Merritt Winery

FORESTVILLE, N.Y. – The Strawberry Festival held at Merritt Estate Winery on June 14 and 15 was a great success despite uncooperative weather. Currently in its twenty-eighth year, the Strawberry Festival helped raise money for Brian Moorman’s P.U.N.T. Foundation.

The Festival was kicked off on Saturday with a car cruise sponsored by the Lakeshore Streetrod Association. Over 80 cars were in attendance through the weekend. Each classic automobile received a free bottle of Strawberry Festival wine. Aside from the wine, there was a wide range of food and drinks available and Merritt also sold their famous Sangria Wine Slush.

Live music filled the air all weekend as well. Side Effect, Willowcreek, Heard of Buffalo and The Blast all gave live performances to keep the crowd going throughout the weekend. The music series was highlighted by a headline performance from Sean Patrick McGraw. McGraw is a rising country star and a Dunkirk native. He is featured at many Merritt events

This year’s Strawberry Festival took in proceeds to benefit Brian Moorman’s P.U.N.T. Foundation. Brian Moorman, punter for the Buffalo Bills, created the P.U.N.T. Foundation with his wife to help children in Western New York that suffer from life threatening illnesses. Merritt helped raise $10,250 for the foundation. Moorman and his wife were at the festival Saturday to do autographs with fans and to participate in the live auction.

“It was so great having Brian [Moorman] here at the winery,” said Edwin Rodriguez, Marketing and Promotions Director for Merritt Estate Winery. “He is such a down to earth guy. You don’t always see high profile players giving back to the community that they play in. We were honored to help him with his cause.” Merritt received donations from many local businesses in the area to help raise money for the P.U.N.T. Foundation. Donation collectors in the parking lot saw individual contributions as high as $35. Festival coordinators were very pleased with the support from the community.

“The P.U.N.T. Foundation is very thankful to have been involved with the Strawberry Festival at Merritt Winery,” said Brian Moorman. “This community has been so giving and supportive of our foundation. We thank the Merritt family who continue to be a big supporter of our cause.”

For more information on Merritt Estate Winery news and events, call 888-965-4800 or visit www.merrittestatewinery.com.

For more information on Brian Moorman’s P.U.N.T. Foundation and the services that they offer, visit www.brianmoorman.org.

Merritt Estate is located in the largest grape growing region of New York State. The grapes and wines produced under Merritt rival the quality of premium vintages throughout the world.