Tag: wine guide

Wine Spotlight: What happened to Pinot Grigio?

March
3
2026
by Michael Nagy

If you consider yourself a novice wine drinker or sip your customary glass of wine at a wedding, gala, or a home party, you probably tried that once popular Italian white wine called Pinot Grigio.

At one time, it was almost always on the wine menu because it was a huge crowd pleaser. Easy going, uncomplicated, not complex, and cheap. Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied wine that gets along with most everyone. Yes, it’s an entry level white wine, but is it still popular?

If you’re well studied in wine, you know of it, but is it a wine you would recommend? If you ask wine professionals, they most likely would say ‘no’ and not suggest it or recommend it for most wine drinking occasions or as an excellent food pairing. Often perceived by consumers and sommeliers as a safe, uninteresting, and safe restaurant choice rather than a nuanced wine experience.

Pinot Grigio’s decline in popularity stems from a reputation for being flavorless, watery, and mass-produced, leading consumers to seek more flavorful, aromatic, or trendy alternatives, like Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and dry Rosé.

They have shifted to more vibrant, aromatic, or flavorful white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. In fact, Rosé has largely overtaken Pinot Grigio as the preferred, fashionable, casual summer, easy-drinking wine over the last decade or two.

The Pinot Grigio market has also become saturated with low-quality, generic, overproduced, and often overly acidic or manipulated, cheaper options. Leaner versions of Pinot Grigio are more refreshing, generally more popular, and will cost over the standard $15 price tag. Look for over $20 at least. And if you avoid mass-marketed brands in favor of smaller, quality wine producers, you would be in for a light and refreshing experience.

However, high-quality, authentic Pinot Grigio filled with personality still exists, particularly from regions like Italy’s Alto Adige and Friuli in the northeast. The Friuli region offers the best in the world with nice aromatics and hint of bitter almond, a signature trait of PG. I will discuss other regions producing Pinot Grigio later in the article along with its counterpart “Pinot Gris”, with same name, but quite different for comparative analysis.

Italian Wine Regions & Styles

In Alto Adige, Pinot Grigio is all about ripe stone fruits (peach and apricot), notes of ginger, floral aromas, and refreshing acidity. Alto Adige produces some world-class, cellar-worthy (very unusual for this grape) Pinot Grigio, and is one of the most beautiful wine regions.

sun goddess pinot grigio

In Friuli-Venezia Giulia (short version Friuli), it is known for its textured Pinot Grigio and the unique ‘Ramato’ style (skin contact wines), Friuli’s wines also feature ripe stone fruits, floral hints, but with a subtle spice. The refreshing acidity is still present but encased in a fuller body.

If you want to learn more about ramato-style wines, please let me know. They are fascinating! For purposes of length, I didn’t include here. I had a wonderful Ramato last summer pictured above.

Wine Production

Pinot Grigio is harvested early and gets bottled and distributed within three months of fermentation. It is wine meant to be drunk as soon as possible. These wines possess entrancing aromatic qualities, zippy acidity, and fruit flavors that diminishes over time.

Enjoy it now and don’t let it sit around on your rack or in your cellar. A general rule for this wine is to drink it within one to two years of the vintage date, similar to Rose. There are rare occasions that allow PG to last longer, especially it’s oaked and has exceptional balance.

Food Pairing

The light, crisp flavor of Pinot Grigio makes it great for a lot more than just casual sipping. This dry white wine is ideal for cooking lighter dishes by adding brightness and acidity to the mix. It is known to pair well with fatty fish, like trout, tuna, and salmon helping to balance out the taste and texture of the main ingredient. 

Pinot Grigio is a perfect wine choice for summer sipping because of its lightness, tartness and acidity due to being grown in cool climate regions, like those in northern Italy. The lower temperatures help slow down the ripening process causing less sugar developing in the grapes.

Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the grapes are harvested early on in their ripeness, and then stored and fermented in stainless steel tanks retaining crispness. All of this helps give Pinot Grigio a fresh, highly acidic and sometimes citrus quality, that is preferable than its fuller and deeper competition with summer and light cuisine. Planted Pinot Grigio vines at a vineyard in Friuli Region of Italy.

Pinot Gris vs. Pinot Grigio

Pinot Gris (aka Pinot Grigio) is a pinkish grape mutation of Pinot Noir. ‘Gris’ is the French word for gray and ‘grigio’ is the Italian word for gray.

The same grape is used to produce Pinot Gris in France (mostly in the Alsace region) and Pinot Grigio in Italy. However, the two wines have different styles and with their own unique traits. Pinot Grigio tends to be crisper and lighter-bodied with strong fruit and floral notes.

Pinot Gris is more full-bodied than its Italian counterpart, with a deeper, richer flavor, and even spicy notes depending on the winemaking style. Additionally, Pinot Grigio is typically drier than Pinot Gris. Despite its French origin, the largest producer of Pinot Gris is actually Italy.

Pinot Gris has a touch of honey on the palate from naturally occurring botrytis/noble rot (fungus) common in the Alsace region. The botrytis concentrates sugars and flavors, which can lead to creating excellent dessert wines. Pinot Gris is also used for sweet, orange, rosé wine in northern Italy, Alsace, Oregon, and Germany.

Italian Pinot Grigio tends to be easy drinking compared to French Pinot Gris and others. The misnomer out there is that Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same wine. They cite the only difference being that one comes from Italy and the other comes from France. Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris do have similarities because they are produced from the same grape, but stylistically they are not.

