First of May a day to celebrate

April showers bring May flowers, so the saying goes.

Spring is a time of renewal. The cold, dark days of winter are behind us and spring flowers are pushing up through the rich earth, providing us with a marvelous display of colors.

May 1 is celebrated as May Day in Germany, according to information provided by Tatyana Gordeeva on an Internet site she runs about German culture. "Maigloeckchen," or Maybells, are in bloom as houses and dance halls are decked with young, green grass and flowers.

A maypole is put up in town for people to dance around as they celebrate the joys of spring.

In many parts of the world, including France, Italy and Russia, May 1 is also known as Labor Day. The date was selected in 1889 by the International Worker's Congress in Paris as a day of celebration for the common worker. At that time, many employees were required to work long hours with only one day off per week. To this day, workers participate in May Day marches, speeches and demonstrations as they try to improve working conditions.

In the spirit of springtime rejuvenation, it is time for joyful celebration. McGregor Vineyard is hosting Riesling and May Wine for Moms on Mother's Day weekend, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 8 and 9. Their May wine will be made using some of their Riesling wine that has been flavored with the herb woodruff.

"With its traditional springtime growth, by May it will ready for harvest," said McGregor winemaker John McGregor. "We take fresh woodruff, dry it out in the oven and then mull it in five-gallon carboys of Riesling wine for a couple of days," he added. "It is kind of a spicy, herbaceous flavor."

Although some recipes call for adding sparkling wine, additional sugar and pieces of fruit to make May wine, McGregor is simply using woodruff and Riesling to make its version.

It should be a treat to see how the herb complements the flavors of the Riesling grape.

There will be lots more to the day in addition to May wine. John's wife Stacey is cooking up some special dishes as part of the event. A tasty ham and asparagus quiche will be followed by lemon mousse with raspberry sauce for dessert.

Although the winery cannot sell the May wine made for the occasion, they will provide instructions on how to make your own at home with woodruff plants available for sale during the event.

There will also be an opportunity to compare different styles and vintages of Riesling wine. Seven different Rieslings, from dry dinner wines to sweet, bunch-select dessert wines, will be available for tasting.

The wines will be from three vintages:2000, 2002 and the new releases, 2003 Riesling and 2003 Semi-Day Riesling.

There is a small charge for participating in the event. What a great opportunity to sample a wide range of Riesling wines at one location, including one infused with the favor of woodruff.

Have a happy May Day as we look forward to Mother's Day.

Jeff Richards' wine column appears Saturdays. For comments or questions, he can be reached at 607/271-8279 or 800/836-8970, ext. 279, or e-mail: jrichards@stargazette.com.