Sample New York State wines at Wine Festival

AP Photo: Francois Mori

The 2nd annual America's Grape Country Wine Festival takes place Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds, Waldorf Rd. in Dunkirk, NY.  The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, and features wineries, crafters, and food vendors from around the state.

Among the wineries featured this year are Americana Vineyards (Cayuga Lake), Catherine Valley Winery (Seneca Lake), Eagle Crest Vineyards (Hemlock Lake), Fox Run Vineyards (Seneca Lake), Leonard Oakes Estate Winery Inc. (Orleans County), Niagara Landing (Lockport), and Schulze Vineyard and Winery (Burt, NY).  Crafts will be available from Creation Station Stained Glass, Baldwin Hill Farms, Lewiston Jellies, Stretch Bottle Art, Shades Etc., and Water's Edge Gifts - just some of the nearly 30 vendors scheduled.  Food will be available from Yerico Farms, Betty Ebling's Hotdogs, The Bavarian Nut Company, Karolee's Country Kitchen, Franklin's Honey and Apples, and Rinconcito Criollo Spanish Food.

Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance - $15 for one-day passes ($20 at the door) or $20 for two-day passes ($25 at the door); designated driver admission is $5.  For more information or to purchase tickets, go to agcwinefestival.com.