What's New

Arbor Hill "Throws the Switch" for GREEN Solar Power

On Saturday March 16th at 12:00 noon, Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery in Bristol Springs (Naples NY) will commence the process of powering its Brew & Brats restaurant with 40 solar panels. When the system is producing more energy than is being used at Brew & Brats there is an automatic system that sends the extra power to our neighbors via the RG&E power grid.

In addition to the powering up of the system, John Brahm Co-Owner & Winemaster at Arbor Hill will share some enlightening solar power information – it’s guaranteed to spark your interest.

Come join us at 12:00 noon and watch us literally “Throw the Switch” to GREEN solar power. The event will feature complimentary Arbor Hill Sparkling Wine and Juices with Brats, and yes the Brats will have been cooked with Solar Power.

With it being St. Patrick’s Day weekend we only felt it was appropriate to also feature an Irish meal called “Bangers and Mash” and celebrate with live music by “The Textured Wino’s” (Sat. 6-9pm) Come celebrate with us!

Solar System at Arbor Hill in Bristol Springs

QwikSolar moved its operations, from Florida to Geneva New York; this winter to take advantage of the state solar incentives says Ryan B. Wallace, Managing Partner of QwikSolar Power Systems.

He states that on the commercial side -- Qwiksolar power systems provide guaranteed, reliable and low cost energy for businesses to lower operating costs up to $5200 a year. That's $162,000 over the next 20 years.

It is Low cost energy -- Due to dramatic reductions in the cost of solar equipment and strong incentives in New York, the energy produced by solar power will only cost you $0.05 per kWh, guaranteed for the next 25 years.

These solar panels will Stabilize the Overhead -- Electrical costs are projected to increase dramatically over the next 20 years. When energy is generated by solar, the cost never changes.

What? No Capital Cost to get started -- for qualified rooftops, QwikSolar power systems require capital investment for installation. We carry all the incentives and tax credits, and all you pay is a small monthly payment--usually 1/2 of the electrical savings from your solar array.

What John Brahm III, president of Arbor Hill & Brew & Brats, says…

1. I’m amazed at the adaptability and simplicity that allow this highly sophisticated solar system to operate on our 150 year old barn. Truly an impressive way to utilize the assets of yesterday with modern technology.
   
   
2. I like the idea of having a certain amount of energy independence and feeling we are doing our part in relieving our countries dependency on foreign fuel sources.
   
   
3. I also like the idea that when there is a power outage on the main grid – my solar power will maintain power for refrigeration, protecting Arbor Hill Wine, Bristol Springs Beer and our perishable food products.
   
   
4. And last but not least is the cost savings our business will enjoy over the next several years. This will help us control our costs and remain more competitive in the marketplace..
   

To find out more contact Ryan at QwikSolar, North Genesee Street, Geneva, NY 14456, Office: 1.800.261.461, Direct: 315-290-3111, Email: ryan@qwiksolar.com, Online: www.qwiksolar.com, Skype: solarwallace

South Bristol Photographers Receive Wine Awards

A photography contest which featured the best seasonal photographs in South Bristol will benefit the Town of South Bristol’s 175th anniversary celebrations in 2013. The winners (left to right) Den Linnehan "South Bristol in Winter", Rica Asaban “South Bristol in Fall”, Marguerite Buckman “South Bristol in Summer” and John Holtz “South Bristol in Spring” are shown receiving (their prize) cases of wine with special labels featuring their award winning photos.

These wines and their special labels are donated by Arbor Hill Winery & Grapery of Bristol Springs, Naples NY. Arbor Hill has agreed to make these wines (with special labels) available to everyone for the holiday season. The South Bristol Historical Society will receive 10% of the sale of these wines to help fund the events and activities for the towns 175th anniversary.

The commemorative wine is available as a four bottle (one wine for each season) selection. Visit Arbor Hill in Bristol Springs to place your order or call 585-374-2870 or click on South Bristol Commemorative Wine Selection.

