We went to Fox Run Vineyards this past Saturday ( March 14 ) to attend the Burning of the Canes. This symbolic event (accompanied by a feast) ushers Spring into the vineyard. The canes that were pruned following the fall harvest are burned to celebrate the previous year's work and the upcoming year. With the mounds of snow from our historically below-average temperatures of February finally melting, bonfire pits to warm our outsides, and wonderful food by Chef Brud Holland to warm our insides, the event was just the right thing to chase away the winter blues. Great music by Rob and Gary accompanied the food as well as lots of Riesling -even hot mulled!
Let me take a minute to describe the food Brud Holland prepared. There was the Wine Barrel Smoked Sausage that you could dunk in maple syrup or top with Brud's own outrageous mustards. Check out the photo of the unique wine barrel smoker! Accompaniments included pan-fried potatoes cooked on a special grilling table made by Sam Castner, homemade apple sauce, Potato Chowder with Lemburger Cheddar Croutons, marshmallows for roasting, hot chocolate, Mulled (Riesling) Wine, and Cayuga Creamery Salted Caramel and Marshmallow Ice Cream!
Fox Run owner Scott Osborn tells us that because there were no freezing/thawing events during February, the snow cover acted as an insulator, therefore reducing any negative impact on the vines. Now if we can get through March and April without any temperature dips as the buds break, the vintage will be off to a good start.
I hope so because Winston is quickly becoming a wine connoisseur!
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