New wine tasting room set to open in Canandaigua. Take a peek

CANANDAIGUA, NY — Downtown Canandaigua will be welcoming its second wine bar to the city in just two weeks.

On Saturday, Acquilano Wine Cellars will celebrate the grand opening of its tasting room on South Main Street, in the space formerly occupied by Aubergine. Pintxo Wine Bar opened on nearby Coach Street last week.

Here’s what to expect at Acquilano Wine Cellars

Owner Jim Acquilano said the business will be a blend between a tasting room and lounge.

“Customers can expect friendly service, the opportunity to try wines from several Finger Lakes wineries and experience the difference that the winemaker brings to the table,” Acquilano said.

Rio Tomatlán will be supplying some light foods for the grand opening.

Moving forward, the plan is also to have wine and food pairings with local chefs, Acquilano said. The space will be available for rent for small parties; the space is certified for a capacity of 80.

Snacks and charcuterie will be offered in this relaxed atmosphere – hard to believe after some extensive renovation that this was once a retail store -- but Acquilano encourages patrons to order in from area restaurants.

“As long as they are trying our wines, I do not care where the food comes from,” Acquilano said.

What kind of wine can visitors to Acquilano Wine Cellars expect?

Acquilano said many wines from local wineries including dry and white wines, semi-dry red and white, some sweeter wines, dessert wines and sparkling wines will be available.

People may enjoy wine by the glass or partake in wine flights.

And do try one of Acquilano’s wines.

The house wine at Acquilano Wine Cellars

Acquilano, who for most of his career worked in the mental healthcare field, has property in Canandaigua outside the hamlet of Cheshire where he grows grapes and makes wine. Acquilano completed coursework through Finger Lakes Community College's Viticulture and Wine Center, and his first vintage was 2022.

Acquilano Wine Cellars has bottled a 2022 dry Riesling, a 2023 dry Riesling, a 2023 Blaufränkisch, a 2023 Race Car Red (a red blend) and a 2023 Forza, which is a dessert wine made the old-fashioned way.

“We will be bottling our 2023 Chardonnay soon,” Acquilano said.

Acquilano recognizes that sometimes groups of people go to wine tastings and not everyone likes wine.

Beer and bourbon from local makers and non-alcoholic beverages will be available too.

— Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.