go enjoy
NORTH EAST
GRAPES!
8 grape ways to enjoy wine country
Did you know more than 30,000 acres of land are used to grow grapes in the Lake Erie Grape Belt, an area that stretches along 50 miles of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania and New York? The first grape vines were planted in 1818. Today more than 500 farmers make their living growing grapes that are eaten fresh or processed and turn into jams, jellies, juices and wine. This is the perfect time to take a drive and drink in all the flavors of fall while eating, sipping and supporting local.
CELEBRATE
Raise a glass with a few friends and celebrate the region ' s harvest at the 45th Annual Wine Country Harvest Festival, Sept. 25-27 in downtown North East. In Gibson Park, sample more than 100 local, award-winning wines, enjoy live music and entertainment, food and specialty vendors. Heard Park will offer horse & carriage rides, kids activities and even more familyfriendly fun. Admission is free, but a tasting pass is required to sample wine. Purchase passes online at Eventbrite, at Enjoy North East and other North East locations, or at the door.
EXPLORE
Many roads in North East offer picturesque views of rolling fields of grape vines. Kerr Road takes you to a higher ridge elevation for a panoramic view of the lake and is near the aptly named Lakeview Wine Cellar, 8440 Singer Road. Travel Middle Road west toward Route 89 and you ' ll see the historic octagonal barn, built in 1879.( It is private property, so please enjoy the view from your vehicle.) Just off Route 89 is South Shore Wine Co., home of the region ' s first wine making venture. The stone wine cellar was made in the 1860s in the French cavern style and today serves as a tasting room. Courtyard Winery, 10021 W. Main Road, offers two unique ways to immerse yourself in wine country with custom picnics for two along the creek in the vineyard or meet the winemaker tours that trace their wine from vine to table. Take a tractor ride into the fields at Burch Farms Country Market & Winery.
DISCOVER
Step back in time at the North East Historical Society, 25 Vine St. and see the vintage crates, baskets and equipment used for early grape picking and processing. Or explore exhibits that explain what makes the Lake Erie Grape Belt such a perfect area for growing grapes. The Grape Discovery Center, a short drive away in Westfield, NY, offers fun, interactive exhibits for the whole family, juice and wine tastings, and more.
INHALE
There ' s nothing quite like fall in grape country. The air is infused with a sweet smell and the sun has that honey colored glow. The Brickyard Inn, 3025 S. Brickyard Road, invites you to slow down and breathe it all in. Choose from outdoor yoga or a walk through the vineyards where you are encouraged to sample some fruit fresh from the vine. Register at trolleylinevineyards. ltd @ gmail. com or( 814) 460-5589.
26 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags. com