24 Fall 2015 LOCALadk Magazine
LOCALadk
This destination winery is
beautifully set amid acres
of gardens in bloom, with
grapes right out front and
lovely perennials, shrubs,
and even some currants
and hops growing nearby. A special event venue of choice, Tug
Hill Vineyards provides complimentary fresh-cut flowers from
its own gardens to brides for display at their weddings. Ten vari-
eties of cold hardy French-American hybrid grapes give the win-
ery's owners, Michael and Susan Maring, the ability to craft a
fine variety of wines, from white to red and sweet to dry. This es-
tate winery procures all of its grapes locally, particularly from its
own soil and from Lewis County and Jefferson County, New York.
When you visit, try the standout wine, La Crescent, which is unique to
the area. Guests say the semi-dry flavor mingles between a Pinot Grigio
and a Riesling, with fruity notes of grapefruit. This wine pairs well with
cheeses and seafood dishes or poultry, but it's also a nice choice to sim-
ply sit and sip. In season, your family can also experience the winery's
u-pick crops, including three acres of red and golden raspberries along
with five acres of high bush blueberries, as well as pears and apples.
Visit Tug Hill Vineyards for tastings any time during hours of op-
eration, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Taste six wines for just $3. Even as
winter's chill arrives in January and February, visit from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday (closed Sunday) and enjoy
your tasting before a wood stove fire. For more than a simple
tasting, you can enjoy Thursday Wine Downs through Novem-
ber and Sunday Brunch, which runs until the end of December.
"Our beautiful post and beam building is unique to the area,
and also our landscaped gardens and large patio area allow our
guests to sit out and enjoy the gorgeous view overlooking the
vineyard and the Black River Valley," says owner Sue Maring.
A Tasting Experience
If you would like to make the most of your day, check out the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail (www.adirondackcoastwinetrail.com) to
plan your itinerary. On this journey, you have the option to visit Stonehouse Vineyard, Amazing Grace Vineyard & Winery, Vesco Ridge
Vineyards, Elfs Farm Winery & Cider Mill, The Champlain Wine Co, Everett Orchards, and Hid-In-Pines Vineyard. You can follow the trail
from north to south or in the reverse, with the majority of the trail's wineries located in and around Plattsburgh, NY.
Even if you aren't up for the full winery experience right away, keep your eyes peeled at the Adirondack farmers markets and area fes-
tivals. Many of the region's wineries offer tastings as well as a fine selection of their wines that you can purchase, take home, and enjoy.
As the cooler weather moves in, many of the farmers markets remain in operation until at least early to mid-autumn. You can check your
immediate area for locations and hours by visiting the Adirondack Harvest website. (www.adirondackharvest.com/farmersmarkets)
Resources:
www.visitadirondacks.com/attractions/breweries-and-wineries
www.adirondackcoastwinetrail.com/adirondack-coast-wineries-and-cideries
Map of trail: http://tinyurl.com/nf3z5gy
Breast Cancer Walk - http://tinyurl.com/pz33mxa
Tug Hill Vineyards
4051 Yancey Road,
Lowville, NY 13367
315-376-4336
www.tughillvineyards.com
