Throughout the year, Finger Lakes wineries enter their wines in competitions in hopes of taking home the gold. These competitions are a great way to be recognized, as are the ratings from prestigious magazines such as the Wine Enthusiast, the Wine Spectator and Wine & Spirits. Recently, the wineries' wines were appraised in a Best of Appellation Evaluation that reflects the taste of the wine depending on their terroir - the soil the grapes are grown in.

In the first quarter, our wineries harvested more than 50 gold medals for their Rieslings, Chardonnays and Cabernet Francs - just to mention a few. Thirsty Owl Wine Co.'s 2008 Riesling was judged the best Riesling at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, which benefits Camp Good Days. Other wineries and wines that took gold at that competition include: Goose Watch's 2007 Traminette, and Pinot Noir Brut Rose, King Ferry's 2007 Dry Riesling, Sheldrake Point's Cabernet Sauvignon and Late Harvest Riesling, and Swedish Hill's 2008 Vidal Blanc and their Naturel, a sparkling wine (unique blend of Cayuga White, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir). Other competitions where wineries took gold were the Florida State Fair, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 2009 Wine Champs, the Riverside International Wine Competition and the Monterey Wine Competition.

Another standard of measurement is the ratings the wineries' wines receive from wine magazines with 100 as the highest rating. We're proud to announce that Sheldrake Point Vineyard for their 2007 Riesling Ice Wine received a 93 in Wine and Spirits and a 92 in the Wine Enthusiast, both Feb. 2009 editions. Additionally in the Wine Enthusiast, Sheldrake Point received 89s for its 2003 Reserve Riesling and 2005 Dry Riesling. Knapp Winery received an 88 for its 2001 Barrel Reserve Chardonnay and five other wineries received ratings of 86 or higher. Hosmer's 2007 Dry Riesling was featured as one of the top 100 values in the June 2009 issue of Wine & Spirits.

The Appellation of America evaluation echoes the flavors of the wine from the vineyards where they were grown. Seventeen outstanding wines from seven of our wineries have been awarded gold medals. This appraisal continues as they assess the wines of each region.

During the months of June, July or August, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, join us for our Family Days. Each family receives our special Family Days card and when three different winery purchases are made, you'll receive a free ice cream sundae at participating creameries. What constitutes a family, you ask? Any two people who are a couple with or without children. Each child attending will receive our mini purple flying disc. This year we have two ice cream shops participating in the program that surround Cayuga Lake, Cayuga Lake Creamery and Dories' Cafe and Bakery.

June on the wine trail is all about lip-smacking barbecues, cherry picking and Flag Day music. Visit Montezuma Winery and the National Wildlife Refuge on June 21 at their sixth annual Wildflowers & Wine event. Activities will be held at both locations, including a guided bus tour where you will learn about wetlands, grasslands, wildflowers and the birds they attract. Then the bus stops at Montezuma Winery for refreshments at the winery, including a mouth-watering barbecue, ice cream and wine sorbet, art and craft vendors and live music. A portion of the sales of our special event's limited edition wine will be donated to the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex for continuing efforts in conservation.

During the rest of the month, enjoy a Western Day at Buttonwood Grove Winery, a Scandinavian Festival at Swedish Hill Vineyard, concerts at Americana Vineyard, Father's Day barbecues at either Sheldrake Point Vineyard or Knapp Winery, and the fifth annual Cherry Festival at Cobblestone Farm Winery.

Don't forget about our new and improved Greyhound Wine Tour and Friends event. This year we are celebrating our fourth Greyhound event again for four days: Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26. We have opened up the event to include all breeds, and even if you don't have a dog, please stop by for all the festivities.

Cathy Millspaugh is the executive director of the Cayuga Lake Wine

Trail. To learn more, visit

www.cayugawinetrail.com