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Harvest Fling brings apples, wine, and fall flavors to Pultneyville | Fingerlakes1.com

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 4:07 GMT by fingerlakes1
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Harvest Fling Brings Apples, Wine, and Autumn Flavors to Pultneyville

The small‑town feel of Pultneyville, New York, is coming alive this fall as the annual Harvest Fling draws locals and visitors alike into a celebration of apples, wine, and all the seasonal delights that make the Finger Lakes region famous. The 2025 event, held at the Pultneyville Historical Society’s picturesque waterfront grounds, promises more than a farmers’ market—it’s a culinary and cultural jamboree that showcases the best of local produce, artisanal beverages, and rustic entertainment.

A Community‑Built Celebration

Organized by a volunteer coalition of the Pultneyville Historical Society, the Pultneyville Apple Orchard Association, and the surrounding vintners, Harvest Fling 2025 aims to preserve the town’s heritage while fostering economic growth. According to the event’s webpage, the festival is “a one‑day gathering that pays tribute to the region’s agricultural roots and encourages people to gather around the table of tradition.” The festival’s name itself hints at its mission: “fling” as a colloquial way to say “burst” or “spill” the harvest into a day of community enjoyment.

The Historical Society’s board chair, Margaret Keene, emphasized the importance of community engagement. “We’re proud to host a celebration that brings people of all ages together while highlighting the very best of what our county offers,” she told reporters. “From the crisp autumn air to the scent of apples, we want everyone to feel the warmth of our collective heritage.”

Apples, Wine, and More

Apple lovers will be in heaven. The Pultneyville Apple Orchard, a cooperative that sources fruit from over a dozen regional farms, will showcase an array of apple varieties—from the ever‑classic Red Delicious to the more niche Jonathan and McIntosh. Visitors can pick apples on the spot, sample homemade apple butter, and learn about the orchard’s sustainable practices from a local agronomist. The orchard’s own cider, pressed from freshly harvested fruit, will be available for tasting and purchase at a modest price point.

The Finger Lakes region’s reputation as a burgeoning wine destination shines through at Harvest Fling. The event features a “Wine Tasting Alley” where local wineries such as Willow Creek Winery, Stony River Cellars, and the new‑found Pultneyville Vineyards will present small‑batch, estate‑grown varietals. Each winery will offer a curated tasting menu that pairs their flagship wines with seasonal snacks like caramelized pecan popcorn and mushroom risotto. According to the festival’s guide, the tasting alley also includes a “DIY wine pairing” station where participants can experiment with adding herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile of each wine.

While apples and wine dominate the spotlight, the festival also offers a wide array of “fall foods.” Several local chefs will demonstrate techniques for cooking with pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Food trucks will line the promenade, serving comfort classics—think creamy butternut squash soup, cornbread, and apple pies. A special “Gourmet Grub” stall, operated by Pultneyville chef Marco Gianni, will showcase a signature dish, the “Pumpkin and Apple Rosti,” a delicate fusion of crispy potato‑breaded pumpkin and apple compote, crowned with a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze.

Entertainment and Family Activities

Beyond food and drink, Harvest Fling promises a lineup of family‑friendly entertainment. The waterfront stage will host live music ranging from folk and bluegrass to contemporary folk‑pop. Local performers, such as the Pultneyville String Quartet and the “Riverfront Rhythms” dance troupe, will entertain while highlighting the region’s artistic community. A “Kids’ Harvest Playhouse” will feature a weekly puppet show, complete with hand‑crafted puppets depicting classic fall characters like Jack Frost and the Pumpkin King.

For the adventure seekers, the event includes a guided “Nature Hike” that follows a trail through the neighboring Pultneyville Marsh, pointing out local wildlife and the ecological significance of the area. The hike concludes at the “Marshland Market,” where local artisans sell handmade jewelry, pottery, and eco‑friendly home goods.

Learning and Sustainability

One of the festival’s core themes is sustainability. The event’s “Green Booth” will provide information on composting, reducing single‑use plastics, and the importance of local food systems. Pultneyville’s Environmental Coalition will conduct a workshop on rainwater harvesting and its benefits for small farms. In line with the Finger Lakes’ “Sustainable Harvest” initiative, local farmers will present a panel discussion on regenerative agriculture practices, offering a dialogue between growers and consumers.

A “Farm‑to‑Table” showcase will highlight the importance of supporting local producers and the impact of regional supply chains on the economy. In addition, a “Sustainable Sips” booth will demonstrate how wineries can reduce waste and carbon footprints through recycling and renewable energy practices.

Community Support and Future Outlook

The 2025 Harvest Fling is projected to bring in roughly 4,000 attendees, according to a preliminary estimate by the Pultneyville Economic Development Council. Proceeds from the event will support the town’s infrastructure improvement plans—particularly the ongoing expansion of the historic ferry dock, which facilitates year‑round tourism to the nearby islands.

Pultneyville’s mayor, Karen L. Shaw, expressed optimism: “This year, we’re proud to continue a tradition that unites the town, boosts local businesses, and offers visitors an authentic taste of the Finger Lakes. The Harvest Fling isn’t just a festival—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the land that sustains us all.”

In Summary

Harvest Fling 2025 is a single‑day event that encapsulates the essence of the Finger Lakes region: a deep connection to the land, a commitment to sustainability, and a vibrant community spirit. With its array of apples, wines, seasonal foods, live entertainment, and educational workshops, the festival invites everyone—from seasoned farmers to first‑time visitors—to partake in a day of celebration and appreciation. As the sun sets over the Pultneyville waterfront, the town’s cobblestone streets, the rustle of autumn leaves, and the clink of wine glasses all converge to create a moment of shared gratitude, reminding us all that the best harvest is one that brings people together.