The grape is usually referred to as Pinot Gris because it was first developed in France’s Burgundy region. However, once the grape made its way to Italy, it was used to develop what we know as Pinot Grigio. The difference, therefore, lies more in how the grapes are grown, vinified, and managed and how these two different countries produce noticeably different wines.

Pinot Gris

Considered to be the homeland of Pinot Gris, Alsace showcases a rich, full-bodied style with ripe orchard and tropical fruit flavors and minerality. It often possesses a delicate smokiness and spice, especially in aged versions, adding depth to the vibrant fruit character. Look for “Grand Cru” on the label for the best wines.

American versions often have more exaggerated fruit flavors and less acidity than their European counterparts. Primarily grown in the cool-climate Willamette Valley in Oregon, it presents a balanced profile of fresh citrus and ripe orchard fruit flavors.

The wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with a refreshing acidity and often a hint of mineral or spice. Its versatility and expressive character reflect the region’s diverse microclimates and innovative winemaking techniques.

Food Pairing

The versatile Pinot Gris pairs well with many dishes. Lighter, zesty styles are phenomenal with seafood, salads, and mild cheeses, while full-bodied or orange versions complement rich meats like roasted chicken or pork. Sweet and late-harvest expressions perfectly match fruity desserts or even on their own. Pinot Gris rosé is an excellent appetizer wine and pairs nicely with light pasta, charcuterie, or salty snacks.

Its diverse range matches the broad variety of world cuisine. Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio alike are perfect wines to cut through salty cheese like feta or goat cheese, nuts, and any other snacks you’ve prepared for your summer picnics.

Here are the major growing regions and style of Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris –

Alsace, France (rich version, Pinot Gris)

Veneto, Italy (crisp, neutral flavor, cheaper/mass produced, great for weddings and large format)

Friuli, Italy (crisp, more aromatic, some of the best Grigio on the planet)

Alto-Adige, Italy (crisp, more aromatic, second to Friuli for Grigio)

Willamette Valley, Oregon (fuller version, citrusy/minerally, both)

Look for these producers –

Cantina Tramin (Alto Adige, Italy)

Cantina Terlano (Alto Adige, Italy) – pictured

Venica & Venica (Friuli, Italy) – pictured

Neumeister (Styria, Austria)

Trimbach (Alsace) – pictured

Zind-Humbrecht (Alsace)

 

Cheers,

Michael

michael@michaelpour.com

An Unexpected Wine Adventure in NY’s Hudson River Region

February
9
2026
by Michael Nagy

Last week, The Michael Pour traveled to the Hudson River Region in southeastern NY just north of NYC and west of Connecticut. The purpose of my travel was to simply get on the road and venture somewhere new. The story that proceeds is both a wine and travel guide to parts of the Hudson Valley.

Although the weather this time of year can be problematic, I felt the need for a change of scenery. Cabin fever is a real thing in Central NY and this winter season has been brutal.

I landed in Poughkeepsie, NY (say that a few times) in the heart of the lower Hudson River Wine Region AVA, one of NY’s fine wine regions and undiscovered terroirs.

The locals will tell you that there isn’t much going on there, but I beg to differ. The town offers some really cool places to see and experience, including farm to table restaurants, shops, cultural destinations, and on top of that, nice people, hospitable people.

My plan for the week was to be spontaneous and let the universe guide me. Yes, wine is always on the agenda, but I was open to all kinds of fun and experiences. The Red Line Diner in Fishkill, Millhouse Brewery in Poughkeepsie business district, Bonsai Japanese restaurant in Poughkeepsie, and Marist University should be on your radar.

At one of my stops, I visited a local, boutique wine shop called “Boutique Wines & Spirits” in Fishkill, NY. When I literally stumbled upon it, I was pleasantly surprised. The staff were very knowledgeable about local and worldly wine. They were also very helpful and engaging. I wasn’t aware that they are a premier supplier of NY cider and mead and a certified shop for whiskey afficionados.

Follow this link to learn more about them – Boutique Wine Shops to Visit for Vino in the Hudson Valley

My 5-minute stop turned into a 20-minute wine discussion with a seasoned wine associate, Jen, and a young gentleman who just earned his WSET Level 2 in Wine & Spirits from the same school I earned mine from back in the day. The small, quaint shop had beautifully arranged sections with curated selection of bottles, tap system, and a nicely lit ambiance and a signature tree enveloping the room. It was welcoming, cozy and warming in many ways.

He was enthusiastic about sharing his experience, learning what I do, and picked my brain a bit. It was a lovely and fun experience and nice to make wine friends so far away from home. I walked away with a local Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, which they recommended. I will share info about those wines and wineries below.

I took the shop’s business card and promised to keep in touch and visit next time I’m in the area for the upcoming wine season. I would like to plan an official trip to the region for a wine tour. I am confident that the Boutique Wine staff will be a great resource for my business going forward.

Later that night, I reached out to Paige, the owner of the wine shop, on social media to express my sincere gratitude for the awesome experience. She is certified as a sommelier and pommelier (cider), WSET, and Whiskey. It is rare to find an owner of a wine and spirits shop to be so credentialed. When she responded, we had a nice conversation and discussed social networking and collaboration in the future.

You can find them at http://boutiquewsc.com and instagram @boutique_wines_spirits. The website is well organized with lots of info and accolades. As a wine professional and consumer, I highly recommend stopping in the shop or placing an order for all your wine, spirit, and cider needs and plethora of local offerings.

