A Canandaigua Lake restaurant, a Finger Lakes winery and a local watershed group are bringing back a summer partnership that turns wine sales into support for lake protection work.
Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake, Heron Hill Winery and the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association announced the return of “Savor the Flavor. Support the Lake,” a collaboration that will run through Sept. 30.
Under the partnership, Nolan’s will feature a limited-edition Heron Hill Winery chardonnay, with a portion of every bottle sold donated to CLWA. The money will support the association’s work to protect, preserve and restore Canandaigua Lake through science, education and advocacy.
The partnership is in its second year and is also intended to raise awareness about steps residents, visitors, businesses and boaters can take to protect water quality. Nolan’s is serving as CLWA’s official restaurant partner and will share educational materials and lake-protection information with guests.
“Last year’s partnership demonstrated how businesses, nonprofits, and community members can come together around a shared love for Canandaigua Lake,” said Katrina Busch, a CLWA board member and marketing committee chair. “Protecting Canandaigua Lake takes all of us.”
Nick Violas, co-owner and founder of Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake and Nolan’s Catering, said guests visit the restaurant because they love the lake.
“By partnering with CLWA, we’re helping connect that appreciation to action and showing how small choices can make a lasting difference,” Violas said.
Heron Hill Winery is also returning to the effort.
“Canandaigua Lake is one of the region’s greatest natural assets,” said Jessie Gorcica, director of sales and marketing for Heron Hill Winery. “We’re proud to once again support CLWA’s efforts to educate the community and protect the lake that contributes so much to the Finger Lakes experience.”
CLWA is a membership-based nonprofit focused on lake health through science, advocacy and community action. The group said it has expanded its water quality monitoring program in recent years, involving more than 80 citizen-scientist volunteers who track harmful algal blooms and other environmental indicators.
The association also works with local municipalities on lake-friendly landscaping practices and produces educational materials to help residents and businesses adopt watershed stewardship practices. More information about membership and volunteer opportunities is available through CLWA.
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