The Grapehound Wine Tour
Cayuga Lake, NY
July 24-27, 2008
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is advance registration?

A.  Advance registration is completed by completing the registration form on www.cayugawinetrail.com/ and mailing it with your check to the address given for registration.

2.  What’s the advantage of advance registering rather than buying a ticket at the door?

A.  You save $5.  The ticket price goes from $25 (advance registration price) to $30 at the door.

 3.  Where does the wine tour begin?  Can we start at any winery?

 A. Most wine tours begin at one end of the wine trail or the other so that you can check in and begin the wine tour at the most convenient location to you.  (At the check-in, you receive your Grapehounds wine tasting glass and information packet.)  This year, once again, you can choose your start point. 

• If you can get there by Thursday afternoon, plan to check in at Montezuma Winery.  It's the only Thursday check in point. 
• If you are planning to be there by Friday afternoon, check in at Long Point or King Ferry winery.  On Saturday, check in at any of the 14 other wineries.  You need to check in only once; from then on, you are free to enjoy the rest of the wineries for the weekend. 
• On Saturday, you may check in at any winery but King Ferry and Long Point, which are closed to Grapehounds on Saturday and Sunday due to the yard sales on that side of Cayuga Lake.
• Look at this map to see the tour.  If you pick a starting point and plans change, you may request a different starting point by emailing the Cayuga Wine Trail at info@cayugawinetrail.com.  

 4.  Why do we have to check in at the first winery? 

 A.  This is where you check in to get your tour card with a list of wineries, doggy bags, a winery map, and your commemorative Grapehound Wine Tour wine glass.

 5.  Can I check in later than the start time

 6.  After I check in, do I have to visit the wineries in any certain order?

A.  No.  Once you check in at the winery of your choice, you may visit and taste wine at as many or whatever wineries you wish.  Linger over the lake view from the vineyard with a glass of Chardonnay your second winery or jump in the car to zip down to the next winery on your list.  It’s your choice.

7.  Are greyhounds welcome at all wineries?

 A.  Yes.  While some wineries are not able to welcome the hounds inside in certain areas due to state laws (particularly those wineries with restaurants), the hounds are absolutely welcome at all the Cayuga Wine Trail wineries.  You are welcome to walk the grounds at all the wineries as well.  Dog treats will be available at most of the wineries.

 8.  I have another breed of dog.  Is he welcome at the Grapehound Wine Tour?

 A.  This is primarily a greyhound event.  If a greyhound owner also owns another breed of dog, they too may attend, with the proviso below about smaller breed dogs.

     Small-breed dogs should not be taken inside the wineries as some greyhounds may have a higher prey drive than your dogs or your friends’ dogs and may suddenly see your small dog as lunch.  Smaller dogs are welcome to walk the grounds if you are careful to keep them away from unfamiliar greyhounds.  Ultimately, you are responsible for your dog’s safety and well-being.

 9.  Are dogs allowed off leash?

A.  No.  For safety and control reasons, all dogs need to be on a leash while on winery property.  There are no fenced-in areas available at the wineries for greyhounds to be safely off leash.  We don’t want this event to be the source of any “lost dog” alerts on Greytalk.

10.  I don’t even have a dog, but I’d like to register in advance and attend.  Is that allowed?

 A.   Absolutely.  While greyhounds are welcome, they are not required.  Many people who will be wine tasting that day (like most other days) will have come to taste wine without pets.  Part of the intention of this event is to showcase what greyt pets our greyhounds make to people who currently may have never thought about owning a hound.

11.  Will food or bowls of water be provided for my dog?

 A.  No.  While some wineries may provide doggies treats, or have a hose or a spigot outside, it is up to you to decide what is appropriate for your pet to eat or drink and to bring with you any food or water needed.  On a hot day, a doggie dish and a bottle of water is essential.  If you run out of water, wineries may be able to refill your water bottle or dish for you, depending upon their staffing and facilities.

12.  May I just leave my hounds in the car while I taste wine.

 A.  Use the same good judgment about keeping your hounds safe that you always use.  On a hot day, if there is no shade, automobiles can heat up to over 150 degrees in minutes.  There will be plenty of experienced greyhound folks on hand at most wineries.  You are safer to find a friend or acquaintance to watch your hounds in the shade while you do your wine tasting if there is any doubt about your pet’s safety.

 13.  Do I need to clean up after my hounds?

 A.  Absolutely.  In fact, the success of this event will be judged in part on how well-behaved our dogs are and whether we leave the vineyards just as beautiful as we found them.

14.  I have never been to a wine tasting at a winery.  What’s it like?  Is it formal?

 A.  Absolutely not.  It’s very light-hearted and a lot of fun.  Small groups of people walk up to a wine-tasting counter and a server gives you a card with a list of wines.  You indicate what wines you would like to taste and your server tells you a little about the wine (type of grapes, aged in an oak or metal cask, sweet, dry, etc.) while he pours a small amount in your Grapehound Wine Tour glass.  As you taste the wines, you get to know the people around you and your server.  When you’re done, you can buy a bottle or two of wine you like, go outside and walk the grounds, enjoy the views, relax in the shade at a table on the winery’s patio, or move on to the next winery.   (You still have 15 to go!)  You set the pace.