Keep an eye out for their ongoing events in the area and in the shop. They have put together a nice set of links for everything you need to know on their instagram bio.

Here are the wines I picked up from them. I was able to snap some cool images throughout the week. If you’re in the area, both wineries are about 40 mins apart so they and other wineries on the wine trail can be easily accessed in one half-day. I uploaded a map of New York’s Wine Regions for your geographic reference. Let’s plan a wine trip!

Brotherhood Winery Pinot Noir, New York Premium Selection 2019

Brotherhood Winery, located in Washingtonville, NY, is the oldest continuously operating winery in the United States, with roots dating back to 1839. Founded by Jean Jaques, it survived Prohibition by producing sacramental and medicinal wines. It is a premier Hudson Valley destination, famous for its historic underground cellars and wine tourism. 

This Pinot Noir is described by the winery as being light to medium-bodied, with berry, tea leaf and earthy aroma characteristics. Dry, light ruby in color, with berry and cherry flavors and hints of earth and mushrooms. Great value, with real Pinot personality. Perfect with broiled salmon, chicken and veal.

Specifically, the nose display notes of ripe red fruits, like cherry and raspberry, that mingle with hints of earthy undertones. Reviewers note fresh berries, plum, violet, cranberry, cherry, black tea, blueberry, and forest floor.

On the palate, it is filled with berry and cherry flavors along with hints of earth and mushrooms. The wine is described as fruity with a mushroom finish, and well-integrated tannins. It has a soft texture and moderate alcohol content.

On the finish, it promotes smooth tannins and well-integrated oak add depth to the wine, while a lingering finish leaves a lasting impression.

Stylistically, it is described as having a “Burgundian” style with a light brick-red in color. Community reviewers note it is surprisingly light for a Pinot Noir.

Being an older vintage of PN, I can testify to the color transforming to an even lighter brick red now and emerging dried fruit and truffle, soil character. I would recommend drinking this vintage sooner than later. Pinot Noir often deteriorates with age depending on the balance upon release. It currently retails at $17.99 or less (great value).

Whitecliff Vineyard Cabernet Franc Hudson River Region 2023

Founded in 1979 in Gardiner, NY, Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery is a premier Hudson Valley producer known for sustainable, vegan, award-winning wines and over 20 grape varieties. Originally experimental, the vineyard grew into one of the region’s largest, with a focus on cold and climate-resistant hybrids and vinifera and officially opened to the public in 1999. 

This Cabernet Franc is a highly regarded, estate-grown, and dry New York red from the Hudson River Region. It typically showcases a light-to-medium body with complex notes of cherry, strawberry, leather, and herbs, often featuring a deep forestry and brush aromatic quality. Pair it with pork BBQ and meatloaf.

It contains concentrated red fruits (cherry, strawberry) with herbal and earthy/leather notes. Bright acidity and a soft, slightly fleshy mouthfeel. It currently retails for about $32, but you can find for less at some online retailers.

This vintage is not yet rated. Previous vintages have earned 90+ points from Wine Enthusiast and received accolades at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and American Wine Society Commercial Competition.

If you want to experience light to medium reds from New York, search for these particular wines as well as other reds at your local wine shop, like Boutique Wine & Spirits or order online. I plan on visiting Brotherhood, Whitecliff, and many other Hudson wineries when the warm weather returns. Here are a few others of note: Milea Estate, Millbrook, City Winery, Neverstill.

New York wine regions are producing some really good classic red wines stylistically close to French Bordeaux and Burgundy, but at an affordable cost and accessible. The improvement over the past decade has been significant and promising for cool-climate red varietals.

If you have any questions or need shopping or pairing advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me here or on social media. If interested, our local Syracuse Chapter of Women for Wine Sense is conducting a fun wine event on February 22nd from 2-4 at The Tasting Room, Sky Armory, in downtown Syracuse.

Details are on the website at https://womenforwinesense.org/syracuse-page/ to sign up and become a member. Social media page is @winesensesyracuse. Mine is @themichaelpour. Come follow us and get in on all the wine action! As a board member, you will find me at all the events.

The Michael Pour is organizing monthly wine meetups in the Syracuse, NY market. More info is available is on the instagram page. The purpose of the meetup is for wine lovers of all knowledge and interest levels from the area to gather and learn about wine, socialize, network, and meet new people in a fun, casual setting. If interested, I hope to put one together for March.

If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to sign up for my free email newsletter so you get notified when stories are poured. You don’t want to miss a drop. The advantage is that you get early access before its published to social media and as a subscriber you will be entered into occasional raffles, giveaways, and event discounts.

Until next time….Is there another wine adventure for me this season? In the meantime, stay tuned and stay warm NY!

“Happy V-Day”

Cheers, Michael

The Best Reds in the Finger Lakes Wine Region

Artist rendering of Finger Lakes Wine Region
January
13
2026
by Michael Nagy

For this week’s post, I am dedicating it to my good friend and follower Janis @hummingbird512 on Instagram. She is a huge fan of wine, but more specifically, of Finger Lakes wine, and asked me to profile the best FLX reds out there for her to try and stock up on. She considers herself to be a local wine historian.

One of Janis’ favorite FLX wineries is McGregor Vineyards situated on a hillside just one mile above the eastern shore of Keuka Lake. She enjoys all of their wines, but especially the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. She had it this past summer and suggests holding on to it for a while because it will age beautifully.

