Wineries take to the ice for annual Elmira event

Wine on Ice will crack open its eighth year Friday, with more than 60 area wineries and vendors will set up on a matted floor place on the First Arena's ice.

 "Wine is something of interest to many people," said Margaret Cook, chief operating officer for Glenora Wine Cellars in Dundee. "(Wine on Ice) makes it possible to collect wineries in an area under one roof for an event."

Wine on Ice begins with a session from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, and continues with two more sessions, noon to 4 p.m., and 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday.

More than 40 wineries are scheduled to participate. Among them: Fulkerson Winery; Lakewood Winery; Eagle Crest Vineyards; Hickory Hill; Red Newt Cellars; Fox Run Wineries; Pleasant Valley Wine, and many more.

"It's a wide open space, filled with different booths from all wineries," said Cook. "If you don't know what kind of wine you like, you can go from booth to booth to see where your tastes line up."

Although ice might be the last thing people want to see more of in January, the event has sold out consistently for the last five years, said Kathy Chilson, event director for WENY TV-Channel 36, Horseheads, a local ABC affiliate that is the primary sponsor of Wine on Ice.

"Typically in January, there is not much to do ... and this is one (area residents) look forward to every year," said Chilson.

Besides tasting and purchasing wine, attendees can sample or hear about the products and services from a variety of vendors, including Yancey's Fancy artisan cheese, Highland Chocolate, Sunset on Seneca B&B, People to People, Finger Lakes Photo Booth, Radisson Hotel, and more.

Each of the three sessions will feature live music by Virgil Cain.

Tickets, priced from $23 to $27, are available online at www.ticketmaster.com. Service charges apply. Admission includes a souvenir tasting glass. No one under 21 is allowed.

First Arena is located at the corner of North Main and West Gray streets in downtown Elmira.