By Blake Jackson
The Great New York State Fair will celebrate the return of Grape Day on August 27, 2026, offering visitors a chance to explore New York’s grape and wine industry through educational activities, product tastings, and special events.
The annual celebration highlights the importance of grapes to the state’s agricultural economy and showcases the many products made from New York-grown fruit.
“Grape Day is a great time to enjoy some of the best New York-grown products that the State has to offer. From the many varieties used to make our world-class wines to the distinct flavor of concord grapes used in jams, candies, and baked goods, grapes are big business in New York State, and we look forward to educating fairgoers about the importance of our industry," State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said.
"I encourage our guests to stop by the Tasting Yard and our Taste NY Marketplace in the Horticulture Building as we celebrate the return of Grape Day here at the Great New York State Fair.”
“Grape Day is a great opportunity to recognize the hard work of our grape growers, winemakers, and processors who make a wide variety of delicious products," Fair Director Julie LaFave said.
"We are thrilled to bring this beloved day back to our regularly scheduled programming to put the industry on display at the Fair and highlight their many contributions to our state’s agricultural industry,” LaFave added.
A key attraction will be the New York State Tasting Yard in the Horticulture Building, where the New York Wine and Grape Foundation will present educational seminars titled “Explore New York Through Its Award-Winning Wines.”
Visitors will learn about the state's wine regions, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions while sampling selections from the 2026 New York Wine Classic.
The Taste NY Vendor Marketplace and Taste NY Pop-Up Market will also feature a variety of grape-based products from New York businesses, including wines, syrups, jams, jellies, candies, and other locally produced specialties.
Grape Day provides a unique opportunity to celebrate New York’s grape growers while introducing fairgoers to the quality and diversity of products made throughout the state.
Photo Credit: ny-state-fair
Categories: New York, General