She also likes to visit Dr. Konstantin Frank, pioneer for wine in the FLX. “Dr. Frank is uniquely located on the southwestern slopes of Keuka Lake. In 1958, Dr. Frank planted the first vinifera vines and ignited the Vinifera Revolution. This movement would forever change the course of winemaking in the Finger Lakes region”, Janis said. She also likes to go to Fox Run Winery and Zugibe Vineyards off of Seneca Lake.

Janis also loves Bubbles, as in sparkling, which pairs well with her bubbly personality. She has always been a huge supporter of me and my wine adventures, so I am thrilled to put this together for her. She has many followers on Instagram and loves to share her wine experiences, often with her daughter. Check her out! She is very engaging!

Below you will find the results from the annual New York Wine Classic through the NY Wine & Grape Foundation. I highlighted the highest scoring reds from this competition. NYWGF partners with the Beverage Testing Institute to judge wines submitted by wineries. Scores are awarded by a trained sensory panel comprised of beverage directors, sommeliers, top bartenders, retail buyers, and educators. 

Unfortunately, I wasn’t one of the judges, but I did carefully go through the list and highlight my personal recommendations. I listed those wineries that produce excellent reds and noted the varietal(s) you must try from that winery with some images. I also indicated where you can find the wineries in the Finger Lakes. 

Gold Medals were awarded to wines scoring above 90 pts. There were many excellent FLX reds above 90 in 2025, but I had to cap it at 92 pts and above. Note: Some wineries don’t participate in the NY Wine Classic so they won’t be represented. That’s not say that they don’t produce great reds, i.e. Shalestone Vineyards, Shaw Vineyards, Domaine LeSeurre, Winery, and McGregor Vineyards.

There are multiple AVA’s in the Finger Lakes so the AVA is listed. Most are Finger Lakes AVA, but some are Seneca Lake AVA and Cayuga Lake AVA depending on where grapes are grown and legal designation. Keuka Lake does not have an AVA so they will be designated as Finger Lakes AVA.

Best in Class –

Best Cabernet Franc – Ravines Wine Cellars 2022 Estate Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, 96 pts, Platinum Medal

Best Blaufrankisch/Lemberger – Heron Hill Winery 2023 Ingle Vineyard Blaufrankisch, Finger Lakes, 96 pts, Platinum Medal

Best Syrah – Hector Wine Company 2022 Syrah, Finger Lakes, 93 pts, Gold Medal

Top Red Wines –

Acquilano Wine Cellars 2023 Blaufrankisch, Finger Lakes, 95 pts, Gold Medal

Adirondack Winery 2021 Cabernet Franc “Autumn in the Park”, Finger Lakes, 94 pts, Gold Medal 

Red Newt Cellars 2023 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, 94 pts, Gold Medal

93 pointers & Gold Medal –

Damiani Wine Cellars 2023 MC2 Red Blend, Finger Lakes

Goose Watch Winery 2020 “Bailey Sue” Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Finger Lakes

Inspire Moore Winery & Vineyard 2022 “Wisdom” Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes

Ryan William Vineyard 2020 Reserve Syrah, Finger Lakes

Ryan William Vineyard 2020 Reserve Merlot, Finger Lakes

Sheldrake Point Winery 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Cayuga Lake

Sheldrake Point Winery 2023 Estate Cabernet Franc, Cayuga Lake

Thirsty Owl Wine Company 2023 Pinot Noir, Finger Lakes

Toast Winery 2023 MJ Red Blend, Finger Lakes

92 pointers & Gold Medal –

Buttonwood Grove Winery 2022 “Marnie Ann” Red Blend, Cayuga Lake

Chateau LaFayette Reneau 2020 Estate Merlot, Seneca Lake

Chateau LaFayette Reneau 2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Seneca Lake

Constantia Wine Company 2021 Uniquity Red Blend, Finger Lakes

Constantia Wine Company 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Finger Lakes

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery 2022 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes

Hector Wine Company Sawmill Creek Estate 2022 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes

Knapp Winery 2022 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes

Lucas Vineyards 2022 Reserve Estate Collection Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes

Point of the Bluff Vineyards NV June Bug Red Blend, Finger Lakes

Ventosa Vineyards 2020 Merlot, Seneca Lake

Wagner Vineyards Estate Winery 2022 Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes

Other Gold Medal Winners from the New York Wine Classic below.  I did not list them here if they were included in the awards section above, so this is essentially a bonus list. 

Many newer wineries have popped up over the last couple of years in the Finger Lakes, which I have yet experienced, so the list will not include some of them.

I may be a little biased because I am either a wine club member at some of these wineries, have worked with them in some capacity, or visit them often because of their phenomenal red wine program. Enjoy!

What FLX reds am I drinking now – All reds from Damiani Wine Cellars, including exquisite library reds. You must seek them out. Just finished “Departure Red Blend” (CS, CF, Merlot) from Barnstormer Winery, Cab Franc from Long Point Winery, and Saperavi from Airy Acres Vineyard.

Damiani Wine Cellars, east-side Seneca Lake (try Pinot Noir & Reserve Cab Sauv). Wine Club member. Say hello to my friend and tasting room manager, Jeremy, and wine educator, Jenna, when you visit. They are second to none for their enormous and lovely library red program.

