Brews, Vines, and Good Times: Grapes & Hops Festival Guide

 

What do you get when you mix sun-soaked vineyards, hoppy craft brews, and a crowd ready to toast to good times? The Grapes & Hops Festival, of course! This annual celebration of local libations is back, and it’s pouring out flavor at every turn. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a beer enthusiast, or just here for the vibes, there’s a glass (or two) with your name on it!

 

The 2025 Grapes & Hops Festival will feature 30+ liquid vendors serving the region’s best craft beers, distilled liquors, fresh wines, crisp ciders, and some non-alcoholic options! There will be some familiar faces and a ton of new creators to fill your glass with.

 

These local legends aren’t just pouring drinks—they’re serving up medal-worthy sips that’ve impressed judges nationwide. Don’t miss these standout pours!

 

Brews & Distillery:

• Hayburner IPA (Big Ditch Brewing) – A NY Craft Beer Competition gold medalist, bursting with citrusy hops. Fun fact: Brewed right in Buffalo!
• KBS Stout (Founders Brewing) – This bourbon-barrel-aged beauty boasts World Beer Cup medals. Pro tip: Sip slowly—it’s rich!
• BrightCider (2 Towns Ciderhouse) – A crisp, award-winning Pacific Northwest cider with a loyal following.
• Black Button Bourbon (Black Button Distilling) – Awarded at the NY Spirits Competitions for its smooth, corn-forward profile.

Wines & Meads:

• Three Brothers Winery’s “Passion” Sparkling – A Finger Lakes standout with NY Wine Classic medals. Perfect for toasting!
• Bee Spit Meadery’s Wildflower Mead – A honeyed gem with national mead competition cred. Sweet, floral, and utterly unique.

Ciders & Beyond:

• 1911 Established Heritage Cider – NY International Cider Competition winner, balancing tart and sweet.
• Critz Farms’ Harvest Cider – A crisp, award-winning NY apple celebration in a glass.

Other Vendors You Can Expect To See:

• Country Hammer Moonshine
• Artisanal Brewing Ventures (Southern Tier Brewing Company, Bold Rock)
• Blue Barn Cidery
• Ellicottville Distillery / EBC
• Southern Tier Distilling
• Bent Run Brewing
• Deschutes
• Three Heads – Rochestafarian Scotch Ale
• Hamburg Brewery
• Kona
• Mango Kart
• Ghost Fish
• Aurora Brewing
• Brew Dog – Elvis Juice
• Foam
• Froth
• WarHorse Brewery
• Happy Thursday – Dragon Fruit
• Merritt Estate Winery
• Three Bear Meadery
• Blind Tiger (NA)
• Ritual (NA)

I know that list has you excited, but we have more to let you know about! Not only will there be amazing drinks, but tons of food and craft vendors!

 

Food & Snacks:

• Sue & Don’s Jerky
• Killa Kookies & Kream
• Peterson’s Candies
• Korn Kings

Businesses & Organizations:

• All American Maker
• Cutco Cutlery
• Chautauqua Soap Company
• Southern Tier Pro Pest Control
• Buona Cucina Oils & More
• Mucktails
• Verizon
• Perterson Farms
• Sweeterson Farms
• Pau Hana Cocktail Kits
• Pure Romance
• Cherish Creamery
• Splash, Dash & Drizzle
• Warrin’ Wrecking Dolls
• Swedish Festival

Crafts & Artisans:

• Mindy’s Crafty Corner
• Crafty Jean
• Artsy Kitten Studios
• Belov’d Creations

Last, but certainly not least, Midnight Growlers will be rocking the festival! Bob “RJ’ Henry on guitar and vocals, Howard Peacock on drums, Rachel Curtin on keyboard and vocals, John Savage on guitars and mandolin, Randy Henderson on vocals and percussion.

 

 

The Grapes & Hops Festival is fast approaching, and tickets are going quicker than a chilled IPA on a summer day. Whether you’re a craft beverage connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, this is your chance to sip, savor, and celebrate with the best local brews, wines, and ciders.

 

You have a few ticket options! VIP admission allows you early entry at 1 PM, exclusive access to the VIP lounge and small bites, along with one commemorative glass. General admission tickets get you full access to the festival from 2-5 PM and include a commemorative glass. There are also designated driver tickets for sale, but drivers must be 21+!

 

Save money by purchasing your presale tickets right now!

• Presale VIP Tickets – $50 ($60 at the door)
• Presale General Admission – $35 ($45 at the door)
• Designated Driver pricing is $10 presale and at the door (must be 21+)
• Buy your tickets NOW!

The Grapes & Hops Festival isn’t just about drinks—it’s about community, celebration, and raising a glass to the incredible flavors our region has to offer. Whether you’re toasting with a gold-medal IPA, swirling a prize-winning rosé, or clinking cider glasses with friends, this is your invitation to join the party.

 

So rally your crew, mark your calendars, and come thirsty for fun. Let’s make this year’s festival the most unforgettable yet—because the best memories are brewed together.

 

“Life’s too short for bad drinks – and this festival is all about the good ones!” – A Smart Person