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Date: 4/17/2023
BRIMFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Wine Festival received a grant of $2,500 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to be used for year’s festival, which will happen at the Brimfield Winery.
State Rep. Todd Smola (R-Warren) said, “The Pioneer Valley Wine Festival has helped to showcase our region in a creative way that educates participants and fosters strong and lasting relationships. We are grateful to have this festival in our area and appreciate the support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.”
Winery owner Kate Corriveau said the grant was through the Festivals and Projects Program of the funding is especially geared toward supporting events impacted by COVID-19, and to help increase public attendance of these events.
Corriveau said the festival will be in its fourth year, and the grant money is allowing the winery to attend the MGM Dream Destinations Travel show, which she said is a “great opportunity to talk about the festival” and promote it. The grant funding is also being used for signage and other marketing for the festival, making it more affordable to promote.
Corriveau said that this festival is about showcasing and promoting the wineries, cideries and mead makers in the state. “It gives wineries an opportunity to talk about their process — some have their own vineyards for gapes, some import juice, and talk about their backstory. It is a way to visit all these wineries in the state in one stop, and encourage people to maybe go for a day trip to see them after meeting them at the festival.”
Describing it as “almost like you’re visiting their exclusive winery,” Corriveau said there will be about 13 wineries, as well as visiting cideries “all the way from the Berkshires to the 1634 Meadery in Ipswich.”
Guests may purchase a Wine Passport online to partake in the wine part of the festival, but may also purchase a ticket for $5 to attend and enjoy the live music and many diverse artisans that will also be there from both in and out of state. Monson Savings Bank is sponsoring free wine bags for guests to use to take home their purchases, and anyone buying a Wine Passport will also receive a free souvenir glass.
The real purpose of the festival, Corriveau said, is to support the wineries, cideries and mead producers in the state, introduce people to them, and hopefully bring more business to their home bases as well, in addition to having a day of learning and discovering.
Corriveau adds that one of the additions to the festival is the “Old Coot’s Tent, where some local gentleman drink wine and give free advice — it might be bad advice but it’s free.
People from all walks of life come to talk to them, they’re funny and people love them and they’ve become a main attraction.”
The festival will take place on June 10-11 from noon to 6 p.m. at Auction Acres, which is adjacent to the winery, with food trucks and live music. Tickets may be purchased online at brimfieldwinery.com/events.