Write a commentTorrential rains have forced one of Fair Haven’s most celebrated Autumn events to postpone till Sunday, October 24th.
“It’s a disappointment to a lot of our neighbors who join us for our community harvest and lunch every year,” said Dr. Chris Colloca, Founder and CEO. “But at our basic level, we’re farmers and we’re at the mercy of the weather. You can’t pick grapes in a downpour because it will dilute the wine”,” he added.
The annual event which was to be held on Sunday, October 17th celebrates the bounty of Harvest and invites visitors to wander through the vineyards, take an Estate tour, taste the winery’s new releases, meet their award-winning winemaker, learn about the winemaking process, enjoy delicious food, and dance to great music all day long.
Harvest time starts at 9:00 a.m. with friends and neighbors picking grapes followed by a lunch. So many people love the event that they are limiting the number of people picking in the vineyard to 50 people for the morning. Later though, everyone’s invited as they host a “Stomp & Chomp” which is a chance for old fashioned barefoot grape crushing and a pie eating contest. Mindy Colloca, Co-Owner of the winery thinks this is one of the highlights of the festival.
“Everyone comes for the wine, music and great food” she said. “However, it’s all the fun and excitement that surrounds the harvest that really makes it fun. And, admission is free”.
At 2:00 pm, and then again at 3:00 p.m. an Estate Tour will be given by Dr. Chris Colloca himself, beginning in the vineyard, and continuing through the property. Guests will get a behind-the-scenes look at the 103-acre waterfront Estate and learn about the history of the property, its development, and the special micro-climate that the southern shore of the great Lake Ontario provides. They’ll also be treated to a wine tasting in the vineyard and along the Estate’s 900 feet of pristine waterfront while learning about the winemaking process from grape to bottle. The Tour is $15 per person and can be purchased online at www.colloca.com.
“And, don’t forget the music,” says Mindy. Mike Place is playing all afternoon on the Lake Effect Vineyard® Stage followed by music by The Arcade in the Event Center till 9:00. It’s an incredible day”.
“The Harvest is a magical time of year with all of the sights, sounds, and smells of the bounty that makes up a winery,” adds Dr. Colloca.
Wine tastings and food will be offered for offered for sale all afternoon, with the Tasting Room open from 12 pm to 6 pm, and the Wine Bar and Wood Fired Kitchen open until 9 pm. You can find out all the details on their website, www.colloca.com
