Warblers & Wine:
A Guided Birdwatching Adventure
with Naturalist Alyssa Johnson
Date & Time:
Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10:30am to 1:30pm
Location:
Hunt Country Vineyards: Grounds & Tasting Room
4021 Italy Hill Road, Branchport, NY 14418
Fees & Registration:
$35 per person: Includes a guided walk, one self guided wine tasting of five wine samples, and a cozy spot to picnic.
Registration Required: Limited numbers of participants
Join us for a delightful day of nature, birds, and wine at the beautiful Hunt Country Vineyards. Expert guide, Alyssa Johnson, a local Finger Lakes naturalist and seasoned birder, will lead you on a leisurely walk through the vineyard grounds in search of returning migratory birds.
Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or a nature newcomer, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with the natural world and enjoy the stunning landscape of the Finger Lakes.
As we wander along a scenic gravel farm road, we’ll listen for the sweet songs of warblers, thrushes, vireos, and other forest-dwelling birds, while keeping an eye out for grassland species like bobolinks, meadowlarks, and kestrels. Hunt Country Vineyards is a haven for birds of all kinds, and Alyssa will share fascinating insights on the diverse species that call the area home.
The morning will start with a "Meet & Greet" with Suzanne Hunt, co-owner and sustainability professional.
She will share some Hunt Country history and info on our sustainability practices.
After the walk, you’ll be treated to a self-guided wine tasting, sampling five wines.
We encourage you to bring a picnic to enjoy with your tasting on the Hunt Country grounds.
There will be local picnic snacks and wines by the glass/bottle available for purchase in the tasting room as well.
It’s a perfect way to unwind, chat about the birds we spotted, and relax after the stroll.
What to Expect:
The walk is about one mile with a few hills.
The pace of the walk is slow and steady and will take about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish.
Most of our walk will be unshaded, so if it's a sunny day be prepared to be in the sun.
If there is rain leading up to, or on the day of the walk, there could be some mud and puddles.
There is no seating "on the trail" however, you're welcome to pull up some grass if you need to take a break.
What to Bring:
Sturdy and comfortable shoes for walking.
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Pack a water bottle and snack if you need or want.
Binoculars and/or a camera to capture the beauty around you.
Food is NOT included in this event, but you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy after the walk with your complimentary wine tasting.
This program is fun for all experience levels and ages, so come along for a day of discovery, birds, and wine! You must be 21+ to participate in the wine tasting, please be prepared to show identification. See you at the vineyard!
About Alyssa Johnson:
Alyssa Johnson has been passionate about birding for as long as she can remember, and she's turned that lifelong passion into her profession. With a background in wildlife biology and years of experience leading birding tours in the Finger Lakes region, Alyssa is dedicated to connecting people with nature. She takes pride in helping others learn how to identify birds while creating an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible environment for all. Through her guided experiences, Alyssa ensures that everyone, no matter their experience level, can enjoy the beauty of the natural world and the fascinating lives of our feathered friends. Alyssa's full time job is with Community Science Institute in Ithaca as both the Outreach and Programs Coordinator and the Cayuga Lake Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring Coordinator. She lives in Trumansburg with her fiance and two dogs.
Questions:
info@huntwines.com
315-595-2812