Merritt Estates Winery is delivering wine to the county during the pandemic and offering open tasting. Photo by Natasha Matteliano
Wineries along the iconic wine trail in Western New York have had to ride the waves just like every other business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Liberty Vineyards and Merritt Estate Wineries recently shared their experiences during this unprecedented time.
Beth Margolis, marketing director of Liberty Winery, and Bill Merritt, owner of Merritt Estate Winery, both expressed their optimism when speaking of how the wineries are holding up. In general, Margolis and Merritt agreed that the beginning was very difficult and things have definitely changed with both of the wineries.
“Business is definitely down, mostly because of the lack of tourism,” Margolis said. “But we’ve been making changes to weather the storm and we’re slowly opening back up.”
Both wineries are back open now, allowing for the public to come in and taste. No reservations are needed for either, but small groups are required, preferably no more than 10 to 12 people. The tastings look a bit different now, as per Gov. Andrew Cuomo requiring people to buy food with their drinks. Both wineries have opportunities to sit outside or indoors.
“Local folks from the area are coming to visit now,” Merritt said. “Even people from the Buffalo area are coming to visit as well.”
Though tourism is definitely down, the wineries attested to busy days and seeing new locals stopping in. “People just want to get out and do something fun,” Margolis said. “We’re open every day so a lot choose to come here.”
Liberty Winery has multiple opportunities to buy bottles of their wine, including visiting the tasting room, ordering through their website or calling to order. They also offer curbside pickup for those who do not feel comfortable coming inside. Merritt Estate Winery is offering people to come in and sample and buy in person, order through the phone with home delivery if requested, and online ordering.
Though most events have been canceled for the year, wineries in the area are offering drive-through events. Liberty Winery has a “Wine and Dine” event on every Wednesday, offering a meal with wine.
Merritt Estate Winery is hosting a Septemberfest(ish) 2020 event on Sept. 5, 6, and 7, which will be a drive-through dining event. Garbage plates will be served, which consist of macaroni salad and french fries for a base, topped with either hamburger, cheeseburger, hot dog, grilled chicken or shaved prime rib with a slice of cheese and a meaty hot sauce.
Liberty Vineyards & Winery is open for tasting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Merritt Estate Winery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. People are encouraged to come and taste, but bring a mask and prepare to social distance from others.
September 01, 2020 at 01:32PM
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