What's New on Niagara Wine Trail USA

Aside from the expansive list of events, fall-themed offerings and festivals which will be held at the award-winning wineries of the Niagara Wine Trial, one of the nation’s fastest growing wine regions is once again growing.

The 13-winery trail which stretches across Niagara County and into Orleans County will soon be a 15-winery trail with the additions of A Gust of Sun Winery and Long Cliff Winery.

Shane and Erik Gustafson, owners of A Gust of Sun Winery (4515 Baer Road, Ransomville, NY 14131), designed their tasting room to be warm and inviting.

“We want to share the fun part of wine with others and show that you can have fun without the snobbery,” said Erik Gustafson.

The Amish-built building on their property reflects just that. Make sure when visiting to take notice of the shape of their tasting bar—it’s shaped like the letter ‘G’. Initial plans call for at least seven different wines ranging  from vinifera, hybrid and Native American grapes, including a dry blend of whites called “Three Westies White” in honor of their three Westland Highland White Terriers.

Long Cliff Vineyard & Winery (3617 Lower Mountain Road, Sanborn NY, 14132) is dedicated to producing quality vinifera varietal and blended wines pleasing to the novice palate as well as wine connoisseurs. Owned by Don DeMaison, Long Cliff Winery is the product of experience and passion. DeMaison has years of experience in farming and has grown grapes for Taylor and Great Western. The climate at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment, where Long Cliff Vineyards is located, compares to that of the Alsace, a region of northeastern France, on the borders with Germany and Switzerland. Because the Escarpment is conducive to growing vinifera grapes, DeMaison plans to offer European vinifera wines, including Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and an Austrian Blau Frankish.

Picturesque farm vistas and the beautiful Niagara escarpment await those who visit the wineries year round and on special Niagara Wine Trail event days. Starting from west to east, a visitor might try a variety of dry and sweet wines, while enjoying the bucolic farm vistas along the route. Heading north to the shores of Lake Ontario, from the east end of the trail, the traveler will encounter another cluster of wineries within several minutes of driving. For special events, the wine trail features a tasting ticket called the “Vino Visa Passport,” which includes wine tastings at each of the participating wineries, as well as event themed food, activities or gifts. Tickets for Niagara Wine Trail events include three tastings at each winery and a commemorative wine glass from the starting winery. Visit the Niagara Wine Trail USA at www.niagarawinetrail.org for a list of events and information to plan your visit today!

Here are some fall themed events along the trail:

• September 23-25: Harvest Festival Weekend
Visit the wineries along the Niagara Wine Trail, USA this weekend for Autumn-harvest inspired fun and food. Wine tasting, food pairing and activities can be experienced at each winery. Enjoy at The Winery at Marjim Manor a wine and dessert pairing using local fruit from Singer Farms featuring a plum cobbler, apple crisp and fruit compote. Homemade chocolates and truffles paired with wine and warm meads will be featured at Black Willow Winery. A list of participating wineries, pairings and activities may be found on the wine trail’s website; tickets $20 reserve online, $25 at the door.

• October 28-30: Hallowine Murder Mystery Weekend
"That Principal Wasn't my Pal!" Celebrate Halloween with our annual murder mystery. This year's mystery is a class reunion theme. Come as yourself or in costume! Collect the clues and interview a different suspect at each winery on the trail to solve the murder mystery. Submit your guess at your last winery. Correct guesses will be entered in a drawing to win prizes. A list of participating wineries and suspects may be found on the wine trail’s website; tickets $20 reserve online, $25 at the door.  

• November 18-20: Share the Bounty 
Please help support our local communities this weekend and “Share the Bounty” with those who are in need. Half of the net proceeds of ticket sales for this event will be donated to the Food Bank of Western New York. The other half of the net proceeds will be donated to one lucky winner's food bank charity of choice! Submit your entry to win the drawing at your last winery. A list of participating wineries may be found on the wine trail’s website; tickets $25 reserve online, $30 at the door.

For more visit the Niagara Wine Trail Events Page.