New York's Finger Lakes region, famed for its farmed grapes and grains, has grown from a summer-only respite from city life into a year-round destination location for all manner of adult beverage producers. While wine remains #1 and continues to grow, brewers and distillers (and cideries) have recently bloomed tasing advantage of its rich agricultural heritage and scenic surroundings.

This DotE explores a sliver of the finest the FLX offers. Native daughter Nova Cadamatre returned during the Covid Era from California with her family after achieving wine biz greatness as lead winemaker at Robert Mondavi Winery and earning the rare Master of Wine assignation to open her and her husband's Trestle 31 Vineyard.

Along the shores of Seneca Lake, FLX Distilling's Brian McKenzie staked out his claim several years ago as the area's first microdistillery, and one focused on using locally-sourced grains. A founding member of the Empire Rye initiative, Brian's neighborliness extends to sharing his knowledge and used barrels with his friends at Lucky Hare Brewing, so he spoke not only about his fine spirits but also some beers he's keen on.

Produced by Matty Rosenberg and David Furer at Radio Free Rhinecliff