New cafe at Hunt Country Vineyards on Keuka Lake

Mary Campberll

If, like so many people, you're planning a jaunt around Finger Lakes wine country this summer, here's a new venue to be aware of.

Hunt Country Vineyards has announced the opening of its new Café at Hunt Country, serving a range of appetizers, sandwiches, quiches, cheeseboards, and desserts, five days a week throughout the summer.

All foods are prepared by chef Mary Campbell from Finger Lakes-sourced fresh ingredients, including organic vegetables from Jonathan and Caroline Hunt's Italy Hill Produce. (Jonathan, who is director of winemaking, and his parents Art and Joyce, who founded the vineyard, are Hunt Country co-owners.) House wines are available in the cafe by the glass ($5 to $7, and $10 for ice wine) and by the bottle, along with coffees, teas and other beverages.

A few examples of the menu: Mediterranean Flatbread (marinated beef tips, chicken breast, or crispy falafel patties on housemade flatbread with seasonal greens, veggies, feta cheese, choice of dressing); Grilled Ham & Camembert (meat and cheese with Dijon mustard and Los Gatos apricot jam on sourdough bread); Charcuterie Plate (selection of local cured meats, Yancey’s Fancy XXX Cheddar, pickles, olives, organic black mission figs, sliced baguette), and Cornmeal Pound Cake (with gingered lemon curd and fresh seasonal fruit).

Campbell, who teaches BOCES culinary arts classes locally, owned and operated the cafe Medley's for two decades in Prattsburgh, Steuben County, and includes restaurant and catering experiencing with Marriott International on her resume.

The Café at Hunt Country is located on Keuka Lake at 4021 Italy Hill Road, Branchport, Yates County. Phone: (800) 946-3289. It is open Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday-Wednesday) throughout July and August. Fall hours will be announced later.