If you’ve spent time in Syracuse, you’ve likely heard of a friend taking a wine tour, spending the day drinking and cruising around the Finger Lakes. Although it’s a great activity for the 21 and older crowd, there’s an easier way to try out New York State wines — but only for a short time.

The Great New York State Fair features plenty of locally grown foods from farms and dairies around the area. This also includes wines. Due to changes in liquor license laws last year, vendors have more freedom to sell alcohol on the fairgrounds, according to an article in The Post-Standard.There are plenty of options to try local wines made as close as the Finger Lakes, and you have the opportunity to talk to the vendors who sell it.

So stop by the fair this week — the last day is Monday, when we don’t have classes — and test out the wines as you enjoy the butter sculptures.

If you don’t want to head out to the fair, then you can make a wine slushie at home. Whether you’re at Liquor City or Peter’s Skytop Liquors, don’t be afraid to ask the clerk to recommend a local wine. He’d be happy to help out a customer and teach you something about the local wine choices.

Red wines work best in slushies because they have heavier flavors that can stand up to the ice. Merlot is a universally strong choice; it is full of simple tones that can match up well with tons of different foods — meaning it will work well with a wine slushie and whatever you’re eating that night. It’s perfect for the casual wine fan.

Here’s how to make one: 

Three parts red wine

One part frozen lemonade

One part water

Mix together and put it in the freezer in a large pitcher. Stir occasionally. Remove and thaw slightly and serve with a dash of sprite or seltzer water to add carbonation.

Compiled by Katie McInerney, special projects editor, knmciner@syr.edu

Published on August 31, 2011 at 12:00 pm