FORESTVILLE, NY (March 28, 2011) - Merritt Estate Winery will continue their efforts towards charity donation at this year's Strawberry Festival. The organization will team up with Sabres Alumni Rob Ray to raise money for the hockey icon's charity of choice, the Buffalo Sabres Alumni Scholarship Fund.

Strawberry Festival will be held on Saturday, June 11th from12pm-10pm and Sunday, June 12th from 12pm-6pm. Admission is free both days of the event. The festival will feature area crafters, summertime grilling favorites, strawberry themed and infused desserts and Merritt's famous Sangria Wine Slush. The festival will also feature live music from Side Effect with Gina Vecchio, Black Widow, and headliner Sean Patrick McGraw on Saturday and Fool's Errand on Sunday.

"Strawberry Festival is always a great way to open up the summertime festival season," said Jessi Luke, Public Relations and Promotions for Merritt Estate. "While this is my first year working on the festival with Merritt, I am a previous attendee and let me tell you, this year we are pulling out all of the stops."

The Buffalo Sabres Alumni Scholarship Fund was originally formed as a result of an alumni's need for financial help to send his children to college. The organization has since evolved and provides financial aid to eligible Western New York and Southern Ontario high-school seniors who enroll in a full-time program at a four-year college or university in the United States or Canada. To date, the organization has helped advance the education of over sixty six students, and plans to continue the effort for many years to come.

Ray, currently the Sabres in-game reporter, played for 14 seasons as a Sabres forward and was celebrated for his intense and intimidating playing style. As a two time leader in league penalty minutes earned throughout a single season, he became well known for rigging his uniform and equipment to tear away easily, giving him an advantage when in altercations with opponents. Ray is also a published author. His book, "Rayzor's Edge: Rob Ray's Tough Life on the Ice," details his time spent on and off the ice during his years playing for the Sabres.

For more information on Merritt news and events, visit www.merrittestatewinery.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/merrittwinery.

Merritt Estate is located in America's Grape Country, the largest grape growing region of New York State located along the shores of Lake Erie. The grapes and wines produced under Merritt rival the quality of premium vintages throughout the world.