Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake are the three Finger Lakes most wine lovers know about, but Skaneateles Lake, west of Cayuga, has it’s first winery: Anyela’s Vineyards, which will be hosting its grand opening tomorrow, August 2.

According the the winery’s website, the vines, planted in 2001 by owner Jim Nocek and his family, are treated to some labor-intensive work every fall after harvest:

"Unlike other vineyards along neighboring Finger
Lakes, we protect our vines from the cold after the fall harvest. One
by one, we carefully remove them from the trellises and bury them in
the rich earth to insulate the sensitive primary buds, which
eventually become the fruit."

I’ve heard of wineries doing this in extremely cold states like Minnesota and Wisconsin but not in New York, where it’s not usually necessary. Then again, every decade or so, Finger Lakes wineries deal with a cold snap that kills some of their vines.

Anyela’s Vineyard will be releasing varietal bottlings of chardonnay, pinot grigio, rose of pinot noir, riesling, Cayuga white, Petite Noir, cabernet franc and noiret, along with a couple blends.

Anyela’s tasting room will be open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.  Soon, their Friday hours will be extended for the busy summer and fall seasons.

Visit their website for further details.