ST. CATHARINES, ON, May 27, 2011 /CNW/ - Join the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival for the 16th Annual New Vintage Festival this June.

Enjoy this year's summer solstice with the Discovery Pass Program, taking place weekends; June 18th through 26th, 2011. The Discovery Pass is your ticket to 6 wineries for two weekends of wine and culinary adventures at participating wineries across Niagara. This year's New Vintage Festival is a showcase of the best in winemaking from over 30 wineries and Farm-to-Table cuisine prepared by Niagara's most celebrated chefs.

Also, Deborah Levy from Dairy Farmers of Canada will be working closely with participating wineries to provide New Vintage visitors with the opportunity to explore incredible artisanal cheeses with Wine and Cheese Seminars. The cheese selections will compliment the various winemakers' styles and tastes.

The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival would like to welcome back TD as the Title Sponsor of the much talked about New Vintage Tailgate Party. TD has been a cherished partner of the Festival for several years, and look forward to hosting another successful event together.

"The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival is an event that thousands look forward to each year and although TD has been supporting this festival for many years, we are thrilled to be bringing even more to the TD Tailgate Party, which will kick off the festivities this year," says Monique Homer, District Vice President, TD Canada Trust. "This community is known for the wine industry and what it has to offer culturally and economically, and at TD we are proud to be a part of it."

Grape Grower of the Year and Grape King Debbie Inglis will be hosting the second annual TD Tailgate Party at Niagara Vintage Harvesters on Saturday June 18th, 2011 from 5:30 - 9:30pm. This casual kick off to summer will feature 35 wineries and their winemakers, 8 of Niagara's most talented chefs preparing a showcase of Farm to Table dishes and will also feature delicious Canadian cheeses sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Canada.

The TD Tailgate Party entertain with live country- rock by the Black Spurs, a "Message in a Bottle" auction, and a complete green theme to reflect the efforts in our community. The eve of our summer's solstice is sure to be an evening to remember.

Discovery Passes are $30, Tailgate tickets are $75, and Wine Seminars are $10 each (plus HST). All are available by ordering online at www.niagarawinefestival.com or calling the Festival office at 905-688-0212.