Wine – Ventosa Vineyards

Ventosa wins Wine & Beverage Award

Jackie Cecere — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 19:14:33 +0000

Ventosa Vineyards Wins Wine & Beverage Award at 2025 Seneca County Chamber Membership Celebration

Geneva, NY — Ventosa Vineyards is honored to announce that we have been awarded the Wine & Beverage Award at the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Membership Celebration & Small Business Awards, held on July 9, 2025 at the beautiful Seneca Lake Resorts.

This award is a proud recognition of our continued commitment to quality, hospitality, and the Finger Lakes wine region. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce for this incredible honor and for supporting and spotlighting local businesses through this celebration.

We’d also like to thank the event sponsors for making the evening possible and our business neighbors and community members who took the time to vote and show their support. Your recognition means the world to us.

Most importantly, we want to thank our dedicated staff…from the vineyards to the tasting room, café, kitchen, and event team…each play a vital role in upholding our mission of excellence. This award reflects our passion, hard work and unwavering dedication to what we do.

We are proud to be a part of the vibrant and growing Seneca County business community and look forward to continuing to serve our guests with international award-winning wine, beautiful views, and exceptional service.

Interesting Wine Facts

ventosawpadmin23 — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 06:52:20 +0000

Did you know?

…that it takes 600-800 grapes to make a bottle of wine…or that there are 49 million bubbles in a bottle of Champagne…or that 60 countries produce wine?

Born about 6,000 B.C. in what is now the country of Georgia, wine is now a global beverage, with Italy, France, Spain, and the United States as the largest producers, together accounting for more than 50% of world’s total production.

Wine is fascinating in many ways—as a farm product, economic engine, unique beverage, and consumer product. Here is a small sampling of fun facts about the magic of wine. Do your own searches and share them with friends.

World Wine Facts
6,000 B.C.: Approximate origin of wine in what is now Georgia, followed by Persia (now Iran) in 5000, Armenia in 4100 and Sicily in 4000

60: Number of countries which produce wine, with 28 producing 85% of all wine

50: Member countries in OIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine), with the United States not a member but Texas Department of Agriculture as a non-voting Observer

30 to 50: Latitude degrees in both the northern and southern hemispheres within which grapes are grown (e.g., temperate climates)

18,181,433: Number of acres of vineyard, with 49% for wine, 43% fresh table grapes, and 8% for raisins

600-800: Number of grapes to make a bottle of wine, equivalent to 2.5 – 3 pounds

50%: Approximate total percentage of worldwide production coming from the four largest countries (Italy, France, Spain, United States)

10,000: Different types of grapes for wine, juice, fresh fruit, and raisins, with wine grapes including 1,368 Italian, 204 French, and 77 Portuguese varieties, and with Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay the most popular varieties

8: Different overall categories of wine including red, white, rose, orange, sparkling fortified, ice, and dessert

1716: First “appellation” created in Chianti, Italy, with Cotes du Rhone the first French one in 1937; the concept of appellations was mentioned in the Bible pertaining to wines from different regions

247: Mentions of wine in the Bible, with 40 of those negative (mostly warning against abuse), 145 positive (often in the context of meals, blessings, and worship), and 62 neutral (mostly describing situations)

49,000,000: Bubbles in a bottle of Champagne!!

U.S. Wine Facts
#1: Total wine consumption in the world

#4: Total wine production in the world

50: States producing wine

85: Percentage of American wine produced in California

269: American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in 34 states, with Augusta, MO the first established in 1980

85: Percentage of grapes required to be grown in an AVA to have that designation on the label

95: Percentage of grapes grown in a year to bear the vintage date on the label

Economic Impact
$275,073,312,709: Wine’s Value to the U.S. Economy (2022)

50: Number of wine-producing (and consuming) states

10,637: Wine Producers

1,844,901: Jobs

$95,492,543,000: Wages

49,775,680.: Tourist Visits

$16,688,784,100: Tourist Expenditures

$30,774,572,400: Total Taxes

$15,350,136,300: Federal Taxes

$15,424,436,100: State and Local Taxes

Wine: The Ultimate Economic Engine
Courtesy of https://wineamerica.org/
Sources: John Dunham & Associates, OIV, Wikipedia, masterclass.com

Top Things to do in Geneva, NY

ventosawpadmin23 — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:36:20 +0000

Top Things to Do in Geneva, NY – A Perfect Day of Exploring Wine, Nature, and Beauty

Also, make sure to check out our page to help you plan your Finger Lakes Vacation here.

