Have you visited Johnson’s Estate Winery recently? Just steps from the vines, they’ve created a stunning outdoor bar with inviting tables where guests can linger over generous charcuterie boards. The setting feels almost transportive–you could swear you were in Napa–and that’s exactly the charm. Few things capture the spirit of a crisp autumn afternoon better in our county than savoring food and wine in the sunshine, surrounded by rows of ripening grapes.

So, here’s a great idea for mid-September that is not only a near-perfect event, but your attendance also ensures we keep our local festivals thriving so they return year after year. And who can resist a little grape stomping?

So, drum roll please: it’s the Westfield Wine & Grape Festival which I vowed to attend again this year after having a really grape time last year. (Sorry. It was impossible to resist.)

Every September, small-town charm meets vinicultural pride as the beloved festival returns in full bloom. This year marks the third annual celebration, taking place September 19 and 20, rain or shine, in venues that showcase the best of Westfield’s grape-growing legacy.

The festivities will unfold both in downtown Westfield, as well as the Grape Discovery Center on West Main St. The two locations create a perfect balance, with the downtown setting buzzing with small-town energy while the Discovery Center connects visitors directly to the region’s agricultural heritage. A free shuttle connects the two venues.

Visitors can expect a weekend filled with the flavors and traditions of Lake Erie Wine Country. Local vineyards will be offering tastings of their best vintages, while grape-stomping contests bring back the old-world spirit of winemaking. One of the most popular attractions is the grape pie contest, where bakers compete to showcase the sweetest and flakiest pastries the region has to offer. Alongside the food and wine, vendors will set up shop with handmade crafts, farm-fresh goods, and unique local specialties. Live music and entertainment will fill the air, adding an easygoing rhythm to the celebration that families and visitors of all ages can enjoy.

The festival matters because it is more than a gathering; it is a reflection of Westfield’s identity. Nestled in the heart of New York’s Lake Erie Wine Country, Westfield has long been a hub for grape-growing, and this festival serves as a joyful reminder of that heritage. It brings neighbors together, attracts visitors from across the region, and offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic festival culture in an intimate setting where history, harvest, and hospitality blend together.

This year’s festival takes place Friday and Saturday, September 19 and 20. On Friday, its 3:00-8:00: and on Saturday it’s from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, making it an inclusive event for the entire community and beyond. With two central locations–the bustle of Main Street and the welcoming grounds of the Grape Discovery Center–there will be plenty of room to explore, taste, and celebrate.

Two things made it really special last year. First off, I had a really sweet reunion with grape juice. I had been raised on it because the childhood liquids on offer in my home were either water or Welch’s grape juice. Somewhere along the way, grape juice and I fell out of touch and it wasn’t until I went to the festival that I tasted it again. It tasted like my childhood, yes, but I realized all over again how delicious it is. So now I keep a pitcher in my refrigerator.

And next, I really enjoyed meeting a real grape farmer at the Grape Discovery Center. It was interesting to talk to someone who had spent so much of his life producing grapes. He spoke about the rhythm of the seasons, how pruning in the cold months makes way for the bounty of autumn, and how every harvest brings both challenges and pride. There was a humility and quiet strength in his voice, the kind that comes from working close to the earth. Listening to him reminded me how rare it is to find people so deeply connected to their craft, carrying knowledge passed down through generations. If I could do it all over again, I’d be a grape producer, shaping a life around patience, sunlight, and soil.

Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a lover of small-town traditions, or simply someone seeking a perfect autumn outing, the Westfield Grape & Wine Festival promises an experience to taste and enjoy.