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Hamilton Spectator

Graze the Bench: Lincoln's ‘unofficial kickoff to summer' showcases wine, food and music

Wine, food and music will be in the spotlight at seven wineries in the Beamsville Bench area this weekend. 'It's the unofficial kickoff to summer,' said Heidi Fielding, co-owner of Fielding Estate Winery , one of the participants in the 15th annual Graze the Bench . 'For us, I think it's a huge celebration of our area,' Fielding said. 'Our local people bring their guests in from out of town and really showcase what's in our backyard. It is literally their go-to, do-not-miss event every year.' Graze the Bench ticket holders get three tokens they can exchange for food or wine at any of the wineries on the bench tour: Domaine le Clos Jordanne , Hidden Bench Estate Winery , Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery , Rosewood Estates Winery , The Organized Crime Winery and Thirty Bench Wine Makers . Fielding said since the U.S. started levying tariffs on Canadian products earlier this year the wineries have seen a boost in business. 'I think people are paying more attention and are seeking out more local wines and restaurants, so it has been good for us. We've had a lot of new customers and new interest in the wines,' Fielding said. Graze the Bench event manager Jen Feschuk said sales have been brisk and tickets only remain for Sunday's event. 'Saturday (2,500 tickets) sold out very quickly in March,' Feschuk said. Sunday tickets and $10 shuttle passes can be purchased at . A shuttle service will be available at St. John Catholic Elementary School on King Street in Beamsville during the noon to 5 p.m. event. Britnie Bazylewski, tourism development officer for Town of Lincoln , said Graze the Bench is expected to generate nearly $400,000 in visitor spending . 'It's the start of the summer tourism season in Lincoln,' she said. 'We know how to party. It's opening our doors and our hearts to our destination in a way where folks are ready to have a little bit of fun and shed those winter blues with us out here in the benchlands.'