Fulkerson Winery News
Fulkerson Winery Profile Rochester D&C
FINGER LAKES WINE.com, Democrat & Chronicle, Rochester, NY
Thursday, November 17, 2005Black raspberry patches once sprawled over the land owned by the Fulkersons of Dundee, Yates County
FarmingSeneca Lake ’s western slopes has been a Fulkerson tradition since 1805. Sayre and Nancy Fulkerson’s first turn at tilling the land came in the 1970s, as they laid plans to market their grapes and grape juice to home winemakers. In 1989 the couple diversified the business by adding a small winery.
Over the years, the business has grown significantly: Annual production at the winery now stands at about 15,000 cases, and 5,000 home winemakers receive the Fulkerson juice catalog by mail.
The operation’s vitality is also evident in the new tasting room, which opened in February 2005. The contemporary-style space boasts a vaulted ceiling, gleaming hardwood floors, oriental rugs in warm hues and large windows with a view of the lake.
Highlights available for sampling include the 2004 Ravat 51 (also known as Vignoles), with a pronounced nectarine flavor that complements barbecue sauce; the 2002 Gewurztraminer, which packs a grapefruit punch; the 2004 Dry Riesling, with a seductive pear aroma and pleasant acidic finish; and the Bridge White, an off-dry, lemony wine that pairs well with roasted chicken.
Grapes sold in supermarkets are not usually used to make wine, but the seedless white table grape Himrod (related to Thompson) makes a strong showing in the 2004 Matinee; its aroma is minty, and its vibrant flavor brings to mind ripe kiwi and honeydew.
Red drinkers may try the 2003 Pinot Noir, rich in cranberry flavor and oak aroma; the 2002 Vincent, which has a smooth blackberry finish; the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, with a bold herbal flavor and anise undertones; the 2003 Reserve Red, a Chianti-like option with notes of black cherry and plum; and the Red Zeppelin, a fruit-forward blend of Catawba and Rougeon that can be mixed with raspberry sherbet for a summertime dessert.
Though the Fulkersons are seasoned winemakers, they are still eager to experiment: One of many products in the pipeline is the Dornfelder, made from a red German grape that may gain popularity in theFinger Lakes if it can endure the region’s fickle weather.
Sheila Livadas, for FingerLakesWine.com
Hours: Open daily, year-round. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Wheelchair-accessible.
Because grape juice for home winemaking is highly perishable, it is not available by mail. Call ahead for juice prices and availability.
ReturnFarming
Over the years, the business has grown significantly: Annual production at the winery now stands at about 15,000 cases, and 5,000 home winemakers receive the Fulkerson juice catalog by mail.
The operation’s vitality is also evident in the new tasting room, which opened in February 2005. The contemporary-style space boasts a vaulted ceiling, gleaming hardwood floors, oriental rugs in warm hues and large windows with a view of the lake.
Highlights available for sampling include the 2004 Ravat 51 (also known as Vignoles), with a pronounced nectarine flavor that complements barbecue sauce; the 2002 Gewurztraminer, which packs a grapefruit punch; the 2004 Dry Riesling, with a seductive pear aroma and pleasant acidic finish; and the Bridge White, an off-dry, lemony wine that pairs well with roasted chicken.
Grapes sold in supermarkets are not usually used to make wine, but the seedless white table grape Himrod (related to Thompson) makes a strong showing in the 2004 Matinee; its aroma is minty, and its vibrant flavor brings to mind ripe kiwi and honeydew.
Red drinkers may try the 2003 Pinot Noir, rich in cranberry flavor and oak aroma; the 2002 Vincent, which has a smooth blackberry finish; the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, with a bold herbal flavor and anise undertones; the 2003 Reserve Red, a Chianti-like option with notes of black cherry and plum; and the Red Zeppelin, a fruit-forward blend of Catawba and Rougeon that can be mixed with raspberry sherbet for a summertime dessert.
Though the Fulkersons are seasoned winemakers, they are still eager to experiment: One of many products in the pipeline is the Dornfelder, made from a red German grape that may gain popularity in the
Sheila Livadas, for FingerLakesWine.com
Hours: Open daily, year-round. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Wheelchair-accessible.
Because grape juice for home winemaking is highly perishable, it is not available by mail. Call ahead for juice prices and availability.
