Oneida County Tourism launches revamped beverage trail

UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County Tourism (OCT), the official tourism-promotion agency for Oneida County, has launched a refreshed, digital version of the Heart of NY Beverage Trail highlighting local wineries and breweries.

The mobile, interactive trail — accessible on the OCT website — features 10 partners throughout the county. Those taking part in the year-long promotion are encouraged to responsibly visit participating locations to win an array of prizes including a sticker, hat, T-shirt, and hoodie.

“This new way to experience the beverage trail is easy and user friendly,” OCT President Sarah Foster Calero said in a news release. “Users can sort through locations by category and see coupons. Earning prizes is now more attainable for visitors, too. In the past, you had to visit every location to receive a T-shirt. Ultimately, a major goal of OCT is to bring visitors here. If people are in town for a visit or to attend an event, it’s still possible to visit a couple of spots and earn some type of prize.”

The updated beverage trail launched on Dec. 19, 2023. People can sign up on the website, following prompts to enter their phone number and email address.

The trail is a free, mobile-optimized web application. It’s not an app and is delivered to participants via SMS and email. Those participating check into trail locations on their phone using GPS technology and earn points for each check-in. Then they can redeem those points for beverage trail-themed prizes via the web application. Prizes are sent through a third-party company, so participants don’t need to redeem in person or be in the area to get their prize.

Bandwango, a technology company in the travel space, designed and executive the pass.

“We’re excited to switch to Bandwango,” Woodland Farm Brewery Owner/Brewer Keith Redhead said. “It’s an easier and more interactive way to explore the trail and collect points. My favorite part is that there are different prizes to choose from and rewards for weekend travelers who may only be able to hit up a few spots, but bigger rewards for those who check out all of the breweries and wineries across months of a year. A big plus is the discounts that many members are offering.”

Amy Rizzuto, owner of Villa Verona Vineyard, shared in the excitement for the new beverage trail. “The process is so much easier for the customers to check in and for all trail partners to be able to add discounts. Plus, there are great deals and multiple prizes. We can’t wait to many new and existing customers come into the winery and bistro,” she said.

For a full list of locations on the beverage trail, visit www.oneidacountytourism.com/what-to-do/visitor-trails/heart-of-ny-craft-beverage-trail/.