St. Julian Winery and Paw Paw Brewing Company Host Music, Beer and Wine Festival

PAW PAW, Mich., July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan's oldest, largest and most awarded winery, St. Julian, has joined forces with Paw Paw Brewing Company to host the first annual Uncork Paw Paw: Grapes and Grains Festival on Saturday, July 20 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the St. Julian Winery. The festival will incorporate local music, never-before-sipped spirits and tasty family fare in a celebration of the Paw Paw community, all the while supporting a great cause.

The festival aims to create awareness and raise funds for the Two Rivers Coalition, a non-profit organization working to protect and preserve the rivers and lakes in Van Buren County, and in turn, the water locals drink. The event's five dollar admission fee will help support the local organization's effort to save Maple Lake.

"We're excited to not only bridge the gap between craft beer and fine wine, but to also bring awareness to the importance of maintaining our rivers and streams, which in turn secures a great future for Michigan beer and wine," said Ben Fleckenstein, owner and operator, Paw Paw Brewing Company.

Among other favorites on tap at the festival, Paw Paw Brewing will feature its limited edition Barrel Aged Cherry Stout, along with St. Julian Winery's Gunga Din Cider. The list of bands keeping attendees entertained throughout the day includes Brocoustic, Exit 41 and Delilah DeWylde. Family owned and operated Amore Pizza will also be on-hand to serve up family fare including pizza and hot sandwiches.

St. Julian Winery is located at 716 S. Kalamazoo St. In addition to the Grapes and Grains Festival, the Paw Paw Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Paw Paw Days, taking place Friday and Saturday, July 19-20. The 17th Annual event will feature a classic car show along with arts and crafts tents throughout downtown Paw Paw, making it a great event for the entire family.

For more information on the Uncork Paw Paw: Grapes and Grains Festival, please visit the St. Julian Winery events page here or the Paw Paw Brewing events page here.

About St. Julian Winery
St. Julian Winery was founded by Mariano Meconi over 90 years ago and is still family owned and operated today. All grapes are grown within 45 miles of their Paw Paw location and they pride themselves on being a Pure Michigan company. In addition to great wines, they produce sparkling juices and even distill vodka and brandy from grapes. www.stjulian.com

About Paw Paw Brewing Company
Paw Paw Brewing Company was founded by brothers-in-law Ryan Sylvester and Ben Fleckenstein in early 2010. Nestled on the banks of the Paw Paw River in the heart of southwest Michigan's farm land and fruit belt, Paw Paw Brewing focuses on combining local ingredients and local culture into their handcrafted brews. www.pawpawbrewing.com    

About Two Rivers Coalition
Two Rivers Coalition, an alliance of the Black and Paw Paw River Watersheds, is a citizen based group working to protect the health of Michigan's rivers and lakes through conservation, education, and advocacy. www.TwoRiversCoalition.org

SOURCE St. Julian Winery; Paw Paw Brewing Company