Wine and antiques a perfect pairing

by Emily Dulanski
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, October 15, 2009
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, October 17, 2009

Winetique Festival sponsors welcome visitors to this weekend’s event.

Few of the many festivals held throughout the summer and fall have the unique undertones found at the Sanborn Winetique Festival. What sets this festival apart is its combination of enthusiasts from two areas of interest.

“Usually, wine and antiques are a good mix. ... People who buy fine wine usually buy antiques,” said Bonnie Haskell, co-chair of the event.

Hosted by the Sanborn Business and Professional Association and the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, this event is celebrating its fourth year on Sunday, Oct. 18. Its unique blend of wine and antiques attracts thousands of people a year, even when the weather does not cooperate.

“The very first year was the year of the ice storm,” said Haskell. “We had four to five thousand people.”

Five Niagara County wineries and more than 20 antique vendors will be featured in the festival this year. The wineries include The Winery at Marjim Manor, Niagara Landing Wine Cellars, Honeymoon Trail, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery and Schulze Vineyards and Winery. These wineries are all along the Niagara Wine Trail, but the antique vendors come from all over the Buffalo area.

“(The vendors) come from Orchard Park all the way to Youngstown,” Haskell said.

New to the festival this year is a children’s coloring contest. Kids ages 3 to 12 are invited to participate, and prizes will be awarded. In addition, another new event is a basket auction. The proceeds will go toward a fund for a scholarship program.

In addition to these events, there also will be pumpkins sold by Sanborn farmers, and live scarecrows interacting with festival attendees. Live music is included throughout the day. Tony Padula will perform from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., followed by the Colt 45 band.

The Sanborn Winetique Festival is located at the Fireman’s Park, next to the Sanborn Volunteer Fire Co. at 5811 Buffalo St. It will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.