Watkins Glen, NY – Whether you’re headed to a holiday gathering or ringing in 2020, there is no better way to add a little extra sparkle to a celebration than with local bubbly! All great wines start in the vineyard and many of the top performing vineyards in the region are located within the Seneca Lake American Viticultural Area (AVA).
When you’re enjoying a wine from a Seneca Lake Wine Trail member winery you can be assured that it is Grown Here. Made Here. Our member wineries are dedicated to producing high quality wines produced from grapes grown within this unique area. You can trust that this dedication translates from vineyard to bottle. So, if you’re trying to decide which bottle to take to your next celebration, look no further. Consider one of these ten top sparkling wines to share with friends and family this season.
1. Boundary Breaks 2018 Bubbly Dry Riesling - $19.95. Out of 1,100 sparkling wines that Wine & Spirits Magazine tasted over the past year, only 12 made the exclusive “Best Sparkling Wines for $25 or less” list. This wine will not disappoint!
2. Fox Run Vineyards 2014 Blanc de Blancs - $30. The Chardonnay grapes used in this wine were hand-picked from the oldest plantings on the Fox Run property. Made in the traditional method and aged on the lees for three years, this sparkling wine has gorgeously smooth bubbles and a light, delicate mouthful.
3. Miles Wine Cellars Cache - $30 for 2 bottles (limited time only!). A 100% Riesling-made sparkler, this wine is low alcohol. It’s delicious on its own or makes a wonderful mimosa when mixed with pineapple juice. Oh, and it’s on special during December – 2 for $30!
4. Anthony Road Wine Company 2014 Blanc de Noirs - $32. The newest sparkling wine on Seneca Lake, Anthony Road just released this, their very first sparkling Pinot Noir, on November 2. It’s a classic Blanc de Noirs, done in the traditional method champenoise with only 16 cases produced! The 2014 Blanc de Noirs is a once-in-a-lifetime way to toast the fleeting 2019 and usher in 2020 with a dazzling display of brilliant bubbles.
5. Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars 2007 Extended Tirage Blanc De Blanc - $65. Among the longest-aged sparklers in the region. This wine underwent extended aging on the lees for twelve years, which reveals fine bubbles and a lush, creamy flavor with a long, silky finish. An exceptional wine to welcome the new decade!
6. Lakewood Vineyards 30th Anniversary Blanc de Blancs - $30. Rich, elegant bubbles and warm, toasty characteristics from its time in tirage, this wine celebrates the illustrious history of Lakewood Vineyards. It will be the perfect addition to your special occasions as well!
7. Leidenfrost Vineyards Speakeasy - $22. A fresh take on a traditional method, this sparkling Catawba is bottle fermented and aged on the lees for 2 years then hand riddled and disgorged for a sparkling wine that is well aged and highly fruity but dry.
8. Castel Grisch Vivacious Riesling - $16.99. With notes of citrus and green apple flavors, this bottle of bubbly is perfect for a mimosa bar! Make it extra special with orange juice, orange creamsicle sherbet and garnished with fresh orange slice. Perfect for family breakfasts Christmas morning or New Year’s Day!
9. White Springs Farm Winery Sparkle - $14.99. A lovely off-dry sparkling wine made with Riesling and hybrid grapes. It’s delightful on its own but especially fun when you use their party trick: combine it with the White Springs dessert wine, Sun Harvest Blush. This makes a beautiful combination of slightly sweet and bubbly!
10. Great Western American Extra Dry Champagne - $11.99. The Pleasant Valley Wine Company, producers of Great Western Champagne, has extensive vineyard holdings throughout the Finger Lakes wine growing region, including the historic Doyle Fournier vineyard in Caywood, on the eastern shores of Seneca Lake. This historic bubbly has been produced for nearly 150 years.
