Interested in learning about New York State’s wines & vineyards? Head to Chateau Buffalo (1209 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, 716-873-0074, open Tue-Sat/Noon-8 pm & Sun/Noon-6 pm ).

The urban wine retailer sells an extensive variety of vino and cidres hailing from The Empire State’s wine-producing regions (i.e. The Finger Lakes, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Chautauqua, and The Niagara Trail). 

If you’re hesitant about purchasing wine labels you’re unfamiliar with, Chateau Buffalo offers ‘5 for $5′  tasting sessions during store hours. The tutorials are designed to educate customers about the characteristics of wine… and the vineyards/regions they derive from. The $5 fee is actually refundable if you purchase a bottle after the tasting session. If you don’t have time to learn about wine in detail, 15-20 rotating wines are available each day for sampling.

Chateau Buffalo also hosts ‘Meet the Winemaker’ once a month so patrons can learn about the art of vintification. And if  you really feel like experiencing wine in a new element, Spirit of Buffalo offers a 2 hour sailboat cruise every Wednesday, which features wine tasting aboard, complements of Chateau Buffalo.

To learn more about ‘Meet the Winemaker,’ ‘5 for $5,’ & ‘Chateau Buffalo’s Wine Tasting Club,’ call 716-873-0074. For Spirit of Buffalo’s Cruise dates & Ticket info, visit http://spiritofbuffalo.com/adventures.