Peter K.
Yelp
Located in the greater Rochester area, this vineyard was a pleasant find this past summer (June). Upon entering the parking lot, S and I noticed that it was full for a Saturday morning and everyone walking inside was well dressed.
"Sh-t is this only for aristocrats?" I though to myself as we walked into the main doors. "We're so underdressed."
Luckily the answer was no. We soon discovered that not only does Casa Larga provide wine tastings and tours, but it also rents his space for weddings and other special occasions. While enjoying a wine tasting, S and I witnessed a wedding reception taking place. We saw an excited bridal party passing through.
The wine store/tasting section is one large room with their signature wines on the floor. You can get your ubiquitous wine accessories (books, bottle corks, carrying cases, etc - any toys that a wine dork like me sees everywhere, but still appreciates) as well. Casa Larga also carries Mercer's wine ice cream (I wasn't a big fan - tried the Cherry Merlot and Red Raspberry Chardonnay). The wine tasting which is a few dollars, offers 5 pours from a list of 24 wines. The tours are on a fixed schedule and last about an hour.
I could stay there all day, drink wine and chat with their experts. The staff always marks the bottles after they're opened. I like that idea, protecting their customers from tasting nectar of an old bottle. Kolinda and Wayne were happy to discuss wine with all visitors. Because they do not have a liquor license, they are not allowed to serve you more than 5 pours. Rats.
This is important! Pick your wines wisely! I picked 5 whites, planning to try a flight of reds after and received this stunning news after the 4th taste. Disappointment! Do you know how frustrating that can be? I wanted to taste them all!
Hats off to my favorites (that I tried): the Oak Reserve Pinot Noir, made in French Hungarian Oak and the Lilac Hill (blended with a muscat grape) aged in stainless steel for 8 months. As much awards the Fiori Delle Stelle Vidal Ice Wine received, I wasn't a fan.
I was tempted to walk out and come back in 5 minutes to try the next selection of wines, but that doesn't work.
Oenophiles, it's a shame this beautiful place (see photos) is so far away. It was so good, S and I returned the next day before we returned to the airport.
Here is your moment of Zen: Thanks to Fannie, Freddie, Lehman, AIG and Merrill (and all of the predatory lenders involved in this subprime mortgage mess), our career options are limited.
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|H|
|H|
/= =\ You have two choices, son.
/ \ Get in the bottle or work
/ ====== \ for Fruit of the Loom
:888888888: like your old man.
|888888888| | But pop, I'm not __
|888888888| | old enough to be / .-
|=========| | grape juice! ______ / /
|oO/ merde | *wimp* | /______' /|
|oOO jus de| | | [ ]| I
|OO raisin | / | [welcher's |
| O | oOOOo [ juice ] |
|=========| oOOO __, _\_ [ _\_ ] |
|888888888| / OOO ::::: [ :::: ] |
|888888888| O ::' [ :' ] /
|888888888| _/ \_ ,/ \, '-----------'
IFHTP 2