Relaxing with cheese, wine & community

During the global pandemic we’ve altered most of our daily routines to stay socially distance from others and remain in our homes to keep each other safe.  Fortunately, our community has done a great job of containing the spread of the virus, so we felt comfortable taking a little nearby adventure.

Off we went to explore the beautiful Finger Lakes while supporting some local businesses.  First stop was the Muranda Cheese Company located in Waterloo, NY, a mere 46 miles from our home.  A huge welcoming barn surrounded by cheerful flowers and outside tables greeted us upon arrival.  Inside the barn you can taste 10 different, hand crafted, innovative cheeses for only $5.  These delicious cheeses are made from the happy cows that dot the countryside right outside the barn.  The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. 

While tasting the cheese, we also tasted some local wines.  After a leisurely and pleasant visit, we purchased some cheese and gladly accepted the cooler bags they had on hand to keep the cheese from spoiling. 

Then off to our next stop on the itinerary, the Thirsty Owl Winery & Bistro, set on a glorious ridge overlooking scenic Cayuga Lake.  This is about a 20-minute drive from Muranda. An important detail: this is the only place along the Cayuga wine trail we found that serves lunch.  We had a tasty meal outside using their wine in the preparations and enjoyed the peaceful setting.  After lunch, we tasted some of their award-winning wines and bought a couple bottles for home.  Their staff was very friendly and shared their expertise generously. 

Our final stop for the day and night, was Buttonwood Grove Winery just down the road from Thirsty Owl.  On their sprawling veranda, we tasted a wide selection of wines for a modest sum and were impressed by the quality of their wines. 

Fortunately, we didn’t drive back home because we were staying the night at the vineyard.  They offer accommodations in charming rustic cabins set right near the grape wines.  We treated ourselves to one night there and enjoyed the tranquil setting.  Another bonus was seeing a sky full of shimmering stars which are hard to see from our home. 

Self-care and mental well-being are so important as we navigate the uncertain times ahead.  Also, being intentional about supporting local businesses during these unpredictable days. Enjoy nature and each other!  Take care of yourselves.

ENJOY MORE PICS FROM THIS DAY TRIP BELOW. If you are outside the region you must consider visiting the Finger Lakes one day.