AT NYWCC’S GOLDEN NOSE COMPETITION

Consumer-judged competition awards 192 medals to Finger Lakes Wines

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (June 9, 2011) –Thirsty Owl Wine Company 2010 Riesling won the “Finger Lakes Riesling Champion” trophy at the 2011 Golden Nose competition, held June 4 at the New York Wine & Culinary Center. This is the second consecutive year Thirsty Owl has taken the top prize. Its 2008 Riesling won the Riesling Champion award at the 2010 Golden Nose event. Golden Nose is a one-of-a-kind competition that allows consumers to award the best wines from the Finger Lakes region. Consumer judges spent one day learning techniques of wine judging from local wine professionals, and then awarded medals during a professionally-run competition.

The Riesling Champion trophy, a lead crystal wine glass made by Riedel, recognized the best Finger Lakes Riesling among the 59 entered. 214 wines representing over 20 varieties and hailing from 34 Finger Lakes wineries were entered in this year’s Golden Nose. Twelve Double Gold, 19 Gold, 92 Silver, and 69 Bronze medals were awarded.

The awards were based on blind tastings by 22 consumer judges who were assisted by eight Finger Lakes wine industry professionals. Panels of four to five judges determined the initial awards, and “Best of Class” designations were awarded to wines rated as the finest in various areas. Double Gold medals indicate a unanimous vote among a panel's judges, whereas Gold medals require a majority vote.

This was Arbor Hill’s first year to enter this competition and they won two Silver Medals -- Iona and Classic Traminette

2011 New York State Fair Commercial Wine Competition Results Are In!  

Arbor Hill brings home three silver medals and four bronze medals from the 2011 New York State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. Here are the winners: Semi-Sweet Riesling – Silver, Rhine Street White – Silver, Griesa Hill Iona – Silver, Mrs. Brahm’s Very Cranberry – Bronze, Mrs. Brahm’s Very Blueberry – Bronze, Mrs. Brahm’s Raspberry Kiwi – Bronze and Rhine Street Red – Bronze. Come by Arbor Hill and taste these and other award winning wines or order online at www.TheGrapery.com.

Arbor Hill's Rhine Street White Wins a Double-Gold at the FLIWC

April 2, 2011

New York wines topped 500 medals in this week's fabulous Finger Lakes International Wine Competition (FLIWC) held in Rochester as a fund-raiser for Camp Good Days and Special Times.

The FLIWC's numbers are impressive: 3279 entries from 788 wineries representing all 50 states, 6 Canadian provinces, and 19 countries, with 60 judges from 15 countries. 110 New York wineries entered, the largest number of any competition in the country. New York's take included a Best of Show Riesling, 13 other Double Golds, 36 Golds, 196 Silvers, and 255 Bronze medals.

Arbor Hill's medals include: Rhine Street White - Double Gold, Greisa Hill Iona - Gold, Noir - Silver, Rhine Street Red - Bronze, Mrs. Brahms Raspberry Kiwi - Bronze, Mrs. Brahms Blueberry - Bronze and Ambrosia - Bronze.

Consumer Wine Awards for Arbor Hill from California - Three Silver and a Bronze

March 19, 2011

The mission of this competition is to explore and introduce new ways to understand, embrace, engage and cultivate all wine consumers, to create a more sustainable and healthy wine industry. The goal is to provide consumers relevant wine recommendations from other consumers who share similar affinities and passions.

This is the second year for the Consumer Wine Awards at Lodi, and the fifth year of a series of tasting events designed to refine and improve the consumer wine evaluation process. Executed by Diversity Wine Awards LLC, in partnership with the Lodi Tokay Rotary Club, proceeds from the event are used by the Rotary to local and international service projects.

The Consumer Wine Awards at Lodi recognizes and celebrates the fact that every person has unique physiological and sensory differences that profoundly affect wine and food preferences. The judges assessing each category of wine will be the very consumers who are most inclined to buy and enjoy the wines of that category.

 Arbor Hill's medals include: Vergennes - Silver, Greisa Hill Iona Rose' - Silver, Ambrosia - Silver & Classic Traminette – Bronze