Casa Larga Vineyards
by
K.L. Sullivan
Summary: Casa Larga located only 12 miles from Lake Ontario, is nestled in fields of vineyards. This Italian-style winery offers a large tasting room, quality wines and elegant event rooms.
Andrew Colaruotolo began the Casa Larga Vineyards in 1974. He wanted to create wines that would remind him of his family’s Italian vineyard that he worked in as a child. By 1978, Andrew had produced his first wines that earned medals. Today Casa Larga is a leading wine producer in the Finger Lakes region and occupies a lovely facility. The winery produces more than 22,000 cases.
Although twelve miles south of Lake Ontario, the vineyards benefit from the influence of the lake on temperatures and weather. Forty-five acres are under cultivation at the winery. Most of the wines are estate wines. Grapes growing in the vineyard include Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat D’Ottonel, Pinot Grigio, Vidal, DeChaunac, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are harvested using both mechanical and hand harvesting methods, depending on the grape variety and the wine to be produced. In August, the vineyards were flourishing with grape leaves waving in a gentle breeze and reaching towards the sun. Veraison is occurring and the grapes will soon be ready for harvesting.
A large curved stairway is located in the center of the tasting room. The tasting room offers many gift items to browse. Enjoy contemplating a purchase of mustards including garlic, jalapeno, Cajun-onion or perhaps a spicy tomato spread. Gift baskets, assorted stemware and cigars are available to browse and purchase.
Our tour took us to the large event room with windows overlooking the vineyard. The outdoor deck was being prepared for an upcoming wedding. Soon we were visiting the vineyards that were vibrant in the afternoon sun. Next we went down the stairs to the barrel rooms where two sizes of oak barrels were to be seen. Large oak tanks are also used for Casa Larga’s wine production. Riddling racks are used to riddle the bottles of sparkling wine.
Our tasting began with Fiori Delle Stelle Brut Chardonnay. The taste was green apple. The finish was crisp and cleansing. The NV Reserve Riesling had a fruit aroma with a taste of peaches and pears. The finish was very dry. The Cabernet-Merlot was a blend with 65 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 35 percent Merlot. The nose and taste were of blackberries. There were soft tannins on the finish and fruit on the aftertaste. Fiori Delle Stelle Meritage, a Limited Release, was a blend of 40 percent Merlot, 30 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 30 percent Cabernet Franc. The color was an opaque dark ruby. Blackberry and black cherry nuances were on the nose and the taste was very fruity of dark fruit. The finish was dry with soft tannins. There was fruit on the aftertaste. Fiori Delle Stelle Vidal Ice Wine had a dark gold color and honeysuckle aroma. It was heavy bodied with honey and citrus toward the end. The wine had a crisp finish with a long aftertaste of honey.
Numerous private events are hosted in the elegant and spacious event rooms. Whether planning a wedding reception, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, corporate events or retirement party, consider having the event at Casa Larga.
Be sure to look for the annual Purple Foot Festival held in September. When planning your visit include enough time to take the tour and to browse the tasting room items available. The large Italian style building offers a wonderful tasting experience, tour and large special events rooms. Casa Larga Vineyards is a member of the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail. It is about a thirty-minute drive from Canandaigua and about twenty minutes from Rochester, and well worth a visit.
Casa Larga Vineyards
2287 Turk Hill Road
Fairport, NY 14450
GPS: N 43° 05.158’ W077° 43.203’
