View’s fourth annual Stems and Steins wine, beer, and food festival took place at two separate venues over the weekend of Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21st.
Linda Valettem left, and Cathy Dibble are served by Kevin Alamond and John munyan(hat). Photo by marianne christy
Over 100 people attended the beer and hard cider tastings that were available at the Old Forge Fire Hall on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Representatives from Ithaca Brewery, Cortland Beer Company, Founders and Adirondack Brewery were on-hand to offer samples of their brews. Also, Utica’s Matt’s Brewing Co. featured beers under their Saranac, Lake Placid, and Utica Club labels.
Tug Hill Vinyards of Lowville
Jim Matteson, left, and Dylan Lyons of Mattesons Market
Offering samples of cider were Woodchuck Cidery and Harvest Moon Cidery at Critz Farm of Cazenovia. Standouts in the public tasting were Woodchuck’s Pumpkin and Harvest Moon’s Maple Moon, said Debi Ritz, chairperson for the event.
Ashley Toner, left, and Jennifer Malecki representing Ithaca Beer Co.
Tony Thornton and Gary Stabb. Photo by Marianne Christy
“It was our first time to host the Friday tastings, and due to its success I think it’s really going to grow,” Ritz added.
Saturday’s event at View saw over 900 fans of wine, beer, hard cider and food who came to sample the products of the 14 vendors.
Food vendors included Matteson’s Market of White Lake with its specialty breads, baked goods, and preserves and Cosimano E. Ferrari Olive Oil Co.
Ritz said the olive oil company’s booth placement next to the Adirondack Distillery developed into an unexpected product pairing partnership.
Helene McAleese, left, and Patti Foley
Deb Munyan and Dawn Lencie
“The olive oils combined with the flavors of the distillery’s gin and vodka were a true partnering of two very different companies,” Ritz said.
Among the new additions to this year’s festival were the apple-based wines of Ashley Lynn Winery of Mexico and River Myst Winery of Ogdensburg.
“We had a great cross-section of vendors, and everyone seemed to be happy and having a good time,” Ritz said.
