Tasting Silver Thread’s 2020 Dry Rosé (From Home, Before Everything Changed)
This tasting happened at our kitchen table in May of 2021, during that brief window of hope when things were reopening and we were starting to dream about summer at the lake again.
We opened a bottle of Silver Thread Vineyard’s 2020 Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir, recorded a video from home (below), and talked about the wine, the region, and the producers that kept drawing us back.
What we didn’t know then—couldn’t possibly know—was how much would change in the months and years that followed.
Just a few weeks later, in June 2021, Scott was diagnosed with colon cancer. Thanks to early detection, excellent care, and a lot of perseverance, he’s now in remission.
And then a few years later, in 2023, he did something that neither of us could have predicted during that quiet tasting two years earlier: He enrolled in the viticulture and enology program at FLCC and went on to work the harvest at Silver Thread in both 2023 and 2024.
Why Silver Thread Still Means So Much
Silver Thread has always been a favorite of ours. It’s a small, sustainably-focused winery on the east side of Seneca Lake known for thoughtful tastings and beautifully made vinifera wines. Their team is knowledgeable, generous with their time, and passionate about the craft.
Now, it holds even more meaning for us after Scott worked shoulder to shoulder with that team, helping to bring their wines to life.
And the 2020 Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir we tasted in this video? Still a standout. It opened with strawberry and light cherry aromas, followed by smooth raspberry on the palate and a mild, creamy minerality on the finish. We gave it a 7.5/10 at the time—maybe a bit modest in hindsight.
If You’re Visiting Today…
There are two updates from the video to know if you’re heading their way:
Silver Thread now has a brand-new tasting room at the former Dano’s location, making it more accessible and offering expanded tasting experiences. It's a beautiful space with the same spirit, just with a bit more elbow room.
And while Stonecat Café, our go-to food stop back in 2021, has changed ownership, it’s still a great, casual place to stop nearby for a meal after tasting.
Looking back, this video captures more than a wine review. At the time, it felt like just another tasting. Now, looking back, it feels like the beginning of something bigger: a deeper connection to wine, to this region, and to a journey we never could have scripted.
If you’re following along, thanks for being part of the ride—more stories (and wines) to come. If you want to stay updated on the latest posts, make sure to subscribe to our blog. And don’t forget to check out our Facebook group, Finger Lakes Food and Wine Adventure.
Cheers from the lake,
— Niki & Scott
