Today was a busy day—but it ended deliciously.
The fun started bright and early at 8 a.m. with a car inspection. Nothing like coffee and emissions testing to kick off your Saturday. Shoutout to Mavis Discount Tires on Delaware Avenue—they got me in right away and had me out in 45 minutes, no fuss, no pressure, no “your air filter is a biohazard” pitch. I swear by them. Honest, fast, and they’ve never tried to sell me a cabin air filter for $79.99.
While I waited, I took a short stroll over to Bruegger’s Bagels for breakfast. Ham, egg, and cheese on a sesame bagel. No notes. Absolute perfection.
Next stop: Valvoline for an oil change and some long overdue windshield wipers. My car is five years old. The original wipers were still hanging on for dear life, and visibility during a drizzle had become more of a suggestion than a guarantee.
I made a quick pit stop at home, got started assembling the May Mensana (aka brain fuel for the people), then met up with Hope and Trisha for the main event: The Buffalo Wine Festival.
Let me just say—this place was massive. Over 50 wineries, breweries, and vendors. At the door, they handed us a wine glass, a tote bag, and a booklet... like we were about to embark on a sacred pilgrimage. And in a way—we were.
We started on the first floor. Next year, we’re heading straight to the second. Gotta outmaneuver the crowd. Strategy, people.
Highlights from the Sip Safari:
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Vieni Estates (Canadian Wine Ambassador): Their dry Pinot Grigio (6.4 g/L) was smooth, crisp, and practically begged to be paired with the tilapia currently living in my freezer.
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Skinny Wick Candle Co.: I picked up a “Summer Woods” candle that smells like a walk through a pine forest in late July. They also do wedding favors. Local, hand-poured, and delightful—support your small businesses!
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Nectar of the Vine: Warm sangria tasting? Yes please. They sell pouches of mix that can become a wine slushie or a crockpot cocktail. I grabbed one to pair with the Merlot in my kitchen. Winter's not over yet.
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Lakeland Winery: Peach Raspberry Sangria. Sweet but refreshing. The kind of drink you pour into a cold glass when the sun finally remembers Buffalo exists.
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Three Brothers Wineries: Their “Zero Degree of Riesling” had just 0.9 g/L of sugar. Easily the driest, smoothest Riesling I’ve ever had. Like, this-is-my-personality-now good.
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Nothing Bundt Cakes: Let’s talk dessert. Their White Chocolate Raspberry bundt cake is what the angels serve at brunch. I also grabbed snickerdoodle and carrot—tiny, single-serving sizes, which technically makes it portion control.
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Thousand Island Wineries: Their St. Lawrence Red, a semi-dry delight, came home with me. I’m saving it for a steak night.
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Pellicano Vineyard: They had a range of sweet wines, but their Chianti Riserva—a bold, dry red—won me over. Spaghetti and meatballs, you’ve met your match.
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L&J Creations: I caved and bought a hand-painted butterfly stemless wine glass. Did I need it? No. Did it spark joy? Absolutely.
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Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery: Picked up some Adirondack maple syrup. Pancakes next weekend just got a promotion.
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Bee Spit Meadery: I’ve never liked mead—until today. Their “Drunken Barrel” mead is made with root beer (yes, really), and it’s dangerously smooth. Also, very high alcohol content. This is a "sip and stay put" beverage.
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Jill’s Gourmet Dips: They sell mix packets—you add your creamy base of choice. Their Buffalo Blue had just the right kick. 10/10 snack.
Despite the snacks throughout the day, by 3:30 I was hungry-hungry. So we wrapped it up with a trip to Amherst Buffet Chinese Restaurant. I definitely ate more than I should have, but hey—festival calories don’t count.
We finished the day at Jo-Ann Fabrics, which is sadly going out of business. I stocked up on yarn (25% off!) and jewelry fixings (40% off!). They’re restocking daily, and yes, I’m already planning my return.
All in all, a 10/10 Saturday. Good friends, great wine, surprising mead, and an alarming amount of bundt cake. What more could a gal ask for?
