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Image courtesy of the Niagara Wine Trail
Image courtesy of the Niagara Wine Trail

Niagara Wine Trail teams with Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation to host first 'Preseason Kickoff Weekend'

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Fri, Aug 12th 2022 07:00 am

Football season is here again! Celebrate with the Niagara Wine Trail and the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation during the first-ever “Preseason Kickoff Weekend,” Saturday, Aug. 20 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Sunday, Aug. 21 (noon to 5 p.m.). Presale tickets are $45 and are available at www.NiagaraWineTrail.org. Proceeds benefit both organizations.

“We are excited to partner with members of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation, who will be on hand at specific locations throughout the weekend,” said Shane Gustafson, president of the Niagara Wine Trail and owner of Gust of Sun Winery. “Everyone is encouraged to wear their football gear, bring memorabilia to have autographed, and take selfies with the alumni members.”

The Buffalo Bills Alumni appearance schedule is:

•Saturday, noon until 2 p.m. – A Gust of Sun Winery, 4515 Baer Road. Ransomville

√ Paul Maguire – (1964-70) punter; former NFL and ESPN sports commentator

√ Ed Rutkowski – (1963-68) receiver, defensive back, punt and kickoff returner, backup QB; Rutkowski is also a former Erie County executive

•Sunday, noon until 2 p.m. – Becker Farms/Vizcarra Vineyards, 3724 Quaker Road, Gasport

√ Booker Edgerson – (1962-69) cornerback; Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame honoree

√ Lou Piccone – (1977-82) wide receiver and kick returner

•Sunday, 2-4 p.m. – Schulze Vineyards & Winery, 2090 Coomer Road, Burt

√ Ken Jones – (1976-86) offensive lineman

√ Jeff Nixon – (1979-84) defensive back

In addition, guests will receive a limited-edition, dual-branded Niagara Wine Trail and Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation stainless wine tumbler, as well as three tastes of wine from each participating winery. This self-led weekend also features various football-related activities and merchandise for sale from local vendors. Food trucks and other food options will be available. Check www.NiagaraWineTrail.org for more information.

Participating wineries include:

√ A Gust of Sun Winery & Vineyard (Ransomville)

√ Honeymoon Trail Winery (Lockport)

√ Leonard Oakes Estate Winery (Medina)

√ Long Cliff Vineyards (Sanborn)

√ Mayer’s Lake Ontario (Hilton)

√ Schulze Vineyards & Winery (Burt)

√ Vizcarra Vineyards (Gasport)

√ The Winery at Marjim Manor (Appleton)

For a full schedule of activities at each participating winery, or to purchase tickets, visit www.NiagaraWineTrail.org. More information can also be found on the Niagara Wine Trail’s Facebook and Instagram pages. For additional details on the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation, visit www.BuffaloBillsAlumni.com.

The Niagara Wine Trail celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2022. The organization comprises 14 member wineries, situated between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, stretching through Niagara, Orleans and Monroe counties. Each winery on the trail offers a diverse selection of traditional vinifera style, native, late harvest and ice wines, as well as unique styles such as award-winning fruit wines, meads and ciders. Its mission is to “work together to enhance the wine industry in the region through an array of intimate, authentic and charming guest experiences.”

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