A small urban winery, Ports of New York specialized in Port wine and Bordeaux-style wines. Owner and winemaker Frédéric Bouché is part of a nearly century-old legacy of family winemaking, and that experience is apparent in his wines and in the engaging tours he offers during open hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT
As you step in the front door, you can look straight down the long, narrow interior past racks of bottles, the tasting room, aging barrels, the office, and all the way to the production space in one sightline. But small doesn’t mean boring. The tasting room is full of antique objects from the Bouché family’s long history as French winemakers. Though there’s only four wines to taste, it feels like a diverse spectrum– your tasting will start with a table wine and end with a high-end port.
“The very first thing I say is that this is different from the other wineries,” explains Frédéric. “It’s educational. I like people to be engaged and curious and tell me stories– I learn so much when people come here. If people are motivated, it motivates me too.”
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL
Come ready to learn! Starting at $9, you can get a tasting and one of the most personal and educational experiences in the Finger Lakes. As the owner and the winemaker, Frédéric leads every tour himself, offering a specialized and personalized experience based on your interests. Subjects can range from history to biology, geography to technology, and everything in between.
“We wanted to find an fun and interesting event to offer our incoming graduate students- the Ports of New York tour was perfect!" -ANNE BYRNE, CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Because of its urban location, Ports of New York is a great spot to go before a dinner downtown– it’s less than a 5-minute drive from the Ithaca Commons. The winery is open Tuesday through Saturday 12-6, but if you’re coming with a group it’s a good idea to give a quick call first to ensure that Frédéric can give you plenty of time for a tour. Allot up to an hour for your visit– it’s easy to spend longer than you expect examining the museum shelves and enjoying Frédéric’s company.
INSIDER TIPS
Admit your experience level and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Experienced wine drinkers can learn a lot about the history and process of the wines they’re tasting and about the industry in general. In addition to being a deep well of knowledge, Frédéric is an excellent and patient teacher. If you’re a new wine drinker, you can learn a lot about how to taste and how to discover and verbalize your wine preferences by asking lots of questions.
Learn more and schedule your visit at PortsOfNewYork.com. Photos and story by Allison Usavage, allisonusavage.com.
