Many people wonder what happens up on the hill during the winter months.

1) Pouring for the public! Although the retail shop is closed from January to March, outside tastings is a way our loyal customers get their hands on Rooster Hill's finest!  Last week, while pouring at an event at the Corning Museum of Glass, I saw two of our Wine Club members who gladly sipped on a few of their favorites that I had brought to pour!  If you're in the Watkins Glen area on Thursday, Feb 21, I will be doing a tasting at The Rooster Fish Brew Pub on Main Street in Watkins Glen.  Stop by from 6-8! 

2) Delivered to your door: Again, being closed for the winter does not stop the need for Rooster Hill wines!  Ordering online is a great way to get our wines while we're closed.  Our website offers a great shopping cart that will also give the appropriate discounts at the 6 bottle and case level.  If you were a fan of our 2006 Pinot Noir (remember, that fruity, Beaujolais style Pinot with dark cherry that explodes with flavor in your mouth!), you may want to call (315) 536.4773 to order!  Although it is not on the website, we have a bit left in stock and it will go fast when we open in April. 

3) Club Up: If you've been waiting to sign up for Rooster Hill's wine club – don't!  The value that you're given is worth the membership!  Here are a few reasons to sign up:

• Complimentary tastings for you and your friends any time you stop at the tasting room! 
• Library wines – this year we are sending our gorgeous 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (silver medal winner & which sold out last September!) and our 2005 Semi-Dry Riesling (two gold medals & which sold out last May).  These wines are not available anywhere else, but our wine club members will be receiving them in one of their shipments!
• 2 bottles of wine delivered to your door either 4 times a year or 6 times a year.  How convenient is that!?!?
•  Discounts on our events.  Wine club members have discounts on our Twilight Tastings and CHeers! events we hold throughout the summer.  More savings!

Which of the above appeal to you?  Call me at (315) 536.4773 to sign up or give as a gift to a friend.  The next delivery is the beginning of March.  Call me now so you don't miss any good wines!

Cheers!
Tracey Knapton
Retail Manager

Twilight Tastings
Twilight Tasting's are back for their 6th season.  We are just having way too much fun sampling wines from around the world and discovering how well Rooster Hill and other Finger Lakes wines compare.  This is an intimate event where you are almost guaranteed to increase your wine knowledge and meet new people.  Winemaker Barry Tortolon will unveil 10 wines from around the world for evaluation and tasting.  Wrap up the evening by enjoying a light buffet on our beautiful creekstone terrace as you watch the sun dip into the western sky.  This is a nice way to end the work week with fine wines, good friends and fantastic food.  Chef Steve Owens has promised some new delectable entrees to bring out the best in the wines.  Word on the street is that Santa dropped off a few new cookbooks for Christmas!  Reservations are required.  Don't delay, these events sell out quickly.

Dad's Day Jun 15
Winemakers Dinner @ Madderlake Café.   Join Rooster Hill at  Madderlake Café on Jun 15 and treat Dad to something truly unique and special.    Appetizers and reception start at 3 pm and dinner is served from  4 – 6 pm.   Wines selected will feature top award winners and some sneak previews of '07 reds.  Newly opened in the summer of 2005, MadderLake Cafe, located on the west side of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Country, has already become a favorite among the area's food and wine enthusiasts, both locals and visitors alike.  Last years dinner was an outstanding success and guests were able to preview some new wines and talk with winemaker Barry Tortolon.  We are already getting inquiries for this year.  Call Madderlake 315-781-2424 for reservations.   
 

Cheers! Series… 

Love Chocolate??  July 23 Rooster Hill Tasting Room 7 – 9 pm
Back for its second season, the Cheers events focus on the special qualities and craftsmanship in both chocolate and cheese.  During the chocolate evening, guests will sample 10 types of chocolate with varying percentages of cocoa.   Sample artisan chocolates and those from larger producers and discover what all the buzz is about when it comes to antioxidants and healthy reasons to eat more chocolate.  Learn about the “snap” in chocolate and what it means.  Cost is $22 per person, $18 for wine club members.  Reservations required.  Call 315-536-4773 or info@roosterhill.com

Just Say Cheese!  Aug 13 Cheese and Wine Rooster Hill Tasting Room 7 – 9 pm
The cheese evening will feature artisan cheeses from the local area and around the world.  Learn to identify the subtle differences in hard and soft cheeses and their composition.  Understand what wines are best paired with certain cheese.   Cost is $22 per person, $18 for wine club members. Reservations required.  Call 315-536-4773 or info@roosterhill.com

PIG ROAST…Toast the Roast
Wine Club Members mark August 10th on the calendar for the first club member party Toast the Roast which is a delicious, delectable pig roast with all the trimmings and some excellent wines and music.  Look for previews of 2007 reds, library wine tasting and auction at this new event and drink in the view of Keuka Lake.