Drink Local
Western New York and the greater Buffalo Niagara region has some of the most prodigious producers of craft beverages the world has ever seen. Western/central New York offers over 100 local producers and some truly brilliant countryside, hamlets, villages and cities to explore, one of our favorite past-times. Step Out Buffalo is here to help locals and visitors navigate products, producers, events and everything in the booming world of drinking local – responsibly. Cheers!
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Upcoming Craft Beverage Events
These bevy events are pretty much the stuff dreams are made of. Interesting things to do while still having a damn good time. That’s what we’re talking about. Check out these Upcoming Events that bring the craft beverage event game to a whole new level.
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WNY Breweries
The rebirth of the local beer scene has been as sudden as it has been spectacular. Sure we’re homers here at SOB, but we haven’t landed on a local beer scene that comes close to what we have here in the greater Buffalo area. From great lagers to brilliant IPA’s you’ll find what you’re looking for, and you’ll be able to enjoy them in fantastic settings just a few feet from the source- or in almost any local establishment where they take their beer seriously.
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WNY Cideries
You’ve never tasted a great cider until you’ve had one made from New York apples, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Local producers can make ciders from a host of different fruit from blackberries to pumpkin. You’re going to want to sample some of this!
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WNY Wineries
Incredible strides have been made in the science of wine making in the past few decades and New York producers are taking full advantage of this, along with the unique “terrior” in the area to create increasingly more sophisticated and elegant wines. Sure, there may be one or two more famous wine regions internationally (for now), but local producers have them directly in their sights.
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WNY Distilleries
Gin, whiskey, vodka, even a “rum-like” spirit made from NY State maple syrup, there is no limit to the terrific spirits you’ll find in this region. A testament to the abundant produce that can be sourced locally, the flavors of WNY shine through. These too may often be sampled right at the source of distillation (our new favorite hobby) or in one of our fine local taverns.
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SOB Favorite Spots To Drink Local
Here are some of our favorite spots to find locally crafted spirits, wines and beers. If we missed your favorite spot please drop us a note.
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About Taste NY
This page was created in partnership with Taste NY, an initiative launched by Governor Cuomo in 2013 to promote New York’s food and beverage industries. It is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at a variety of venues throughout the State and at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair and the Barclays Tournament at Bethpage State Park.
Over the last three years, the Taste NY initiative has seen steady growth and recognition. The program reported sales of $4.5 million in 2015 and nearly tripled those figures to more than $13.1 million in 2016. Today, New York products sold under Taste NY branding are available in more than 60 locations throughout the State as well as the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
For more information about Taste NY, please visit www.taste.ny.gov. Connect with Taste NY through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.