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Bills fans pour into Batavia's downtown for Wine Walk

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 11:23 GMT by The Daily News Online
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Bills Fans Pour Into Batavia’s Downtown for a “Wine Walk” Celebration

By Jane Smith – The Daily News Online
October 3, 2023

When the Buffalo Bills pulled off a hard‑fought win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, a flood of cheering fans spilled out of the New Era Field and—against the backdrop of the city’s bright lights—into the streets of downtown Batavia for an unexpected, wine‑filled celebration. The event, dubbed the “Bills Wine Walk,” drew more than 200 supporters, local residents, and curious onlookers to a one‑hour, free‑entry stroll that paired the excitement of the game with the laid‑back pleasure of a wine‑tasting experience.

A Night of Cheers and Cabernet

The evening began at 6:00 p.m. near the historic courthouse, where a small stage was set up for a local band and a representative of the Buffalo Bills’ alumni association. “It’s a unique way to celebrate the community’s love for the Bills and our local businesses,” said John Thompson, president of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, who has been coordinating the event for the past two years. “We’re delighted to see fans from all over the region embracing Batavia’s charm.”

The walk itself was a 1‑mile loop that meandered past three of Batavia’s most beloved wine bars: Vino Vino, The Grape Escape, and Red Door Wine Bar. Each venue offered a complimentary tasting of a signature wine, along with a small plate of complimentary cheese and crackers. “We’re happy to showcase our wine selection and give fans a chance to taste something special,” said Maria Lopez, owner of Vino Vino. “We hope to introduce them to the best of what our region has to offer.”

At the midpoint of the route, a pop‑up booth from the Buffalo Bills’ official fan club offered limited‑edition memorabilia, including a “Wine & Win” T‑shirt and a commemorative glass etched with the Bills’ logo. Fans could also take a photo with a life‑size Bills mascot, which was a crowd‑pleaser that drew several photo‑ops on Instagram.

Community Spirit and Economic Impact

While the event was clearly built around the Bills’ victory, it also highlighted the vibrancy of Batavia’s downtown district. Local business owners expressed gratitude for the increased foot traffic and the opportunity to serve a new demographic of visitors. “Last year we had about 40 visitors; this year we counted 200,” noted Tom Harris, proprietor of the historic Batavia General Store. “It’s amazing to see people who might not otherwise come to town and enjoy what we have.”

The event is part of a larger initiative by the Batavia Wine Walk Association to promote tourism and bolster the local economy. According to a statement from the association, the annual walk generates an estimated $15,000 in direct revenue for participating businesses. The walk’s official website (https://www.bataviawinewalk.com) notes that the event has expanded in recent years, adding additional venues and extending its schedule to include live music and food trucks.

A Tradition in the Making

The “Bills Wine Walk” first took place in 2021 after the city hosted a major concert event, and it has since become a staple of Batavia’s summer calendar. This year’s edition featured a new “Pairing Station” where a local sommelier, Lisa Nguyen, guided fans through the process of pairing wine with small bites, turning the evening into a culinary learning experience. “It’s always fun to bring people together over wine, especially when they’re already in a celebratory mood from a Bills win,” Nguyen said.

The organizers also plan to make the walk a part of the city’s annual “Wine & Sports Festival” next year, which will coincide with the Buffalo Bills’ playoff run. “We’re excited to build on this success and make it a national attraction for sports fans and wine lovers alike,” Thompson added.

Final Toast

The night ended with a collective toast at the courthouse steps. A volunteer usher, wearing a “Bills 2023” T‑shirt, lifted a glass of red wine as the crowd sang a rendition of the Bills’ anthem. The image, captured by local photographer Alex Ruiz, was instantly shared on social media, garnering over 5,000 likes and trending in the “Local Events” hashtag for the week.

In an era where sports fandom has increasingly become a conduit for community engagement, the Bills Wine Walk exemplifies how local traditions can be reimagined to celebrate both a beloved team and the unique cultural assets of a small city. Whether it’s a game‑day victory, a local wine, or a friendly street‑corner gathering, Batavia has shown that the spirit of togetherness can be found in the most unexpected places.

For more information about upcoming events and the Batavia Wine Walk, visit the official website at https://www.bataviawinewalk.com or contact the Batavia Chamber of Commerce at (315) 456‑7890.