News from Lake Erie Wine Country

Below is a press release I received yesterday from Lake Erie Wine Country

For Immediate Release
January 12, 2011
Contact: Julie Pfadt, executive director (814) 746-8414

Lake Erie Wine Country Update: New Name, New Website, Wine and Chocolate Weekend and Visit Visa Program Announced

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail has been incorporated for more than a decade, and with the new year, the organization announces some big changes. To begin with, the Wine Trail is now officially known as Lake Erie Wine Country (LEWC), a consortium of 23 wineries located in America's Grape Country between North East, PA and Silver Creek, NY.

The mission of this non-profit organization is to "support and to market the wine and grape industries in Chautauqua County, New York and Erie County, Pennsylvania through the promotion of excellence in wine products, in winery and associate member facilities, and in the tourism experience in the region.

"Our local wine industry creates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact in the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies. With over30,000 acres of contiguous vineyards, we are the largest Concord grape-growing region in the world. The majority of our grapes are native varieties, but we also grow almost 3,000 acres of more than 30 varieties of wine grapes."We believe the new name better reflects our region and eliminates confusion," said Bob Mazza, current LEWC president and owner of three regional wineries.

"The new name will allow us to expand easily and become more inclusive in the future. 'Lake Erie Wine Country' will also benefit us on the internet, as search engines will pick us up more easily. "In addition to the new name, LEWC officials have named a new executive director, North East, Pennsylvania native, Julie Pfadt, and they have launched an exciting, new website at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org. A 2011 brochure/map is now available and can be picked up at LEWC wineries or at brochure stands around the region. They can also be downloaded from the new website or ordered via phone at (877) 326-6561.

Lake Erie Wine Country's event season begins with "Bare the Barrels, a White Sale" January 14-17. The 2010 grape harvest was abundant, and wineries are eager to make room for upcoming vintages. Visitors are invited to the wineries during this four-day event to find bargains and stock up on favorite wines. Each of the wineries will promote special discounts on wine and merchandise, and many will provide snacks or entertainment. The event is free and no tickets or reservations are required.

LEWC's first ticketed event is their popular Wine & Chocolate Weekend,February 4, 5 and 6. New this year, Fridays have been added to the event schedule with no increase in cost. Now ticket holders have more time to spend at each of 21 participating wineries where they can enjoy a special wine paired with a delicious chocolate creation. Five "host wineries" will provide a non-chocolate food pairing to provide some savory stops. As in the past, ticket holders will receive a wine glass, recipe booklet, a $5 voucher for wine purchase and a gift. Tickets are now on sale for Wine & Chocolate Weekend at $35 per person. They may be purchased online at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org or by calling (877)326-6561.

Ticket holders will plan their own itinerary, enjoying each winery at their leisure on Friday, February 4 from noon-5 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday, February 5 and 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Transportation is not provided. Wine & Chocolate Weekend is sponsored by Dove Chocolate Discoveries. Designated driver tickets are available for only $20 and include everything except wine and the $5 voucher.

Finally, LEWC's new Visit Visa, is now available! This first-edition Wine Trail coupon passport, valid for one year from purchase, provides generous discounts at wineries, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, gift shops and other local businesses. The booklet contains over $500 of retail value in wine, merchandise, and services from businesses all over Lake Erie Wine Country.

The cost is only $20 each, and they can be purchased at any LEWC wineries,t he North East Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Heron Inn Gift Shop in Findley Lake, the Boston Bean Café in North East and on-line via PayPal at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org. Funds earned through sales of the Visit Visa will help Lake Erie Wine Country sustain their marketing efforts of the region.