If someone was given the task to go and visit the largest Concord grape growing region in the world, they would probably think about ordering plane tickets to California or some exotic countryside in Europe. Chautauqua County residents, however, have it right in their own backyard.
The 50 miles of Lake Erie that borders Chautauqua County and Northwestern Pennsylvania is the site of Grape Country, the largest Concord grape growing region in the world and the largest overall grape growing region in the United States outside of California. Next Saturday, Aug. 15, marks the beginning of America's Grape Country Week, a series of festivals that ends with a benefit called the Chautauqua Bon Vivant.
"We really wanted to do something that both boasts and supports the community," said Karlyn Monroe, founder and organizer of Bon Vivant. "As well as something that can help us build a sustainability plan."
The fundraiser begins on Saturday, Aug. 22, and proceeds from the event will be donated to support the endeavors of Centaur Stride Therapeutic Riding Programs, a not-for-profit organization that provides individuals with disabilities access to horseback riding.
"Centaur Stride is a therapeutic riding program," Monroe said. "It provides benefits and therapy to people with a disability of any kind, whether physical, cognitive or emotional."
Bon Vivant, hosted at the Chautauqua Suites Hotel and Expo Center, will showcase both national and local wineries. The event begins on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 1 p.m. with a wine pairing lunch at Olive's, where wines are paired to best compliment each meal. This is a perfect event for those interested in wine pairing, as the lunch will be both interactive and educational.
A VIP cocktail reception is set from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bellini Lounge, where celebrity mixologist Junior Merino will prepare cocktails for guests using fresh ingredients, including locally harvested Concord grapes. A grand tasting event will conclude the day from 7 p.m. to midnight, where guests can enjoy a sampling of cuisines, wines and cocktails.
On Sunday, a champagne brunch will be hosted at La Fleur at 11 a.m., where champagne will be paired with a delicious brunch. U.S. Cointreau Brand Ambassador and Master Mixologist Erin Williams will be using molecular mixology to create new champagne flavors at the brunch. Bon Vivant concludes Sunday afternoon with a tour of Centaur Stride, located about 15 minutes from the Chautauqua Suites Hotel.
"We have local wineries participating," Monroe said. "We have different restaurants and orchards, too. It's a whole community activity."
Tickets can be purchased individually at each event during Bon Vivant, or an all access pass can be purchased for the entire weekend, with deals for those who decide to stay at the Chautauqua Suites overnight. A list of ticket prices can be found at www.centaurstride.org/events.
With a great sampling of wines from around the region and throughout the country, the Chautauqua Bon Vivant event provides a unique way to help benefit a local not-for-profit organization. It is all part of America's Grape Country Week, which hosts a number of different festivals, concerts and more, beginning on Aug. 15. Visit www.americagrapecountry.com for a complete list of events.
