By Darlene Brace
Be ready to have a fantastic time at the America’s Grape Country Craft Beverage Festival at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds from August 1st – 3rd. Originally, it was launched America’s Grape Country Wine Festival in 2008, and it was renamed two years ago to highlight its expanded offerings. This year, attendees can enjoy the tastings of over 30 beverage vendors, including wineries, distilleries, breweries, meaderies (a winery or brewery that produces honey wines or meads, and which sells them commercially), and cideries. This makes it an ideal event for tasting delicious drinks, enjoying some fun entertainment, and making memories with family and friends.
beverage tastings on Saturday from 11am-6pm and Sunday
12pm-5pm. Your ticket includes a wristband that entitles you
to a complimentary tasting glass, free parking, a tote bag for
your purchases, and a comprehensive tasting guide.
With your one-or two-day admittance ticket, you will enjoy beverage tastings on Saturday from 11am-6pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Your ticket includes a wristband that entitles you to a complimentary tasting glass, free parking, a tote bag for your purchases, and a comprehensive tasting guide. For those who are designated drivers, there are special tickets that offer all the same amenities except for alcoholic drinks. These tickets include a $5 food voucher and complimentary water or soda.
All ticket holders are invited to get the party started at the festival Friday night at the tropical themed Parrothead Bash Kick Off Party. Get out your leis and your floral printed attire to dress up and participate in the essence of the theme. Western New Yorks’s top trop rock band Pirate Dreams will entertain the crowd from 6pm-10pm. Just FYI, the beer tent will be open, but there are no tastings during this Kick-Off Party or the After Hours Party on Saturday night.
at the tropical themed Parrothead Bash Kick Off Party. Get out your leis and
your fl oral printed attire to dress up and participate in the essence of the
theme. Western New Yorks’s top trop rock band Pirate Dreams will entertain
the crowd from 6pm-10pm.
The live music continues Saturday afternoon with Midnight Recovery. They will play some good old rock and roll and a little bit of country to entertain the crowd from 1pm-5pm. Later that night, be ready for some country tunes as West of Mark will perform at the after party from 6pm-10pm. If you are still looking for more great live music, the popular WNY band Black Widow will be performing on Sunday from 1pm-5pm. They play rock and pop music that is sure to get you moving to the beat.
In addition to live music, there are various other events to enjoy, including fascinating demonstrations such as Mack’s Chainsaw Art. Throughout the festival, Mack will showcase his talent by creating wood carvings with a chainsaw. Onlookers will be captivated as they watch him transform ordinary pieces of wood into beautiful works of art.
You can also enjoy cooking demonstrations by Chef Krista Van Wagner and Donna Schlosser-Long. Krista is a culinary expert that will demonstrate how to make things like a fresh mozzarella and peach caprese salad, healthy breakfast smoothies, and more. Donna will show different wine and food pairings featuring some of the participating vendors. There will be several of these demonstrations each day.
On Saturday get ready to attend the Classic Car Show happening from 12-5pm. Dust off your treasured ride and bring your classic car to show off. There’s no registration needed, and they welcome any makes and models. To thank you for participating, all drivers will receive a free one-day pass to the festival and discounted tickets for any passengers you bring along. There will be six awards up for grabs across different categories, which will be presented at 4pm at the entertainment tent.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, there are plenty of tasty options for you and your family to enjoy. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be present. You can indulge in some Buffalo-style favorites, like wings, beef on wick, and pizza, along with tasty BBQ dishes. Additionally, some vendors will sell specialty items like cheese spreads and dips, craft jerky, kettle corn, bundt cakes, and delightful baked good treats. It wouldn’t be such an amazing festival without all these scrumptious foods to savor.
Along with food vendors, there will be a wide variety of craft and artisan vendors. Browse through the vendors, where you will likely find unique craft artisans featuring items such as artwork, candles, quilts, jewelry, pickles, spices, sauces, clothing, and much more.
If you are looking for overnight accommodations, they offer a variety of camping on site, and there still may be spaces available. To check for camping availability, or to get more information about the festival, call 1-800-965-4834, visit agcfestival.com, or check the Facebook page. Remember, the last day to purchase tickets for this fantastic festival is July 31st, so be sure to get your tickets now, so you don’t miss out on this year’s amazing American Grape Country Craft Beverage Festival.