grape discovery center

508rickm

An introduction to the history and events that make up the Lake Erie Concord Belt area. There is much to view and take part in. Ongoing wine, craft and arts events. Christina is General Manager and is helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Definitely worth the stop!

O1315LDkellym

We really enjoyed the festival, although I thought the admission price was a bit steep given we (and probably most of the people in attendance) purchased a fair amount of wine!

dapinca

Had driven by this many times and finally decided to check it out. The gift shop is a bust for the most part, but the actual exhibits are really engaging, interactive and easy to get into. Really enjoyed the time we spent here. It was very cool to learn how the grape industry got its start in western NY and the many local contributions that were made to this now vibrant industry. The sampling could be improved for sure and wouldn't be the draw for most people to venture in.

eduJamesE

We loved our visit to the Grape Discovery Center last weekend. This was a serendipity for us, because we were in the area for another purpose and just stumbled into this place.I was amazed by how much there was to learn about grapes! They even had samples of that lovely, sweet, concord grape juice they are so famous for. Most people in western NY know that we’ve become a force to be reckoned with in terms of our wines, but I doubt most people know that the dollar value of NY grape products produced and sold is about 9 times the dollar value of NY wines produced and sold.We learned all about how grapes are grown, pruned, harvested, shipped, and made into dozens of different products. It was a fascinating hour and time well-spent. If you’re interested in visiting it, it is just outside the village of Westfield, NY.

AmandaM179

This was an informative place with a cool gift shop. Was pretty educational. Pretty tasting room. We probably spent 25 minutes in their grape museum. I think neither of us were blown away and would have enjoyed just as much visiting a winery to learn about grapes--which seems easy since there are about 22 within 20 miles.

341paml

Nice overview of the grape industry in the area. Pictures, videos and memorabilia of Welch's give a nice picture of the history of the area.

MaggieLJP

If visiting NW New York for the first time, try to start your exploration here. You will learn about how important grapes are to the area and come to better appreciate the wines and agriculture in the area. Displays are well done and include exhibits of interest to children. You can compare sniffs of different grapes, learn about the invention that automated harvesting not so many years ago, sample grape juice and some local foods. And of course the gift shop is full of grape-oriented merchandise.

RussellB181

This center displays the grape growing and harvesting industry to perfection. You get to smell the different varietiues of grapes and learn about the whole process!You can also learn about the history of the industry and then taste some wines.

LeslieH195

We stopped and walked through the Discovery Center, the lady on duty was wonderful. We tried a variety of the wine tasting and got lots of new information. Wonderful stop!

chazpbg

You'll learn all you need to know about the area and its grape-growing history. And you'll learn a bit about the native grapes, too. It's all attractively presented in a small walk-through exhibit with a gift shop and a nice snack area (it's great that you can get free samples of juice, but the juice -- and wines -- are also reasonably priced). If it's nice weather, sit outside and take in the view of the vineyard.

paulmY4515GL

Never knew my favorite Welch's grape juice came from here! It was well worth stopping by if your travling the area as a tourist.

jamessO6534NM

A nicely done set of exhibits and a gift shop. Self-guided, so you can spend at little or as much time as you want... stop in and check it out.

MariMac72

It was so cold when you were here! We hope you can come back and see us in the warm weather to enjoy a slushy out on the patio!!

611JimC

While not on par with Niagara Falls, the recently opened Grape Discovery Center is a must see attraction in the heart of the NY-PA 'Grape Belt." It offers a unique look at the history and progress of Dr. C.E. Welch's great experiment and its effect of the people and economy of Western New York.Anyone interested in agriculture will enjoy and appreciate the little known story of the concord grape told in a simple, but detailed manner. After viewing the exhibits and merchandise, one come even enjoy sampling some locally made products before heading home.This makes a great day trip and is well worth the effort to find and enjoy this attraction.

688mariag

So glad we stopped! The staff was so informative and really helped us narrow down which wineries we really didn't want to miss! There is an interesting display of small tools and equipment used to harvest the grapes and there is also a video of the history of winemaking in PA. I definitely recommend stopping here!