Buttonwood Grove Winery
by
K.L. Sullivan
Buttonwood Grove Winery is set back from Route 89 in Romulus, New York. Driving past a pond with two swans swimming gracefully with the backdrop of Cayuga Lake and an unusual farm animal on the other side, we reached Buttonwood Grove Winery’s tasting room.
Buttonwood Grove Winery is one of the newer wineries in the area, opening in March 2004. It was in February 2007 that the winery began distributing their wines. In 1999, grapevines were planted on ten acres of the property and Buttonwood Grove’s first vintage was in 2002. Currently most of the grapes used in their wines come from estate grapes, producing four to five thousand cases per year. Chardonnay and Riesling are excellent white grape crops and Melody is a red grape that is hearty. When purchasing grapes, Buttonwood Grove tries to purchase from local wineries.
Currently, Ken Riemer co-owner and winemaker, produces Buttonwood Grove's wine at another winery where Buttonwood Grove leases space. In the near future Buttonwood Grove will be adding necessary equipment to produce their wine onsite. Stainless steel tanks and oak barrels will be downstairs below the large tasting room.
The tasting room is a large L-shaped room and has a bright, warm feel to it. Numerous gift items are on display throughout the room. According to co-owner, Diane Riemer, there is “a little something for everyone, both in wines and in gift shop items.” The gift shop produces about 25% of the business. This is one of the largest best-stocked gift shops that we have seen. Grape juice and cookies are available for designated drivers and those under twenty-one. The tasting room is versatile with many displays on wheels. The room can hold 125 people and therefore is lovely for receptions and meetings.
We had the opportunity to taste several of Buttonwood Grove wines. The Riesling had a floral aroma and good balance between fruit, acid and sugar. The Cabernet Sauvignon had good fruit flavor, nice acid and medium finish. Cabernet Franc had good fruit flavor. Redbud, the winery’s signature red table wine, versatile with food, is a red wine for white wine drinkers. Ken Riemer enjoys Cabernet Franc and Diane Riemer enjoys Riesling and Blush. We enjoyed the Blackberry Briar wine, which is composed of 80% blackberries and 20% winemaker’s “secret.” Many uses of this wine in desserts came to mind, as we tasted the fresh flavor of blackberries in the wine.
We inquired as to the reason behind the name, Buttonwood Grove. We learned that there are a significant number of buttonwood trees on the property. The tasting room and property surrounding it are lovely. The small pond in front of the tasting room has two swans swimming gracefully. Cayuga Lake is in the background. This area would make a lovely spot for a wedding. Several weddings are scheduled for this year.
A small pasture on the other side of the driveway has a goat and an unusual Scottish Highland cow with horns. A waterfall within walking distance is located on the property. Bring a picnic lunch, buy a glass of wine at the tasting room, and share it at the waterfalls.
Buttonwood Grove Winery would like the public to know that they are a family-friendly winery with farm animals and families can come with a picnic lunch to enjoy. There is a large deck where one can sit with a glass of wine and enjoy a great view. The gift shop has a wonderful selection of gifts, including local art, jams, jellies, spreads, cutting boards and stained glass items.
Up on a small hill, we saw four small cabins. Cabins are available for rental and this year there is a lot of interest in renting the cabins. Prices to rent a cabin range from $100 to $135 per night. Each cabin has a mini kitchenette. “Each cabin features a porch that is perfect for watching the sunrise or enjoying the evening with your favorite wine.”
A featured event near the end of April is an Herb and Wine Festival for Cayuga Wine Trail. Each winery features a particular herb or vegetable. “Heirloom Tomatoes” are the feature this year at Buttonwood Grove. If you cannot make this event, watch for other events at Buttonwood Grove Winery. Buttonwood Grove Winery is a lovely family day trip.
Buttonwood Grove Winery
Romulus, New York
GPS 42° 43.953' W 076° 46.252'
