The annual event brings several area wineries and vineyards together to promote the grape industry in the county and raise funds for scholarships, programs and events in the community.

This year the event partnered with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau Annual Meeting held immediately after the wine sampling event ended. Mayor Wilfred Rosas, from the city of Dunkirk, was the featured speaker.

Grape Expectations featured Merritt Winery, Liberty Vineyards, Brix 21 Winery, Johnson Estate winery, Mazza 5 & 20 Brewing and Spirits and Woodbury Vineyards. Also the Grape Discovery Center had samples of grape juice along with the Lake Erie Wine Country and Cornell Cooperative Extension with prominent informational booths and information. Artisan Michelle Donato provided fine products with grape decor.

The annual event was sponsored by Lake Shore Savings Bank, Putnam Record Agency, Larson Timko Funeral Home, City of Dunkirk, The Chautauqua Center, Jamestown Community College North Campus, Hometown Insurance, Ron Hall, The Fredonia Technology Incubator and the OBSERVER.

Scenes from Grape Expectations, held May 10 at the Clarion Inn and Resort in Dunkirk.

Over 35 prizes were available for raffle donated by a host of area businesses, and Music was provided by No Consensus, including band members Todd Tranum, Ken Shearer, Michael Starks and Mark Odell.

Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce president, Elizabeth Booth, along with Fredonia Chamber of Commerce President David Dengler, were in attendance and helping the many volunteers who worked the event. Both were pleased with the turnout and outpouring of gifts for raffle. Area Coordinator David Kleparek also thanked all the businesses who participated and donated gifts for the raffle. He also thanked all the members of the local community Chamber of Commerce who gave of their time to make the event a complete success. Plans are already underway for future events including Grape Expectations. If you are interested in membership at either Chamber of Commerce location, please go to the county website @ wwwchautauquachamber.org or call 366-6200 for information.