FORESTVILLE – Rain couldn’t keep the revelers away Saturday at Merritt Estate Winery’s Septemberfest, presented by UnitedWind.

Mother Nature took the “Rain or Shine” disclaimer seriously, and dumped on festivalgoers all day – but it didn’t dampen their spirits. Live music by The Wildcard Band, Black Widow and Porcelain Bus Drivers kept the party going, and with enough delicious Merritt wine enjoyed under the pavilion, people seemed to forget the nasty weather.

In addition to the great bands, winery guests enjoyed free tastings and winery tours, shopping with local craft and food vendors, eating Chiavetta’s chicken barbecue and of course, sipping legendary Merritt Wine Slushes.

Like always, Merritt offered free parking, but welcomed donations for a charity. This year’s choice is the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that helps returning injured war veterans get their lives back. This year, Merritt Estate Winery Event Coordinator Karl Deck facilitated the fundraiser.

“I thought it would be a nice gesture, being the 14th anniversary of September 11th,” Deck said. “We wanted to raise money for the veterans who served our country – we also wanted to remember those who have fallen.”

Deck helped to organize a ceremony with the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council, and invited veterans and Color Guard members Tom Rugani, David Dow, Dave Taber, David Huels and Ken DeLong to participate.

“All veteran organizations have the same goal. They’re veterans helping other veterans,” said Dow. “The Wounded Warrior Project helps to rehabilitate wounded soldiers (and) make for a better life for those coming home from war.”

“We collect for charities at all of our events,” said winery owner Jason Merritt. “We partner with a different charity for each one – the Strawberry Festival and Septemberfest. Often, we try to bring celebrities. Really, we’re just trying to give back to the community that supports us. In June, we worked with the Food Bank of WNY.”

Recently, the Merritt family partnered with a charity close to their hearts.

“We worked with the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, Inc., because we lost our mother (Christi Merritt) to breast cancer in 1996,” said Jason. “We got in touch with Beth Baldwin, who is the sister of the Baldwins who are actors. And Daniel Baldwin came to our event. It’s neat because it gives local people access to celebrities they might not usually get to meet.”

In 2017, the memory of Christi Merritt will be honored by the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. One of their annual $50,000 scholarships will be named after the Merritt matriarch.

“That’s going to be great,” said Jason. “We’re proud of that.”

In the future, Merritt Winery hopes to team up with the Buffalo Bills for an event, bringing sports fans and wine fans together for an unforgettable weekend.

“We’ll keep people updated about that!” Jason added.

Septemberfest continues Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., with Second Street Sunset and Left of Center taking the stage. Great food and wine will be available all day, and families are welcome. Donations will again be accepted for the Wounded Warrior Project, and winery guests can visit the WWP tent set up on the grounds. Donations can also be made via the winery’s website at www.merrittestatewinery.com, by following the Septemberfest and WWP links. To learn more about the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund or to donate, go to findacure.org.

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