Tony Kurdziel, Business Development Manager, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise
Given the festive season and my colleague Matthew Hubacher’s recent blog on New York’s wine and spirits industry (http://blog.buffaloniagara.org/2012/12/18/new-york-states-agricultural-economy/), I thought it was a good time to directly feature some local, last-minute gift or day trip ideas.
For the beer aficionado in your family we are lucky to have many local and regional options. Ready?
Located right in the Black Rock neighborhood of Buffalo is Flying Bison Brewing Company (http://www.flyingbisonbrewing.com/) which is a division of Matt Brewing (www.saranac.com), the venerable Utica, NY, company that manufactures the Utica Club and Saranac brands. The Black Rock neighborhood also boasts “nanobrewery” Community Beer Works (http://www.communitybeerworks.com/). Down in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, respectively, there is Southern Tier Brewing Company (https://www.stbcbeer.com/) and Ellicottville Brewing Company (http://www.ellicottvillebrewing.com/. Finally, our neighbors in Monroe County have the iconic Genesee Brewing Company http://www.geneseebeer.com/, which is owned by Buffalo-based North American Breweries (http://www.nabreweries.com/), the U.S. distributor for all Labatt brands (http://www.labattblueus.com/) Last but far from least is Ithaca Beer Company (http://ithacabeer.com/) just a quick three hours down I-86 in Ithaca. Go figure?
It is worth noting that almost all of these companies offer brewery tours, tastings and/or dine-in options. I highly recommend you take a look at their websites for these activities, and to peruse their different product offerings. Of course, we also have many local pubs that brew their own beer, but do not distribute to stores.
Impressed by the local brewers? The list of local wine makers is even longer. Because the list is so long, I will merely provide links to the four major wine regions, all within one hour drive (or less) of Buffalo Niagara:
- http://www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/
- http://www.niagarawinetrail.org/
- http://www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/
- http://winecountryontario.ca/
Another great way to enjoy all the food and drink New York has to offer is just to visit the New York Wine and Culinary Center in nearby Canandaigua, NY: http://nywcc.com/
As always, be sure to enjoy these local products responsibly! Happy holidays!
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