Airy Acres Vineyard, west-side Cayuga Lake (try Lemberger and Betty’s Blend, pictured). Wine Club member. Say hello to my friend, winemaker, and owner, Noah, when you visit. They are fairly new in the FLX and have been producing some incredible wines and reds

Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, east-side Seneca Lake (try special Unoaked Cab Franc). I used to be the wine educator and director of marketing and public relations.

Sheldrake Point Winery, west-side Cayuga Lake (try Gamay Noir and Appassimento red dessert wine). Former wine educator there

Fox Run Vineyards, west-side Seneca Lake (try Cab Sauv and fortified Tawny Port)

Bright Leaf Vineyard, east-side Cayuga Lake (try Merlot). Say hello to owners, Donna & Mike, for me when you visit.

Six Eighty Cellars, west-side Cayuga Lake (try semi-carbonic Cab Franc). Say hello to winemaker, Ian.

Shaw Vineyards, west-side Seneca Lake (reds only). Say hello to Mr. Shaw and family

Forge Cellars, east-side Seneca Lake (try Pinot Noir)

Barnstormer Winery, west-side Seneca Lake (try Cab Sauv and fortified Ruby Port)

Shalestone Vineyards, east-side Seneca Lake (reds only)

Domaine LeSeurre Winery, east-side Keuka Lake (try Lemberger). Say hello to French owners, Celine & Sebastian, for me when you visit. Former assistant tasting manager and wine educator there

Red Tail Ridge Winery, west-side Seneca Lake (try Blaufrankisch and rare Teroldego, Lagrein, and Dornfelder. Last 3 from Italy are unique and worth exploring). Former tasting room manager and wine club manager there

McGregor Vineyard, east-side Keuka Lake (try Pinot Noir)

Nathan K/Hickory Hollow winery, west-side of Seneca Lake (try Cab Franc and library reds, pictured)

Long Point Winery, east-side of Cayuga Lake (try Cab Franc). Say hello to my friend, Women for Wine Sense colleague, and up-and-coming winemaker extraordinaire, Kristen. She is awesome!

Any questions or in need of recommendations for an organized wine tour or wineries to visit based on taste preferences, feel free to reach out and I can help you put together a tour to enhance your wine experience. Through my business, The Michael Pour, I am available to be your tour guide and concierge. The Finger Lakes Wine Region has been voted as the “Best Wine Region” in multiple years by consumers.

I’m no longer based in beautiful FLX wine country, but I continue to maintain close relationships with wine people and the wineries there. Look through the blog to read about my previous posts on the Finger Lakes Wine Region here – http://www.michaelpour.com/blog

Check out previous post about what “The Michael Pour” can do for you here – Interested In Learning More About Finger Lakes Wines? – The Michael Pour

Cheers,

Michael

Nobody’s Wine Bar: A Hidden Gem in Central NY

Lounge at Nobody's Wine Bar
December
29
2025
by Michael Nagy

Nobody’s Wine Bar opened in September of 2023. They were a new addition to the infamous and historic Armory Square located in downtown Syracuse. The premise behind the opening was to offer a wine bar to the community that serves a variety of hard-to-find domestic and international wines. 

I would describe the space as being cozy, chic, casual, and educational. The interior features a large mural from the graffiti artist Vacant and custom lighting. It gives off vintage and art deco vibes with comfy seating on sofas, plush chairs, intimate table for two, and a long bar, which will accommodate many guests. Get ready to sip and savor and experience bottle bliss from a knowledgeable and experienced wine professional.

It’s a place where you can get a glass of wine — with about 25-30 choices at a price range starting around $10 per glass. That can go up to $50-$100 per glass for rare, high-end wines. The wine list is rotated often or seasonally to give patrons something new and fresh to try.

Their use of the Coravin wine preservation system allows them to keep bottles fresh without opening them. More bars and restaurants, especially those featuring wines or serving a lot of wine, should use a Coravin.

“What I like to say is we save the best wines for nobody,” said founder, Bob Leonard. “We open up everything, like 60-plus-year-old wine by the ounce just to give people the opportunity to try something they probably would never get the chance to otherwise.”

They try to pick wines from different regions around the world that guests might not have heard of or tried. “We try to highlight wines that I’d say are from more obscure regions and regions that kind of fly under the radar,” Leonard said. 

Additionally, they like to highlight wines that incorporate unique grape varieties and are made by sustainable and environmentally-friendly producers. 

The wines are available at different price points, with their most expensive bottle currently at $112 while most others between $40-$60, which is very reasonable for the atmosphere and for these rare wine finds.
They serve their wines by the half glass, full glass, and by the bottle. The half glass option is great, especially when you want to experience different wines. Grab a seat at the bar to order and engage your sommelier bartender or take your beverage to a comfortable piece of furniture. They know their stuff and would be happy to talk wine.

Nobody’s is primarily a wine bar, but they have some small bites like canned fish, local cheese and charcuterie from The Curd Nerd, and local bread and crackers. They also offer a curated selection of beer, cider, and seltzers and will unveil a small, basic cocktail program soon.

They encourage guests to bring in outside food, which is a great opportunity to discover the perfect wine pairings. Over time, they will look into offering more food choices along with occasional pop-ups.

Nobody’s is a destination where everybody is welcome. They believe, as do I, that every glass of wine tells a story waiting to be shared. With a passion for great pours, impeccable service, and an ambiance that invites you to unwind, they are thrilled to introduce you to their hidden gem on Walton St. in downtown Syracuse.

Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or are just discovering your love for wine, come pull up a chair. Take a journey through their carefully curated selection of beverages handpicked from around the world, Central NY, and Finger Lakes region. 

Great place to grab a glass while waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant or finish off a delicious meal with an exquisite wine. They have accommodating late night hours for those having dinner, attending a show, musical, or cultural event, or experiencing the nightlife in the city. 

Happy Hour

Tuesday – Thursday from 4p-6p with $2 off beer & full glasses of wine and $1 off half glasses of wine. 

Trivia night is every Tuesday night starting at 6:30. Happy Hour goes till 8p that night.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday – Saturday, 4p-12a (ish*) *if it’s still popping, they will stay open! Closed on Sundays and Mondays. 

Location

Nobody’s Wine Bar, Armory Square, 222 Walton Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 (last shop on the street). Free street parking after 6pm.

Nobody’s offers wine classes for all wine levels with a seasonal focus conducted by staff. They are available to host your company’s private event or your special occasion event.  Look for cool LGBTQIA-friendly events throughout the year as well. Check out the event schedule on Tock for their upcoming winter wine classes at Nobody’s Hospitality Group – Syracuse, NY | Tock.

My company, The Michael Pour, is excited to be partnering and collaborating with them. Our hope is to establish Nobody’s as the main source for local wine education and a primary spot for discovering special wines. If you are a local business or organization and would like to work with us or have us host an event, please let us know at michael@michaelpour.com or hello@nobodyswine.com.

Please reach out to me if you would like to grab a glass or a bottle sometime and I will introduce you to the exquisite wine list.

Meet Sarah

Sarah Gaines is the GM and Head Sommelier at Nobody’s Wine Bar. She handles the day-to-day operations of the bar. I’ve had the pleasure of recently meeting her and working with her for our upcoming “Fundamentals of Wine” class series through the Syracuse Chapter of Women for WineSense on January 18th at Nobody’s. I have frequented the bar on several occasions and plan on being a regular personally and professionally.

Her story is an intriguing one and how she landed here in Central NY to run the wine bar is worth illuminating below. Sarah and I share a similar background with our love and passion for wine. Our combined restaurant and service experiences mirror each other. Also, our deep dive in Italian wine propelled us on our wine path. I look forward to our fun times together and bringing this passion to all of you.

“Born and raised in Colorado, Sarah took an unexpected but deeply fulfilling path to the world of wine. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Alma College, she first discovered her passion for wine while working at a winery in Northern Michigan. There, she found joy in guiding guests through tastings and helping them understand why wine tastes the way it does.

Following undergrad, Sarah worked as a paralegal in Boston and Washington, D.C., and later pursued a master’s in Justice, Law, and Criminology at American University. But it was during her time as a Wine Educator at District Winery—between semesters—that Sarah realized wine wasn’t just an interest, it was her calling. She left graduate school to follow that passion full time.

Sarah went on to become the Cellar Director at RPM Italian, where she earned her Level One certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and was later promoted to Head Sommelier. There, she helped develop one of the most extensive Italian wine lists, led staff education efforts, earned her Certified Sommelier pin, all while nurturing a deep love for Italy’s rich and complex wine traditions.

Now at Nobody’s, Sarah is excited to return to her roots as a wine educator—sharing her knowledge, exploring new regions beyond Italy, and helping guests uncover wines they’ve never heard of but will never forget.

Outside of work, Sarah stays active with weight training, golf, and spending time with her two beloved cats, Ruthie and Cork.”

Here are some of Sarah’s favorites which appear on the current wine list –

Sarah's favorite wines on wine list

Visit them at https://www.nobodyswine.com/ 

Cheers & Sante,

Michael Nagy

 

Seasonal Spotlight: 5 Must-Try Wines for the Fall

Chenin Blanc wines
November
4
2024
by Michael Nagy

November and autumn season brings a different vibe to the world of wine, and certain wines belong on the table. The weather gets colder, the day gets shorter, and that chill in the air shouts comfort. Certainly, comfort can be felt through sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and comfort food, but what about wine. With campfires, apple picking, and the looming Thanksgiving holiday, there is a call for more complex, savory, and fuller bodied wines. It’s the season of homemade soups, stews, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, poached pears, and apple pies.

While we’re not quite ready for the heavy and tannic Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo to carry us through winter, we need something more ‘chill’ and transitional to get us through shorter days and set the stage for winter. Some traditional fall favorites that are fantastic include Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Gamay Noir/Beaujolais. Try the Gamay Noir from Sheldrake Point Winery in the Finger Lakes. It is beautifully done!

Beaujolais Nouveau is a wonderful, light, and approachable red wine that is perfect as an introductory wine for non-red wine drinkers. It is made from the Gamay grape and originates from the Beaujolais region of France. It is celebrated worldwide and released every year at the end of November. Beaujolais is one of my favorite wines to sip all year long, especially on Thanksgiving, because it is very food-friendly with turkey dinner. I will discuss it further later this month.

Here are five under the radar lovely fall wines (two whites and three reds) that don’t get enough love in my opinion. They are not as obscure as you might think. If you would like to receive my recommendations, just give me a holler.

1. Chenin Blanc

Famous for its apple aromas and flavors, Chenin Blanc is a perfect match for autumn lovers. Just like apples can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, this medium-bodied white wine is extremely versatile, and can be paired with a wide range of main courses. Try a glass of Chenin Blanc with a root vegetable salad, roasted chicken, or rich seafood. Look for it in the Loire Valley of France, South Africa (leading producer of Chenin Blanc worldwide), United States, California and some in Washington State.

