Concord grape pie is believed to have originated in the Finger Lakes region, specifically in Naples, where a grape pie competition is held every September. (This year it is Sept. 28 and 29.
) With concord grapes now in season around Western New York, you can find concord grape pies at places including Farmers & Artisans in Amherst. But you don’t need to drive to the Finger Lakes for a slice of grape pie. Local bakers offer their own versions using concord grapes grown closer to home.
Concord grapes, currently in season at Western New York vineyards, have an intense grape flavor. Think Welch’s grape jelly or grape-flavored candies, which are often based on the aromatic concord grape, rather than the milder grapes found year-round on grocery store shelves. Grape pie retains the fruit’s strong flavor and deep purple hue.
At Farmers and Artisans (4557 Main St., Amherst), grape pie tastes a lot like a grape version of apple crisp. Owner Julie Blackman, whose family runs Blackman Homestead Farm , sells frozen grape pie and the ingredients to make your own at home including her family’s line of grape pie filling, which is made with concord grapes grown in their century-old vineyard, plus sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and a frozen pie crust.
"It's unique. It's rich in flavor," Blackman said. "It reminds you of the fall season and the grapes are around for a short window of time so it's fun to enjoy things during their seasonality window around here.
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