We had terrific weather for Homecoming Weekend, and everyone enjoyed the four terrific food trucks—the Bistro Bus, SugarBakers Cupcake Truck, Chef Bob’s Buns on the Run, and the Holyoke Hummus Company owned by John Grossman ’87. Because of the Shaler Invitational the trucks stayed out on Galbraith Fields longer than planned, but the weather was great and the crowds were enjoying the afternoon. Paul Bricker in the Physical Plant Department deserves special thanks for making sure that electricity got to all the food trucks and staying to make sure nothing went amiss.

At 3:00 p.m., the Pioneer Valley Beer and Wine Tour began. Although it was a smaller group, we had a great time. A Williston bus pulling in to a brewery or winery did get some stares, which was everyone found funny. It was great having Sara Harvey Lapan ’91, P’18 attend with her husband David and David’s parents, along with other alumni and faculty and staff.

Our first stop was Mineral Hills Winery (also known as Goddard Farms Orchards) in Florence. They import their grapes from California but also make an apple wine and a honey mead wine from apples and grapes grown in Massachusetts. The owner’s son went to Williston Northampton (Charles Goddard ’09) and is currently studying in Paris. Beyond the wine, they also make their own honey. The next stop was Black Birch. The winery is an idyllic setting, up on a hill with grapevines growing in the background and a view of Mt. Tom and Valley. We enjoyed some terrific wines, including Epic, a white blend, and Iced Wine. From Black Birch we headed to Abandoned Building Brewery, which is behind Eastworks. The neighborhood is starting to be home to more breweries, including New City Brewery, which just opened.

Our final stop was at Fort Hill Brewery on Fort Hill Road near the Oxbow. This brewery is in a big red barn and has a beautiful tasting room and a great front porch with rocking chairs and big wooden tables. They brew four different beers, and we enjoyed the Octoberfest particularly. Fort Hill was packed when we pulled in and for good reason since their tastings were free (and a lot of fun!). 

At the end of the evening, we returned to campus and everyone had thechoice of a Williston Northampton wineglass or pint glass. We had a great time and hope more people can join us next time!