Geneva, New York, nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, offers visitors an abundance of activities blending stunning landscapes, rich historical sites, and a world-class wine scene. Whether you’re exploring solo, with friends, or on a romantic getaway, here’s how to make the most of your visit with stops that include the famous Ventosa Vineyards and many other local gems.

1. Start the Day with Lakeside Views at Seneca Lake State Park
Begin your Geneva adventure by soaking up the natural beauty of Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes. Head to Seneca Lake State Park for a scenic morning walk or bike ride along the lake’s northern shore. During fall, the vibrant foliage makes this walk especially memorable.
The park has spacious picnic areas, trails, and even a splash pad and playground if you’re traveling with family. For water activities, consider renting a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat, or simply relax on the shore. You can also try your luck at fishing, as Geneva is known as the Lake Trout Capital of the World. Sailing tours are available as well, offering sweeping views of Seneca Lake’s rolling vineyards and charming shores.

2. Wine Tasting and Lunch at Ventosa Vineyards
No trip to Geneva is complete without a visit to Ventosa Vineyards. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired ambiance, Ventosa sits on a hill overlooking Seneca Lake & Downtown Geneva. Ventosa offers visitors an idyllic vineyard & lake view paired with wine tasting & light Mediterranean fare. Ventosa specializes in award-winning red wines and is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as local Finger Lakes varieties like Riesling and Cabernet Franc. Just a few miles away are Zugibe Vineyards and Three Brothers Wineries, where you can sample more Finger Lakes wines.

Café Toscana at Ventosa offers a delicious lunch menu with fresh, locally sourced options, from their famous pizza to seasonal soups and salads. The outdoor, covered patio terrace seating (available seasonally) lets you take in the lake view while enjoying a glass of their premium, international-award-winning wine. For an extra-special experience, reserve a guided cellar tour where you can see how the wine is made…from vineyard to glass. Your tour can include an optional cellar tasting and/or charcuterie board to enjoy while you tour.

Wednesdays year-round, Ventosa hosts live music by local artists along with a BOGO happy hour, making it a lively spot to unwind and socialize. Music is out on the terrace in the warm months and indoors in the cooler months.

3. Explore Local History and Art at Geneva History Museum

After spending time outdoors, dive into the town’s rich history at the Geneva History Museum. Located in the historic Prouty-Chew House, the museum offers exhibits on Geneva’s role in early American life, including its history as a lake port and agricultural center. This charming, informative stop provides a glimpse into how the area’s unique culture has evolved over the centuries. Just across the street from Ventosa, Rose Hill Mansion is another must-see historic site.

4. Stroll Through Downtown Geneva

After your winery experience, head to downtown Geneva, a historic district filled with quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. Geneva is known for its stunning 19th-century architecture, especially along South Main Street. Stop by the Smith Opera House, a beautifully preserved theater that hosts performances, films, and community events. For unique gifts, books, and art, visit Stomping Grounds, or try FLX Table for a communal dining experience featuring multi-course meals with expertly paired wines. If you’re into craft beverages, check out Lake Drum Brewing for locally brewed beer, or Monaco’s Coffee for a perfectly crafted coffee drink.

Stop by Linden Street, a one-way street full of cute shops and places to eat. Right in the middle, is the Finger Lakes only Speakeasy at Vinifera. Stop in a try one of their hand-crafted cocktails in their cozy and elegant basement speakeasy. Make sure to make a reservation first. The street has live music on weekends.

While exploring Downtown Geneva, make sure to stroll by the colorful row houses on Main Street. These are some of the oldest row houses in America. Right across the street, you will notice the Our Lady of Peace statue (locally known as “Our Lady of the Lake”) and water falls, gazing right out to the lake. This statue is over 100 years old.

5. Visit Belhurst Castle

For a touch of history and luxury, visit Belhurst Castle, a historic castle resort located just minutes from downtown Geneva. Originally built in the late 1800s, the castle boasts a storied past, and its Gothic Revival architecture is a sight to behold. Belhurst also has its own winery, where you can enjoy a wine or craft beer tasting in their vintage-inspired tasting room. Sip your wine on their patio overlooking the lake or warm up by their firepit. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, you will appreciate a visit here if you’re into history.

Geneva is a destination that caters to wine enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of wine at Ventosa Vineyards, exploring downtown shops, or taking in the scenic beauty of Seneca Lake, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy this charming town in the heart of the Finger Lakes.