Program Schedule

Sunday, June 8th  

6:30am – 8:30am Welcome reception 

Welcome to the Finger Lakes! Begin your culinary adventure with an evening reception where you'll meet Professor Talmage and fellow participants while enjoying local wines and appetizers. Get a taste of the regional flavors that await as we preview our upcoming journey through the area's renowned food and beverage destinations.

Monday, June 9th   

8:00am – 8:45am Breakfast on Campus

9:00am – 10:30am From Ice to Vines: The Transformation of the Finger Lakes 

Explore the Finger Lakes' journey from a glacially carved agricultural landscape to a thriving wine region. Discover how its unique terroir fostered world-class vineyards and evolved into a summer destination, blending wine tourism with regional culture and natural beauty. Learn its rich history including the Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s, enterprising priests, the salvation of European grapes thanks to North American Vines, the founding of its oldest winery, The Pleasant Valley Wine Company in 1860, and its evolution as an award-winning American Vitaculture Area (AVA).


10:30am – 11:00am Tea/Coffee Break

11:00am – 12:20pm Brewing Change: The Rise of NY's Craft Cideries and Breweries 

Trace the evolution of New York's craft beverage industry, from traditional farmhouse roots to modern cideries and breweries. Examine how the NY’s farm laws catalyzed local agriculture, supported small producers, and spurred innovation, creating a booming craft culture that celebrates regional ingredients and community-driven entrepreneurship. 


12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch on Campus (My Kitchen) 

1:30pm – 4:30pm Afternoon Excursion

Discover Geneva's rich heritage on a curated walking tour led by a local historian. Explore the lakeside district's architectural gems while learning about the city's Erie Canal past. Visit Trestle 31 for an expert-guided wine tasting featuring premier Finger Lakes vintages. Along the way, admire vibrant murals celebrating local culture, and witness Geneva's economic renaissance through its transformed historic buildings, craft beverage producers, and farm-to-table restaurants.

5:00pm – 6:00pm Dinner on Campus

7:00pm – 9:00pm Evening Sip and Learn in Downtown Geneva

Enjoy a FLX cider, wine, or beer listening to guests from Geneva’s Historical Society.

Tuesday, June 10th      

8:00am – 8:45am Breakfast on Campus

9:00am – 10:30am The Terroir of FLX Wine: A Taste of Place 

Finger Lakes wines are shaped by the region's unique microclimate, glacial soils, and cool-climate grape varieties. Discover how these factors, paired with a commitment to local winemaking traditions, create elegant, expressive wines that capture the essence of the region’s distinct terroir. Learn how FLX wines compare to other regions of the world.

10:30am – 11:00am Tea/Coffee Break 

11:00am – 12:20pm Crafted by Nature: The Essence of FLX Beer and Cider 

Finger Lakes beer and cider reflect the region’s agricultural richness, featuring local hops, heirloom apples, and pristine water sources. Explore how the microclimate and innovative producers transform these ingredients into distinctive beverages, blending tradition and creativity to showcase the region's natural bounty and craftsmanship. 

12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch on Campus (My Kitchen) 

1:30pm – 5:00pm Afternoon Excursion

Join a curated tasting tour through the FLX, experiencing the terroir and craftsmanship. (potential locations)

  • Billsboro Winery – Being the journey with a tasting at this small, artisan winery known for its dry, European-style wines. Enjoy the intimate setting and learn about their sustainable winemaking practices.

  • Fox Run Vineyards – Take a guided tour of the vineyard and winemaking facility, followed by a tasting of their signature wines. Enjoy a tasting in the Barrel Room, where you’ll sample exclusive, limited-production wines.

  • Red Tail Ridge Winery – Savor a seated tasting featuring a selection of their acclaimed wines, thoughtfully paired with a New York State cheese board.

  • Big Alice Brewing – Finish the tour with a craft beer tasting at this innovative brewery, known for its unique and locally inspired brews. A perfect way to end the day with something a little different from wine! Ciders and wine also available here. 

5:00pm – 6:00pm Dinner on Campus

7:00pm – 9:00pm Evening experience at Speakeasy at Vinifera 

Experience an exclusive evening at Geneva's Speakeasy at Vinifera, where you'll engage with owners Jim Cecere ’91 and Kevin San Jose, recently honored by Wine Enthusiast in their 2023 Future 40 List for reshaping the Finger Lakes into a sophisticated, premium cool climate destination. Discover their journey in creating this unique venue, celebrated for its dedication to FLX wines and its underground speakeasy—the only one of its kind in the region. Enjoy craft cocktails and select wines in a setting rich with history and charm. 

Wednesday, June 11th   

8:00am – 8:45am Breakfast on Campus

9:00am – 10:30am Sustaining the Waters: The Environmental Future for the FLX 

Dive into the sustainability challenges facing the Finger Lakes, focusing on watersheds and their critical role in the region. Explore how breweries, cideries, and wineries impact water quality, and learn about innovative practices these industries are adopting to protect the environment while balancing growth and community well-being.  

10:30am – 11:00am Tea/Coffee Break 

11:00am – 12:20pm Pouring Connections: Social Impact Through Place-Making 

Discover how breweries, cideries, and wineries in the Finger Lakes serve as community spaces, fostering community and addressing social issues. Through the lens of place-making, examine how these industries create meaningful connections, celebrate local identity, and contribute to the region’s cultural and economic revitalization. 

12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch on Campus (My Kitchen) 

1:30pm – 5:00pm Afternoon Excursion

Embark on a scenic tasting adventure through the Finger Lakes, experiencing the best in locally crafted cider and beer. This tour highlights farm-based fermentation, innovative brewing, and breathtaking lake views, making it a must for cider and beer lovers alike. (potential locations)

  • Finger Lakes Cider House – Experience this renowned farm cidery, where you'll enjoy a flight of artisanal ciders crafted from sustainably grown apples. Learn about their orchard-to-glass philosophy alongside stunning views of Cayuga Lake.

  • Lucky Hare Brewing – Next, head to this small but mighty craft brewery known for bold flavors and a commitment to quality. Whether you prefer a crisp lager, hoppy IPA, or rich stout, Lucky Hare offers something for every beer enthusiast.

  • Two Goats Brewing – Continue your tour at this rustic lakeside brewery perched on Seneca Lake. Experience one of the best panoramic views in the region.

  • Watershed Brewing – Wrap up your experience at this Geneva-based brewery, where you’ll find an inventive lineup of small-batch, locally inspired beers. Enjoy their cozy setting and community-driven vibe, making it a perfect final stop.

6:30pm – 9:00pm Celebratory Dinner

On the final evening of our Finger Lakes journey, join us for a celebratory reception at a local winery. The sunset over the vineyards will provide a perfect backdrop as we reflect on our shared experiences exploring the region's vibrant food and beverage culture. Professor Talmage and local entrepreneurs will offer closing remarks on the intersection of tradition, innovation, and community in the Finger Lakes' thriving agricultural tourism landscape.