Boozy upstate NY events to keep you warm this winter

Warm up with a bottle of wine and a pint of craft beer in upstate NY at these winter winery and distillery events.

Who said beer pong is only for college kids? Step in from the winter weather and chill with your friends while tasting craft beers and playing a few rounds of beer pong, giant Jenga and giant scrabble at the Western New York Winter Brewfest (Tonawanda, NY; Friday Feb. 3rd 6pm-10pm). Your ticket includes a complimentary sampling glass and craft beer samples. Hosted at the historic Tonawanda Castle, this winter event is a favorite among beer and wine enthusiasts. But don’t wait too long because this winter brewfest only offers 700 tickets and they sell out fast. http://www.buffalowinterbrewfest.com/

There is no better way to combine winter and wine than wine tasting on ice. Every year a hockey arena is converted into a unique wine tasting festival known as Wine on Ice (Elmira, NY; Friday Jan. 20th 4pm-9pm, Saturday Jan. 21st 1pm-4pm, Sunday Jan. 22nd 6pm-9pm). Wine lovers are invited to venture onto the ice to taste a variety of upstate New York wines. Featuring wines from vineyards across the Finger Lakes Wine Country, this memorable winter event showcases the best of the region. Local farm and craft vendors also partake to give you an authentic Finger Lakes experience. http://www.wineonice.com/

Savor sweet dessert wines at this year’s NY Ice Wine and Culinary Festival (Fairport, NY; Saturday Feb. 11th 11am-6pm). From an ice-wine infused menu to wine samples from wineries around the state, this is the finest way to taste a variety of New York ice wines in one place. You can also take a winter ride on a horse-drawn wagon throughout the vineyards or participate in an ice wine chef cook off seminar while listening to live music. https://www.casalarga.com/events/ny-ice-wine-culinary-festival/