Finger Lakes Blog

Since 2021 we've been celebrating Juneteenth in the Finger Lakes and this year was filled with incredible moments. From music performances and poetry to art and dance the Juneteenth celebration in Elmira, New York was a celebration of culture. The annual event is organized by the Elmira Economic Opportunity Program and was held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Ernie Davis Park.

Although it's been celebrated for years in African American communities, Juneteenth is a new federal holiday

The Finger Lakes region represents a beautiful place that many visitors enjoy year-round. As our communities grow, welcoming people from around the country and the world who have decided to call Finger Lakes Wine Country home has helped us to become even more representative of who we are as a region. This is especially noticeable in how we continue to expand the spaces and places that embrace the LGBTQ+ community. At only a 5-hour average drive from many major cities (NYC, Boston, Philadelphia,

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with this Grilled Corn Empanadas recipe from Chef Orlando Rodriguez. As chef and owner of GRAFT Wine + Cider Bar Orlando’s philosophy is to focus on the community by feeding them locally-focused cuisine and drinks.

After an outstanding twelve-year run as Executive Chef of Veraisons Restaurant at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars, Orlando and his wife Natacia purchased GRAFT with the intention to introduce dishes influenced by his Latin heritage. You can

For our Faces of Finger Lakes Wine Country campaign, we spotlighted local entrepreneurs who work to elevate the region to its award-winning status. We’re excited to continue sharing these stories and introduce Tito Chavez, a local Latino-American winemaker from humble beginnings that have blossomed into the best version of the American dream. We’ve previously shared how Wagner Vineyards is working on Diversifying The Wine Industry in the region. This is how Tito is diversifying winemaking in

Hannah Jones, President and Co-Founder of Southern Finger Lakes Pride has been sharing stories about the beautiful inclusivity and welcoming communities that visitors and residents can find throughout Finger Lakes Wine Country. She has highlighted just some of the businesses and spaces that are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. Read her first article here.

In celebration of Pride Month, Hannah interviewed a few queer folks and ally friends that help showcase the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community

The wine industry has been criticized for its homogeneity since its inception. A space that has felt reserved for the white and wealthy is working to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Diversifying the wine industry includes creating an environment that's hospitable and enjoyable for all and Wagner Vineyards is a local changemaker working towards diversifying the wine industry.

Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery in Lodi, New York has been producing award-winning wine since 1979. For