Competition just to name a few.
So if your headed our way to pick lavender, shop our market or enjoying yourself during the Finger Lakes Lavender Festival make sure you stop at Anyela's. They have of the best views of the lake.