2. Sémillon

A medium-bodied white wine from Bordeaux, France, which is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, giving it a lush, mouth-filling, and zippiness for green and fall veggies. Some are produced in oak and aged in the barrel, which will give it notes of honey, almond, and a smooth texture. The grape has few tannins, medium acidity, medium body and some oily consistency. Depending on its origin, you will discover flavors of lemon, pear, or papaya. Look for it in the regions of Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, Napa and Sonoma Valley, California, South Africa, and Columbia Valley, Washington State.

Barbera wine

3. Barbera

Although it doesn’t quite have the revered status of the Nebbiolo grape, Barbera is Northern Italy’s wine of the people and is never too far from the dinner table in the Piedmont region. In Piedmont, where Barbera is most expressed, Barolo and Barbaresco are the most recognizable names, but they are places as opposed to grape varieties. Both are produced from the Nebbiolo variety. Barbera, on the other hand, is the name of the grape variety itself.

Due to its pigmentation, Barbera can taste both rich and light-bodied, offering the berry and cherry notes in bigger wines, but goes down easily thanks to lively acidity. Oak-heavy styles have an extra touch of chocolate, vanilla and spice. Generally, it is going to be a lighter style of red (more approached) in context of other Italian reds. Look for it in California, US, and Argentina as well.

4. Primitivo/Zinfandel

This wine is jamming. Primitivo and Zinfandel are essentially the same grape. Primitivo in Italy and Zinfandel in the US and the rest of the world. The lighter, low-ABV styles of Primitivo have rose petal, sage, and black pepper flavors, The richer styles add a bit of smoke and jammy. Notes of cinnamon, raisin, chocolate, and tobacco make for an exquisite fall wine. Generally, Primitivo is medium to full-bodied, with medium to high tannins and low to medium acidity. It can carry a high-ABV in Italy compared to Zinfandel due to the warmer climate.

Zinfandel is a bold and fruit-forward wine that’s loved for its jammy fruit, smokiness, and exotic spice notes. It’s also made into a sweet rosé called White Zinfandel. Look for Zinfandel in regions of Lodi, Napa and Sonoma Valley, and Sierra Foothills, California, US, and Primitivo in Puglia, Italy.

Nathan K Cabernet Franc

5. Cabernet Franc

Cab Franc is the parent grape of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère. It can be lighter or bolder depending on where it’s grown. If you prefer non-fruit-forward red wine offerings, then Cabernet Franc is your wine. There are more pronounced notes of red and black fruits, like strawberries, raspberries, and plums, in warmer climate versions, but in cooler climates, you will encounter herbaceous, mint, green bell pepper notes, chili pepper, peppercorns, crushed gravel, and earthiness. It is an awesome Thanksgiving wine that pairs with everything on the table because of its savory notes.

It is the signature red grape of the Finger Lakes region of New York, where I call home, and one of my favorite wines to drink no matter the occasion. Look for it in the Loire Valley of France, Colchagua Valley of Chile, Tuscany region of Italy (fruitier style), Sierra Foothills of California, US, and throughout New York State. Try all vintages of Cabernet Franc from Nathan K Wine Cellars, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, who does an oaked and unoaked version) and Damiani Wine Cellars in the heart of the Finger Lakes.

As mentioned earlier, please reach out if you want my recommendations for the wines listed above. It’s never too early to stock up on wine for the holidays or to enjoy now. Look for Thanksgiving wine pairings and Beaujolais Day post later this month.

Cheers,

Michael

michael@michaelpour.com

(717) 877-2729

What wines are we drinking right now?

Fall wine
October
29
2024
by Michael Nagy

Does the season of the year guide our wine preferences? 

Short answer, yes, absolutely! Is it socially acceptable to drink your favorite or go-to wine even if it is technically a seasonal sip? Yes! My recommendation is always – drink what you like, first and foremost, then consider expanding your palate to accommodate what you are feeling at the moment or what foods will best accompany the wine.

In the spring and summer months, many wine drinkers tend to drink rosé and whites for their lightness, aromatics, crispness, floral components, and refreshing traits. In the northern hemisphere, the release and anticipation of the new vintage of rosé wine coinciding with the beginning of spring. In the fall/winter months, wine drinkers will transition to drinking more red wine, heavier whites, like oaked Chardonnay, and fuller bodied wines.

The seasonal nature and availability of produce and food also dictates our pallet and wine pairing choices. For this fall, try different oaked chardonnays from around the globe, orange wines (more on these later), and red wines, like Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sangiovese, Valpolicella, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. If you’re a fan of bubbly, you can drink it anytime.

Fall wine glass

What wine would you recommend for Fall? 

Being a wine lover, I certainly have my preferences as I’m sure you do as well, but I like to explore new wines, styles, and regions. I will reach for that bottle of red most of the time, but if I’m having wine with food, I will definitely try to enhance the experience by choosing a wine that pairs well.

For fall, I like to drink Rhone varietals such as Grenache (red), Syrah (red), and Viognier (white, similar in style to Chardonnay), and most reds, although I prefer lighter to medium styles most of the time. You can find really good Rhone blends (called GSM blends with the ‘M” referring to Mourvèdre) or single varietals from the US, France, Barossa Valley in Australia and South America.  More widely available than ever. Stylistically, all these Rhone varietals have vibrant fruit balanced with savory, spice, earthiness, herbal and vegetal flavors that pair very well with the flavors of fall, like cool climate vegetables that can be roasted, braised, or sauteed. Don’t be afraid to venture out and try different red wines, especially for your holiday events and gatherings. I think Cabernet Franc is a lovely turkey day wine with all the accompaniments and a very underrated wine overall. I like CF all year long.

