Finger Lakes winery branches out to consumer-supported agriculture

Six Mile Creek Vineyard winery and distillery in Ithaca is offering a 2011 consumer-supported agriculture program that is one of the first of its kind in New York.

“Basically, a number of our staff subscribe to local consumer-supported agriculture programs and suggested branching out and doing it with wine,” said Melissa Masters, general manager of Six Mile Creek Vineyard, 1551 Slaterville Road, in the Town of Ithaca. The idea for the program began with ideas from the winery’s employees.

Staff members sponsor local farmers and cheese makers, and “growing grapes is just as agricultural,” she said. Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery and Enlightenment Wines in the Hudson Valley have done similar programs. Following the basic consumer-supported agricultural model, customer payment is made up front. “It gives us more capital, which allows us to do more marketing at the beginning of the year and find out more about our customers,” said Masters.

“The customers benefit from discounts, since they are basically buying in bulk. They are also paired with what is available each season, for example, more red wines in the fall.

Other membership benefits include discounted regular priced wines, “Share with a Friend” tastings, and 10 percent off all New York food products during share distribution. There are some risks as with any agricultural venture. However, shares will be sent from previous vintages, so if 2011 is not favorable current shares will not be affected.

Six Mile Creek Vineyard offers three options. The vintners share contains a mix of food-friendly (mostly dry to semi-dry) red, white and rosé wines at $308. The amici e vino share is a mix of red, white, and blush wines ranging from semi-dry to sweet at $236. Both the vinters and amici e vino shares include six bottles of wine per distribution. The estate blend share includes a five bottle of wine and a bottle of distilled spirit per distribution at $414. Members can pick up their shares on the first Thursday of May, July, September and November. Payment is preferred prior the first distribution on May 2.

Customers can enroll in the program by calling Six Mile Creek Vineyard at (607) 272-9463, signing up in person at 1551 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, or by mailing an enrollment form from http://sixmilecreekvineyard.wordpress.com/csa.