Artpark hosted the Niagara Wine Trail’s 1^st Annual Wine and Culinary Festival on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26. Ten wineries from the Niagara Wine Trail offered tastings of their premium wines and local restaurants from Lewiston provided delicious meals for reasonable prices. Live jazz musicians performed during the entire event, complementing the relaxed atmosphere.

Marissa DeMonstoy was enchanted by the ambiance of the event immediately. “Artpark acts as a wonderful setting. The beautiful landscape and the enjoyable music set the mood for the festival and drew me in. I love that they have live music, it definitely enhances the event.”

Tents were set up with cuisine from Casa Antica, Brickyard Pub and Bar, and Tin Pan Alley.  The Barker Chocolate Box offered delectable homemade fudge samples. Even sweeter was the beautiful weather, a rarity of late, which added to the day’s festivities and aided in attendees’ agreeable dispositions.

Amanda Martinez was extremely pleased with the event, particularly the servers who distributed wine and food. “Everyone is very friendly and generous. You can tell that they know what they are talking about and I am thoroughly enjoying myself.”

Visiting the area from Grand Rapids, Mich., Len Reil enjoyed the variety offered at the festival. “My wife and I go to many wine tasting events and it is wonderful to attend an event that offers food as well. It is so nice to have other vendors in between all the wine. It adds a little extra to the festival.”

Jackie Connelly, owner of the Niagara Landing winery and member of the Niagara Wine Trail, has worked since early spring to help organize the successful event and is already looking towards next year’s festival. “The Buffalo Philharmonic and Artpark were very helpful in setting up this event and we were excited to work with both organizations. I am very pleased with the turnout today and the wonderful weather. We are definitely planning on having this event next year.”

For more information on this event go to http://www.niagarawinetrail.org/