The Wine Trail and Lovely Lavender Lemonade Recipes and Mark Twain
Everything about this lovely beverage delights me, from the adorable sprig of lavender to the pretty bouquet of flowers behind it,( check out those old fashioned strawflowers..at least thats what I call them??) mostly the delicious taste. Give this a try on a nice hot day that sneaks in to visit one more time before the cool weather sets in for good, or file it away for next summer, its delicious.
Hitting the wine trail..
The Finger Lakes has approximately 16 wineries that produce luscious wines in a region that has a climate just perfect for certain grapes to prosper.
Some of my recommendations:
I thoroughly enjoyed the award winning Sheldrake Point winery and their spectacular restaurant, Simply Red Bistro. They had a delicious Ice Wine, a wonderful Riesling, a 2008 Gewurztraminer, and a late harvest Riesling. Their winery was so pretty and it had a very knowledgeable staff. Chef Sam continues to create spectacular dishes that boast the “jewels” of this superb agricultural mecca.
I am also a huge fan of sparkling cider and was impressed by Eve’s Cidery, the Northern Spry Sparkling cider was lovely. Another hard cider that was delish is Bellwether Hard Cider found in Trumansburg on the wine trail. I chose Liberty Spry Hard cider which was a bit sweeter. I love to serve sparkling hard cider to my guests with an OUT OF THIS WORLD pear tart that I make each season from our pear trees in our mini orchard out back. I’ll post this recipe soon.
I have wine tasted many places in the world and the Finger Lakes did not disappoint, the owners and staff were so enthusiastic about their craft and I love passionate people!!!
Here is a picture of Sheldrake Point Winery (award winning winery from wine and spirits)
Sheldrake Point Winery also had a great little gift shop where I stocked up on some fantastic gourmet items that can help me easily whip up something fab at a moments notice when someone stops by to say hi.
****A Bunny tip- bring one of those collapsible hot/cold bags and you can keep your items cold.
Quick Change Artist
Never enough time to “Primp” these days
The skirt is a simple denim pencil skirt from Jcrew and the top is also from Jcrew and has removable large fabric flowers on it. The shoes are Escada ( found on sale at a great price) and the handbag is Stella McCartney. I was heading out to a casual dinner after a very long day and this is what I decided to wear. Heels always make the outfit.
The Gorge WaterfallTaughanack State Park
from what we were told this is the largest natural free falling waterfall in North America. The Waterfall is 250 feet and it is a total of 400 feet above the trees were we where standing
Have I ever told you I am terrified of heights
but fearless enough to conquer them.
I wish we could have soared across on a zip line!! Oh how cool would that be!!!
I didn’t know much about this park butI am so glad we didn’t miss this natural beauty
I look at these incredible sights in awe of their beauty
The Mexican Flower SaladThis was wonderful
Chef Sam is away on holiday but she said she will get the recipe to me upon her return to Simply Red Bistro and I will share it with you as soon as I get it.
I will say this..I loved it!!
LAVENDER LEMONADESHELDRAKE POINT WINERY:
This makes a lot but don’t fret, throw a party!!!
simple syrup:
5 cups of water
5 cups of sugar
3-4 T. dried Lavender
dissolve in a pan over a simmer and then add lavender, let sit for 1 hour or overnight and then strain lavender out and discard (keep your lavender infused simple syrup cool)
Mix equal parts lemon juice with simple syrup mixture.
Add ice cold water
(I would suggest dividing this into 2 pitchers , unless you are using a huge glass decanter) just keep adding your lemon juice and water to taste.
because the restaurant makes this in such large quantities this was the only recipe they had, you can certainly cut it in half
Garnish with a sprig of lavender and a lemon wedge
A quick mention of Mark Twain, this region is often called Mark Twain Country. It is here in the finger lakes, at his summer home for some 20 years that he was inspired to create the likes of such beloved characters as Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. His final resting place is in the quiet Woodlawn Cemetery.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens
-MARK TWAIN-
Nov 30 1835- Apr 21 1910
There will be a full year of celebrations
xoxo
Bunny
See you tomorrow for a preview of some new items in our boutique and a little country fair fun
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Hello Bunny… how beautiful everything is… those "straw" flowers are called "Globe Amaranth"… I love them and grow them to dry as well… The waterfall is breathtaking… and you look so cute ready to go out! Bisous… Julie Marie PS I love THAT purse too!
Lavender lemonade, how delightful!
Your photos are beautiful. Love the J Crew Skirt. My mom is obsessed with J Crew! She blogs too- you guys would enjoy one another's blogs..She is at http://cestlaviegirl.blogspot.com So, I am going to have to try rhe lemomade. That looks delicious!
Oh delish! A favorite wine of mine, one of the few Reds I prefer is Roaring Red (don't know how to do links)
http://www.kenswineguide.com/wine.php?wine=2949
It's from Chateau Lafayette Reneau in the Finger Lakes Region.
I always love find out about new options for me to purchase. Thank you!
Mmmmmmmmm that lemonade soundsso delicious! The hubs and I were just talking about whipping up a big batch this weekend. Just might have to try this recipe!
You have a great style. Your photos are wonderful. Thanks for visiting my blog and for the sweet note that you left me.
Wonderful post Bunny. The lemonade I look forward to trying, yummm. I too LOVE hard cider. Have to be careful though as it always seems to pack a punch! Great photos of the waterfall, quite stupendous. Thanks for sharing your day, it looked like terrific fun and you looked equally fabulous!
All the best,
Deb
Interesting post! Beautiful scenery! The Mexican flower salad, and the lavender lemonade sounds delicious!
Katherine
You look gorgeous.l love the outfit too!
The pic of your son looking at the waterfall is so neat!
WOW ILOVE IT YOUR POST SING SING A SONG MAMMA A WATERFALL THE PIC IS SO COOL XOXO OLIVER