Though Chris Scholomiti is a commercial winemaker, he says he identifies with home vintners who pursue their craft purely for pleasure, not profit.

"We enjoy sharing wine stories with many of our home winemaking customers," says a note from Chris and Janice Scholomiti on the winery's Web site.

Scholomiti’s sentiments aren’t surprising, considering that he spent much of his youth in the 1950s watching his uncle produce wine at home in New York City.

Using grapes from estate vineyards, the winery makes dry and semi-dry wines from Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin grapes.

CJS Vineyards & Aurelius Winery, 6900 Fosterville Road in Auburn, Cayuga County, is open from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April through December, or by appointment. Phone: (315) 730-4619. Web: www.cjsvineyards.com. The tasting room is wheelchair-accessible from the rear of the building.

— Sheila Livadas, for www.fingerlakeswine.com