RAISE A GLASS

Beer and Wine Fest turns 21 this year! Raise a glass and join the celebration this Saturday, November 8th from 3:00-7:00pm inside the Main Lodge at Holiday Valley. This iconic event is the region’s largest autumn sip-fest. Think of it as fall’s final hurrah before ski season begins! Sample from over 50 vendors pouring craft beer, wine, cider, and spirits from local and regional makers, all set to live music and mountain-resort vibes. New this year is a VIP experience featuring early entry, exclusive beer releases, a souvenir gift, and a VIP lanyard. (VIP tickets are sold out for 2025, but keep an eye out for next year!) Good spirits, great company, and a toast to the season ahead… winter’s just around the corner!

CRAWL OUTTA FALL

The fun actually begins the evening before, on Friday, November 7th with the “Crawl Outta Fall” pub crawl. For $15, participants can register at Edna’s at the Tamarack Club between 4:00-7:00pm, receive a passport card listing eleven participating bars and restaurants in Ellicottville, and enjoy specialty drinks at each location all night long. (Drinks range from $5-$7 each.) The best part: a complimentary shuttle will take you from the resort into the village and back! Collect at least four stamps on your passport and turn it in at the festival on Saturday to be entered to win a Dine, Stay & Play package from Holiday Valley. Enjoy a variety of flavors - from espresso martinis to spiked blueberry lemonade to classic Fall Fest pints.

THE BEER

Local favorite Ellicottville Brewing Company will bring its ski-town roots and full flavor profile to the tap list, pairing hometown charm with craft-beer quality. Meanwhile, 42 North Brewing Company from East Aurora balances playfulness and precision - from hop-forward IPAs to rich barrel-aged releases. On the broader regional scene, Big Ditch Brewing Company (Buffalo) tends to experiment boldly with styles - their flagship Hayburner IPA and variations like the Space Donkey IPA are popular amongst fans, while Ghost Fish Brewing Company (an out-of-state specialty guest) impresses with gluten-free innovation. Another one to keep an eye out for - Resurgence Brewing Co. emphasizes community-driven craft in every pour, known for their traditional Irish Red ale with a vibrant amber color.

THE WINE

Explore the wine side of the lineup at the festival with some impressive names: Winery of Ellicottville brings local flavor and small-batch wines and ciders produced right in the heart of Ellicottville. Merritt Estate Winery, a multi-generational family-farm turned winery in Chautauqua County, delivers both dry and sweet wines, rooted in one of New York’s most grape-rich regions. Woodbury Vineyards offers a playful twist, whether you’re after a classic varietal or something unexpected (hello, peanut butter cup wine). And from the Niagara-Lakeshore region, Victorianbourg Wine Estate crafts European-style wines amid rose gardens and scenic vistas, while Cellar ’54 (North East, PA) adds to the selection with intimate wine-making and distinctive labels. Together, these wineries showcase the diversity of flavor, region, and personality you’ll find at the festival.

THE SPIRITS

Among the spirited lineup, expect to sample unique creations from standout distillers. Ellicottville Distillery, tucked just outside the village, is known for truly local craftsmanship - small-batch whiskey, blueberry vodka and maple bourbon crème made from Western New York ingredients. Meanwhile, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery in the Adirondack foothills uses onsite grains, spring water and copper stills to produce bold high-rye bourbons and artisan moonshines. The regional presence also features Southern Tier Distilling Co., known for craft spirits that complement its sister brewery brand. Finally, look for Steelbound Brewery & Distillery, a hybrid maker offering both beer and distilled spirits, blending innovation across categories. Together, these spirit-makers bring bold flavors, local sourcing and creative freedom to the “sip and savor” experience.

THE MUSIC

Live music sets the stage for the 21st annual Holiday Valley Beer & Wine Festival, and the lineup doesn’t disappoint. Expect the polished melodies of Second Hand News, a tribute to the timeless tunes of Fleetwood Mac that brings sing-alongs and feel-good vibes. Mayday Buffalo brings a lively regional flair that keeps the crowd moving, and Darkwater Duo adds an intimate yet energetic mix of covers and originals suited for the resort setting. With bands performing on multiple levels of the Main Lodge, the atmosphere will be upbeat, social and full of sound as the leaves fall and cocktails flow. It’s the kind of soundtrack that turns a tasting event into a full-on seasonal celebration.

INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES

One of the standout features of the Beer & Wine Festival is its interactive experiences, offering guests more than just a tasting - it’s a true insider’s look at the art of craft beverage making. As Holiday Valley’s Marketing Director, Dash Hegeman explains, “Guests are able to talk with the staff - often the creators of the beverages themselves - to get firsthand knowledge about what kind of craftsmanship goes into creating the drinks.” For anyone curious about the beer- or winemaking process, this is a rare chance to learn directly from the source. Brewers, vintners, and distillers share their passion, techniques, and stories, creating an engaging, behind-the-scenes connection that deepens every sip and celebrates the creativity fueling the region’s booming craft scene.

LODGING PACKAGES

Make a weekend out of Beer & Wine Fest and experience Ellicottville at its best! Holiday Valley is offering exclusive lodging packages for festival guests, making it easy - and smart - to stay right where the fun happens. Enjoy the convenience of being steps from the Main Lodge, relax after a day of sampling regional craft drinks, and wake up to the beauty of the valley. Make it a full weekend by exploring Ellicottville’s shops, restaurants, and nightlife. From the Friday Crawl Outta Fall pub crawl to Saturday’s main event, everything is within easy reach. Purchase Beer & Wine Fest tickets and book your lodging package at holidayvalley.com. It’s the perfect way to turn a single night into a true fall getaway.