| Thousand Islands-Seaway Wine Trail
Long absent from New York and the country’s wine discussions, the 1000 Islands has quickly grabbed a foothold as an emerging wine region thanks to innovative grape growing and compelling entrepreneurs. The wineries, grape nurseries and vineyards are an exciting way to reintroduce viewers and readers to the 1000 Islands. They also provide a unique opportunity to give consumers a fresh look at the latest in winery and viticulture expansion.
The winery boom – four have opened in six years – was made possible by scientific innovation that shattered the perception that wine grapes cannot grow in cold climates. Thanks to a partnership with upper Midwestern universities, Northern New York boasts a grape nursery and 20 vineyards growing “cold hardy grapes” with colorful names such as King of the North, Frontenac and Sabrevois (reds) as well as La Crescent and Frontenac Gris (whites).
The growers teamed with the wineries to successfully lobby for state-recognition of the Thousand Islands-Seaway Wine Trail, which landed instant regard and credibility within the nation’s wine industry. One location was named 2009 Winery of the Year by the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation and has managed to pull the organization’s attention from more established areas such as Long Island and the Finger Lakes. Wineries have also received business-development awards and recognition for agriculture innovation.
Thousand Islands winery owners are proving to be engaging story features. The area’s first winery was opened by a retired US Army major inspired by his time in Germany to turn his adopted home into a wine region. The 1000 Islands also boasts the state’s youngest winery owner.
Consider the Thousand Islands-Seaway Wine trail as a subject for your next regional profile or story on wine and food. More information can be found at www.thousandislandsseawaywinetrail.com or by contacting the Tourism Council at corey@visit1000islands.com
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Rich in History
During the War of 1812, one-third of the U.S. Army and one-quarter of the Navy were stationed at Sackets Harbor, NY, then our country’s most important ship-building center. Madison Barracks, an Army post throughout the 1800s and well into the 1900s, was built following the war. On these grounds, President Ulysses S. Grant served two tours as a junior army officer.
Sackets Harbor is just one of many border communities throughout the region preparing bi-centennial commemorations of the War of 1812. Other events are being planned for Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego County.
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Legends and Lore - 1000 Islands Dressing
The many legends regarding the origin of 1000 Islands dressing all seem to relate back to George Boldt, one time owner of the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and the Bellevue-Stratford in Philadelphia, PA. Legend has it that while cruising aboard his yacht on the St. Lawrence River, Boldt’s steward served a new dressing on the luncheon salad. Boldt was so pleased with the taste he decided to serve it at his New York City hotel, dubbing it 1000 Islands dressing in honor of the beautiful region where it was first served. The steward, promoted to work at the hotel, subsequently rose to international fame as Oscar of the Waldorf.
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Legends and Lore - Pirates
In 1838, notorious pirate Bill Johnston and a small band of his followers managed to sink a British river boat, the Sir Robert Peel, in the St. Lawrence. After robbing its passengers and putting them ashore, Johnston is thought to have hid for nearly a year in a cave, named Devil’s Oven on Devil’s Island near Alexandria Bay, NY.
The community celebrates legends and lore with an annual 10-day festival of pirates. Bill Johnston's Pirate Days begins on August 8, when pirate ships attack the village of Alexandria Bay from the St. Lawrence River, as brave villagers try to stave them off. The air is filled with smoke and the sound of musket fire and cannon, and the villagers eventually succumb. Once the mayor turns over the key to the village to the invading marauders, everyone becomes a pirate. The festivities continue through August 17. For a full calendar of events during Pirate Days, contact the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce.
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