Where Unique Location and Microclimate Create Award-Winning Wines
Nestled on the southern shores of the Great Lake Ontario, Colloca Estate Winery stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities of winemaking in the Finger Lakes region. While technically located just outside the traditional Finger Lakes AVA designation, Colloca Estate Winery boasts a unique charm and a microclimate that makes it a peer with its neighboring wineries.
Our Visit:
On a sunny but cold January day, on our way to Lacona for the weekend, Kathy, our best friends King and Kim Vandunk, and I made a stop at Colloca Estate Winery. It was nothing short of enchanting. The drive into the winery grounds revealed an expansive landscape filled with captivating facilities. There was a full-service restaurant, an open-air lakeside gathering area with an outdoor bar, and a large building housing the tasting room and lounge, all designed with the aesthetics of a high-end lodge. As we arrived, we were warmly greeted by a wonderful server named Greta. Her energy, knowledge, and exceptional friendliness set the tone for our visit.
The interior of the tasting area had the rich appearance of a luxury lodge, adorned with plenty of stone and wood. It was, without a doubt, one of the most sophisticated and high-end tasting rooms we’ve ever experienced.
The Tasting:
We had the pleasure of tasting a variety of wines sourced from grapes native to the Finger Lakes area and some from Australia. The red wines, in particular, left a lasting impression with their remarkable balance and velvety smoothness. The Pinot Noir, in particular, was a standout, offering a depth not commonly found in Finger Lakes Pinot Noirs.
One element that added to the overall experience was the striking beauty of the bottle labels. Each label was a work of art, reflecting the same attention to detail that went into crafting the wines.
Colloca Estate Winery’s website aptly states, “It’s not just a winery. It’s a Destination,” and our visit solidified this sentiment.
The Microclimate Advantage:
The Finger Lakes region, including Colloca Estate, benefits from a microclimate that’s nothing short of magical. Nestled on the shoreline of the immense Great Lake Ontario, the winery enjoys an amplified version of the same microclimate advantages as its Finger Lakes counterparts. This unique setting, coupled with the nutrient-rich soil deposited by ancient glaciers, creates the perfect environment for grapevines to thrive.
What truly sets Colloca Estate apart is its commitment to producing world-class wines that have garnered international acclaim. These wines have achieved remarkable feats, scoring an impressive 95 points and earning double gold medals at consecutive double-blinded international wine competitions judged by experts.
Colloca Estate Winery is more than just a place to savor award-winning wines. It’s a destination where nature, wine, and luxury converge to create an unforgettable escape. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur seeking exceptional vintages or someone looking to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Finger Lakes region, Colloca Estate offers something truly extraordinary. Come and explore the allure of Colloca Estate Winery, where every visit is an adventure waiting to be savored.
