Swoon-Worthy Weekend: New York State of Mind (and Wine)

This past weekend, Jamie and I (along with our husbands and in-laws) headed up to the Elmira, New York area to attend the wedding of their cousin Becky (we blogged about her bridal shower gift here).  At first, the plan was just to go up and attend the wedding, but once we learned the following two important facts, we decided to make the weekend into a little get-away: (1) it was a 4 hour drive to get up there and (2) there are wineries just a short drive from our hotel.  Wine, as you all know, is the way to these two girls' hearts.

So off we went on Friday afternoon. Due to traffic and weather (both very bad) we got in an hour later than we planned. So our much-anticipated trip to the Glenora winery was shortened to be just dinner instead of the tasting + dinner combo like we wanted.  We were a little bummed ... that is, until we saw this view from the winery's balcony restaurant.

Amazing, right?  And it gets better.  The meal was unreal.  So delicious!  They used a lot of fresh, local food and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.  Here is Jamie eagerly awaiting the first course.

We had to take pictures of the food.  I think part of it is because WE WERE STARVING like Chris Farley in that one Saturday Night Live skit, but also because the food was so so delicious and actually kind of pretty.  We both started with a caesar salad, and Jamie ordered the pasta with seafood while I got the lamb kabobs.  We split a creme brulee at the end (which was the one disappointment of the meal: it was overdone - boo).  Here is the food (you will notice a bite in the one piece of crispy bread on Jamie's salad.  I told you: WE WERE STARVING and she could not wait. Not even for a picture)

Of course we ordered wine.  When in Rome (er ... or New York) and all.  We started with the unoaked Chardonnay and also tried some of the Pinot Blanc.  Both excellent and perfect for a lovely summer evening dinner.  

The Glenora winery also has rooms!  We were very jealous of the lucky ducks who were staying right there.  In fact, we are talking about going back for a weekend of wine and uh more wine.  

Of course you know me: I can't talk about a wedding and not post a little of those details!  It was a wonderful wedding!  I'll start by saying how happy the bride and groom and all of their families were.  When the people are happy and smiling, it's going to be a great wedding. And it was.  Becky looked stunning and the wedding was set against a lovely backdrop of mountains, her family's 200 acre farm, a quaint little country church and a reception inn with a view to die for.  One of my favorite parts was their get-away car: they were driven from the church to the reception in a classic Chevy and it was turquoise.  Love!  Here are a few snapshots I took ... I didn't want to post many to protect their privacy :)

And there you have it!  A weekend of wine and wedding in the Empire State.  Jamie and I are already checking our calendars to see if we can squeeze in a visit to the Glenora "lobsters and leaves on the lawn" event in September.  The winery has a lobster bake on the lawn when the leaves are all changing. Yes please!

Ever been to a winery, or to Glenora for that matter?  Share!  

See you swoon,

Note: Glenora Winery has not paid or comped us for today's post.