By Kate Bartlett
Mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday, November 8-9 for the annual Holiday Valley Beer and Wine Festival. This event is a celebration of craft beverages, exceptional brews, fine wines, and unforgettable fun in the picturesque beauty of Ellicottville. It’s a unique opportunity to sample a diverse array of drinks from 34 of the best breweries and wineries in the region. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or a wine connoisseur, there’s something to tantalize every palate.
Throughout its 20-year history, the Beer & Wine Festival has always been about celebrating some of the best beer, wine, and artisanal drinks in this region. “It’s always been a way to say goodbye to the summer and fall season as we ramp up for the upcoming ski and snowboard season”, remarks Dash Hegeman, Director of Marketing at Holiday Valley. “The drinks have certainly evolved over the years. Vendors are bringing some creative options for guests to sample and based on the popularity of the event, it’s safe to assume that the attendees are a big fan of what the vendors have to offer.”
This year will again feature two sessions, with the first session from 1-4pm and the second session from 5-8pm in the main lodge at Holiday Valley on Saturday, November 9th. Live entertainment will be provided by Buffalo’s XOXO Pop Band, keeping the energy high in a fun atmosphere. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with brewers and vintners through interactive sessions and tastings to learn about the art of crafting drinks. “It’s such a fun and energetic crowd,” remarks Dash. “The vendors are awesome and do a great job interacting with the guests and explaining all the different nuances of the drinks they are showcasing. If you are a fan of craft beverages, this is the event for you.”
The “Crawl Outta Fall” pub crawl will take place on Friday, November 8th, the night before Beer & Wine Festival. Participants receive a passport card that serves as their ticket to a night out on the town in Ellicottville. Local bars and restaurants will be offering specialty drinks, and participants who receive four or more passport stamps will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a dine, stay, and play package at Holiday Valley. This event is only $10 and includes shuttle service until 2am.
While Beer & Wine festivals have become popular over recent years, but the timing and location make this event unique. “Ellicottville is between seasons at this time, on the heels of Fall Festival just before ski season. It’s a great time to visit,” says Dash. “The location in the heart of the Resort Center is the perfect venue for an event like this. We have three different floors set up for all the vendors. There are great bands playing music on each floor, each with a different tone and overall vibe. Plus, with the resort’s proximity to the village of Ellicottville, it allows people who want to keep the party going to easily get downtown after the event is over for a fun night out on the town.”
Featured breweries include Ellicottville Brewing Company, 42 North, Steelbound, Eli Fish, Wayland, Bit Ditch, First Line, Ghostfish, Bitesmith, 12 Gates, Saranac, Flying Bison, Resurgence, SixPoint and many more (34 total). Featured wineries and distilleries include Southern Tier, Winery of Ellicottville, Natemeg Winery, Ellicottville Distillery, Lilly Belle Meads, Black Button Distilling, Merritt Estate Winery, Woodbury Vineyards and more.
Other vendors will be on site including Platters Chocolate, Clarksburg Cider, Blue Baen Cidery, Blackbird Cider Words, Bold Rock Cider and more.
Weekend packages are available, and offer comfort and convenience with cozy lodges available on site at Holiday Valley. Special festival packages include accommodation, festival tickets, and more, ensuring a seamless and stress-free getaway.
Purchase before November 1st for discounted rates, designated drivers available for a small cost. For more information visit www.holidayvalley.com/event/beer-and-wine-2024/. Guests can register in the lobby of the Tamarack Club between 4-7pm on November 8.