New York Wine & Culinary Center, Finger Lakes
Visit New York Institute for Wine & Beer Tasting and Cooking Lessons
Aug 18, 2009
New York State is a wine and food lover’s paradise, with over 212 wineries and 35,000 farms. There are so many choices, where does one begin? The New York Wine and Culinary Center, open since June 2006, showcases vintners throughout the state, allowing visitors to taste and buy wines from vineyards near and far.
Fruits and Flowers at the New York Wine & Culinary Center
Outside, the lush New York Garden blooms with the bounty of the Empire State. Over seventy fruit trees including cherry, peach and espaliered apple trees are planted here, as well as grape vines, mounds of lavender, lettuce and herbs.
New York Cooking Lessons and Educational Workshops
Inside on the main floor, classes and workshops are held in a spacious amphitheatre-style setting. A state-of-the-art cooking studio is outfitted with gas burners, char-grills and double-wall ovens. Video monitors give students an excellent view of the chef instructor’s techniques which helps them to easily replicate recipes.
Wine & Beer Tasting at the New York Wine & Culinary Center
Friendly and knowledgeable staff help people discover the wines that best suit their palates. This makes it easier to choose which New York wineries to visit.
The NYWCC is also the only place in New York State where one can experience wine and craft beer sampling in the same room, according to Susan, Hospitality Co-ordinator at the Center.
Fine Dining at the New York Wine & Culinary Center Restaurant
Visitors who mistakenly believe the second floor is occupied only by offices will miss a gourmet dining delight. The Taste of New York Restaurant is a hidden gastronomic treasure. Innovative menus focus on local, seasonal fare and both beer and wine pairings are suggested.
Diners can relax in the mission-style decor under oak beamed ceilings and wrought iron chandeliers or enjoy lake and sunset views on the outdoor balcony. Wine is offered by full or half glass and recommended wines are usually in stock and available for purchase.
The Taste of New York Restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and afternoon tastings.
Gourmet Treats at the Food Arts Culinary Boutique
Visitors at an Italian-themed educational event nibbled tasty chunks of parmesan-regianno cheese drizzled with a syrupy 25 year old balsamic vinegar. Though this particular bottle cost $150.00, the gift shop has a well-priced selection of books, wine and cooking accessories and New York State epicurean treats.
Information on the New York Wine & Culinary Center
The NYWCC is a not-for-profit enterprise, founded by Constellation Brands, the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, Rochester Institute of Technology and Wegmans Food Markets. It receives support from many other sponsors as it works to promote the agricultural bounty of New York State to locals and visitors alike.
The Center is open year round. 585-394-7070. 800 South Main Street, Canandaigua NY 14424. On the north end of Canandaigua Lake, 15 minutes south of the New York State Thruway.
Resource Credits
This article was researched with information gathered during a visit to the New York Wine & Culinary Center.
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