Posts Written OnJuly 01, 2010

By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor Finger Lakes wine industry pioneer Bill Wagner has passed away at the age of 83. His family, which owns the business, has not released a cause of death. Wagner was part of a small group of industry leaders that insisted on planting and growing vinifera wine grapes in the 1970s. Wagner Vineyards has grown to have a strong portfolio of production, which includes several dozen bottlings of 20 varieties.  "I had nothing but the highest regard for him," said Jim Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. "He was a true pioneer,…

By Julia Burke, Beer Editor While discovering several great beer spots on a trip to Rochester last week, I was given a sample bottle of this house IPA (they had run out of the draught version) at The Old Toad after two of the bartenders raved about it. I had never heard bar staff talk about a house beer with such enthusiasm, but barkeep Rob Adamthwaite assured me it was a must-try: “We went through six kegs in the first week!” Made by Custom Brewcrafters in Honeoye Falls, NY in commemoration of the beloved pub’s 20th anniversary, OT 20 features…