Visit McGregor Vineyard on March 2nd & 3rd for its annual celebration of the Finger Lake’s most unique and sought after red wine, the Black Russian Red. The event runs each day from 11 AM to 5 PM and is a delicious food and wine experience. This wine is a rare blend of Saperavi and Sereksiya Charni, two European grape varietals grown at McGregor Vineyard. Founder Robert McGregor is a visionary leader of growing and producing fine red wines in the northeastern United States and the Black Russian Red is a culmination over 40 years of his pioneering efforts. This hearty, dry red blend of these two grapes remains entirely unique to McGregor Vineyard in the United States.
Each year these grapes are harvested by hand, fermented, and aged for one to three years in small American Oak barrels. The finished wine is dry, intensely violet-red in color, and is bursting with flavors similar to black currants, blackberry and elderberry. This year’s celebration showcases the winery’s 2009 vintage.
Barrel samples of the 2011 vintage are also available and “futures” of this vintage may be purchased. The 2011 growing season was one outstanding for this stunning wine blend. The McGregor’s are also dusting off bottles of a long sold out vintage from their wine library for sampling. A very limited number of bottles of this older vintage will also be available purchasing. A nominal additional fee of $5 will be charged for this special tasting of cellared and barreled wines.
Stacey McGregor is preparing some delicious gourmet delights specifically created to compliment the Black Russian Red. This year, guests will be treated to samples of White Bean Cassoulet with smoked local pork served with a grilled baguette and Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with wine soaked dried cherries. The cost to attend the Black Russian Red Bash is $12 and guests will each receive a complimentary McGregor logo wine glass. Please call the winery at 800-272-0192 if you plan to attend.
To further celebrate this wine, the McGregors also invite you to join them at the Village Tavern Restaurant in Hammondsport, NY on the evening of March 3rd, for a “Black Russian Red Dinner” which is a spectacular six course food and wine extravaganza. Call the Village Tavern (607-569-2528) for details and reservations. This dinner sells out every year and reservations are required.
The winery is located on the east side of Keuka Lake and has a breathtaking view of the lake. The McGregor family established their vineyard in 1971 since their first vintage in 1980, they have produced award-winning, estate grown vinifera wines. McGregor Winery follows the European philosophy of winemaking. Each year's production is a reflection of the, "voice of the grapes," the skill of the vineyard manager and the art of the winemaker. The McGregors invite you to visit their winery and sample their diverse selection of fine wines. Sit, relax, sample wine, and enjoy! If you want to make reservations for this event or need additional information on this event or others, please call the winery at 1-800-272-0192 or 607-292-3999 or email the winery at info@mcgregorwinery.com. Visit them online at www.mcgregorwinery.com and of Facebook at "McGregor Vineyard Winery of the Finger Lakes". The mailing address is 5503 Dutch Street, Dundee, NY 14837.
