Atwater Estate Vineyards
by
K.L. Sullivan
We arrived at Atwater Estate Vineyards as it was opening. This vineyard is located at the southern end of Seneca Lake. We had visited Atwater Vineyards earlier this year and my favorite memory was a quote I saw, “Give me books, fruit, wine and fine weather and a little music out of doors, played by somebody I do not know” John Keats. As we walked in I eagerly looked for the quote again. After not seeing the quote, I mentioned it to our host. According to our host, Atwater Vineyards has someone who weekly changes the quotes on two chalkboards behind the serving counter. Unfortunately, she had not been available to change the quote this week and the chalkboards were wiped clean.
Today we decided not to taste the wine as we had been here earlier. However, our host was happy to talk about Atwater Vineyards and we had her undivided attention since other visitors had not yet arrived. As we stood at the tasting counter asking questions, we were able to gaze out at a picturesque view of Seneca Lake.
Opening in 2000, Atwater Estate Vineyards produced more than 16,000 gallons of wine this year. The future will see an increase in production. They use approximately 80% of their own grapes. A tasting fee of $2 helps to defray the cost of the wine tastings. Tours are by appointment only.
On the right side of the tasting room is a display of wine accessories and I asked about arts and crafts they might sell. During the busy season they have many visitors and there is not enough room for the table of wine accessories or arts and crafts.
Atwater is proud of its personal one-on-one connection with its visitors. They also are very happy with a wine they make – a Riesling and Gewurztraminer mix. They produce other wines including a dry Riesling and Vidal Blanc. Since they grow 15 varieties of vinifera and hybrid grapes, Atwater Estate Vineyards winemakers are able to create a variety of wines.
Atwater Estate charges $2.00 to taste wines. The selection of wines offered at the time of our visit included Gewurztraminer, Estate White, Riesling, a Reserve Riesling, Estate Red, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet-Merlot, and Meritage. There were additional wines offered for additional fees.
After a pleasant time at Atwater Estate Vineyards we went a short distance to visit Standing Stone Vineyards.
Atwater Estate Vineyards
Hector, NY