 15.  Suppose my dog gets sick or injured while I am visiting?  I don’t know any veterinarians in that area.

A.  In case of unforeseen illness or injury to a hound, we will be providing information about the Colonial Veterinary Hospital of Ithaca at registration. Colonial will be our primary pet care contact for the Grapehounds weekend. Check them out at http://www.colonialvet.com/.
In the event of a canine emergency, use this information to find nearby veterinary services.    

 16.  Will there be greyhound vendors?

 A. Yes, greyhound vendors will be at most wineries. You'll receive a list of vendors and where they are located.  After checking in, you may skip ahead to these vendor locations or just work your way through the wine trail.

 17.  Where do the proceeds from this event go?

 A.   Much of the wine tour ticket price goes to pay for wine, wine glasses, and other costs that must be borne by the wineries.  All vendor fees and $5 from your Grapehound Wine Tour ticket go directly to greyhound adoption in New York and surrounding states.

The wonderful thing about this event is that you and your hounds have a great afternoon in the beautiful Finger Lakes region while helping other hounds to find a forever home.

19.  Can I bring my children or a friend who does not drink wine?  If so, do they need a ticket?

A.  Yes, children and non-drinkers are welcome.  If the visitor wishes to taste the food pairings and non-alcoholic drinks at each winery, purchase a "designated driver" ticket for $5 less ($20) than the wine-tasting ticket.  Or, you are free to provide your own food and beverages for your children or friend and save the cost of a ticket.  (Updated 5/05/07)
 

20.  Is this a three day event this year, like in 2007?

A.  No.  It's actually a four-day event for 2008.    While the main wine tasting event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday this year, we plan to have a special cookout get-together at Montezuma Winery for the early birds on Thursday evening, July 24th.   This will be a casual social event featuring picnic food, light music, wine tasting, and lots of friendly hospitality.  Those who come to Montezuma on Thursday may check in there and get their packet and Grapehound wine glass.   More details on this evening event are in the Updates section.

Then on Friday afternoon we have our two east shore wineries available for check-in to welcome the hounds and dazzle your taste buds:  King Ferry and Long Point wineries on the east shore of Cayuga Lake will be our Friday check-in locations and can serve as your starting/check-in point if you could not arrive Thursday evening.  Just make sure to indicate on your registration form where you would like to start your wine tasting.  On Saturday, you'll be able to check in at the winery of your choice (except for King Ferry or Long Point, which are unavailable for our event Saturday and Sunday due to a yard sale event on the east side of the lake).

21.  Will you be adding events and activities as the event grows closer?

A.  Absolutely!  Keep checking this website for more details as our plans take shape for 2008.  .  More things to come. 

22.  Is there a T-shirt available for the event this year?

A.  Yes! In fact, there are two designs available now with a new third design in the works by Kent Roberts. This Kent Robert's "Greyhound Vineyards" design is currently available in Small - Medium - Large - Extra-Large. Other sizes will be available if the demand is there to re-order. Send us an email if you are interested. All shirts are $10.50 + $3 shipping to Grapehound T-Shirt at 339 S Churchtown Rd,   Narvon, PA 17555.

This second Grapehounds T-shirt design shows Star Gospel, owed by Hal and Judy Lambert, looking down from above on Taughannock Falls. Star Gospel had just been adopted and was attending his first greyhound event in 2006. Hal named the photo "A Whole New World." Sizes now available for "A Whole New World" are Medium - Large - Extra-Large - 2X-Large.   Again, if interest is there we will order additional shirts and sizes. Just send us an email and tell us what you want.

 
By buying and wearing your Grapehounds T-shirt at Dewey Beach this year, you could win a free weekend--including hotel and wine tickets--for Grapehounds 2009.  We plan to have our Secret Spy contest again this fall at Dewey Beach.  Twenty five lucky winners won a bottle of wine, wine glasses, a grapehound print or free room nights at Ithaca area hotels  at last year's Dewey Beach event.  Please see our exciting Secret Spy contest information below.  

 

GWT T-Shirt

339 S. Churchtown Rd

Narvon, PA 17555

23.  What is the Secret Spy contest in October 2008 at Dewey Beach?

A.  Grapehounds will have a Secret Spy in Dewey Beach this fall looking for people wearing their Grapehounds T-shirt.  Just like last year, if we catch you wearing your Grapehound Wine Tour T-shirt on Saturday at Dewey Beach, we will give you a prize on the spot.  These prizes will range from a Grapehound collar for your dog or Grapehound decal to a bottle of wine and two Grapehound wine glasses all the way to two free nights at an Ithaca or Auburn area hotel for Grapehounds 2009 plus two free Grapehounds wine tasting tickets!

All you have to do is wear your Grapehound Wine Tour T-shirt on Saturday at Dewey Beach this fall on Saturday, October 11th.