Classic Reds

Classic reds are always in style and continue to be the season’s most popular wine choices. Not just because they are ‘red’ and are bolder and fuller than whites, but because the rich flavor profiles that can range from dark fruits to earthy undertones, robust reds provide the perfect accompaniment to the season’s hearty dishes like roasts, stews, and casseroles and holiday celebrations. These classics include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, or a red blend, like Bordeaux blend. If you opt for one of these, then try to find high quality ones (not necessarily the most expensive ones) in their category. Low quality vs. high quality fuller, red wines offer a very different experience.

Don’t forget about winter whites! 

Just because the sun and warm temperatures have hibernated for the season doesn’t mean you have to ditch white wine altogether. There are plenty of full-bodied, cozy whites that will work just as well as heavier reds with your fall cuisine and to drink by themselves. As mentioned earlier, an oaky Chardonnay always has a place at any holiday table. I look to Burgundy, France, Washington State, US, or South Africa for my Chard and Chablis for lighter/hybrid styles. Some trendy whites, like Viognier and Chenin Blanc are on the rise. When choosing your white wine in cooler weather, look for flavor profiles and textures that are rich, chewy, nutty, or creamy. These types of wines are usually fermented and/or aged in oak barrels and undergo malolactic fermentation, which gives them those traits.

Orange Wine

What other wines are trending right now? 

Orange wines have been growing trend the past few years. Orange wines have been around for a long time, dating back over 8000 years when, without modern wine making technology, all wines were fermented on the skins of the grapes, which is what gives wine its color. They were left in a pot to stew and ferment and the skins turned them a dark amber shade. Wine making was modernized in the 60s and 70s and the skins were removed to produce the lighter, fresher, cleaner style of common crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio we know today.

They are considered a ‘white wine’ that has been fermented with the skins on. Orange wines undergo a similar wine making process as reds where they are in contact with the skins during fermentation, so they take on the intensity of the colors and tannins, giving them a richer, heavier body. Today, there is a demand for orange wines to be less macerated, lighter, and fruitier, but still have some color and tannin structure. You will have to search hard to find orange wines in the marketplace, but if you like fuller bodied white wine, give them a try.

What else is trending in the wine world?

There is definitely a conscious shift toward natural, organic, vegan, and biodynamic wine and what that means. People are conscious about sulfite content, agricultural practices, and the environment. The grape skins used for orange wines are usually thicker and more resistant to pests and disease, so they are not treated as much and the tannins help protect them from oxidation, so they don’t need as much manipulation, sulfur or other preservatives. If this info is important to you, look for it on the back or front label or do a search online for bottles that are environmentally conscious.

Rosé wine is becoming more popular year-round evidenced by the hashtags #roseallday #roseeveryday all over social media and the internet. Many wineries are now producing different Rosés every year and experimenting with different grape combinations for them.

The public is more open to canned wine options these days, which started out of convenience, but has since lead to wineries putting higher quality products into this accessible format because of its popularity.

Pét-Nat (short for Petillant Natural) is a sparkling wine that has really taken off in colder climates. Unlike traditional champagne, it finishes its fermentation in the bottle and is not disgorged. Many different white grape varieties are used for this style of wine and can be a white blend.

Stocking your cellar/wine rack for Fall

The first thing you should do, as with other seasons, is to stock wines that you love to drink. From there, add wines that your family and close friends like just in case they visit unexpectedly or you have a last minute dinner party. Don’t be afraid to stock obscure wines or wines that seem interesting to you. Have fun with it! Take a chance – you might find something you never heard of and like it. I’m often asked what my favorite wine is. To me, it’s a loaded question because I like a lot of different wines (even though I will pull a red most of the time) and really depends on the occasion, what you’re feeling, and season (which is what this post is all about). Since most of my audience and guests are probably not wine experts, I try to introduce the world of wine to them one glass at a time. It’s amazing the excitement derived from people when they discover a new wine or style.

Try to curate your fall cellar with as many different wines as you can. Start with the most well-known grapes and wines and go from there. Here is an example – Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Champagne/Sparkling Wine, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc/Sancerre, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Chardonnay (oaked), and Riesling (dry and semi-dry). If you would like to know what specific region or country of origin is best, just reach out. For the holiday season, chilling a nice dessert wine, like a Sauternes, ice wine, late harvest Riesling, or fortified wine, like Port, for dessert, is a nice touch and would impress your guests.

Some additional wines to stock up on for the season (reds) – Malbec, Syrah/Shiraz, Carmenere, Zinfandel, Grenache, Gamay/Beaujolais, Nebbiolo, Chianti, Lambrusco, Primitivo, Tempranillo/Rioja

We all look forward to holiday feasts and celebrations that come with the fall and winter months. Because no true celebration is complete without the perfect bottle or bottles of wine for you and your guests, I wanted to share these trends and options.

Follow me @themichaelpour on Instagram and The Michael Pour on Facebook to see more wine recommendations, advice, and inspiration. Sign up on the homepage with your email to receive notifications when articles are poured. Share with others who may enjoy this content.

Cheers,

Michael

Wine Glass

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