From October 3-5, 17 Niagara wineries will be participating in the fourth annual Follow the Wine Route for United Way. During the three-day initiative, sponsored by Wiley Luxury Brand Auto of St. Catharines, the participating wineries will be donating tasting proceeds to United Way of St. Catharines & District.

"The Niagara Wine Festival experience is over, but this is a perfect way to extend it for another weekend and enjoy what our wineries have to offer," says Jocelyn Chedore, United Way campaign associate.

The past three years, since its inception, the event has raised more than $20,000 for United Way. Every dollar, said Chedore, stays within Niagara and supports local programs. Funds raised at Niagara West wineries, for example, will fund programs in this end of the region.

"This shows every dollar does count," said Chedore. "Not only are you experiencing Niagara's fine wines, but you're also contributing to the community at the same time."

Wineries that offer tastings by donation, said Chedore, will have United Way donation boxes up for participants to contribute. Those that charge tasting fees will donate the proceeds to the cause.

"They're all very good community-minded wineries that participate each year," said Chedore.

Participating wineries this year include: Calamus Estate Winery in Jordan, Cave Spring Cellars in Jordan, Chateau des Charmes in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Creekside Estate Winery in Jordan, Fielding Estate Winery in Beamsville, Flat Rock Cellars in Jordan, Harbour Estate Winery in Jordan, Henry of Pelham Family Estate in St. Catharines, Inniskillin Wines in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Kacaba Vineyards in Vineland, Konzelmann Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Legends on the Lake Estates Winery in Beamsville, Mailvoire Wine Company in Beamsville, Pillitteri Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Reif Estate Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Vineland Estates Winery in Vineland. Hours of operation at each winery vary.

The United Way is currently participating in its 55th campaign, which lasts until the first week of December, with a fundraising goal of $3.2 million. The United Way of St. Catharines and District funds 72 programs run by 32 agencies in St. Catharines, Thorold, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln.