News Summary
Once Finger Lakes, a unique winery in Watkins Glen, celebrates its fifth anniversary. Owned by Antonio Arias, it combines innovation and diversity in winemaking, featuring more than a dozen wines and local food pairings. As challenges arise in the local wine community, the winery remains a beacon of hope and cultural storytelling. The Finger Lakes region is also set to rebrand its annual wine festival, emphasizing inclusivity and celebration of local talent.
Once Finger Lakes Celebrates Five Years of Diversity and Innovation in the Wine Industry
In the picturesque city of Watkins Glen, the once quaint vineyard scene is buzzing with excitement as Once Finger Lakes marks its fifth anniversary! This remarkable winery has not only made a name for itself but has also become a symbol of diversity and innovation in the Finger Lakes wine industry.
Owned by the passionate Antonio Arias, Once Finger Lakes stands out as one of the few Mexican-owned wineries in the region. The name “Once,” pronounced like the number 11 in Spanish, not only represents the eleven beautiful Finger Lakes but also symbolically hints at a once-in-a-lifetime experience that awaits visitors.
Antonio’s journey into the world of wine began during lively family dinners in Mexico, where the joy of sharing a glass sparked his lifelong passion. After completing a degree in chemical engineering, he took a leap of faith and headed to Australia to delve into winemaking. The vibrant wine culture there played a substantial role in shaping his techniques.
Fast forward twelve years, Antonio moved to the U.S. for love—a relationship with a girl from upstate New York—and that has turned into a beautiful story of dedication to his craft. As he celebrates this significant milestone, Antonio reflects upon how his unique experiences influenced the opening of Once Finger Lakes.
But what about the flavors? Once Finger Lakes boasts an impressive portfolio of over a dozen wines—each crafted with utmost care and passion. Furthermore, in a delightful twist, the winery collaborates with local chefs to offer a variety of locally sourced food that pairs perfectly with their exquisite wine selection. Guests can now savor both the extraordinary wines and tasty dishes that celebrate local ingredients.
Antonio is proud of his diverse background and eagerly aims to challenge stereotypes within the wine industry. His vision is clear: to encourage more inclusivity by showcasing different cultural influences that enrich the world of wine. With his efforts, he’s also creating opportunities for others in the wine-sector, as noted by local business leaders.
The winery is not just about the wine; it’s about the community and storytelling that each bottle represents. Visitors often find themselves drawn to the Mexican handcrafted decor that adorns the space, each piece telling a story of heritage and culture. This unique ambience adds a rich layer to the overall experience.
However, the local wine community is facing challenges too. Following a recent pause on potential tariffs, there’s growing concern among Finger Lakes vineyards about future tariffs on wine and other goods from Canada. This uncertainty casts a shadow over the industry, prompting wine producers, including Living Roots Wine and Co., to brace for potential impacts.
Change is afoot in the festival scene as well! The Finger Lakes Wine Festival, a beloved tradition since 1994, is being rebranded as the F.L.X. Summer Fest, set to take place from July 18-20 at Watkins Glen International. This new festival aims to create a family-friendly atmosphere, packed with live music, local crafts, delicious food, and a plethora of beverages for everyone to enjoy.
As the celebration of diversity continues, the Finger Lakes region is applauding its own culinary stars. Notably, Christopher Bates recently earned recognition as a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Awards for exceptional beverage service. With a storied history of honoring culinary excellence, these awards are eagerly anticipated, and this year’s nominees will be unveiled on April 2.
As the sun sets over the vineyards, the future looks bright for Once Finger Lakes and the surrounding communities. With Antonio at the helm, the winery stands as a beacon of hope and innovation in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine country.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News: Once Finger Lakes Celebrates Five Years
- Democrat and Chronicle: Finger Lakes Wine Festival Rebranding
- Visit Rochester: Ultimate Fall Bucket List
- Wikipedia: Finger Lakes
- Google Search: Finger Lakes wine
